GENLED Acolyte DiGidot CTRLPIXELTRKITSP User manual

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PXLNET TRANSCEIVER MANUAL
CTRLPIXELTRKITSP, CTRLPIXELTRKITST, CTRLPIXELTRKITRJ
RoHS SPI DMX IP00
REV. 22SEP2023

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THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ACOLYTE AND DIGIDOT!
Acolyte and DiGidot offer powerful products and solutions to control LED pixels. C4
controllers are the heart of our control system, offering great exibility and simple
infrastructures. To benet from all our system advantages, we offer innovative accessories
like range extending equipment like the PxLNet Transceiver.
These products allow you to send PxLNet, which is a high speed, long-range SPI protocol.
Install C4 controllers in a central place for easy access and maintenance while drastically
reducing the amount of hardware required.
Have fun creating mesmerizing lighting installations!
The Acolyte and DiGidot teams

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INDEX
Introduction 4
Contents 4
PxLNet Transceiver Features 4
Technical Drawings 5
Product Description 5
Technical Specications 6
Before Installation 7
Mounting Options 8
Installation & Wiring 9
Solder Instructions 10
Power Supply 10
Operating Modes 10
Wiring Schemes 11
Propagation Delay 15
Auxiliary Breakout 15
Tips & Troubleshooting 16
General Information 16
Compliances 17

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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
PXLNET TRANSCEIVER 2 FEATURES
SPI protocols are sensitive to data distortion and often only work reliably over cable of up to
6.5 ft (2 m) between the controller and the rst SPI IC/LED. The PxLNet Transceiver is a small
module that can be used as a receiver or transmitter to extend the range of an SPI signal. The
PxLNet Transceiver converts PxLNet, which is sent from a PxLNet Transmitter or Transceiver
in transmit mode, based on the original SPI protocol that is sent from an SPI controller. A
PxLNet Transmitter or Transceiver converts sensitive SPI protocols to PxLNet, which can cover
up to 820 ft (250 m). Any SPI protocol can be received or transmitted by this module. Connect
the same number of universes as the connected SPI controller can send per port. Installation
is easy thanks to the simple solder pads. The output side can be soldered directly to most
industry standard SPI controlled LED ribbons. When this module is connected to the end of an
LED ribbon or pixel-controlled product, it can be used as a transmitter when the Tx/Rx jumper
is removed. In transmit mode, a PxLNet Transceiver can also be connected to a C4 controller
output port to convert the SPI signal to PxLNet. The PxLNet Transceiver can also be used to
convert a DMX signal from a C4 controller or a PxLNet Transmitter to DMX TTL.
NOTE: We take great care with our products and have a standard of quality control, but we advise you to double-check for
missing or damaged items. In case of any missing or damaged items, please contact your supplier immediately. Never use
damaged products!
• PxLNet Transceiver module (PCB only, quantity depends on the order)
• Header jumper (pre-installed)
• Optional: 3-way screw terminal(s) (if ordered separately)
• Flexible operating voltage from 5 to 48 VDC
• RJ45 bus for PxLNet in/out
• Solder pads for input/output signals
• Status LED indicators for power and incoming data
• Auxiliary network cable breakout solder pads
• Selectable operating mode (Receiver/Transmitter) by header jumper
• Overvoltage protection
• Reverse polarity protection
• Data, VCC and GND input and output connections on both sides

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TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1.71 in.
(45.3 mm)
0.55 in.
(14 mm)
0.59 in.
(15 mm)
1. Power (VCC / DC + / 5-24V)
2. BUS I/O (Data Out/In)
3. Power (GND / DC -)
4. RJ45 BUS (Data Input)
5. Jumper (Tx / Rx mode)
6. White LED Power Indicator
7. Blue LED Power Indicator
Top Bottom
8. GND / DC -
9. Data OUT / IN
10. VCC / DC + / 5-24V
11. PxLNet Data IN / OUT +
12. PxLNet Data IN / OUT -
13. PxLNet GND
Pin 1: PxLNet Data + In
Pin 2: PxLNet Data - In
Pin 3: --
Pin 4: --
Pin 5: --
Pin 6: --
Pin 7: PxLNet GND
Pin 8: PxLNet GND / DC -

