City Theatrical Multiverse Node 5903 User manual

Multiverse®Node
P/N 5903
User’s Manual
Rev 1.3
© 2019 City Theatrical, Inc.
Multiverse Transmitters are covered by U.S. Patents #7,432,803 B2,#10,129,964 B1,
and other patents pending.
Made in USA

Table of Contents
Compliance....................................................................................................................................3
Safety Notices................................................................................................................................3
Introduction....................................................................................................................................4
5903 Multiverse Node Features..............................................................................................4
Installation .....................................................................................................................................5
User Interface Screen.............................................................................................................5
User Interface Icons................................................................................................................7
RDM Settings .........................................................................................................................8
Updating Firmware ................................................................................................................8
Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................................8
Specifications.................................................................................................................................9
What’s Included ...........................................................................................................................10
Face Panel...................................................................................................................................11
Mounting......................................................................................................................................12
List of Tables
Table 1: Selecting Your Multiverse SHoW ID.................................................................................6
Table 2: SHoW IDs and SHoW Keys .............................................................................................7
Table 3: Troubleshooting Guide.....................................................................................................8
Table 4: Physical Characteristics...................................................................................................9
Table 5: Included Item Descriptions and Part Numbers................................................................10
Table 6: SHoW DMX Neo SHoW IDs...........................................................................................13
List of Figures
Figure 1: What’s Included ............................................................................................................10
Figure 2: Face Panel....................................................................................................................11
Figure 3: Pipe Mount....................................................................................................................12

Page 3 of 14
Compliance
FCC Compliance Statement (United States)
This device complies with Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
IC Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference; and
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
1. l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
2. l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Safety Notices
Please read this entire manual before using your new equipment. Please keep the manual in a safe place
so you can refer to it in the future as required.
The Multiverse wireless DMX/RDM System is intended for use only by qualified professionals. Connection,
installation, and hanging of this equipment must be performed in accordance with all pertinent local,
regional, and national safety codes and regulations.
Multiverse wireless DMX/RDM equipment is intended for indoor use only unless specified for outdoor use.
Keep the equipment dry! Do not operate the equipment if it gets wet!
Do not operate in excessive heat/direct sunlight. Be sure installation provides adequate ventilation.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside! Refer to qualified service personnel!
RF Exposure: The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of
at least 20cm from all persons and must not be collocated or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.

Page 4 of 14
Introduction
City Theatrical’s 5903 Multiverse® Node 2.4GHz is the first building block of the Multiverse
system. Each Multiverse Node 2.4GHz is a transceiver. As a single universe transmitter, it
functions in a similar plug and play manner to our SHoW DMX SHoW Baby® and a full user
interface. As a receiver, it is the primary single universe standalone receiver in the Multiverse
system, and can be part of a larger multi-universe setup.
5903 Multiverse Node Features
•mDMX (Multiverse SHoW IDs only)
mDMX is a form of DMX optimized for wireless broadcast that dramatically reduces
data being broadcast, thereby reducing unneeded radio energy.
•mRDM (Multiverse SHoW IDs only)
Multiverse is able to broadcast RDM information without disrupting the DMX
broadcast. This feature is not available even in wired RDM systems. (Not available
on SHoW DMX Neo SHoW IDs.)
•SHoW Key Security (Multiverse SHoW IDs only)
SHoW Key is an additional three-digit code that can be added to the Multiverse SHoW
ID that will prevent any other system set on the same SHoW ID from interfering with
your system.
•Forward Error Correction (Multiverse SHoW IDs only)
Allows the Receiver to detect and correct errors that may occur in the wireless
transmission of data.
•Ultra Low Latency
Total average system latency of 4ms
•User Selectable Adaptive Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping
Adaptive Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping identifies and masks off hopping
channels that contain interference, replacing them in the hop sequence with alternate
channels.
•Adjustable Output Power
Sometimes an application calls for the most available broadcast power, but many
entertainment systems can utilize lower output power to reduce detrimental effects on
other radio systems in the venue, reduce reflections, and improve performance.
•User Selectable SHoW IDs
City Theatrical has always produced wireless DMX products that allowed the user to
select the optimum transmission method. Users may select full bandwidth hopping,
hopping limited to a section of the spectrum (including areas of the spectrum outside of
the Wi-Fi range), or adaptive hopping.

