Artistic License vSplit mono xlr8-8 User manual

versaSplit User Guide
Artistic Licence
Version 1-5
versaSplit
User Guide

Page 2versaSplit User Guide
Please read these instructions before using the product.
This product has been designed & manufactured for professional use only.
It should only be installed by a suitably qualied technician and in accordance with
electrical regulations in the country of use.
Unless directed in the instructions there are no user serviceable parts inside the
outer case of this product.
Always disconnect from the power supply when not in use.
Any specic IP rating, where appropriate, is given in the instructions. Unless
otherwise stated this product is designed for indoor use only. If used outdoors it
MUST be installed in an appropriate IP rated cabinet. Do not allow this product to be
exposed to rain or moisture. Do not allow liquid to penetrate the product.
Please recycle all packaging.
Copyright © Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd. All rights reserved.
Download the versaSplit user guide (this document) here:

Page 3versaSplit User Guide
versaSplit mono, versaSplit iso
Connections
Ref. Type Description
1Data connection Input module slot
2Data connection Output connector
3Fuse Mains I/P fuse
4Power Connection Mains I/P connection
Mounting Diagram
versaSplit mono and versaSplit iso share the same physical conguration, with one input module
slot and 10 output connectors. The di󰀨erence is that the outputs are isolated on versaSplit iso.

Page 4versaSplit User Guide
versaSplit duo
versaSplit duo has 2 input module slots and 8 output connectors.
Ref. Type Description
1Data connection Input module slot A
2Data connection Output connector
3Data connection Input module slot B
4Fuse Mains I/P fuse
5Power Connection Mains I/P connection
Connections
Mounting Diagram

Page 5versaSplit User Guide
Overview
Carrier units
Input modules
versaSplit is a modular and congurable rack-
mount product that provides a multi-purpose
solution for DMX512, ethernet and radio
distribution. The product comprises of two
main elements:
1. The ‘carrier unit’: a rack-mount splitter
with 10 outputs and one input module
slot, or 8 outputs and 2 input module
slots.
2. The ‘input module’: plug-and-play modules
that t into the carrier unit slots. There are
5 di󰀨erent types of input module.
The ability of versaSplit to act as a DMX
splitter/xer, CRMX wireless DMX receiver or
ethernet-to-DMX conversion product depends
on the choice of input module. The product is
supplied with rack ears and a standard IEC
mains connector.
Power Supply & Earthing
Data xer
Standards compliance
The internal power supply requires an input
in the range 90-250 VAC with an Earth
connection. The mains fuse should only be
replaced with a 3.15A slow blow fuse.
The following table summarises the internal
Earth interconnection and isolation.
The ‘data xer’ for DMX is used to resolve
ickering problems that can arise from intra-
manufacturer compatibility issues. All of the
input modules feature a ‘Split/Fix’ option to
select between this mode (‘Fix’) and normal
(‘Split’) operation. (On the ethernet module,
Fix mode is achieved via disabling RDM in the
product’s web browser interface, rather than
a physical switch on the module).
yversaSplit mono
- 10 outputs, with a choice of any
combination of 5-pin female XLR,
3-pin female XLR and XLR8 (Ethercon
RJ45 connectors)
-1 input module slot
yversaSplit iso
- As versaSplit mono, but with individually
isolated outputs
yversaSplit duo
- 8 outputs, choice of XLR3, XLR5 or
XLR8 connectors
- 2 input module slots, A and B. Each
splitter output can be allocated to
either the A or B input module using
the switch located next to each output
- Optional ‘extreme’ model with output
surge protection
The input modules are key to the design
concept underlying versaSplit. There are 5
types of input module that can be swapped in
and out of the product as the user desires (this
simply requires a screwdriver). The power
must be disconnected before changing the
modules.
The input module choices are as follows:
yDMX512/RDM with data xer, using
5-pin XLR
yDMX512/RDM with data xer, using
3-pin XLR
yDMX512/RDM with data xer, using
Ethercon RJ45
yRadio with data xer, using CRMX
wireless DMX
yEthernet module B, compatible with Art-
Net, sACN; supports 10/100BaseT
The DMX512/RDM input modules support all
variants of DMX512, including DMX512-A, and
are fully compliant with the Remote Device
Management protocol (E1.20 - 2006 RDM).
The radio input module is a CRMX wireless
DMX receiver based on the CRMXchip from
Lumen Radio (http://www.lumenradio.com/
crmxchip). It does not support RDM.
The ethernet input module uses an Ethercon
RJ45 connector and is compatible with all
versions of Art-Net and sACN (ESTA/PLASA
E1.31). Cat 5 cable or better is required.
Speeds are 10/100BaseT (the module will
auto-detect which setting to use).