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical
Input Voltage: 5-24VDC
Max. power consumption: 1 W
Inrush current: Max. 200 mA @ Ta 20°C
RMS current Rx mode: 5VDC: 11.5 mA
24VDC: 2.7 mA
RMS current Tx mode: 5VDC: 81 mA
12VDC: 31.5 mA
24VDC: 16.6 mA
Mechanical
Dimensions: 1.71 x 0.59 x 0.55 in. | 43.5 x 15 x 14 mm (L x W x H)
Net weight: 0.11 oz (6 g)
Environmental
Ambient Temp. (Ta) in operation: -4°F - 113°F (-20°C - 45°C)
Storage temperature: -4 to 122°F (-20 to 50°C)
Max. operating relative humidity: 90% (indoor use only)
Protection
IP rating: IP00 (unprotected, indoor use only)
Voltage input: Overvoltage protection (max. 48 VDC)
Connectivity
Solder pad wiring: 20-24 AWG (0.3-0.5 mm2)
Terminal wiring power: 14 AWG (Max. 2.5 mm2)
Terminal wiring data: Recommended: 20-24 AWG (Max. 2.5 mm2)
Quality
Warranty: 1 year factory warranty
Compliances: CE, RoHS, all components are UL pending
Certication: ETL certication pending
Applied standards: EN60950-1:2006 +A11:2009 + A1:2010 + A12:2011 +
A2:2013, IEC60950-1 / EN60950-1, EN61006-6-3, EN55032
HS Code: 85176990

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BEFORE INSTALLATION
Before installing our products it’s important to note the following safety and installation
instructions.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Before installation and use of this product, read this manual carefully.
• Make sure these instructions are given to those responsible for installation, use and
maintenance of this product.
• Local electrical and safety rules and guidelines always overrule this manual.
• Acolyte and DiGidot Technologies B.V. cannot be held liable for improper handling,
product installation, usage or storage.
• Installation should only be done by a professional certied installer who is qualied to
work on electrical installations.
• Do not conduct any repairs of the device (there are no user serviceable parts inside).
Any unapproved repairs and/or product modications will void product warranty.
Acolyte and DiGidot Technologies B.V. cannot be held liable for any consequences.
• Repairs of this product may only be carried out by DiGidot Technologies B.V.
• Repairs and maintenance of the installation may only be carried out by qualied
technicians.
• Always disconnect the mains power when working on a high voltage electric installation.
Failure to do so may result in product damage or personal injury.
• Do not connect or modify this product other than as described in this manual.
• Never use a product that is visibly damaged or does not work correctly. Never use a
product if it starts to smoke or if a crackling/sizzling noise is audible. If this is the case,
disconnect the power to the device and contact Acolyte immediately.
• This is a low voltage device. The working voltage is 5-24 VDC.
• The only way to power off this product is to disconnect it from the power source.
• The product is designed for indoor use (dry locations) only. Exposure to rain or moisture
may cause fatal damage.
WARNING! TAKE ESD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!
When working with PCB modules such as this product, you must work according to ESD
guidelines and undertake all necessary ESD safety precautions to minimize the risk of ESD-
inicted product damage.

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MOUNTING OPTIONS
We recommend placing this product in a protected enclosure such as an electrical junction
box. Double-sided (foam) tape or acid-free, non-conductive and non-corrosive glue/
adhesives can be used on the underside of this product to hold it in place. Please be careful
when applying pressure. Small components can come off when applying excessive force.
To prevent malfunction or damage, ensure that none of the conductive parts, including
the header pins on the underside, make any contact with conducting surfaces or materials.
When using heat shrink, please cover the entire module. Be careful when applying heat,
especially with heat guns. When this product is overheated, components and soldering may
come loose, resulting in fatal damage.
WARNING!
• This product should not be subjected to higher temperatures than indicated in the
specication range (risk of fatal damage)!
• Keep this product away from direct sunlight, rain or other moisture (short-circuit risk).
• Do not use this product outdoors or in humid environments (short-circuit risk).
TIP: It’s safe to cover this product with appropriate electronic protection resin to improve the IP rating. Another option to improve
the IP rating is to use a conformal coating spray for electronics after all wires have been connected/soldered.