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• Protocols supported: ANSI E1.11 DMX512-A; E1.20 RDM
• Built-in Multiverse 2.4GHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum radio
• Compatible with all Multiverse and SHoW DMX Neo products
• User can select a single universe to receive
• A very simple user interface to set SHoW ID and universe
• RDM proxy and responder functions
• DMX 5-pin in and out/thru ports
• Rugged cast aluminum enclosure
• Antenna: Omni Broadband, 2.4GHz, 4dBi
• Auto-selection of transmit or receive mode
• Firmware updateable via USB port
• CL2 power supply with locking connector
• Built-in auto select DMX512 termination
• Selectable display timeout and brightness level
• A hanging bracket for hanging from pipe or truss
Installation
Multiverse Node 2.4GHz requires standard DC power from 5-30VDC, and draws 45mA maximum.
Power is provided through the on-board DC Jack and can be driven from the included 12VDC
locking power supply.
Transmit mode is automatically selected when a DMX 5-pin cable is inserted into the input (male)
port of the Multiverse Node 2.4GHz. Without it, the Multiverse Node 2.4GHz acts as a receiver.
A mounting plate is included to provide mounting with a c-clamp and includes a tie off hole for
power strain relief and a hole for a safety cable.
The Multiverse Node 2.4GHz is self-terminating if it is the last unit in the DMX512 chain. If the
Multiverse Node 2.4GHz is not the last device in the chain, ensure that the end device is properly
terminated with a 120Ω ½ watt resistor between pins 2 and 3. A DMX connector with a built-in
terminating resistor is available from your local distributor.
User Interface Screen
Upon power up, the Multiverse Node 2.4GHz will boot into the main screen, which displays the
SHoW ID and connection status. Pressing the “Up” or “Down” button will take you to the universe
selection screen. Pressing “Enter” will select SHoW ID or universe for editing and will commit the
change when done.
Pressing the “Menu” button will take you to the Menu screen. Holding the Menu button will cancel
the current edit.
SHoW ID
Select the SHoW ID(s) for your system. In a single universe system with a Multiverse Node
2.4GHz used as a transmitter and one or more Multiverse Nodes used as receivers, simply
choose a SHoW ID and enter that SHoW ID into the user interface of the transmitter and all
receivers. The universe number must match on transmitter and all receivers.
SHoW DMX SHoW IDs may be used with the 2.4GHz radio for single universe systems. See
page 13 for a list of SHoW DMX Neo SHoW IDs.

Page 6 of 14
In a multi-universe system utilizing a Multiverse Transmitter or Multiverse Gateway as a
transmitter, once you have selected the universes that you want to broadcast from the incoming
Ethernet data, assigned SHoW IDs to your two radios, and have assigned universes to those
SHoW IDs, you will need to set each Multiverse Node to match the same universe number and
SHoW ID that it will be receiving.
Let’s take a closer look at the SHoW ID numbering system:
Table 1: Selecting Your Multiverse SHoW ID
Multiverse SHoW ID Example: 24 3 0 2
Prefix
Data Rate
Band
Hop Pattern
24 2.4GHz
Faster data rates provide more
DMX universes. Slower data
rates travel longer distances and
provide more immunity to
interference.
2.4GHz:
Universes
Range
1
1
1500’ Outdoor
300’ Indoor
2
2
1500’ Outdoor
300’ Indoor
3
5
1000’ Outdoor
100’ Indoor
Specifies which sections
of the wireless band the
frequency hopping
utilizes.
0
Use full range of
2.4GHz band.
1 Use only lowband
channels.
2 Use only mid band
channels (availablefor
Data Rate 1 only).
3 Use only highband
channels.
4 Use only extreme high
band to avoid WiFi
(2.4GHz only.
5 Adaptive hopping.
Avoids busy channels
by analyzing
spectrum.
If multiple wireless
systems need to operate
with the same data rate
and band this value will
change the hopping
pattern to minimize
overlapping between the
two systems. Can be any
number from 0 –9 (not all
bands have all Hop
Patterns).
Note: Not all combinations of digits are possible and unused numbers are reserved for future use.
Universe
When the Multiverse Node 2.4GHz is configured as a receiver in a system where there is a multi-
universe transmitter (Multiverse Transmitter or Multiverse Gateway) you can select the universe
the Multiverse Node 2.4GHz will receive and output on its DMX output port. The selected universe
must match a valid universe being transmitted.
Note: Any Multiverse Node acting as a receiver that is set on a universe that Is not being
broadcast by a Multiverse transmitter (either a Transmitter or Node) will show its universe in a
yellow color.