Page 6versaSplit User Guide
versaSplit outputs
DMX/RDM input modules
Circuit Description
Chassis Bonded to Earth-Ground
DMX512
input
module
Type Optically isolated
Pin 1 Isolated
Shell The connector shell is
connected to chassis
Ethernet
input
module
Type Transformer isolated
Screen
Connects to Earth-Ground
via 75 Ohm resistance &
100 pF capacitance, as
specied in IEEE standard
Base unit
DMX512
outputs
(mono,
duo)
Type Ground referenced
Pin 1 Connected to Internal
Logic Ground
Shell The connector shell is
connected to chassis
Base unit
DMX512
outputs
(iso)
Type Isolated
Pin Isolated
Shell The connector shell is
connected to chassis
Internal
Logic
Ground
Connects to Earth-Ground via 10
Ohm resistance
All the versaSplit carrier units feature DMX/
RDM outputs, which may use XLR3, XLR5
or XLR8 (Ethercon RJ45) connectors. For
versaSplit duo, each output connector has a
switch to the lower left that denes which input
module, A or B, is connected. versaSplit iso
features individually isolated outputs. Each
output is independently bu󰀨ered and can drive
up to 32 DMX devices. It is not necessary to
terminate any unused outputs.
XLR Pin
(convention)
Function Colour RJ45
Pin
Cable
Colour
1Ground Black 7 & 8 White/Brown
& Brown
2Data - Blue 2Orange
3Data + Red 1White/
Orange
4Aux
Data -
6Green
5Aux
Data +
3White/Green
The XLR modules feature a male input and
female loop-through connector. The latter
must be terminated if not being used.
When versaSplit is tted with one (or two)
DMX/RDM input modules, it acts as a one
(or two) input splitter / data xer.
3-pin
male
XLR
input
5-pin
male
XLR
input
Ethercon
RJ45
input
The inputs on all 3 types of modules are
optically isolated from the outputs and mains
earth. This isolation o󰀨ers protection from
potentially dangerous high voltage accidents.
Also it can eliminate potential earth/ground
di󰀨erential issues as the input is not electrically
connected to any of the outputs.
The Ethercon RJ45 module should be used
with Cat5 cable.
versaSplit extreme models o󰀨er all
the features of the standard product,
while additionally providing surge
protection. This feature is aimed at
protecting the product and connected
equipment against voltage surges
of the type generated by lightning.
The protection is sacricial which
means that after a certain number
of protection events, the protection
circuitry will be destroyed (see
relevant product datasheet).
DMX512 Wiring
extreme models

