Artistic License DMX512 User manual

Rack-Split RDM
User’s Guide
Manual Revision V1.3

Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. Rack-Split RDM User Guide

Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. Rack-Split RDM User Guide
Rack-Split RDM
Rack-Split RDM is a fully bi-directional DMX512 splitter or Distribution
Amplifier. All data connections are mounted on the front panel of a 1RU
19 inch case.
The product provides all the electronics needed to support the ESTA
RDM –Remote Device Management Protocol. It supports both the Draft
and Standard version V1.0.
Major features include:
Isolated DMX512 input.
Input loop through facility for either termination or
connection to further DMX512 products.
Eight independent bi-directional DMX512 output ports
connected via 5 pin XLR.
Safe output for connection to non-compliant DMX512 products.
Power indicator.
Received data activity indicator.
Transmit data activity indicator.
Jabber detection circuitry.
Automatic disconnection of output in fault condition.
Universal Input Mains Power Supply.
Rear panel provides two M4 safety chain points to allow the
product to be used without rack mounting.

Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. Rack-Split RDM User Guide
Front
Panel
Indicators
Two dual colour indicators are provided:
Data:
Green: Indicates that DMX512 data is flowing from
input to all outputs (normal operation).
Red: Indicates that RDM data received by the
outputs is being returned to the controller.
Power:
Red: Indicates good power and normal operation.
Flashing: Indicates that a connected RDM device is
jabbering (returning unwanted data continuously).
Return data from this output will be disconnected.
DMX512
Input
The DMX512 input is connected to the male 5 pin XLR on the
left of the front panel. The female 5 pin XLR provides a
passive loop through such that multiple DMX512 receivers can
be connected to the same signal. When the Rack-Split RDM is
to be used at the end of a DMX512 cable, a termination
connector should be fitted to the loop through.
The DMX512 input is optically isolated from the outputs and
mains earth.
DMX512
Output
The DMX512 outputs are provided on eight 5 pin XLR
connectors. Each output is independently buffered.
Cable connection for both input and output is as follows:
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
Pin 4
Pin 5
Protective ground
Data complement
Data true
Not used
Not used
Connect to cable screen
Connect to twisted pair wire
Connect to twisted pair wire
(N/A)
(N/A)
Each output is capable of driving 32 DMX512 devices.
It is not necessary to terminate unused outputs.

Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. Rack-Split RDM User Guide
Safe
Output
A ninth output called ‘Safe’ is provided. The Safe output is a
copy of the received data with all non-zero start code data
filtered out.
The Safe output is intended to help solve compatibility
problems sometimes experienced with products that are not
quite DMX512 compatible!
The Safe output can be used as an extra output, although it
will not respond to RDM data.
DMX512
Rack-Split RDM is compatible with all versions of DMX512
including:
1. DMX512
2. DMX512 (1990)
3. DMX512A
4. BSR E1.11
Rack-Split RDM will automatically select uni-directional or bi-
directional operation as directed by the DMX512 controller.
No user selection is required.
RDM
RDM or Remote Device Management is an ESTA protocol from
the Technical Standard program that allows Bi-Directional
communication over standard DMX cable.
Rack-Split RDM is compatible with both the Draft V1.0 and
Standard V1.0. For older units there is a firmware upgrade
available. Order Code: RDM-Split-Up. Please contact
[email protected] for more details.
Power
Supply
The internal power supply provides a universal input in the
range 85 to 264 VAC via a 3 pin IEC connector.
The mains fuse should only be replaced with a 3.15A Slow
Blow.

Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. Rack-Split RDM User Guide
Earthing
The following table summarises the internal earth
interconnection and isolation:
Please note that we use the term Earth-Ground to avoid
international confusion. In Europe Earth-Ground is called
Earth, in the USA Earth-Ground is called Ground.
Circuit
Description
Chassis
Bonded to Earth-Ground.
DMX512 Input
(including Loop
Through)
Type:
Isolated.
Pin 1:
Connects to internal isolated
circuit. No connection to
Earth-Ground.
Shell:
The connector shell is
connected to chassis.
DMX512 Outputs
Type:
Grounded.
Pin 1:
Connected to Earth-Ground.
Shell:
The connector shell is
connected to chassis.
Internal Logic
Ground
Connects to Earth-Ground.

Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. Rack-Split RDM User Guide

Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. Rack-Split RDM User Guide
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Artistic Licence
Engineering Ltd. makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not
limited to, the implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose.
Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental
or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
Artistic Licence
© Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. 2002
Studio 1 Spectrum House
32-34 Gordon House Road
London
NW5 1LP
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]