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User Interface Icons
At the top of the main screen are several icons that indicate Multiverse Node 900MHz/2.4GHz
status. These include:
•“TX” or “RX”
Each unit will display either “TX” (transmitter) or “RX” (receiver) depending on
which mode the unit has detected. The Node is automatically set as a transmitter
when there is a connector plugged into the DMX In (male) port. The “TX” or “RX”
symbol remains solid when DMX data is detected, and blinks if no DMX data is
being received.
•Signal Quality Bars
The signal quality bars give a visualization of signal quality as seen at the receiver.
The bars are not present when the unit is a transmitter. Signal quality of 85% or
higher will achieve good fidelity, and signal quality of even 40-50% will often
provide adequate fidelity. Four bars is 80% or better signal quality, three bars is
50% or better, two bars is 30% or better, and one bar is 10% or better.
•Restore Factory Defaults
Factory defaults can be restored by holding the “Menu” and “Enter” buttons while
on the main screen. Screen will flicker to signal when default process is complete.
Default settings are listed below.
Menu Screen
Pressing the “Menu” button takes you to the Menu screen.
•Power
Output power may be user selected as Low, Med, Hi, or Maximum. It is a best practice
to use the least amount of output power to achieve a successful show. This helps to
reduce reflections which can reduce signal fidelity and to reduce any potential negative
effect on other radio users in the area. You can monitor signal strength via RDM.
Default is Maximum.
•Antenna
If a panel (P/N 5981) or Yagi (P/N 5982) antenna is used instead of the default omni
antenna, choose it on this menu for optimum performance and to remain in compliance
with FCC and other radio compliance regulations. An (P/N 5638) adapter cable is
required to use a panel or Yagi antenna.
•SHoW Key Security (Multiverse SHoW IDs only)
The SHoW Key setting allows a user to enter a key to privatize their SHoW ID from
another system on the same SHoW ID. SHoW IDs and SHoW Keys need to match in
order for receivers and transmitters to talk to each other. Keeping your SHoW Key
private will provide a level of security to your Multiverse system from unauthorized use.
It is not recommended to use different SHoW Keys in a system that uses multiple
Multiverse Nodes as Transmitters on the same SHoW ID. The range is 0 (Default) to
500.
Table 2: SHoW IDs and SHoW Keys
Situation
Condition
Outcome
Same SHoW Key
with
Different SHoW IDs
OK
Different SHoW Keys
with
Same SHoW IDs
Not OK
Different SHoW Keys
with
Different SHoW IDs
OK

Page 8 of 14
•Forward Error Correction (Multiverse SHoW IDs only)
High noise environments can affect wireless DMX performance. Enabling Error
Correction adds additional information to the data packets to correct errors in slot data
that would have otherwise been lost, restoring DMX delivery back to near perfect
levels. The extra data reduces the number of slots that can be transported, Max
reduces slots by 50%, Med by 33%, Min by 25%. Only needs to be set at the
Transmitter. Default is Off.
•mDMX (Multiverse SHoW IDs only)
Improves fidelity while dramatically reducing radio energy broadcast into the spectrum.
Only needs to be set at the Transmitter. Default is On.
•RDM Traffic
The RDM Traffic setting determines whether RDM data is passed downstream of the
Multiverse Node 2.4GHz. It does not affect whether the Multiverse Node 2.4GHz is
detectable by devices upstream. It is recommended that RDM be turned off before
production situations as many DMX devices do not correctly handle RDM data and
may exhibit flickering or other undesired behavior. Default is Off.
•Backlight Timeout
The Backlight Timeout setting determines how long the LCD backlight will remain on
after the last button press. The timeout can be set to off (backlight will never timeout)
or any interval from 10 seconds to 1 hour. Default is 00:30. After a screen timeout,
pushing any button will wake up the screen without changing the screen selection.
•Backlight Level
Controls Backlight brightness. Range is 1%-100%. Default is 100%.
•Information
The Information screen shows the RDM UID, firmware versions present,
connection status, and the number of devices (receivers and fixtures) downstream.
RDM Settings
The Multiverse Node 2.4GHz can be configured with a compatible RDM controller, such as
DMXcat®. All of the settings available through the menu can be set via RDM. Aside from settings,
you can also view the Device Model, Manufacturer, Firmware Versions, RDM UID, RF Signal
Quality, and quantity of active Tx slots. You can also give each device a unique RDM Device
Label to help with identification for configuration and troubleshooting.
Updating Firmware
Firmware updates and instructions for performing them are available on the product pages of the
City Theatrical website.
Table 3: Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom
Solution(s)
Unit does not power up.
Check that power cable is properly installed.
Test power outlet with another device.
Fixtures connected to the
receiver are not responding.
Check that the Tx and Rx symbols on transmitters and receivers are solid.
Check that SHoW ID and SHoW Key match on transmitters and receivers.
Check that Universe setting matches on Tx and Rx.

