Pathway MR User Manual

DMXPathfinder MR

Installer’s Guide

Version 1.2

February 2004.

480C - 36 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB, T2G 1W4

Canada

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Web site: www.pathwayconnect.com

DMXPathfinder MR Contents

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................2

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF DMXPATHFINDER!......................................................................................2

CHAPTER 1: INSTALLATION AND ASSEMBLY...................................................................................3

SUMMARY................................................................................................................................................3

BEFORE STARTING.................................................................................................................3

RACK SIZING AND PLACEMENT..................................................................................................................5

MOUNTING TERMINATION BOARDS............................................................................................................5

I/O CABLE INSTALLATION..........................................................................................................................6

MODULE PREPARATION............................................................................................................................7

MODULE INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................7

I/O CABLE CONNECTION ..........................................................................................................................8

PATCHING..............................................................................................................................................10

CHAPTER 2: MAINTENANCE & TESTING...........................................................................................11

TESTING THE INSTALLATION....................................................................................................................11

CARD REPLACEMENT .............................................................................................................................11

TEST PROCEDURES................................................................................................................................12

ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................................................................13

1

DMXPathfinder LR Introduction

INTRODUCTION

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF DMXPATHFINDER!

This Installation Guide is intended to walk you through a typical installation. In
preparing the User Guide, it has been assumed that you are reasonably
familiar with the DMX512 and the various wiring methods associated with
RS422/485 based protocols.

DMXPathfinder MR is a DMX512 distribution tool, providing a method for
distributing up to eight DMX sources (such as dimming or moving light
controls) to a number of DMX devices or outlets. All inputs and outputs are
opto-isolated and repeated, in conformance with the USITT/ESTA
specifications for DMX512 signal distribution.

The Installer’s Guide is divided into 2 chapters:

• DMXPathfinder Installation leads you through all the steps necessary
for a “clean” installation of your hardware.

• Maintenance and Testing offers troubleshooting tips and procedures
to keep everything running smoothly.

2

DMXPathfinder LR Installation & Assembly

Chapter 1: Installation and Assembly

SUMMARY

This section describes how to correctly assemble the DMXPathfinder MR
hardware into an equipment rack and connect permanently installed external
wiring.

To ensure a trouble-free installation, you should follow this sequence:

1. Install the equipment rack

2. Run conduit and pull cable

3. Install auxiliary rack equipment and power bars

4. Mount termination boards (if applicable)

5. Dress cable in the rack and terminate (if possible)

6. Unpack the DMXPathfinder MR I/O Modules and prepare

7. Install the I/O Modules in the rack

8. Connect cabling to the I/O Modules

9. Power up and test

BEFORE STARTING

Before installing the DMXPathfinder MR equipment rack, you should carefully
consider the environment in which the equipment is to be installed, the
proximity to power sources, and the required conduit and/or cable runs.

Environmental Considerations -- To maximize equipment life and minimize
the possibility of unreliable operation or failures, the following conditions
should be adhered to:

• Ambient temperature extremes: -10 to 50 degrees C

• Recommended operating temperature: +10 to +40 degrees C

• Relative humidity: 10-95% non-condensing

• General conditions: clean, dust-free environment

Fan Cooling -- Each of the DMXPathfinder MR Output Modules is provided
with an internal cooling fan. These fans draw air in on the right hand side
and exhaust air on the left. To ensure adequate air circulation, do not block
the modules at either side. If more than two or three Output Modules are
installed in the same rack, allow for at least a 1U ventilation panel at the top
and bottom of the rack.

