2. How to set up a Zero Wire DMX system - Page 4
2.
How to set up a Zero Wire DMX system
The Zero Wire DMX system is shipped containing the following components:
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2 Zero Wire DMX boxes
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2 Mains Cables
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Manual & Configuration Software CD
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RS232 Programming Cable
Overview:
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Zero Wire DMX Box: A device that takes in USITT DMX 512 and converts the data
into IP (Internet Protocol) packets embedded within Ethernet Frames for delivery
across a wireless Ethernet system.
One box is configured to act as an encoder and one as a decoder. To enable the system to
work from the box the following steps need to be followed:
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Connect the box labelled as the encoder to the lighting console.
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Connect the box labelled as the decoder to the lighting fixtures.
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Power up the boxes.
The system will now allow the transfer of DMX data from the encoder to the decoder. If the
system seems to be underperforming it might be due to interference from another wireless
network. To overcome this it may be necessary to switch to another wireless channel, or use
a WAP (Wireless Access Point) box. Please refer to section 3 for information on using a WAP
and switching channels.
Working with the Boxes
•
The boxes are designed to be the entry and exit points for data transmitted over the
network.
•
A wireless network as a single entity can support up to 250 boxes.
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It is possible for each box to be set to either encode or decode data.
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One encoder can talk to 249 decoders on a single network.
•
4 encoders can talk to 60 decoders each all on the same wireless network.
•
It is possible to extend the system beyond 4 universes by adding more WAPs to
create further wireless networks.
Specification
•
Mains voltage inlet connector: allows for mains power supply in the range of
90-260 v(AC).
•
5 Pin XLR Input– allows the box to act as an encoder.
•
5 Pin XLR Output – allows the box to act as a decoder.
•
RS232 port – allows for the box to be configured by connecting it to any
computer with an RS232 9 pin Serial port, or via USB with the appropriate
converter.
•
3 stack Red LED indicator – allows for analysis of system operation. Provide
indication of termination, data receive or transmit rate, and system status.
•
Mode Green LED indicator – shows if box is set to encode or decode mode.
•
Terminator Switch – allows for termination of the DMX run, when the box is in
encode mode and is in line after some DMX devices that require termination.
For shipping, the boxes are preconfigured as one encoder and one decoder, in ad-hoc mode,
allowing immediate use. If ordered with a WAP, the boxes will be configured to work in
infrastructure mode, talking through the WAP.
If the boxes are to be used on a larger network or in conjunction with another system, or to
extend the size of an existing system then they must be reconfigured accordingly.
