Artistic License Ether-Lynx II User manual

Ether-Lynx II User Guide
Artistic Licence
Version 1-5
Ether-Lynx II
User Guide

Page 2Ether-Lynx II 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 qualified 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 specific 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 user guide by scanning the following QR code:

Page 3Ether-Lynx II User Guide
Connections
Mounting Diagram
Ref. Type Description
1LED Indicators for Ethernet
2-4 LED Indicators for DMX
5Configuration Sub-Net Select
6 -11 Configuration Universe Select
12 Data Connection Ethernet
13 Data Connection DMX Port 1 (I/P)
14 Data Connection DMX Loop 1
15 Data Connection DMX Port 2 (I/P)
16 Data Connection DMX Loop 2
17-20 Data Connection DMX Ports 3-6 (O/P)
21 Data Connection Ethernet
22 Replaceable Fuse Mains I/P Fuse
23 Power
Connection
Universal Mains I/P
Connection

Page 4Ether-Lynx II User Guide
Product Overview
Ether-Lynx II is a rack-mounted DMX-to
Ethernet and Ethernet-to-DMX converter.
There are two DMX inputs and four DMX/
RDM outputs.
The product is capable of converting:
y4 Art-Net universes to DMX512 & RDM,
or 4 sACN universes to DMX512
y2 DMX512 universes to Art-Net
The product is easily configured by dialling
in the required Sub-Net and Universe using
the front panel wheel selectors. Alternatively,
Ether-Lynx II can be remotely configured via
the internal web-server or over the network
using DMX-Workshop (a free-of-charge
software package available from Artistic
Licence). When used with Art-Net 3, DHCP
is supported for automatic IP addressing.
Ether-Lynx II can be mounted in a 19” 1U Rack
Enclosure using the supplied Rack Ears. It is
supplied with a standard IEC connector.
Summary of Key Features
yInternal Ethernet switch and two RJ45
ports (Ethercon) enable multiple units to
be connected in series
y2 DMX512 input ports, compatible with all
variants of DMX, including DMX512-A.
y4 DMX512 output ports, compatible
with all variants of DMX, including
DMX512-A. Support for RDM (Remote
Device Management) V1.0 (E1.20 - 2006
ESTA Standard) when used with Art-Net
yUniversal mains input
yEthernet status indicators
yDMX port status indicators
ySub-Net and individual Universe wheels
yDefault IP address 2.x.y.z
yInternal web-server for configuration of
DMX and IP settings (including support
for DHCP when used with Art-Net 3).
yDetachable rack ears
Ether-Lynx II has two RJ45 (Ethercon)
connections (one front, one back). The product
can receive and transmit Art-Net (the public
domain protocol invented by Artistic Licence)
and can also receive sACN (the standard
managed under ESTA/PLASA E1.31). Ether-
Lynx II requires Cat 5 cable or better and
supports 10BaseT and 100BaseT.
Power Supply & Earthing
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 table below summarises the internal
Earth interconnection and isolation.
(Please note that we use the term Earth-
Ground to avoid international confusions. In
Europe Earth-Ground is called Earth; in the
USA Earth-Ground is called Ground).
Circuit Description
Chassis Bonded to Earth-Ground
DMX512
Inputs
Type Optically isolated
Pin 1 Connected to Isolated
Ground
Shell The connector shell is
connected to chassis
DMX512
Outputs
Type Ground referenced
Pin 1 Connected to Internal
Logic Ground
Shell The connector shell is
connected to chassis
Ethernet
Type Transformer isolated
Screen
Connects to Earth-Ground
via 75 Ohm resistance &
100 pF capacitance, as
specified in IEEE standard
Internal
Logic
Ground
Connects to Earth-Ground via 10
Ohm resistance
Ethernet Connection
Ethernet Indicators
The front panel ethernet connection has LED
data indicators (pictured on the next page).