3

DMXPathfinder LR Installation & Assembly

A

A

A

ABCDEFGH

Isolated Power

DMXPathfinder

Input Module

Crosspoint / Output Modu leCrosspoint / Output ModuleCrosspoint / Output Module

DMXPathfinder MR DMXPathfinder MR DMXPathfinder MR

Receive Data

Talkbac k D a ta

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

1

2

3

4

5

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

9

10

11

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

17

18

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

25

26

Main 5V Power

Input Data

Output D a ta

XPUXPUXPU I/O OPTO-REPEATER UNI TSI/O OPTO-REPEATER UNI TSI/O OPTO-REPEATER UNI TS

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

1

2

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

9

10

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

17

18

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

25

26

Main 5V Status

Merge Enabled

Crosspoint OK

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

1

2

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

9

10

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

17

18

Isolated Power

Talkbac k D a ta

Transmit Data

25

26

Main 5V Status

Merge Enabled

Crosspoint OK

12

19

20

27

28

3

4

11

12

19

20

27

28

3

4

11

12

19

20

27

28

6

13

14

21

22

29

30

5

6

13

14

21

22

29

30

5

6

13

14

21

22

29

30

SYSTEM
RESET

7

8

15

23

31

7

15

23

31

7

15

23

31

B

16

C

24

D

32

8

B

16

C

24

D

32

8

B

16

C

24

D

32

(inputs 1 - 8)

Output Module #1
(outputs 1 - 32)

Output Module #2
(outputs 33 - 64)

Output Module #3
(outputs 65 - 96)

Input Module

19" Rack

Power Requirements -- A single-phase power source (50 or 60Hz, 100­240VAC, at 0.2A per Input Module and 0.5A per Output Module) must be
provided to the DMXPathfinder MR equipment rack. It is recommended that
no more than ten I/O modules be connected to one power circuit due to the
startup current requirements of their switch-mode power supplies.

4

DMXPathfinder LR Installation & Assembly

RACK SIZING AND PLACEMENT

The system installer normally supplies the DMXPathfinder MR equipment
rack. Use only a standard E.I.A. 19" rack, at least 18" deep (24" is
recommended). To calculate minimum height, add up the number of 2U
Input Modules and 4U Output Modules to be installed, then add at least 2U
for vent panels and allowance for power bars, connector panels or other
accessories if required. Louvered, locking front and rear doors are
recommended.

Locate the rack such that at least 3 feet of clearance is allowed at the front, 2
feet at the back, and sufficient clearance at one side (preferably the left) to
permit service access to the internal cable connections.

MOUNTING TERMINATION BOARDS

A

B G C D

E

DMX INPUTS

TB4

TB12

TB20

TB28

TB11

TB19

TB27

J10

TB3

TB2

TB1

J12

TB10

TB9

TB18

TB17

TB26

TB25

TB14

TB22

TB30

PORT FPORT G

TB6

TB5

TB13

TB21

TB29

PORT H

1111 11112222 22223333 33334444 44445555 5555

J2 J1

OUTPUT 5-8 OUTPUT 1-4

J4 J3

OUTPUT 13-16 OUTPUT 9-12

J6 J5

OUTPUT 21-24 OUTPUT 17-20

J8 J7

OUTPUT 29-32 OUTPUT 25-28

TB8

TB7

TB16

TB15

TB24

TB23

TB32

TB31

PORT APORT BPORT CPORT DPORT E

INTER-MODULE B US

CABLE B IN

INTER-MODULE BUS

DMX Pathfinder MR

32-WAY OUTPUT MODULE

MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER

100-240 VAC
50/60Hz 1.0A

MADE I N CANADA

INTER-MODULE BUS

CABLE B THRU

J

POWER IN

100-240V 50/60Hz

J9

CABLE A IN

CABLE A THRU

POWER IN

J11

F H K

100-240V
50/60Hz

PC-COM

J13

CPS
TxD
RxD
COM
TxD+
TxD­RxD+
RxD-

ML

Input Module, 8-way

A

DMX Input Terminal Blocks

B

Inter-Module Bus Connection

C

Linking Cable, 37 conductor

D

Mains Power Supply Input

E

Crosspoint / Output Module, 32-way

F

DMX Output Connectors, 4-way (DB25F)

G

Inter-Module Bus Connector, 1-8 Inputs (DB37F)

H

Inter-Module Bus Connector (unused)

J

PC Communications Connection (unused)

K

Output Terminal Adapter Board, 32-way

L

DMX Output Terminal Blocks, 2 piece

M

5

DMXPathfinder LR Installation & Assembly

One of two types of cable termination boards are normally supplied with the
system to provide the physical interface between the DMXPathfinder MR

OUTPUT MODULES AND EXTERNAL STATION CABLING

Model P2020 32-way terminal block transition boards are the most commonly
used method of connecting the DMX output station cabling. These boards
mount directly to the rear of each output module using five 6-32 standoffs and
screws. They electrically connect to each Output Module with eight 25-pin D­style connectors, therefore a certain amount of force is required to mate the
two parts. Ensure that all 8 connectors are fully mated and that the board is
resting on the standoffs before installing the five screws.

