Swisson XSW User Manual

XSW

DMX Splitter / Booster,

Wireless DMX Transmitter &

Wireless DMX Receiver

USER MANUAL

BEDIENUNGS ANLEITUNG

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English

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Deutsch

Description DateRevision

Revisions History

Copyright © 2012 SWISSON AG

First Draft 24.04.20121
Minor Corrections 24.05.20122

The XSW series Wireless DMX splitter/boosters from SWISSON can be easily and
economically integrated into any lighting system where you wish to transmit DMX signal
wireless. The XSW acts in the same time as DMX spiltter and DMX booster.
The XSW can be used as DMX splitter, DMX wireless transmitter or as DMX wireless
receiver.
The XSW can be used as a simple wireless link connecting a tranmitter to one or more
receivers.
All inputs and output ports on the XSW are optically isolated. A strong power supply
allows a reliable operation in a wide voltage range. Multiple XSW devices are available;
with altering housings and connector types.

Introduction

XSW

DMX Splitter, Wireless DMX Transmitter &

Wireless DMX Receiver

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Theater

TV Sets

Theme Parks

Applications

Typical Application

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Concert Lighting

Live Events

Multimedia Shows

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Unpacking

The XSW is packaged in a cardboard box. The following items are included:

-Thedevice

- This user manual

- 1 antenna (2 antennas for double rack versions)

Transmitter

Receiver mode

Receiver mode

Light controller

board

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Safety Information

Consider the following notes absolutely when you set up, connect and use the XSW.

This product is not for household use. Read this manual before operating the device,
follow the safety precautions and observe all warnings in this manual.
Use this device only in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Do not use the device in areas where it is exposed to direct sunlight.
Do not use the device in areas that are considered to be 'highly combustible'.

Safety precautions

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Disconnect the device from AC power before removing any cover or part, including

fuse and when not in use.
Ensure that the device is electrically connected to ground (earth).
Use only a source of AC power that complies with local building and electrical codes

and has both overload and ground-fault (earth fault) protection.
Connect the Devices to AC power using the supplied power cable.
Before using the device, check that the power distribution equipment and cables

are in perfect condition and rated for the current required of all connected devices.
Isolate the device from power immediately if the power cable or power plug in any

way damaged, defective or wet, of if they show signs of overheating.
Do not expose the device to rain or moisture.
Do not operate the device if any cover or component is missing damaged or

deformed.
Refer any service operation not described is this manual to Swisson.
Provide unrestricted airflow arround the device
Do not operate the device if the ambient temperature exceeds 55 C (131 F)
Do not modify the device in any way not described in this manual or install other

than genuine Swisson parts.
Do not attempt to bypass fuse. Replace defective fuse with one of the specified

type and rating only.
When suspending the device, ensure that the supporting structure and all hardware

used can hold at least 10 times the weight of all devices suspended from them.
Install as described in this manual a secondary attachment such as a safety cable

that is approved by an official body such as TÜV as a safety attachment for the total

weight it secures. The safety cable must comply with EN 60598-2-17 Section 17.6.6

and be capable of bearing a static suspended load 10 times the weight of the

device.
Check all external covers and rigging hardware are securely fastened.
Block access below the work from a stable platform whenever installing, servicing

or moving an overhead device.

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Mains Connection

Two different mains connections are available:

The US versions are delivered by Swisson with a "Edison Plug" (NEMA-5-15). These
models has a "-US" suffix

The International versions are delivered without any plug.

Swisson distributors or dealers may deliver the devices with a country specific plug.

US Versions (-US suffix) International Versions

Brown : Phase Blue : Neutral

Yel l ow/ G re e n : Ea r th

Neutral

Live

Wire (US System)

Ground (Earth)

Wire (EU System) Symbol

L
N

or

black
white
green

brown

blue

yellow/green

Consult a qualified electrician if you have any doubts about proper
installation.

The socket where the device is plugged in must be close to the device
and easily accessible.