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NOTE: Keep wires between the output and LED product within 6.5 ft (2m) in length. The ground output wire from the PxLNet
Transceiver must be equal in length to the Data wire. Don’t use wire gauges bigger than 24 AWG (0.5 mm2) for the data signal.
There are several ways to connect and integrate the PxLnet Transceiver module. Use the
RJ45 bus on the PxLNet input/output side or solder PxLNet signal wires to the underside
of the product. Please refer to the wiring schemes in this manual.
PXLNET DATA IN/OUT
There are two ways to connect the PxLNet data:
1. Use the RJ45 bus to connect a Cat-5E network cable or better.
2. Solder a DMX cable (110Ω impedance STP) or Cat-5E (or better) to the D+, D- and GND
solder pads [11][12][13] on the underside of the PCB.
If you’ve ordered an additional screw terminal for the PxLNet Transmitter, you can solder
the 3- way terminal to the output by placing the terminal on the top side of the PCB. Insert
the 3 pins in the solder pad holes and make sure that the wire openings face outwards.
Solder the pins on the underside. The screw terminal allows you to insert the wires of your
LED lighting product with wire gauges up to max. 14 AWG (2.5 mm2).
INSTALLATION & WIRING
NOTE: Keep wires between the output and LED product within 6.5 ft (2m) in length. The ground output wire from the PxLNet
Transceiver must be equal in length to the Data wire. Don’t use wire gauges bigger than 24 AWG (0.5 mm2) for the data signal.
DATA IN/OUT & POWER IN
There are two ways to connect the SPI data:
1. Solder this module directly to the solder pads of a pixel-controlled LED ribbon that has
a matching solder pad layout. Most industry standard SPI (Data only) controlled LED
ribbons will match the solder pads of the PxLNet Transceiver.
2. Solder wires with a wire gauge of 20-24 AWG (0.3-0.5 mm2) to solder pads [1][2][3]
on the upper side or to [10][11][12] on the underside of the PCB.
If you’ve ordered an additional screw terminal for the PxLNet Transmitter, you can solder
the 3- way terminal to the output by placing the terminal on the top side of the PCB. Insert
the 3 pins in the solder pad holes and make sure that the wire openings face outwards.
Solder the pins on the underside. The screw terminal allows you to insert the wires of your
LED lighting product with wire gauges up to max. 14 AWG (2.5 mm2).

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Soldering of this product should be carried out carefully by a trained and certied electronics
professional.
• Please pre-solder all wires.
• Max. soldering temperature: 752°F (400°C) for max. 3 seconds.
• Use RoHS compliant lead-free solder wire.
WARNING! TAKE ESD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!
This product is ESD sensitive. Work in an ESD safe environment and take all necessary ESD
protective precautions before installing and soldering this product to minimize the risk of ESD
inicted product damage.
To power this product, the DC+ and GND must be connected to a SELV rated power supply
that provides appropriate power at the required supply voltage. Before applying power, make
sure that the outputs are wired and soldered correctly to avoid short circuits.
WARNING! Applying AC power and/or higher voltages can cause fatal damage to this product.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to equalize the ground potentials. Always connect grounds (DC-)
of the C4 controller and the power supply connected to each product that is controlled by
a single C4 controller. The ground connection between a PxLNet Transmitter and a PxLNet
Transceiver or multiple Transceivers are automatically established when using the RJ45 bus
with a network cable in between.
SOLDER INSTRUCTIONS
POWER SUPPLY
OPERATING MODES (Rx/Tx)
RECEIVER MODE (Rx)
The default operating mode of the PxLNet Transceiver is Receive mode (Rx). Please make
sure that the Rx/Tx jumper [5] is installed. The PxLNet data is received, converted to the
original protocol and outputted on the Data out side.
TRANSMIT MODE (Tx)
In order to use the PxLNet Transceiver as a single channel transmitter, connect the D
(solder pad [2] or [9] as indicated on page 5) to the incoming SPI Data signal. Remove the
Tx/Rx jumper [5] as indicated, to activate transmit (Tx) mode.
Connect a network cable to the RJ45 bus and connect it to the next PxLNet Transceiver in
receiving mode (Rx). Instead of connecting a network cable to the RJ45 bus, a cable can
also be soldered to solder pads [11][12][13] on the underside (as indicated on page 5). The
distance between two PxLNet Transmitters is max. 820 ft (250 m).