If the DMXPathfinder MR is to be installed in a swing-out (hinged) type of
equipment rack, a different type of termination board is usually supplied, the
DMS-16LT type. These are 16-way boards, intended for mounting in the rear
of the equipment rack, on the rear service panel or on 4U rack panels
supplied by the installer or the factory, depending on project requirements.
25-conductor twisted pair ribbon cables, 1-meter long, interconnect these
boards with the rear of the DMXPathfinder MR Output Modules. Two
termination boards should be installed side-by-side on each panel. We
recommend the use of 3/8"-1/2" 6-32 threaded standoffs and 1/4" screws to
attach the boards to the mounting panels. Insulated hardware is not
necessary.

Using DMS-16LT termination boards, mounting and external station cabling
may be completed well in advance of installation of the rest of the
DMXPathfinder MR hardware.

I/O CABLE INSTALLATION

Input and Output cabling may enter the equipment rack through the top or
bottom. Bundle cables at either side of the rack, just in front of the
termination boards. Cabling installed to the rear of the rack from the panels
will obscure access to terminal blocks at the extreme edges of the
termination boards.

Cables are then dressed into place for connection at the input/output terminal
blocks. Note the order of the terminal blocks. On 32-way boards they are
labeled TB1 to TB32 and are arranged right to left, top to bottom. On 16-way
boards they are labeled TB1 to TB16 and are arranged top to bottom, left to
right.

6

DMXPathfinder LR Installation & Assembly

MODULE PREPARATION

Unpack all of the DMXPathfinder MR system modules and accessories and
arrange on a flat surface. First, locate the package of screws supplied with
each module, and use 8-32 screws to attach the rack mount ears to the sides
of each Input and Output Module.

If P2020 type termination boards are to be used, mate them to each Output
Module and fasten with 5 x 6-32 screws.

Using one power cord, power up each Input and Output Module one at a time
and verify that the main power LEDs illuminate.

Remove the four adhesive rubber feet from the bottom of each module.

MODULE INSTALLATION

Starting with the last (bottom) Output Module, install the modules into the
equipment rack. Normally the Input Module is located above the Output
Modules, but it can be placed at the bottom, if desired. In any case the Input
Module may not be placed between Output Modules.

Locate the 37-conductor ribbon cable jumpers and 37-pin bus terminator(s).
There should be one 8” long cable for the Input Module and one 4” short
cable per Output Module.

Attach the long jumper cable from the Input Module to the top Inter-Module
Bus connector marked “CABLE A IN”. Install the short ribbon cable jumpers
between Output Modules. The bottom connector marked CABLE A THRU on
one module connects to the top (IN) connector on the next lower module in
all cases.

Install the 37-pin bus terminator plug at the bottom or last unconnected
CABLE A THRU jacks in the system.

It is unnecessary to connect anything to the CABLE B jacks on the Output
Modules, however if additional jumper cables have been supplied it’s a good
idea to install them there for possible future upgrades.

