8680 Ultimate Converter
Contents
1. standard Colortran Also referred to as CMX Colortran s digital protocol 5 pin XLR was the forerunner of DMX512 AVAB The AVAB protocol was one of the early digital Variety protocols The AVAB protocol produces 240 252 control signals EC MUX Electro Controls foray into digital dimmer control 4 pin XLR resulted in this 512 dimmer protocol Commonly used with Ce ebrity control consoles Strand Lighting later bought Electro Controls Klieg Klieg made a wide range of consoles and dimmers Variety prior to going out of business in the 80 s The Klieg protocol is often referred to as K96 after the dimmer rack it was developed for K96 is able to handle 10 000 dimmers on 480 control channels D54 Designed by Strand for their European dimmers and 3 pin XLR consoles D54 produces 384 control signals MicroPlex MicroPlex is a protocol developed by NSI to control 3 pin XLR their dimmers It is also used by Lightronics Limited support 48 channels output no input is offered for MicroPlex DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual QUICK START BASIC CONVERSION Plug in the power cord to your DMX Ultimate Converter The internal power supply will automatically sense and accommodate any voltage frequency from 100 240VAC and 50 60 Hz The DMX Ultimate Converter is configured using the arrow keypad to navigate the options provided on a helpful LCD menu display The arrows at the end of each line2. ASE a Rad ARAB acianih deni dunia TEET 13 ll 13 AMMAR stees 13 Analog Multiplex Inputs Disabled nn 14 Technical ie 14 DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual ABOUT THE DMX ULTIMATE CONVERTER Before the advent of the USITT DMX512 control signal standard manufacturers developed a number of proprietary multiplex communications protocols Strand developed AMX Colortran had their CMX Kliegl offered K96 and Electro Controls also known as Control Lighting used EC Mux Additional protocols also followed in the form of NSI s MicroPlex Strand Europe s D54 and AVAB s own multiplex protocol We designed DMX Ultimate Converter to permit the interconnection of consoles and dimmers that employ different communications protocols In addition the DMX Ultimate Converter also provides other useful customization and diagnostic functions all in a simple to learn and use device PROTOCOLS SUPPORTED The DMX Ultimate Converter supports a wide range of lighting industry communication protocols They are Protocol Description Connector DMX512 Probably the most widely used protocol for controlling 5 pin XLR lighting equipment DMX was the first USITT industry standard multiplex protocol DMX generates up to 512 control signals AMX192 Originally Strand Lighting s first multiplex protocol 4 pin XLR also 4 AMX is an analog multiplex protocol that carries up to pin mini TA4 192 control signals AMX192 is now a USITT
3. DMX Ultimate Converter User s Guide paPathway ae DMX Uti VERTER Br Firmware Version 2 5 March 2007 Pa Pathway Connectivity Solutions 1439 17 Avenue SE Calgary AB T2G 1W4 Canada Phone 403 243 8110 Fax 403 287 1281 E mail support pathwayconnect com www pathwayconnect com DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual Table of Contents te el ee 3 leese ee lee lee E 3 Quick Start Basic Conversion EE 4 Contouring MPU Sesia esaia S aaa a ein coal Aecascealbtad ceveectaceuttaaded 4 ale D Klee 4 Areare ln e D Gelielfivivlslglfu el D DMX OUTPUT ca ER URREENEERUENUERUEITEENEENUENEEILEENEEIUERNEIEENEERUENNEIUERNEUENNEUERNURUERTERWERURLERTEEUERUERTERNELUERNCEUERTERUERUERUEREER 5 EE EE D LOOK RT ee E D Heeet EEN D ele AE E D EE D enne iepel nee ne D SE VE 6 ale TO SIE LER E E EE E E EE E A T E E E EE 6 ll 6 STAR Ee TE 6 6 12K Assignments AMX OMIY a nennen 6 AMX Startiaddressa a seen een iana aaae aaaea anna 7 Configuration MEM ry ee NN s n Es TAS aiii aaa 7 DNA TIO e 7 Tweak Output 7 Ile 8 REI 8 EE QUO BE 8 About 8 DEELEN 8 Ee 9 lee EN 9 Updating your DMX Ultimate Converter ENEE 9 Tel ele ele te een nat hierher 9 Software Update Troubleshooting TIPS EE 10 F R DE ICE ses ssa seit edan en N E E E A AA T 12 Connector Pinouts EEN 12 RU NEEN 12 Electro Controls Mux ECMix nna nn 12 Golartran Mux LR KE 12 AMX1 92 RER een ER 12 LOVE 13 strand RE 13 Miero plex 22 22 een B
4. K100 digital dimmer racks These dimmer racks incorporate a channel dimmer soft patch function that must be assigned by the control console The DMX Ultimate Converter deals with this by transmitting a 1 to 1 patch file once each time a valid DMX signal is applied to its input ie when the console is turned on or plugged in START ADDRESS Use the Start Address setting to determine the start point of your output data the default is 1 If you set a start address of 100 the information from channel one on your input protocol will appear on channel 100 of the output data stream The information from channel two on your input protocol will appear on channel 101 and so on 6 12K ASSIGNMENTS AMX ONLY Strand CD80 6 and 12Kw dimmers occupy two AMX positions in the rack so the output has to be adjusted accordingly Use this function to identify which rack s ots have 6 or 12K dimmer modules After you have selected AMX192 as an output protocol use the button to locate A pot ae y 6 12K assignments are made for each AMX output so they have to be defined for both AMX 1 and AMX 2 Use the V button to select which AMX line you need to configure and press OK To change the existing 6 12K assignment select EDIT You will see A gt y a Use the A Warrow keys to first select the desired slot number for a 6 or 12K module then use the lt gt keys to change the module type from 2K to 6 12K When selecte
