thomann Botex NETcon 8-3, Botex NETcon 8-5, Stairville NETcon 8-5, Stairville NETcon 8-3 User Manual

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

User manual

ArtNet DMX converter

Musikhaus Thomann

Thomann GmbH

Hans-Thomann-Straße 1

96138 Burgebrach

Germany

Telephone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Internet: www.thomann.de

18.10.2019, ID: 464561, 464598

Table of contents

Table of contents

1 General information................................................................................................................................. 5

1.1 Further information........................................................................................................................... 6

1.2 Notational conventions.................................................................................................................... 7

1.3 Symbols and signal words............................................................................................................... 8

2 Safety instructions.................................................................................................................................. 10

3 Features....................................................................................................................................................... 15

4 Installation and starting up................................................................................................................ 16

5 Connections and controls................................................................................................................... 18

6 Operating.................................................................................................................................................... 21

6.1 Menu overview................................................................................................................................. 28

7 Technical specications....................................................................................................................... 29

8 Plug and connection assignment.................................................................................................... 31

9 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 33

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

3

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

4

ArtNet DMX converter

1 General information

This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device. Read and
follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure
that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure
that they also receive this manual.

Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development. We there‐
fore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the
user manual which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

General information

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

5

General information

1.1 Further information

On our website (www.thomann.de) you will nd lots of further information and details on the
following points:

Download This manual is also available as PDF le for you to download.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

6

ArtNet DMX converter

Keyword search

Online guides

Personal consultation For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.

Service

Use the search function in the electronic version to nd the topics of
interest for you quickly.

Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics
and terms.

If you have any problems with the device the customer service will
gladly assist you.

1.2 Notational conventions

This manual uses the following notational conventions:

General information

Letterings

Displays

Text input

The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.

Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.

Texts and values displayed on the device are marked by quotation marks and italics.

Examples: ‘24ch’ , ‘OFF’.

Text inputs that are carried out on the device are indicated by typewriter font.

Example: 2323

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

7

General information

Instructions

The individual steps of an instruction are numbered consecutively. The result of a step is
indented and highlighted by an arrow.

Example:

1. Switch on the device.

2. Press [Auto].

3. Switch o the device.

1.3 Symbols and signal words

In this section you will nd an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are
used in this manual.

Automatic operation is started.

ð

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

8

ArtNet DMX converter

General information

Signal word Meaning

DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an

immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or
serious injury if it is not avoided.

NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐

sible dangerous situation that can result in material and
environmental damage if it is not avoided.

Warning signs Type of danger

Warning – high-voltage.

Warning – danger zone.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

9

Safety instructions

2 Safety instructions

Intended use

Safety

This device is designed to convert DMX signals into ArtNet signals or vice versa. Use the device
only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is
considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability
will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.

This device may be used only by persons with sucient physical, sensorial, and intellectual
abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

DANGER!
Danger for children

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not
within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!

Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from
the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke!

Never let children unattended use electrical devices.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

10

ArtNet DMX converter

Safety instructions

DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside

Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers.

There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

Do not use the device if covers, protectors or optical components are missing or
damaged.

DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit

Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. Failure to do so could result in electric
shock/death or re. If in doubt, seek advice from a registered electrician.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

11

Safety instructions

NOTICE!
Risk of re

Do not block areas of ventilation. Do not install the device near any direct heat
source. Keep the device away from naked ames.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

12

ArtNet DMX converter

Safety instructions

NOTICE!
Operating conditions

This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never
expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and
strong vibrations.

Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specied in the chapter
‘Technical specications’ of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature uctua‐
tions and do not switch the device on immediately after it was exposed to tem‐
perature uctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures).

Dust and dirt inside can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient
conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be maintained by
qualied service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other
malfunction.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

13

Safety instructions

NOTICE!
Power supply

Before connecting the device, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches
the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual
current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and
possibly injure the user.

Unplug the device before electrical storms occur and when it is unused for long
periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or re.

NOTICE!
Possible staining

The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may possibly react
with the coating of your parquet, linoleum, laminate or PVC oor and after some
time cause permanent dark stains.