7

DMXPathfinder LR Installation & Assembly

DMX INPUTS

PORT H

1111 11112222 22223333 33334444 44445555 5555

J2

OUTPUT 5-8

J4

OUTPUT 13-16

J6

OUTPUT 21-24

J8

OUTPUT 29-32

J2

OUTPUT 5-8

J4

OUTPUT 13-16

J6

OUTPUT 21-24

J8

OUTPUT 29-32

TB8

TB16

TB24

TB32

PORT FPORT G

J1

OUTPUT 1-4

J3

OUTPUT 9-12

J5

OUTPUT 17-20

J7

OUTPUT 25-28

J1

OUTPUT 1-4

J3

OUTPUT 9-12

J5

OUTPUT 17-20

J7

OUTPUT 25-28

TB7

TB6

TB5

TB4

TB3

TB2

TB15

TB14

TB13

TB12

TB11

TB10

TB23

TB22

TB21

TB20

TB19

TB18

TB31

TB30

TB29

TB28

TB27

TB26

PORT APORT BPORT CPORT DPORT E

J10

J12

J10

J12

TB1

TB9

TB17

TB25

INTER-MODULE BUS

CABLE B IN

INTER-MODULE BUS

DMX Pathfinder MR

32-WAY OUTPUT MODULE

MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER

100-250 VAC
50/60Hz 1.0A

MADE IN CANADA

INTER-MODULE BUS

CABLE B THRU

CABLE B IN

INTER-MODULE BUS

DMX Pathfinder MR

32-WAY OUTPUT MODULE

MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER

100-250 VAC
50/60Hz 1.0A

MADE IN CANADA

INTER-MODULE BUS

CABLE B THRU

CABLE B IN

INTER-MODULE BUS

DMX Pathfinder MR

32-WAY OUTPUT MODULE

MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER

100-240 VAC
50/60Hz 1.0A

MADE IN CANADA

INTER-MODULE BUS

CABLE B THRU

CABLE A IN

CABLE A THRU

CABLE A IN

CABLE A THRU

CABLE A IN

CABLE A THRU

POWER IN

100-240V 50/ 60Hz

J9

POWER IN

100-240V
50/60Hz

PC-COM

J11

J13

J9

POWER IN

100-240V
50/60Hz

PC-COM

J11

J13

J9

POWER IN

100-240V
50/60Hz

PC-COM

J11

J13

CPS
TxD
RxD
COM
TxD+
TxD­RxD+
RxD-

CPS
TxD
RxD
COM
TxD+
TxD­RxD+
RxD-

CPS
TxD
RxD
COM
TxD+
TxD­RxD+
RxD-

Input Module
(inputs 1 - 8)

Output Module #1
(outputs 1 - 32)

Output Module #2
(outputs 33 - 64)

Output Module #3
(outputs 65 - 96)

I/O CABLE CONNECTION

Strip back about 3 inches (8cm) of cable jacket and braid shield from each
input or output cable. Apply a 2.5" (6.5cm) piece of 1/16" heat shrink to the
drain wire and a 1" (2.5cm) piece of 3/8" heat shrink over the exposed braid
ends where each cable was stripped. These precautions are to ensure that
cable shields cannot contact each other or equipment ground.

Strip about 1/2" of insulation from the four signal wir es in each cable. Bend
over 1/4" of the exposed conductors on all five wires and connect them to the
terminal block. Note that each five-position terminal block is numbered 1 thru
5 on the termination board. This corresponds to the pin numbering on XLR
5-pin connectors, that is:

8

DMXPathfinder LR Installation & Assembly

Pin 1 -- Signal Common (shield)
Pin 2 – DMX Data (-)
Pin 3 – DMX Data (+)
Pin 4 – Talkback Data (-)
Pin 5 – Talkback Data (+)

Be sure to use one twisted pair for the DMX data and the other for Talkback
data. It is also good practice to label each station cable and corresponding
terminal block header position with the cable number.

Input Modules are provided with both 5-position rear-mounted terminal blocks
and parallel 5-pin XLR male faceplate jacks. In some installations, the
hardwired cable terminates at female jacks mounted on an auxiliary panel
provided by the system supplier. In this case, no connection is made to the
Input Module’s rear terminal blocks; instead short XLR patch cables are used
to interconnect the auxiliary panel female jacks with the Input Module’s male
faceplate jacks.

9

DMXPathfinder LR Installation & Assembly

Patching

To assign outputs to inputs, first remove the front cover to access the
Crosspoint Card (E).

A

ROUTER ASSIGNMENT

SW1 thru SW32

Each switc h sets routi ng for
one DMX output line. Switch
position numbers "1" thru "8"
correspond to DM X in put s "A"
thru "H". Do not use positions
"0" & "9".