ProtectionProtectionProtectionProtection

Optical

Isolation

Optical

Isolation

Optical

Isolation

Optical

Isolation

Control Logic

Protection

Transceiver

Out Port 4Out Port 3OutPort 2Out Port 1In Port Thru Port

Line

Termination

Termination

TransmitterTransmitterTransmitterTransmitter

XSW Block Diagram

Optical

Isolation

HF

Antenna

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The Power LED shows if the device is powered when the power supply unit of
the XSW is working

A green LED shows if a DMX signal is available at the input port. A red LED
shows if the received signal is faulty.

The XSW has a built in line termination. This can be activated by pressing the
termination button. A LED shows if the termination is activated.

Input Section

dmx

dmx

Input and Thru Port

Protection Transceiver

Line

Termination

Input Port Thru Port

The Thru port is hardwired with the INPUT port and allows to daisy-chain the devices
even when the XSR is not powered. On XSW models with 5-Pin XLR connector, the pins 4
and 5 are also looped thru to the Thru port. On all other models pin 4 & 5 are not
available.

1
2
3
4
5

1
2
3
4
5

Line Termination

All XSW models have a built-in line termination. The termination is activated by pressing
the termination button.

Line Termination

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Output Ports

The output section

Each output port is individually optically isolated, meaning that it is totally isolated from
the other output ports and the input selection.
The pins 4&5 on the models with 5-Pin XLR connectors are not connected.

Output Port

1
2
3
4
5

ProtectionTranceiver

Optical

Isolation

Port Supply

Control

Logic

Controller Supply

n.c.

Bias

Network

The signal LED of the output ports show if a valid signal is transmitted.
In Spitter and Wireless Transmitter mode it depends of the signal of the DMX
input port. In Wireless Receiver mode it depends of the DMX received from the
wireless unit.

Wireless Port

The wireless port can be configured as transmitter or receiver. It can also be turned off to
use the XSW as a DMX splitter only.

rx : receiver
tx : transmitter

link : press
unlink : press 3sec

Splitter Only Mode. When both LEDs rx and tx are off, the XSW operates as a
Splitter only. The Wireless port is switched off.

Receiver Mode. When the rx LED is on, the XSW operates a wireless receiver.
The received DMX data is forwarded to the DMX output ports.
The DMX input port has no func tion in this mode.

Transmitter Mode. When the tx LED is on, the XSW operates as a wireless
tranmitter. The DMX data from the DMX input port is transmitted and is also
available at the DMX output ports.

Link. The link button is used to link a transmitter to one or multiple receivers
The link LED shows if the device is linked.

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Lock. A red LED shows if activated. In this case, the mode (rx/tx) and the link
buttons are locked. This prevent from an unintended manipulation during
operation. The button is only accessible with a tool.

Signal strength. In Receiver mode four green LED shows the signal strength.
In Transmitter mode a chaser shows the tranmitter is active.

Setup a wireless link

To transmit DMX data wireless, a Transmitter and one or more receives are used. The
receiver have to be liked to the Transmitter.

Transmitter mode

1) Press the mode button multiple
time until the tx LED is on to select
the transmitter mode.

2) On receivers:
Press the mode button multiple
time until the rx LED is on to select
the receiver mode.

4) On receivers:
The receiver might be already
linked to another transmitter from
a past usage. In this case, the link
LED is blinking.
Press and hold the link button for
3 seconds to unlink the device.

Receiver mode

Receiver mode

Transmitter mode

Receiver mode

Receiver mode

3sec

3sec

3) On transmitter:
Press and hold link button for 3
seconds to unlink all devices
previousely linked to the
transmitter.

3sec

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6) On receivers:
The link LED blinks during link
operation. The link LED turns
permaently on when the link is
established and DMX is received
from the transmitter.
Short pulses on the link LED shows
the link is established but no DMX
data is received.

Transmitter mode

5) On transmitter:
Press link button to link all
unlinked receivers in the range of
the transmitter

Link

Link

Link LED

Link in process

Unlink in process

Linked (no DMX)

Linked (DMX ok)

1sec

Led off Led on

Transmitter mode Receiver mode

Linked (no connection to tranmitter)

1sec

Unlinked

Linked (no DMX)

Linked (DMX ok)

The link LED shows different status information depending on the mode.