In case of doubt, do not put the rubber feet directly on the oor, but use felt-pad
oor protectors or a carpet.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

14

ArtNet DMX converter

3 Features

Features

Bidirectional ArtNet DMX converter for professional demands with the following features:

n Conguration via display on the device
n Adjustable DMX repetition rate (10 … 40 Hz)
n 4096 channels
n Up to eight DMX universes
n LEDs to visualize the transmission status of network and DMX signal
n Supported protocols: DMX, RDM, ArtNet, sACN
n Clear OLED display (four lines each with a maximum of 16 characters)
n 2 × lockable RJ45 Ethernet port
n 8 × XLR in / output socket (female), 3-pin (item no. 464561) or 5-pin (item no. 464598)
n Power Twist in and outputs (on the back)
n 19" rack-mountable

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

15

Installation and starting up

4 Installation and starting up

Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the
equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during
transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable
for transport or storage, respectively.

Create all connections while the device is o. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for
all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.

NOTICE!
Possible data transmission errors

For error-free operation make use of dedicated DMX cables and do not use ordi‐
nary microphone cables.

Never connect the DMX input or output to audio devices such as mixers or ampli‐

ers.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

16

ArtNet DMX converter

Installation and starting up

Rack mounting

Data connections

The unit has been designed for rack mounting in a standard 19-inch rack; it occupies one rack
unit.

The converter is connected to a computer network via one of the Ethernet interfaces or via an
Ethernet switch or directly to a PC or notebook. The data is transferred to the converter and
then sent internally to the XLR connectors for the DMX output. If more than eight universes are
needed, the other Ethernet interface can be used to daisy chain multiple converters.

The data can also be received via the correspondingly congured DMX connections and trans‐
mitted via the Ethernet interfaces to a set IP address or via a broadcast device via ArtDMX.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

17

Connections and controls

5 Connections and controls

Front NETcon 8-3 (464561) and
NETcon 8-5 (464598)

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

18

ArtNet DMX converter

1 [USB]

USB interface for updates

2 Rubber feet

3 OLED display (4 lines of 16 characters each)

4 Operating key panel

[Up]: Increases the value by one

[Down]: Decreases the value by one

[Back]: Menu level up

[Setup]: Conrms the selection

: Calls up the lock screen or activates the display.

5 Network input (RJ45)

6 Network output (RJ45)

7 8 × DMX connection socket, XLR, 3-pin (item no. 464561)

8 8 × DMX connection socket, XLR, 5-pin (item no. 464598)

Connections and controls

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

19

Connections and controls

Rear panel

9 Power Twist input socket

10 Power Twist output socket

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

20

ArtNet DMX converter

6 Operating

Conguring DMX interfaces

1.

Press to show the main menu. Use [Up] | [Down] to select the submenu ‘Port-Cong’
and conrm with [Setup]. The display shows the mode of the 8 interfaces. The displayed
values have the following meaning:

Display Name Function

‘O’ DMX output When an interface is set to output mode, DMX data

packets are sent at the set intervals. Immediately after
switching on, all channel values are sent with 0. After
receiving an ArtDMX packet, the channel values of the
corresponding interfaces are updated.

‘I’ DMX input When an interface is set to input mode and DMX data is

received at the interface, the data is sent immediately
to the congured IP address or via the broadcast device
via ArtDMX. If the 15-bit interface address matches, the
other device will accept the DMX data.

Operating

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

21

Operating

Display Name Function

‘R’ RDM In RDM mode, the interface initiates a test of the device

after power up or after changing the interface mode,
and incrementally checks the device every 3 seconds.
When the ArtNet controller issues an ArtTodRequest
instruction, the converter immediately creates a list of
the UIDs of the connected devices. It supports ArtRdm
when sending other RDM instructions.

‘U’ Online upgrade This is the support function of the device. Here you can

update the converter yourself or the device that is in
connection mode through the interface through an
encrypted upgrade le provided by the ArtFirmware‐
Master instruction.

2. Select ‘All’ if you want to set the interfaces all the same. Now select one of the four
options and conrm with [Setup].