Example:
To route input "D" to output 25
set SW25 to "4".

JUMPER SETTINGS

JP1/Motherboa rd
open = fan ON
*shorted = fan OFF

JP1/Output Car d
*open = power ON
shorted = C PU power control
(used with LR version only)

MODULE CONFI GURATI ON

* indicates factor y default setting

B
CF
D

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

2

2

2

2

2

2

8

8

8

3

7

4

6

5

9

8

7

8

3

3

3

E

7

7

7

4

4

4

6

6

6

5

5

5

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

9

2

2

9

9

2

8

3

3

8

8

3

7

4

4

7

7

4

6

6

5

5

6

6

5

5

2

8

8

8

3

3

3

7

7

7

4

4

4

6

6

6

5

5

5

0

1

0

1

9

9

2

9

2

2

8

8

3

8

3

3

7

7

4

7

4

4

6

5

6

5

9

2

2

8

7

0

6

2

8

8

3

4

6

5

1

2

3

4

5

8

3

3

7

7

4

4

6

6

5

5

0

1

0

1

9

2

9

9

2

8

3

8

8

3

7

4

7

7

4

6

5

6

5

1

9

9

9

2

2

2

8

8

3

3

7

6

3

7

7

4

4

4

6

6

6

5

5

5

0

1

0

1

9

2

2

8

3

3

7

4

4

6

5

5

0

1

1

1

9

9

9

2

2

8

2

8

8

3

3

3

7

7

7

4

4

4

6

6

6

5

5

5

Each of the 32 rotary selector switches on the Crosspoint Card corresponds
to an output in this Output Module. The switch is set to the input number
from one to eight that you wish to feed this output from. Position one
corresponds to input “A” and position eight to input “H”. Positions zero and
nine are unused.

10

DMXPathfinder LR Index

Chapter 2: Maintenance & Testing

TESTING THE INSTALLATION

Once all connections are made and inspected for possible errors, you can
power up the DMXPathfinder MR modules in the equipment rack. With no
DMX source signals or talkback signals present, all eight red Isolated Power
LEDs on the face of the Input Module should be illuminated. On each Output
Module, all eight red Isolated Power LEDs on each installed output card and
the Main 5V Power LED on the crosspoint card (XPU) should be illuminated.
If any green or amber LEDs are on, there may be a wiring problem with the
external DMX cabling. Try disconnecting the corresponding input or output
temporarily to see whether this is the case.

CARD REPLACEMENT

Should a defective component be found in an Output Module or other module
during troubleshooting, it is best to replace the suspected defective circuit
card with a spare unit and re-test. Powering down the entire DMXPathfinder,
or at least the specific module, is recommended before removing or inserting
cards.

A

ROUTER ASSIGNMENT

SW1 thru SW32

Each switch set s routing fo r
one DMX output line. Switch
positi on nu mbe rs "1 " thr u "8 "
correspond to DMX inputs "A"
thru " H " . Do not us e positi ons
"0" & "9".

Example:
To route in put "D" t o outpu t 25
set SW2 5 to "4".

JUMPER SETTINGS

JP1/Motherboard
open = fan ON
*shorted = fan OFF

JP1/Output Card
*open = pow er ON
shorte d = CPU power c ontrol
(used with LR version only)