5. alog Lei 4 Clock ve OUT M Port D Ports E amp F DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual AMX192 Mini TA4 Reference only not used on the Ultimate Converter AMX Mini TA4 Pin assignement 1 Clock 2 Common 3 Clock 4 Analog STRAND D54 model 8681 only Strand D54 Pin assignment ged 1 Common i i 2 2 No Connection 2 3 ER 2 3 Analog our NM PortE Port D MICROPLEX Mi D rus icroPlex Pin assignment e a 1 Common a KR I M 3 2 No Connection Le Le 3 Analog IN F OUT M 4 No Connection Port E KLIEGL K96 Kliegl K96 Pin assignment _ 1 Common shield ED a 5 Ar Data i 3 S A la 3 Data Ree 4 No Connection m ae 5 No Connection Port C Port A AVAB AVAB Pin assignment 1 Common shield A ea 2 Data a i nen 3 Data 3 Esc KC 4 Console Present output only OUT F IN M 5 No Connection Port C Port A 13 DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual ANALOG MULTIPLEX INPUTS DISABLED The DMX Ultimate Converter is shipped with its analog multiplex input capability disabled The 3 input protocols affected are AMX192 D54 and Microplex Although the mode selection for these inputs will permit their assignment the unit hardware as shipped will not If it is necessary to enable analog multiplex inputs the user must remove the top cover and move the 20 pin chip labeled Spare A D Chip to the U17 socket position Care must be ta
6. ction is not intended to provide a high level of security It is simply provided as a flag to users that settings should not be casually modified or a as a deterrent to unauthorized users DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual RS232 LINK The RS232 Link is used to update the DMX Ultimate Converter software See Updating your DMX Ultimate Converter later in this manual for operation instructions OUTPUT TEST Output test allows the Ultimate to directly control individual channels regardless of input Press OK to enter Output Test mode Vv A Use the lt P arrow keys to select the desired output channel then use the A V keys to change the intensity from 1 255 Use the lt P keys to select the next channel and so on Press OK when you wish to leave output test mode To quickly change a channel level from zero to full rather in than increasing the level with the A key press the W key instead and the level will change to 255 SPDATING YOUR DMX ULTIMATE CONVERTER Features enhancements and updates for your DMX Ultimate Converter are available from Pathway Connectivity s website www pathwayconnect com WARNING This function should only be undertaken by a qualified service technician versed in communications protocols Contact the factory for operational details PDATE PROCEDURE To upgrade the DMX Ultimate Converter to the latest firmware you will require the followi
7. d use the AW keys to select the next slot and so on Do not press OK until you have finished your assignments You can also use the 6 12K edit function to review what slots have which type of dimmer module DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual TIP If the wrong dimmer responds to your AMX control check the 6 12K assignments to make sure that they are correct To restore all slots to 2K no offset select SET DEFAULT and press OK Since this will overwrite any 6 12K assignments previously made you are prompted for a YES to confirm There is no undo once YES is selected If you do not want to go ahead with restoring the default setting select NO and press OK AMX START ADDRESS The DMX Ultimate Converter has been provided with two AMX output ports E amp F The Start Address setting affects only to the second AMX port A typical application would have AMX 1 192 on port E and AMX 193 384 on port F In this configuration you would set the start address as 193 CONFIGURATION MEMORY The DMX Ultimate Converter stores all of its user configured operating parameters in non volatile Flash memory This type of memory storage makes possible to leave the unit in a powered down state indefinitely with no loss of configuration data DIAGNOSTICS Your DMX Ultimate Converter offers a number of powerful protocol tools that can help fine tune the output or troubleshoot problems TWEAK OUTPUT Tweak Output offers the use
8. e For example if the DMX Ultimate Converter is the only thing connected to the console DMX output then it ss the last device on that data line and should be terminated Where appropriate you will be offered the option of terminating the input line after you have selected the input protocol There are a number of additional optional parameters that can be set on your input and output protocols These are discussed in the next section CONFIGURING INPUTS INPUT TERMINATOR When the DMX Ultimate Converter is the last device in a DMX Kliegl Colortran or AVAB daisy chain it must be terminated in order to comply with wiring rules and to ensure reliable system operation DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual When one of the above digital protocols is chosen from the Select Input menu the current state of the DMX input terminator is shown To change the current termination setting use the A and VW buttons to make your selection and then press OK Note that when termination is on the pass thru connector port B is disabled ANALOG INPUTS The DMX Ultimate Converter is designed to allow conversions from popular legacy analog multiplex controls such as Strand Mantrix CD80 AMX protocol and Galaxy D54 as well as NSI consoles with only Microplex output These applications are not recommended for the DMX Ultimate Converter however because the analog to digital conversion it performs results in a slightly fluctuating output which may be
