EUROLIGHT LC2412

uses this standard (even if it is done with partially different plug- in connectors), your EUROLIGHT LC2412 is therefore extremely flexible in how it can be implemented.

A big advantage of digital control is its enourmously simplified cabling, since you only need one single cable for transmitting control data. This sets the DMX system apart from its analog conterparts, which need an extra control cable for each individual channel. Another big advantage is made possible by the freely addressable receivers, which is done by menas of software. You can therefore save yourself from having to painstakingly lay cables each time you wish to assign a particular dimmer to a different channel. Additional information on this subject can be found in chapter 8.2.2.

Interface format (EIA-485)

The DMX512 standard uses the RS485 interface standard for data transmission, well-known for its impunity to interferrence. The data are serially transmitted in the asynchron fashion at a transmission rate of 250 kBit/s, successively for each of the connected dimmers (up to 512 channels). The more dimmers are connected, the longer the time interval until the next command on this channel.

+It is advisable to limit the number of deployed channels in order to ensure a maximum refresh rate. Therefore, do not use more channels than you actually need.

In combination with the DMX512 standard, you can run up to 32 loads on a single sender (LC2412). One load responds to one DMX512/RS485 receiver, for example, the way it is implemented in a dimmer pack.

If you wish to run more than 32 loads, we recommend using level translaters and/or signal splitters.

8.2.2 Assigning DMX channels (softpatch)

Softpatch means: you can assign up to three freely selectable DMX channels to a console channel.

+Each of the DMX channels can be assigned to only one fader. Otherwise, contradicting commands would be given with various fader settings.

To make the capabilities of the DMX512 as well as the capabilities of the LC2412 transparent, we have to draw a clear distinction between three different kinds of channels:

Console channels

The channels of your LC2412 (= 24+2 channels) are 26 routes through which you can send commands. This in no way means that you can only control 24 lighting elements.

Dimmer channels (dimmer loops)

Dimmer packs represent the power section of a light control system, comparable to power amplifiers of a PA installation in the audio field. Each dimmer channel is assigned to one DMX channel, that is, it can receive commands from only one channel. For example, if a dimmer loop can handle a maximum power rating of 2.3 kW, you can connect several lamps, spotlights and similar (e.g. 4 x 500 W).

DMX channels

A DMX channel consists out of one digitally transmitted information unit (1 Byte/8 Bit), whereas 256 different information units can be transmitted. These units are transmitted sequentially, that is, channels 0 and upwards on the sender are accounted for, and the respective information units are assigned. The sequence then starts anew at the next channel. In the worst- case scenario (all 512 channels are in use) the refresh rate has the value of 44.1 Hz. You can derive from this that it is advisable to only use as many channels as you actually need.

Since there are 24 channels with adjustable illumination (to each of which 3 DMX channels can be assigned), there is a total of 72 DMX channels that can be laid out. Additionally, there are two special channels, each of which can switch a maximum of 2 DMX channels on and off.

To assign the desired DMX channels to individual console channels (or to preview the assignment of channels), go through the following steps:

1. Press the UTILITY 2 key.

Fig. 8.2: Display “DMX Patch 1”

2. Select “DMX PATCH” using the SOFT A key.

Fig. 8.3: Display “DMX Patch 2”

The console channel is shown in the top left portion of the menu. The connected DMX channels are shown to its right (standard setting is 1:1. Example: Console channel 01 is connected to DMX channel 000, console channel 08 is connected to DMX channel 07, etc.).

The DMX channel is shown in the lower left line; its status is shown next to it (NU = Not Used or USE 1...512). In our example DMX channel 000 is connected to console channel 01.

3.Use the Flash keys to first select the console channel to which you wish to assign a DMX channel (channels13 - 24:

switch to upper mode, SPECIAL 1 (channel 25) and SPECIAL 2

(channel 26) by pressing and ).

4.Select a DMX channel usign the DATA wheel.

If this DMX channel is already occupied, this will be shown in the display together with the respective console channel number. Select the console channel (FLASH key), and select “OPEN” (SOFT B key). Start again at step 3. Alternatively, you can also select a different DMX channel.

5.Press the SOFT A key (“CONNECT” option) and connect the console channel with the DMX channel. If you wish to connect multiple DMX channels with the same console channel, simply select an additional DMX channel and proceed with the connection as previously described.

6.Use the QUIT key to go back to the main menu.

Connecting channels 1:1 (one-to-one) or disengaging all connections

1.Perform steps 1 and 2, as described under 8.2.3.

2.Press the SHIFT key .

Fig. 8.4: Display “DMX Patch 3”

3.Now, select “ALL CLEAR” using the SOFT B key to disengage all connections. Use SOFT A to go back to the standard setting, “ALL 1:1.”

9. INSTALLATION

You will need various types of cables for different applications. The following illustrations show you how to lay out these cables. Always use only high-grade cables.

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9. INSTALLATION