MODULE CONFI GURATI ON

* indicates factory default setting

Output card #1 (CH. 1-8) part # 2108

A

Output card #2 (CH. 9-16) part # 2108

B

Output card #3 (CH. 17-24) part # 2108

C

0

1

9

2

8

3

7

4

6

5

B
CF
D

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

2

2

2

2

2

2

8

8

8

8

3

3

E

7

7

7

4

4

6

6

5

6

5

8

3

3

3

7

7

4

4

4

6

5

6

5

5

2

8

8

8

3

3

7

7

7

4

4

6

6

6

5

5

Output card #4 (CH. 25-32) part # 2108

D

Crosspoint card part # 2320

E

Output module (MR) part # 2300

F

9

2

2

2

8

8

3

3

3

7

7

4

4

4

6

5

6

5

5

1

9

9

9

2

2

8

8

8

3

3

7

7

7

4

4

6

6

5

6

5

0

1

1

1

9

9

2

2

2

8

8

3

3

3

7

7

4

4

4

6

6

5

5

5

11

DMXPathfinder LR Index

To replace an Output Module card, first remove the four front-panel Phillips
screws and the cover panel, then grasp the card stiffener bracket (or ejector
handles), and pull the card straight out of the module chassis. Carefully align
the replacement circuit board into the chassis' left and right card guides and
slide the unit in until it protrudes about 5mm, then push the module firmly into
its mating backplane receptacles. The card is not fully seated unless its front
edge is flush with the front of the metal chassis.

If the Crosspoint Card was replaced, check that the rotary switches have
been set the same as the replaced card. Test the system to ensure that the
fault has been corrected.

TEST PROCEDURES

System testing by maintenance personnel will usually be carried out in
response to a fault that has developed somewhere in the system. Powerful
diagnostic instruments are available to assist maintenance technicians with
this task: the Fluke Model 650 LAN Cable Meter, and Goddard Design Li'l
DMX'ter, amongst others. These will be described in more detail below. In
general, though, the troubleshooting instructions in this chapter are likely to
help solve the vast majority of problems encountered, especially where any
system downtime cannot be tolerated.

Tests using instrumentation will be performed where anomalies have
developed in the system that cannot be isolated with standard
troubleshooting procedures. Additionally, testing can establish minimum
network performance where non-DMX512 control equipment is to be
connected to the system.

Fluke 650 Cable Meter -- Please refer to the manufacturer's user's manual
for detailed instructions and theory before attempting to use this instrument.
It’s not obvious to the first time user! The Fluke 650 is provided with a
battery-powered remote plug-in unit, a set of 2 adapter cables (RJ45 to 5-pin
XLR) and an AC adapter. The unit may be powered by a 9-volt alkaline
battery, but battery life tends to be rather short with the 650 so use of the AC
adapter is recommended.

When the remote unit is connected to the other end of any DMX cable run,
the 650 will verify wiring continuity on all pins except ground (pin 1). Cable
length can also be measured with the instrument, and any anomalies, e.g.
changes in line impedance will be detected. The 650 measures performance
of the cable installation at up to 10 million bits per second.

12

DMXPathfinder LR Index

The Fluke 650's signalling is not compatible with the DMXPathfinder MR
electronics or any other DMX generating or receiving equipment. Thus its
usage should be confined to the cable installation only.

Goddard Design Li'l DMX'ter -- This useful instrument can test most
aspects of the DMX Distribution System, from wiring continuity to signal
propagation through the DMXPathfinder electronics. Since the DMX'ter can
both generate and receive DMX512, it is 100% compatible with all aspects of
the distribution system, including any control system or receiving device. The
DMX'ter will directly control any receiving unit, and will verify the output of a
controller by displaying the data on an LCD readout. In addition, the
instrument will test cable continuity on all five XLR pins. Please refer to the
Li'l DMX'ter Operating Manual for more information.

Other Test Equipment -- The maintenance technician will find the following
additional test equipment useful:

.1 Oscilloscope -- for viewing data in conjunction with the DMX'ter
and its scope trigger module; for checking that both differential signals are
present on a given data line; for evaluating the performance of crosspoint
matrix and opto-repeater circuitry at higher operating speeds (greater than
250 Kbits per second).

.2 Frequency Generator -- for testing crosspoint matrix and opto­repeater high-speed performance. Useful for evaluating whether other
systems with higher data rates can be used in the network.

.3 Digital Volt/Ohm Meter -- a general purpose tool for checking
continuity, termination resistor values and power supplies.

ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING

As described earlier, basic troubleshooting usually involves isolating a
troublesome or defective opto-repeater circuit, card or module and replacing
it with a known good one. It may also include checking for obvious things
such as incorrect addressing or DMX protocol incompatibility with DMX
receiving devices, absence of a line terminator, defective DMX patch cables,
or even incorrect control console configuration.