9. he download procedure Converter doesn t convert Verify that the Start Address is correct protocols after update 10 DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual Verify all input and output protocol settings HyperTerminal does not load Check that HyperTerminal is installed If not Install it from your Windows CD ROM 11 DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual APPENDIX CONNECTOR PINOUTS The DMX Ultimate Converter has 6 ports labeled a f representing the most common connector types and pin assignments found in lighting control equip In certain cases e g MicroPlex Kliegl and AVAB the connectors used by the manufacturers may differ from the connector type used on the ultimate Converter Please use the information shown below to make any required adapters DMX512 DMX Pin assignment 1 Common shield A y a E 5 2 Data DA H en 3 Data s Es 4 Aux Data OUT F IN M 5 Aux Data Port C Port A ELECTRO CONTROLS Mux ECMux ECMux 4 5 Pin assignment output emm 1 Common shield i d p 2 Data 3 GP gt H H 3 No Connection Le Sr 4 No Connection OUT F IN M 5 No Connection Port D PortA COLORTRAN Mux CMX CMX Pin assignment P 1 Common shield N I 2 Data 3 a EN 4 No Connection Port C Port A 5 No Connection AMX192 XLR AMX XLR Pin assignment em e 1 Common e i Te 2 Clock 3 An
10. ken to ensure that the chip faces the same direction as all others and that no pins are bent when it is inserted TECHNICAL SUPPORT Your first contact for support should be the dealer that provided your DMX Ultimate Converter However you should also feel free to contact Pathway Technical Support if you need help 9 00 5 00 Mountain Time Monday through Friday 1 403 243 8110 support pathwayconnect com 14
11. nfigure your DMX Ultimate Converter to suit your preferences STATUS QUO Status quo provides you with a safety net in the event the input data is interrupted The input data could be interrupted for example if the control console were inadvertently turned off With the status quo function enabled your DMX Ultimate Converter will hold the last levels received before the data was interrupted Those levels are held for a duration you specify If the incoming data is not restored at the end of the status quo duration the DMX Ultimate Converter will turn off its output The status quo current setting is shown when the status quo option is selected To change the current setting press OK The status quo hold time is user selectable from 2 seconds up to 98 minutes In addition an infinite hold is available NO END ABOUT Use this menu item to determine the current software version running in the DMX Ultimate Converter Check the Pathway Connectivity website periodically for updates SECURITY There may be situations where you do not want the settings of the DMX Ultimate Converter modified The security feature allows you to lock out users from modifying any DMX Ultimate Converter settings Select Security from the Users Options menu The current state of the security lockout will be displayed To turn security on or off from this menu item simply push and hold the OK button for approximately 2 seconds WARNING This fun
12. ng e The update software package e A serial cable male 9 pin to either female 9 pin or male 25 pin depending on your PC This must be a straight thru cable not a null modem cable DANGER There is a risk of electric shock while performing this procedure Do not touch the circuit board with any object or body part with power applied Be especially careful around the left circuit board as this is the power supply board This is a procedure for qualified personnel only 1 Check the existing version of software in the Converter To do this cycle through the menu to USER OPTIONS Scroll down to ABOUT and press OK Note the major version number i e V2 10 is version 2 V1 80 is version 1 DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual 2 Unplug the Converter power cable Remove the eight cover screws and the top cover and set aside 4 Connect the male 9 pin end of the serial connector to the 9 pin female connector on the right side of the circuit board 5 Connect the opposite end of the serial cable to the back of your PC Note the Com port number 6 Start the UPDATE BAT file on the PC and enter the Com port number that the converter is connected to 7 Enter the current version 1 or 2 as noted in step 1 8 Press and hold the OK button on the front of the Converter while plugging in the power cable If the current version is version 2 skip to step 14 10 This should bring up the 1 0 download utility on the PC If not see the