Page 7versaSplit User Guide
Normal splitter operation is achieved by
setting the switch next to the input connector
to ‘Split’. In splitter mode, the outputs operate
as bi-directional RDM ports and all DMX data
received is passed onto the outputs.
Alternatively, set the switch to ‘Fix’ if you are
experiencing product compatibility problems.
Unfortunately, there are numerous products
on the market which will not accept the wide
range of legal DMX timings and data. Fixer
mode attempts to clean-out any unusual or
non-standard timing and data before sending
to the output. This includes stripping out all
non-zero start codes (including RDM), forcing
a 512-channel footprint and calming any
timing jitter.
The detailed x specication is as follows:
yAccepts and corrects break in range
56 µs – 1000 µs and outputs 250 µs
yAccepts and corrects MaB in range
5 µs – 1000 µs and outputs 30 µs
yAccepts and corrects MbB in range
0 µs – 1000 µs and outputs 30 µs
yAccepts channel count 1 – 512 and
outputs 512
yAccepts refresh period from 23 ms –
1000 ms and outputs 30ms
yFilters out multiple consecutive breaks
yRe-times bytes of 1 stop bit to 2 stop bits
yFilters out all non-zero start code packets
yRe-times digital signal
LED indicators
The DMX/RDM input modules feature a set
of LED indicators: Iso, DMX and Pow/Fix. The
meaning of each is as follows:
yIso
- Green: the input isolation DC supply
is working
- Red: the input isolation DC supply is
not working (indicating that the circuitry
has probably been electrocuted)
yDMX
- O󰀨: no data received
- Green: DMX and RDM received
- Yellow: DMX only received
yPow/Fix
- Green: power on
- Red (split mode): data error or collisions
detected
-Red (x mode): data xing is occurring
CRMX wireless DMX input
module
Split/Fix Mode
When versaSplit is tted with one (or two)
CRMX wireless DMX input modules, it acts
as a one (or two) input splitter / data xer.
Conceptually, the functionality is similar to the
DMX/RDM modules. Where it di󰀨ers is in the
method of DMX delivery (radio); also, RDM is
not currently supported.
The radio link should activate a few seconds
after the transmitting device is set to connect.
To deactivate the radio link, press and hold
the ‘Link’ button on the input module for 3
seconds.
If using two CRMX wireless DMX
modules in versaSplit duo, each
module can be set independently
to splitter or xer mode. The
individual outputs should be
switched to A or B depending on
which mode is required.
If using two DMX/RDM modules in versaSplit
duo, each module can be set independently
to splitter or xer mode. The individual outputs
should be switched to A or B depending on
which mode is required.
CRMX wireless
DMX input
module with
antenna
CRMX wireless
DMX input
module without
antenna

Page 8versaSplit User Guide
The CRMX wireless DMX module features
two sets of LED indicators.
On the left hand side, the strength of the
radio signal is indicated by green lights for
intensities of 20% and upwards. If the strength
drops below 10%, the bottom light turns red.
On the right hand side, there are 4 separate
LED indicators:
yStatus (refers to CRMX signal)
- O󰀨: not linked to transmitter
- Green fast ash: linked but transmitter
not active
- Green slow ash: active radio link but
no DMX data
- Green: active with DMX present
yLink - Green: transmitter active
yDMX - Yellow: DMX present
yPow/Fix
- Green: power on
- Red (split mode): data error or collisions
detected
-Red (x mode): data xing is occurring
LED indicators
Ethernet input module B
Ethernet input module B enables versaSplit to
perform ethernet to DMX&RDM conversion.
The module requires Cat 5 cable or better.
yArt-Net, sACN
y10/100BaseT
yLED indicators
yRJ45 connector
LED indicators
During boot-up
During operation
yStatus
- Slow ashing green (1Hz) = booting
normally
- Slow alternating green/red (1Hz) =
factory start (settings cleared)
yStatus
- Static green = powered, normal
operation
- Fast ashing green (5Hz) = identify
- Occulting green = remote programming
command received
- Static red = fault condition
- Fast alternating green/red (5Hz) =
product is not commissioned
yNet
- Yellow = network link established
- Green = Art-Net or sACN detected
yDMX
- Green = Data activity
yAll indicators
- O󰀨 = mute command received
The module features 3 LED indicators labelled
Status, Net and DMX. These give di󰀨erent
informational signals depending on whether
the product is booting up or in operational
mode.
The meanings are explained below.

Page 9versaSplit User Guide
Conguration
Conguration is achived via the internal web
server (browse to NetBios ‘VersaEtherB’), or
via DMX-Workshop (free-of-charge network
management software from Artistic Licence:
http://tinyurl.com/dmxartpage).
Port Settings
The settings for each DMX port can be
congured via the web-browser using the
following columns:
yPort: The DMX port number
yDMX: Green shows changing data
yRDM: Tick to enable RDM
yDelta: Tick to enable delta transmission
(DMX frames are only sent when
network data changes)
yNet, Sub-Uni: Set the port address for
this output
IP Settings
The IP settings for the product are displayed
in the top section of the screen. The Edit
control allows the static IP, subnet mask and
gateway to be congured. DHCP operation
can be selected via DMX-Workshop.
Internal web-browser
The indicator meanings are as follows:
yOnline: Green = live connection between
browser & product; Red = connection lost
yPower: Green = powered; Flashing
green = Identify; Red = Fault
yNet: Yellow = Link; Green = Art-Net or
sACN activity
yProtocol: Select either Art-Net or sACN
control over this output
yMerge: Select HTP or LTP merge when
2 controllers send data to this port