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Multiple links

Multiple DMX universe can be used by using multiple links.

Transmitter mode

Receiver mode

Receiver mode Receiver mode Receiver mode

Transmitter mode

1) Configure the units to their corresponding mode. Transmitter or receiver.

2) Unlink all devices from previous links

Transmitter mode

Receiver mode Receiver mode Receiver mode Receiver mode

Transmitter mode

3sec 3sec 3sec 3sec

3sec3sec

3) Link first universe by pressing the link button on the first transmitter. It will link to all
unlinked receivers.

Transmitter mode

Receiver mode Receiver mode Receiver mode Receiver mode

Transmitter mode

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Tranmitter mode

Receiver mode Receiver mode Receiver mode Receiver mode

Tranmitter mode

Note: You can switch the receivers you want to link to the secondary transmitter
temporarily to Splitter only mode or you can switch them off. This prevent to unlink this
receivers from the first transmitter.

3) Unlink receivers you want to link to the second transmitter.

3sec 3sec

4) Link second universe by pressing the link button on the second transmitter. It will link

to all unlinked receivers.

Transmitter mode

Receiver mode Receiver mode Receiver mode Receiver mode

Transmitter mode

Limits on multiple links

Each transmitter needs bandwidth and there might be a lot of other devices like
WIFI using the same frequency band. It’s not recommended to use more than 4-6
transmitters on the same site.
There is no limitation for the numbers of receivers linked to a transmitter.

also

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Position of the Antenna

Try to position the antennas in parallel.

Good Not good Bad

Good Bad

Try to position the antenna as high as possible. Avoid to operate the XSW near ground.

Try to position the antennas as high as possible. A crowd will absorb the signal.

Bad

Good

It’s better to position the device as high as possible than of using an antenna cable.

Bad Better Best

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XSW Box Models

Mains cable

M10 female threat for

Eye for safety

Cable length approx.

217.5mm

Mains plug (US-Versions

112mm

45mm

The length of the M10 screw which enters the XSW should not exceed a maximum of
20mm.

Clamp is not included with the XSW

20mm MAX

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XSW Single Rack Models

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482mm

112mm

45m

cable length approx. 145cm

Mains plug (US-Versions only)

XSW Double Rack Models

482mm

112mm

45m

cable length approx. 145cm

Mains plug (US-Versions only)

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XSW box versions

10 18 10 XSW-3B 3pin XLR
11 18 10 XSW-3B-US 3pin XLR, with NEMA 5-15
10 18 11 XSW-5B 5pin XLR
11 18 11 XSW-5B-US 5pin XLR, with NEMA 5-15

10 18 20 XSW-3R 3pin XLR
11 18 20 XSW-3R-US 3pin XLR, with NEMA 5-15
10 18 21 XSW-5R 5pin XLR
11 18 21 XSW-5R-US 5pin XLR, with NEMA 5-15

XSW rack versions

10 18 30 XSW-3R-3R 3pin XLR
11 18 30 XSW-3R-3R-US 3pin XLR, with NEMA 5-15
10 18 31 XSW-5R-5R 5pin XLR
11 18 31 XSW-5R-5R-US 5pin XLR, with NEMA 5-15

XSW double rack versions

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Technical Data

Mains Voltage 100 - 240

Main Frequency 50/60 [Hz]

Current Consumption
Single Units 0.3 [A]

Operating Temperature 0F to 131F (-17 C to 55 C)

Protocol Standard ANSI E1.11 (DMX-512)

[VAC]

Current Consumption
Double Units 0.5 [A]

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No part of this documentation may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, without the
prior written permission of SWISSON AG.
The information in this documentation is supplied without warranty of any kind, either
directly or indirectly, and is subject to change without prior written notice. SWISSON its
employees or appointed representatives will not be held responsible for any damages to
software, hardware, or data, arising as a direct or indirect result of the product(s)
mentioned herein.

Issued by

SWISSON AG SWISSON of AMERICA Corp.
Fabrikstrasse 21 2419 East Harbor Blvd. #34
CH-3250 Lyss Ventura, CA 93001
Switzerland U.S.A.

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