Page 5Ether-Lynx II User Guide
Ethernet Indication
DMX Ports
Ether-Lynx II can convert a maximum of two input universes and four output universes of
DMX512. Each port has a 5-pin XLR connector (male on the inputs, female on the outputs). The
two DMX512 inputs each have a female loop-through connection.
DMX512 Wiring
XLR Pin
(Convention)
Function Colour RJ45
Pin
Cable Colour
1Ground Black 7 & 8 White/Brown &
Brown
2Data - Blue 2Orange
3Data + Red 1White/Orange
The DMX512-A standard specifies that Cat5 cable can be used to carry DMX data. The table
above shows which cores should be used. It is recommended that Cat5E cable is used.
For the outputs, RDM data uses the same connections as the DMX data.
DMX Indicators
The LED data indicators (pictured opposite)
have the following meanings:
STAT: ON when unit is powered, flashing if
hardware fault (see ‘Error Messages’).
NET: ON when network data is active.
DMX: ON when data is transmitted or
received, flashing if merging two universes
(see ‘DMX-Workshop’).
Power-up: During power-up, the LEDs will
step sequentially.
Boot-loader: When in boot-loader mode (see
page 9), all the LEDs will flash.
If all the LED indicators flash 3 times, this
means that changes to the Sub-Net and
Universe wheels are not honoured because
the value has been set remotely (see
‘Universe, Sub-Net and Net’ opposite).
DMX Indication
Universe, Sub-Net and Net
Each universe being transmitted over
ethernet needs to be distinguishable from
other universes on the same network. For
universe numbers up to 256 (the maximum
limit of Art-Net II), this is achieved by setting
the (4-bit) Universe and Sub-Net numbers.
The settings can be made via the Sub-Net
PWR: Power LED
LINK: ON if there is a valid link between this
connection and another valid Ethernet device.
ACT: Flashes when there is data activity.
SPD: ON if this connection is running at
100BaseT, OFF if running at 10BaseT.

Page 6Ether-Lynx II User Guide
and Universe wheel selectors (note that the
Universe number of each DMX port can be
set independently), or remotely (see ‘Remote
Configuration’ below).
In contrast, Art-Net 3 and sACN can carry up
to 32768 and 65536 universes respectively.
To handle these large values, the concept
of a 16-bit port address including a ‘Net’
field is introduced. The port address of each
DMX512 universe is a number composed
of the (Net)+(Sub-Net)+(Universe).Because
the product has no ‘Net’ wheel selectors,
configuration must be done remotely if a port
address greater than 256 is required.
Note that settings made remotely override the
wheel selectors on the front panel.
Remote Configuration
By default, each port of the Ether-Lynx II has a
sequential universe number starting from zero.
There are two ways of remotely configuring
the product: 1) using DMX-Workshop or 2)
using the product’s internal web-server.
DMX-Workshop
DMX-Workshop™ is a software application
that runs on the Windows XP & Windows 7
platforms. It is free of charge and available via
download from the Artistic Licence website.
DMX-Workshop is a fully featured network
management, analysis, configuration and
diagnostics tool for Art-Net networks.
When Ether-Lynx II is connected to a computer
running DMX-Workshop, it should be detected
and displayed as an Art-Net node (click the
‘Node List’ icon to verify this).
The node can be expanded to show the
configuration and DMX port information, as
shown in the screen-shot opposite.
Right-clicking on any entry brings up a menu
that offers various functionality:
yThe ‘Configure Node’ option enables
configuration of the Universe, Sub-Net
and Net values. It also allows the user to
give the device a short and long name.
y‘Copy to clipboard’ enables all the node
information to be pasted into a support
request email.
y‘Merge Controls’ (selectable only on
individual DMX outputs) enables the
choice of LTP (latest takes preference)
or HTP (highest takes preference) merge
modes.
y‘Indicators’ enables selection of normal,
locate or mute for the front panel
LED indicators. Normal is the default
behaviour, locate causes the selected
port ‘Stat’ LED to flash, and mute turns
off all the LEDs.
y‘RDM Devices’ offers options for device
discovery on RDM networks.
y‘Advanced’ leads to ‘Programme Upload’
and ‘Configure IP Address’. These are
described in more detail below.
Firmware Upgrades
The ‘Programme Upload’ option enables
the user to upgrade the product’s firmware.
DMX-Workshop stores the firmware files
in C:\Program Files (x86)\Artistic Licence\
DMX-Workshop\Firmware\*.alf. Selection of
the desired file is made via a pop-up window
that shows the available files. Ensure that the
firmware upgrade is applied to all ports (check
the ‘Tick All’ box in the next window). Cycle
the power after a successful upload.
DMX-Workshop Node List
IP Address Configuration
Choosing the ‘Configure IP Address’ in the
‘Advanced’ menu brings up a window that
shows the IP and Subnet Mask.