If you want to congure the interfaces dierently, select individual interfaces ‘Port1’ …

‘Port8’ to set them to one of the four values.

3. Press [Back] to go to the higher menu level.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

22

ArtNet DMX converter

Operating

Interface address

The current version of the ArtNet protocol supports 15-bit addresses and allows multiple con‐
verters to be connected. There is only one Net Switch and Sub Switch of a device and the phys‐
ical 8-channel interface of the device can be used as output or input accordingly. The lower 4
bits of the 15-bit address can be set accordingly. The default output address as well as the
input address of 8 interfaces is ‘0/1/2/3/4/5/6/7’ . This way, both devices – one as an 8-port
input and the other as an 8-port output – can be used as an 8-channel DMX signal repeater via
the network cable after setting the local IP address and destination IP address over the net‐
work connection.

If two devices are used simultaneously as an output or input, the interface address of the
second device can be set to ‘8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15’ and the Net Switch and Sub Switch of
both devices can be identical. To separate the physical interfaces when using more than three
devices, dierent Net Switches and Sub Switches must be set to have a unique 15-bit address
for each interface.

If eight interface addresses of the device match, they are treated as one interface. For example,
if Interface 1 and Interface 2 are set to 0x0000, the DMX data sent by the ArtNet controller to
the 0x0000 interface will be simultaneously transmitted to both interfaces.

For the sACN protocol, the interface address corresponds to the universe and the value for the
universe is the address of interface 1 and is then incremented with the interfaces (the universe
at interface 1 is 1, the universe at interface 2 is 2, etc.). The converter sends DMX data to the
appropriate interface associated with the universe in the sACN packets sent by the converter.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

23

Operating

Conguring ArtNet

1. Select ‘ArtNet-Cong’ to set up the network connections.

2. In ‘Sub-Mask ’ , select one of the three addresses.

3. In ‘Local IP’ , enter the local IP address ‘192.168.1.10’.

4. In ‘Net Switch’ , enter a value between ‘0’ and ‘127’ for the upper 7 bits of the 15-bit

address in the ArtDMX.

5. In ‘Sub Switch’ , enter a value between ‘0’ and ‘15’ for the middle 4 bits of the 15-bit
address in the ArtDMX.

6. In ‘SwOut’ , enter a value between ‘0’ and ‘15’ for the lower 4 bits of the 15-bit address
of the output in the ArtDMX.

7. In ‘SwIn’ , enter a value between ‘0’ and ‘15’ for the lower 4 bits of the 15-bit address of
the input in the ArtDMX.

8. In ‘Broadcast’ , in Input mode, select the option ‘Broadcast’ or ‘Unicast’.

9. In ‘Target IP’ under ‘All’, enter an IP destination address uniformly for all 8 interfaces, or

under ‘IP1’ … ‘IP8’, enter a separate IP destination address for each interface. The rst
byte of the IP address is not displayed.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

24

ArtNet DMX converter

Conguring sACN

Settings

Operating

1. Select ‘sACN-Cong’ to set the domain area for the sACN protocol.

2. In ‘Universe’ , choose a value between ‘00001’ … ‘63999’.

1. Select ‘Settings’ to make general settings.

2. To set the backlight in ‘Backlight’ , select the value ‘Disable’ (no backlight) or a value of

‘1 Min’ … ‘60 Min’ (duration of illumination). If no action is taken on the device within

the set time, the backlight turns o.

3. Turn keylock on and o in ‘KeyLock’ .

Press for 3 seconds if you want to activate the display while the keylock is activated.

4. For the DMX intervals in output mode, select a value of ‘25’ … ‘100’ (unit ms) in ‘DMX-
Interval’ .

5. In ‘Factory’ , you can reset the device to factory default settings.

6. In ‘Input-Switch’ , you can select the protocol with which you want to receive the data at

the serial interface ( ‘ArtNet’ or ‘sACN’).

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

25

Operating

Display of the settings

1. ‘Version’ displays the current software version.

2. ‘Devices’ shows how many RDM devices are connected to the respective interface (dis‐

play shows ‘Port1:0’ … ‘Port8:0’).