Once all basic troubleshooting checks have been completed, without the
desired resolution of the problem, more sophisticated faultfinding may be
carried out. Try swapping input or output cable connections on the back of
the DMXPathfinder modules with adjacent ones to use a different receiver

13

DMXPathfinder LR Index

and transmitter circuits. Next, a DMX tester should be used to either transmit
DMX in place of the control console, or receive DMX in place of the receiving
device(s). Check the receiving device by connecting the DMX tester directly
to it in transmit mode. Then set the tester to receive mode and monitor the
data coming to the DMXPathfinder from the console, by plugging into the
Input Module faceplate XLR with a female-female cable. If this test does not
point to the data source or the receiving device as being the cause of the
problem, there may be a slight incompatibility between them as far as
DMX512 is concerned. However, if the two units had previously worked
together, these tests will point to a problem in the DMX cable installation or in
one of the DMXPathfinder modules.

At this point, the suspect Output Module’s output card or should be withdrawn
from its chassis and the spare unit inserted in its place (remember to power
down before withdrawing or inserting any cards). If this proves that the
original unit is defective, inspect the card for signs of damage or any other
obvious cause. Return the defective card to the factory for repair unless you
have the facilities to carry out your own service. For more serious defects,
such as power supply or fan failure, disconnect the entire module and take it
to the test bench for repair, or return it to the factory. DMXPathfinder MR
modules are not difficult to service with basic tools and test equipment. If the
suspect module proves to be good, test the DMX cable installation for open
or shorted lines using a loopback test connector. You can easily make one of
these from a 5-pin male XLR plug by shorting together pins 2&4 and 3&5.
Insert the plug into the female DMX-out receptacle at the far end of the cable
and apply a DMX signal to the desired DMXPathfinder input. Switch-select
that input at the crosspoint card. If the wiring installation is good, the green &
amber LEDs on the Input Module, crosspoint card and output card will all be
illuminated. Note that this test is possible only in systems where all five XLR
pins are wired.

If the above tests yield passing results and the problem persists, it may be
necessary to use the Fluke LAN Cable Meter to do a high-frequency analysis
of the suspect cable runs. This test will quickly indicate any anomalies
having to do with cable impedance and capacitance that would result in
excessive signal distortion or attenuation. This test will help to locate less­obvious problems such as pinched or over-heated cabling that cannot be
found with simple continuity checks.

14

DMXPathfinder LR Index

INDEX

Frequency Generator · 13

A

Advanced Troubleshooting · 13
Ambient temperature · 3
Assembly · 3

B

bus terminator · 7

C

CABLE A IN · 7
CABLE A(B) THRU · 7
cabling · 6
Card Replacement · 11
control console · 13
Cooling · 3
Crosspoint card · 10

D

diagnostic instruments · 12
Digital Volt/Ohm Meter · 13
DIP switches · 12
DMS-16LT · 6
DMX · 2, 11
DMX Data · 9
DMX distribution system · 13
DMX'ter · 13

G

Goddard Design · 13

H

humidity · 3

I

I/O Cable Connection · 8
I/O Cable Installation · 6
Input Module · 5, 7, 11
Installation · 3
installer · 5
Inter-Module Bus connector · 7
Isolated Power LED · 11

L

LAN Cable Meter · 12, 14
Li'l DMX'ter · 12, 13
Loopback Test · 14

M

Main 5V Power LED · 11
Module Installation · 7
Module Preparation · 7

P

P2020 · 6, 7
Patching · 10
Power Requirements · 4

R

Rack Placement · 5
Rack Sizing · 5
Relative humidity · 3
ribbon cable · 6, 7
rotary switches · 10
rubber feet · 7

S

Signal common · 9
System testing · 12

T

Talkback · 9
temperature · 3
terminal block · 6, 9
termination boards · 3, 5
Test Procedures · 12
TESTING · 11
Testing the Installation · 11
transition boards · 6
troubleshooting · 11, 13

E

Environmental

Considerations · 3

equipment rack · 3, 5, 6, 7, 11

F

Fan · 3

O

opto-repeater · 13
Oscilloscope · 13
output card · 14
Output Module · 5, 6, 7, 10, 11,

14

15

V

vent · 3

X

XLR · 9, 14