Page 7Ether-Lynx II User Guide
Web-Server
To configure Ether-Lynx II via the internal web-server, either type in the IP address of the product
or, if your web-browser supports NetBios, then enter the name: http://etherlynxii. To find the IP
address, use DMX-Workshop or type “ping 2.255.255.255” in a command line window.
The home screen is shown below:
DMX Input Settings
On the inputs, the DMX Settings tab leads to
the following configuration options:
ySet Net, Sub-Net & Universe values
yEnable/disable unicast
ySet the IP address if unicast enabled
The IP uniquely identifies any nodes or controllers on a network, while the Subnet Mask defines
which part of the IP represents the Network address and which part represents the Node
address. For example, a Subnet Mask of 255.0.0.0 means that the network address is defined
by the first byte, while the remaining three bytes define the Node address.
By default, the product has a static IP address in the range 2.x.x.x. There are situations in which
the user may wish to change this - for example, a 192.168.x.x address is generally used in office
environments.
A very useful additional feature of Ether-Lynx II is the ability to enable automatic IP address
allocation on networks controlled by a DHCP server (check the ‘Enable DHCP’ box to activate
this feature).
Note that the default IP and static addressing (all ports) can be forced manually by the following
procedure:
1. Set the Sub-Net wheel to 9
2. Power cycle (turn off then on again)
3. Power off
4. Set the Sub-Net wheel to F
5. Power on

Page 8Ether-Lynx II User Guide
Jumpers:
Advanced Configuration
There are several advanced settings, beyond
the scope of normal operation, that can be
accessed by fitting the supplied jumpers over
the configuration pins. The pins can be found
on the bottom left of the PCB. To fit a jumper
follow the instructions below:
1. Disconnect the power from the unit
2. Ensure you have adequate anti-static
protection
3. Remove the top row of screws from the
front panel
4. Remove the bottom row of screws from
the rear panel
5. Carefully pull the two halves apart, about
10cm
IP Settings
The configuration menu for the IP settings
allows the user to set a custom IP address,
Subnet Mask and Gateway IP. There is
also an option to enable/disable DHCP for
automatic IP addressing (see ‘IP Address
Configuration’).
Jumper settings
Jumper Option
JP0 For future use
JP1 For future use
JP2 For future use
JP3 HTTP server disabled
(e.g. no web page
functionality)
JP4 10.x.x.x IP addressing
enabled (ignored when
DHCP is active)
JP5 RDM disabled on all
outputs
JP6 Inverts the low byte of the
IP address
JP7 For future use
ROM
Boot
Switch to boot-loader
mode on power cycle
DMX Output Settings
On the outputs, the DMX Settings tab enables
the following configuration options:
ySet Net, Sub-Net & Universe values
ySet profile (see ‘Output Profiles’ table
below)
yEnable/disable RDM messages
Output Profiles
Profile RDM Transmit Max
refresh
rate (fps)
Best On Delta* 43.57
Compatibility Off Delta 43.06
Fix Off Continuous** 39.95
Custom On/Off Delta/
Continuous
16.76 -
43.57
*Delta: DMX Output packets are synchronised
with incoming Art-Net packets.
**Continuous: DMX output packets are
continuously transmitted independently of the
Art-Net inputs.
Module Info
The module info tab describes the jumper
functionality (see below), and also provides
some helpful information regarding the DMX
data transmission.

Page 9Ether-Lynx II User Guide
Application Diagram
Ether-Lynx II
PSU/DMX-
RDM interface
(e.g.Multichrome D1)
RGB Pixels
Art-Net
DMX / RDM
Art-Net Controller
e.g. Colour-Tramp
DMX (Used for
triggering)
Simple DMX Panel (used as an external
trigger panel for main controller)
Mains Voltage
Ether-Lynx II has boot-loader firmware programmed into its ROM. This forces the product into
a factory ROM mode ready for firmware upload. The boot-loader firmware allows the operating
firmware (which is stored in the flash memory) to be upgraded over the network. It is not usually
necessary to use this procedure as firmware uploads can be initiated directly using DMX-
Workshop.
To force Ether-Lynx II to start in boot-loader mode, link the ROM boot jumper and power-up the
unit. Note that the LEDs will flash when in boot-loader mode. The firmware upgrade can then
be made using DMX-Workshop.
If for any reason the upgrade needs to be aborted, or if the ROM boot jumper was connected in
error, removing the jumper and powering up the unit will cause it to revert to the current installed
firmware.
ROM Boot Jumper
In the example shown below, a Colour-Tramp controller is running a show on an LED pixel
product driven by intelligent power supplies (such as Multichrome D1). The system responds
to triggers from an external DMX panel. Ether-Lynx II forms the interface between all elements
of the system: it converts the panel DMX signals into Art-Net for triggering Colour-Tramp, and
converts the Art-Net show programme into DMX/RDM for consumption by the intelligent PSUs
driving the fixtures.