Lock screen

Changing the MAC address

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

26

ArtNet DMX converter

The lock screen displays:

1. In the rst line: the local IP address of the device

2. In the second line: Value of the ArtNet universe (calculated from Net Switch, Sub Switch,

and Interface 1 value)

3. In the third line: Value of the sACN universe

4. In the third line: Keylock and software version

The network device has a unique MAC address (48 bits, 6 bytes), with the front 24 bits being
the registered manufacturer identier and the back 24 bits being a proprietary assignment by
the manufacturer. The rst two bytes of the MAC address are factory set to 0xE0FE and the last
four bytes are calculated by the MCU's UID to prevent duplication. Do not change the MAC
address without absolute necessity!

Operating

If you need to resolve a MAC conict by changing the MAC address, follow these steps:

1. In the ‘Info’ menu, call up the submenu ‘Version’, press [Down] twice and then [Setup] to
open the password menu.

2. Change the password with [Up] | [Down] to ‘254’ and press [Setup] to open the menu for
changing the MAC address.

3. Change 6 consecutive bytes, press [Setup] to change the next one, save all changes and
go with [Back] back to the main menu.

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

27

Operating

6.1 Menu overview

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

28

ArtNet DMX converter

7 Technical specications

Technical specications

ArtNet DMX converter

NETcon 8-3 (464561)

In and output connectors DMX control 8 × XLR chassis socket, 3-pin 8 × XLR chassis socket, 5-pin

Network 1 × Ethernet RJ45, lockable

Voltage supply 1 × Power Twist input socket

Output connections USB 1 × USB port, 5 V, 1 A

Network 1 × Ethernet RJ45, lockable

Voltage supply 1 × Power Twist output socket

Control protocols DMX512, RDM, ArtNet, sACN

Power consumption 7.5 W

Operating supply voltage

Mounting properties 19 inch, 1 RU

AC 90 … 250 V 50/60 Hz

ArtNet DMX converter
NETcon 8-5 (464598)

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

29

Technical specications

ArtNet DMX converter

NETcon 8-3 (464561)

Protection class IP20

Dimensions (W × H × D) 463 mm × 49 mm × 169 mm

Weight 2.0 kg

Ambient conditions Temperature range 0 °C…40 °C

Relative humidity 50 %, non-condensing

Further information

19" rack-mountable Yes

Internal memory No

RDM compatible Yes

Housing Metal

Colour black

ArtNet DMX converter
NETcon 8-5 (464598)

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

30

ArtNet DMX converter

8 Plug and connection assignment

Plug and connection assignment

Introduction

DMX connections

This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equip‐
ment so that a perfect light experience is guaranteed.

Please take our tips, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a plug
ts into a socket, the result of an incorrect connection may be a destroyed DMX controller, a
short circuit or ‘just’ a not working light show!

The unit oers a 3-pin XLR socket for DMX output and a 3-pin XLR plug for DMX input. Please
refer to the drawing and table below for the pin assignment of a suitable XLR plug.

Pin Conguration

1 Ground, shielding

2 Signal inverted (DMX–, ‘cold signal’)

3 Signal (DMX+, ‘hot signal’)

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

31

Plug and connection assignment

DMX connections

A ve-pin XLR socket serves as DMX output, a ve-pin XLR plug serves as DMX input. The
drawing below and the table show the pin assignment of a matching coupling.

Pin Assignment

1 Ground (shielding)

2 Signal inverted (DMX–, ‘cold’)

3 Signal (DMX+, ‘hot’)

4 unused / second connection (DMX–)

5 unused / second connection (DMX+)

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

32

ArtNet DMX converter

9 Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging mate‐
rial

For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been
chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.

Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that
they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.

Disposal of your old device

This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
(WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose with your normal household waste.

Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal rm or through your local waste
facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your
country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.

Protecting the environment

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5
ArtNet DMX converter

33

Notes

NETcon 8-3 / 8-5

34

ArtNet DMX converter

Musikhaus Thomann · Hans-Thomann-Straße 1 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de