Page 10
Application Diagram
versaSplit duo with 2 DMX/RDM XLR5 input modules and XLR5 outputs (vSplit duo xlr5-5-xlr5).
Here, versaSplit is used simultaneously as a data splitter and xer. Outputs 1 & 3 are set to input
module A, and outputs 6 & 8 are set to input module B.
DMX
Controller
Input module B (x mode)Input module A (split mode)
DMX/RDM
DMX
DMX/RDM
Terminated
vSplit duo xlr5-5-xlr5
Device 1
Device 1 Device 1
Device 2
Device 2
Device 32
Device 32
Device 2
Device 32
Device 1
Device 2
Device 32
Terminated
DMX/RDM DMX only
Terminated
Example 1
Example 2
versaSplit duo with one CRMX wireless DMX input module and one ethernet input module b,
with XLR5 outputs (vSplit duo crmx-5-ethb). A DMX radio transmitter controls a set of moving
heads. The CRMX wireless DMX module on input A (split mode) forms the interface, sending
the data to output 4. Concurrently, a Colour-Tramp controller is running a show on an LED pixel
product driven by intelligent power supplies (such as Multichrome D1). The ethernet module on
input B converts the Art-Net into DMX/RDM data, which is sent to outputs 5, 6, 7 and 8.
versaSplit User Guide
CRMX
wireless DMX
transmitter
PSU/DMX-RDM interface
(e.g.Multichrome D1)
RGB
pixels
Art-Net
vSplit duo crmx-5-ethb
Terminated DMX / RDM
Art-Net Controller
e.g. Colour-Tramp
Device
1
Device
2
Device
32
) ) ) ) ) )

Page 11versaSplit User Guide
versaSplit carrier unit specication
Mechanical
yHousing: 19” 1U rack enclosure
yMaterial: metal
yOverall dimensions: 1RU (H) x 19” (W) x
227 mm (D)
yWeight: 2.28 kg
yMounting: desktop or 19” rack (using
supplied rack ears)
yCountry of manufacture: UK
Environmental
yOperating temperature: 0°C to 40°C
yStorage temperature: -10°C to +50°C
yOperating relative humidity (max): 80%
non-condensing
yIP rating: IP20 indoor use only
yCertication: CE, WEEE, RoHS
yWarranty: 2-year (return to base)
Power & Electrical
yInput voltage: 90-250 VAC
yInput connector: IEC C13 male
yInput power (max): 250 W
yDuty cycle: 100% @ 25°C
yMains fuse: 3.15A slow blow
Control
yOutput Protocols: DMX512, DMX512
(1990), DMX512-A, RDM V1.0 (E1.20 -
2010 ESTA Standard)
Data Connections
y3-pin female XLR or 5-pin female XLR or
8-pin XLR Ethercon (10 no. for mono &
iso; 8 no. for duo)
DMX512 Outputs
yOutput mode: ground referenced (mono
& duo), isolated (iso)
yOutput ESD protection (mono/iso): 12 kV
yOutput ESD protection (duo): 15 kV
yOutput voltage protection (mono/iso):
+/80 V
yOutput voltage protection (duo): All
outputs protected against continuous
connection to 425 VAC (self-healing)
yOutput surge protection (extreme
variants only):
- GDT conforming to IEC61643-311
(sacricial)
- Max Impulse Discharge Current:
30,000A (8/20uS) 1 operation; 20,000A
(8/20uS) 10 operations; 20A (10/1000uS)
1500 operations
Ordering information
Because so many product congurations are
possible with versaSplit, only a few popular
models are available as stock; the rest are
built to order. The part codes for the stock
items are as follows:
yvSplit mono xlr5-5
yvSplit mono crmx-5
yvSplit mono xlr8-8
yvSplit iso xlr5-5
yvSplit iso xlr8-8
yvSplit duo xlr5-5-xlr5
yThe carrier units are: mono, iso, duo
yThe input modules are: xlr3, xlr5, xlr8,
crmx, ethb, b (for blanking plate) and x
(no module tted)
yThe possible output connectors are 3,
5, and 8 (denoting XLR3/XLR5/XLR8)
Previous customers should please note that:
yvSplit mono xlr5-5 replaces Rack-Split
RDM, which has been discontinued.
yvSplit iso xlr8-8 replaces Iso-Split RDM,
which has been discontinued.
yvSplit duo xlr5-5-xlr5 replaces Duo-Split
RDM, which has been discontinued.
The part code is constructed as follows:
vSplit carrier unit input A module - output connectors - input B module