13. noticed in certain types of equipment like color scrollers and moving lights See the Appendix for more information on analog multiplex inputs CONFIGURING OUTPUTS Different output protocols have different parameters and options Use the following to help you select the right configuration options for your application If the recommended configuration does not appear to work properly try selecting a different option DMX OUTPUT SPEED Fast Medium recommended Slow Custom AMX OUTPUT RESET Normal recommended Narrow Wide COLORTRAN No user settings are provided for CMX protocol The DMX Ultimate Converter will communicate properly with most Colortran dimmers including D192 and ENR as well as D A converters AVAB CHANNELS AVAB systems can be configured for 240 or 252 channels Use the AVAB channels configuration to use the minimum number of channels suitable for your existing system DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual EC Mux No user settings are provided for ECMux protocol The DMX Ultimate Converter will communicate properly with all EC QD series digital dimmer racks Strand EC CD80AE ECMux version and QD dimmer packs MICROPLEX There are two different types of Microplex protocol Microplex 1 NSI or Microplex 2 Lightronics Choose the appropriate one for your application KLIEGL No user settings are provided for K96 output The DMX Ultimate Converter will communicate properly with all K96 and
14. r the ability to modify a number of DMX512 output timing parameters This can be especially useful to customize the output to conform to the special requirements of some equipment Start by selecting one of the three standard DMX speeds fast medium slow from the Select Output Menu then select Tweak Output from the Diagnostics Menu You can tweak any or any combination of Break Delay or Mark Mark After Break by adjusting the value for each one Adjust one value at a time until the correct operation of the DMX receiving device is observed The resulting custom DMX speed can then be selected from the Select Output menu WARNING Adjusting the output parameters may result in an unusable signal Use care when using Tweak Output This function should only be used by someone who is versed in communications protocols If problems arise it is best to re select one of the three standard DMX speeds from the Select Output Menu and repeat the Tweak Output process DMX Ultimate Converter User s Manual ANALYZE INPUT Often as a part of your troubleshooting process you want to confirm that the console is providing the output that you think it is Analyze Input allows you monitor the input of the DMX Ultimate Converter the output from your console one channel at a time Use the A or W to select the channel you wish to monitor The level will be displayed as a value from 1 to 255 USER OPTIONS User options allow you to co
15. show your options from that point in the menu Use the OK button to make your selection NOTE Not all menu functions shown on the display are supported by firmware versions earlier than 2 5 Only the items described in this manual are supported Since your DMX Ultimate Converter is capable of performing a number of different conversions you will need to specify the conversion desired before you start Use the button until you see the SELECT INPUT option and then press the A or W button until you see the desired input protocol Press OK Select TERMINATED or UNTERMINATED INPUT if displayed see below and press OK again Now press the button until you see the SELECT OUTPUT option and again use the A and V buttons scroll through your output choices Press OK when you find the desired output protocol Your converter is now ready to process and convert your control protocols Press the key until you see GO TO STATUS DISPLAY and press OK The status display will show a number of messages pertaining to the current state of the converter One of them will look something like This indicates the conversion mode in effect and the ports A to F you should be connected to You will also see something like This is provided as an additional plain English indication of the selected conversion mode Some input protocols require termination when your DMX Ultimate Converter is the last device connected on a data lin
16. troubleshooting tips below 11 Type L LOADERX2 HEX and press ENTER It will take about a minute to download the update 12 Once the download is complete the converter should flash the display and error light 13 Press Ctrl C on the PC Keyboard to exit the Update utility 14 After HyperTerminal loads press the OK button on the converter This should bring up the 2 0 download utility If HyperTerminal does not load see the troubleshooting tips below 15 Type L to begin the download A series of squares will begin to show up on the screen Select the Transfer Menu ALT T then Send File 16 Enter ULTIMATE UPD as the file name and select Xmodem as the protocol Click the Send button 17 After the download is complete press S to start the converter If the converter starts unplug the converter remove the serial cable and replace the cover and screws 18 Plug in the converter and verify that the correct conversion mode is shown on the status display If not see Troubleshooting Tips that follow 19 Check that the conversion Start Address is correct for your application De 001 for no offset w SOFTWARE UPDATE TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS Problem Possible Solutions No Download Screen Check that the converter display is blank during the download Check the serial cable connections Try selecting the other com port in UPDATE BAT Converter doesn t display status Unplug the converter and plug it back in after update Retry t
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