Page 9 of 14
Specifications
Table 4: Physical Characteristics
Product Information
Product Name
Multiverse Node 2.4GHz
Part Number
5903
Maximum Concurrent Universes
1
Frequency Range:
2400 –2480 MHz
Physical Specifications
Length
102.8mm (4.05 in)
Width
60mm (2.36 in)
Height
36.47mm (1.44 in)
Weight
0.4 Kg (0.4 lb)
Construction
Die Cast Aluminum, Black
Connection Specifications
* Locking DC Jack, 5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel, center positive,12.1mm mating depth
5-Pin XLR DMX512 in and out/thru ports
RP-SMA female antenna connector
USB Type-A port
Functionality
User Interface
4 Button/Backlit LCD display
RDM Features
RDM Proxy, RDM Responder
Power
Input Power
5-30VDC, 0.6W
Max Draw
45mA max draw at 12V
AC Adapter Voltage
100VAC to 240VAC 50/60Hz
Radio Technology
Latency
4 ms average
RF Sensitivity
-95dBm
Loss of Data Behavior
Output stops
Broadcast Power
3.2mW, 10mW, 32mW, 100mW EIRP
Broadcast Modes
Adaptive, Full, Low, Mid, High, Max
DMX Burst Modes
Auto Dynamic
Show IDs
217 (World)
Product Information
Use Environment
Indoor
Operating Temperature
0° C to 40° C
Storage Temperature
-40° C to 85° C
IP Rating
IP50
Compliance
FCC, IC, CE
Warranty
One year
*Note: This power supply connector is not compatible with SHoW Baby.

Page 10 of 14
What’s Included
Figure 1: What's Included
Table 5: Included Item Descriptions and Part Numbers
Label in
Figure
Item Description
Part
Number
1
Multiverse Node 2.4GHz
5903
2
Mounting Plate with hardware
5975
3
12VDC Power Supply with locking
connector and plug kit
5972
4
Antenna, Omni Broadband, 2.4GHz,
4dBi
5980
5
Multiverse Locking Barrel Connector
Lead, 6”
5970
1.
2.
4.
3.
½” hole for
standard
C-clamp
Strain Relief
Point (for
zip tie)
5.

Page 11 of 14
USB Port
Mode
Current SHoW ID
or Universe
Clickable Buttons:
Menu, Up Arrow,
Down Arrow, Enter
Part Number
Signal Quality
(bars)
*Locking DC Jack,
5.5mm x 2.1mm
barrel, center
positive,12.1mm
mating depth*
Face Panel
Receiver Mode: Transmitter Mode:
*Note: This power supply connector is not compatible with SHoW Baby.
Figure 2: Face Panel
Antenna
(folded forward)
DMX out
DMX in
DMX out

Page 12 of 14
Mounting
Figure 3: Pipe Mount

Page 13 of 14
Table 6: SHoW DMX Neo SHoW IDs for Use with the 2.4GHz Radio in Single Universe Systems
SHoW ID
Mode
Hopping
Pattern
Bandwidth
101
Neo
1
Full
102
Neo
2
Full
103
Neo
3
Full
104
Neo
4
Full
105
Neo
5
Full
106
Neo
6
Full
107
Neo
7
Full
108
Neo
8
Full
109
Neo
9
Full
110
Neo
10
Full
111
Neo
11
Full
112
Neo
12
Full
113
Neo
13
Full
114
Neo
14
Full
115
Neo
15
Full
116
Neo
16
Full
SHoW ID
Mode
Hopping Pattern
Bandwidth
117
Neo
1
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
118
Neo
2
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
119
Neo
3
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
120
Neo
4
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
121
Neo
5
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
122
Neo
6
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
123
Neo
7
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
124
Neo
8
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
125
Neo
9
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
126
Neo
10
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
127
Neo
11
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
128
Neo
12
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
129
Neo
13
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
130
Neo
14
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
131
Neo
15
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6
132
Neo
16
Limited Low, Wi-Fi 1-6

Page 14 of 14
SHoW ID
Mode
Hopping Pattern
Bandwidth
133
Neo
1
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
134
Neo
2
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
135
Neo
3
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
136
Neo
4
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
137
Neo
5
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
138
Neo
6
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
139
Neo
7
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
140
Neo
8
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
141
Neo
9
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
142
Neo
10
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
143
Neo
11
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
144
Neo
12
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
145
Neo
13
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
146
Neo
14
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
147
Neo
15
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
148
Neo
16
Limited Mid, Wi-Fi 5-9
SHoW ID
Mode
Hopping Pattern
Bandwidth
149
Neo
1
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
150
Neo
2
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
151
Neo
3
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
152
Neo
4
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
153
Neo
5
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
154
Neo
6
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
155
Neo
7
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
156
Neo
8
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
157
Neo
9
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
158
Neo
10
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
159
Neo
11
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
160
Neo
12
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
161
Neo
13
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
162
Neo
14
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
163
Neo
15
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
164
Neo
16
Limited High, Wi-Fi 7-11
165
Neo
1
Max, Wi-Fi 13-14
166
Neo
2
Max, Wi-Fi 13-14
SHoW ID
Mode
Universe
Bandwidth
201
Neo Adaptive
A
Full
202
Neo Adaptive
B
Full
203
Neo Adaptive
C
Full
204
Neo Adaptive
D
Full