versaSplit User Guide
Input module specication
DMX/RDM module
CRMX wireless DMX module
Ethernet module B
Mechanical
yAs DMX/RDM module
Power & Electrical
yInput voltage: 3.3 V
Ethernet input
yType: 10/100BaseT (auto-selected)
yIsolation: 1 kV
Control
yArt-Net, sACN
Data Connection
y8-pin XLR Ethercon (1 no.)
LEDs & Conguration
yStatus / Net / DMX
yWeb-browser, DMX Workshop
Ordering Info
yProduct code: vSplit ETHB
Mechanical
yMaterial: metal
yOverall dimensions: 44 mm (H) x 76 mm
(W) x 76 mm (D)
yWeight: 0.12 kg
yCountry of manufacture: UK
Power & Electrical
yInput voltage: 3.3 V
DMX512/RDM Input
yInput mode: Optically isolated
yInput ESD protection: 12 kV
yInput voltage protection: +/- 80 V
Control
yInput Protocols: DMX512, DMX512
(1990), DMX512-A, RDM V1.0 (E1.20 -
2010 ESTA Standard)
Data Connection
yXLR3 male input (1 no.) plus XLR3 female
DMX loop-through (1 no.) OR
yXLR5 male input (1 no.) plus XLR5 female
DMX loop-through (1 no.) OR
yXLR8 Ethercon input (1 no.) plus XLR8
Ethercon DMX loop-through (1 no.)
LED Indication
yIsolation / DMX & RDM Activity / Power
& Fix status
Conguration
ySplit/Fix slide selector
Ordering Info
yProduct code: vSplit XLR3 / XLR5 / XLR8
Mechanical
yAs DMX/RDM module
Power & Electrical
yInput voltage: 3.3 V
Control
yCRMX wireless DMX
Data Connection
yRadio antenna
LED Indication
ySignal strength bar graph
yCRMX wireless DMX status / Radio link /
DMX Activity / Power & Fix status
Conguration
ySplit/Fix slide selector
yLink push-button for CRMX wireless DMX
conguration
Ordering Info
yProduct code: vSplit CRMX
Conguration
ySwitch to A/B input module on each
output (versaSplit duo only)
Package Contents
yversaSplit mono/iso/duo carrier unit
yInput module(s) as ordered
yIEC mains lead & rack-ears

Warranty
All products are covered from date of purchase
by a two-year return to base warranty.
By return to base, we mean that the customer
is responsible for all costs of transport to and
from Artistic Licence.
Returns will not be accepted without prior
authorisation. In order to discuss a request to
return goods, please email:
[e-mail]
Compliance
All Products manufactured or sold by
Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd are fully
compliant with the appropriate CE and RoHS
regulations. Product specic information is
available on request.
Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment
(WEEE)
Artistic Licence is a member of a WEEE
compliance scheme and will happily recycle
any of our products that you, at your expense,
return to us.
CE Compliance
versaSplit is CE compliant
Due to our policy of continuing product improvement
specications are subject to change without notice
Artistic Licence
The Mould Making Workshop
Soby Mews
Bovey Tracey
TQ13 9JG
United Kingdom
Telephone [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.ArtisticLicence.com
[e-mail]