Page 10Ether-Lynx II User Guide
Troubleshooting
The fixtures are flashing
randomly when connected to
an output on the Ether-Lynx
II.
1. The common cause of this is that they are responding
to RDM data being transmitted by the Ether-Lynx II.
If they are DMX512 compliant they should ignore this
data. To overcome this, refer to the ‘Jumper - Advanced
Configuration’ section and link the jumper to disable
RDM. Alternatively this can be done via the web-
server.
When using Ether-Lynx II
the fixture seems to lose
DMX when set to high start
addresses.
1. Some older equipment cannot handle full rate DMX
refresh rates. This results in it working on lower start
addresses, but seeming ‘steppy’ on higher start
addresses. To overcome this, use the web-server DMX
settings page to slow down the refresh rate.
Ether-Lynx II powers up but
all the LEDs are flashing
continuously.
1. This means that the unit has gone into boot loader
mode. Uploading the latest firmware will allow the unit
to function normally.
I changed my IP address and
have lost all communication
with the Ether-Lynx II.
1. If the IP address of a device is changed such that it is
out of the range the PC is on, you must then change
the PC IP address to match. If you still cannot discover
the device, you will need to reset all custom settings to
put it back into the default IP range (2.x.x.x).
All the indicators flash three
times when I change the
wheel selectors.
1. If the Sub-Net and Universe values have been set
remotely, the front panel wheels are ignored. The LEDs
flash to indicate this.
I have connected a
Ether-Lynx II directly to a
computer and there is no
communication.
1. Computer has incorrect IP address (IP address should
be in the range 2.x.x.x).
2. Incorrect network cable (should be a ‘cross-over’).
3. A firewall is blocking transmitted/received data packets
An output port DMX LED is
flashing continuously.
1. When the port LED is flashing it means that the output
is merging two universes.
I have connected 3 or more
Ether-Lynx II units in series
and the data seems to be
delayed from the first to the
last.
1. If several Ether-Lynx II units are connected in series
then the data from the control source has to be re-
transmitted to each one. The more in series, the longer
the delay. To overcome the delay use an ethernet
switch and connect all Ether-Lynx II units and control
sources to it.
Error Messages
On power-up, Ether-Lynx II goes through a number of self-checks to ensure that it is functioning
correctly. If an internal fault occurs the DMX indicator LEDs are used to display an error code.
LED State Description
Stat & All alternately flashing SRAM Fault*
Net & All alternately flashing E2Prom Fault*
Port 1 & All alternately flashing System ROM Fault*
*Contact Artistic Licence for advice.

Page 11Ether-Lynx II User Guide
Ether-Lynx II Specification
CE Compliance
Ether-Lynx II is CE compliant
Mechanical
yHousing: 19” 1U rack enclosure
yMaterial: metal
yOverall dimensions: 1U (H) x 19” (W) x
257 mm (D)
yWeight: 2.5 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
yCertification: CE, FCC, WEEE, RoHS
yWarranty: 2-year (return to base)
Power & Electrical
yInput voltage: 90-250 VAC
yInput connector: IEC C13 male
yInput power (max): 30 W
yDuty cycle: 80% @ 25°C
yInput fuse: 3.15A slow blow
yDC fuse: internal resettable fuse for
control electronics
Ethernet
yType: 10/100BaseT
yIsolation: 1 kV
yPoE: n/a
DMX512 Outputs
yOutput mode: ground referenced
yOutput isolation: n/a
yOutput ESD protection: +/- 12 kV
yOutput voltage protection: +/- 80 V
yOutput conditioning: slew-rate limited
DMX512 Inputs
yInput mode: Optically isolated
yInput isolation: 1 kV
yInput ESD protection: +/- 12 kV
yInput voltage protection: +/- 80 V
Control
yInput Protocols: Art-Net, sACN, DMX512,
DMX512 (1990), DMX512-A
yOutput Protocols: Art-Net, DMX512,
DMX512 (1990), DMX512-A, RDM V1.0
(E1.20 - 2006 ESTA Standard)
Data Connections
yRJ45 Ethercon (2 no.)
y5-pin male XLR DMX inputs (2 no.)
y5-pin female XLR DMX loop (2 no.)
y5-pin female XLR DMX outputs (4 no.)
LED Indication
yPower / Ethernet Link / Data Activity /
Speed
Configuration
yRemote: Web-browser, DMX Workshop
yManual: Wheels / Jumpers
yConfigurable settings include:
- Net, Sub-Net, Universe
- IP Address (DHCP), DMX profile
- ROM boot, RDM disable
Package Contents
yEther-Lynx II
yUser guide
yIEC mains lead
yRack-ears
yJumpers (for configuration pins)
Ordering Info
yProduct code: Ether-Lynx II

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, FCC, and RoHS
regulations. Product specific 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.
Due to our policy of continuing product improvement
specifications are subject to change without notice
Artistic Licence
Studio 1, Spectrum House
32-34 Gordon House Road
London
NW5 1LP
United Kingdom
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.ArtisticLicence.com
Customer support and knowledge base:
www.ArtisticLicence.com/support.html