Harman Martin VC-Strip 90357290 User manual

VC-Strip™
User Manual

Dimensions
All measurements are expressed in millimeters
399
20
28
VC-Strip 16x1 25
20
199
28
VC-Strip 8x1 25
© 2012-13 Martin Professional A/S. Information subject to change without notice. Martin Professional A/S and all affiliated companies
disclaim liability for any injury, damage, direct or indirect loss, consequential or economic loss or any other loss occasioned by the
use of, inability to use or reliance on the information contained in this document. The Martin logo, the Martin name and all other trade-
marks in this document pertaining to services or products by Martin Professional A/S or its affiliates and subsidiaries are trademarks
owned or licensed by Martin Professional A/S or its affiliates or subsidiaries.
P/N 35000267, Rev. C

Contents
Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Electrostatic discharge precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
VC-Strip™ overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Physical installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mounting frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Shortening 16x1 modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
System installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing a P3 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing a DMX-controlled system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting additional devices to a VC-Strip chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
System setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting up for P3 display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting up for DMX control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting up shortened modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using the VC-Strip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
P3 display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
DMX control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Local control button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Service and maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Installing new software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4 VC-Strip Safety and Installation Guide
Safety Information
The following symbols are used to identify important safety information on the product and in this document:
Warning! Read this user manual before installing and operating the Martin VC-Strip™ and keep this
manual for future reference.
Warning! The VC-Strip is designed to integrate with other Martin™ devices in a video display
installation. Follow the safety precautions given not only in this user manual but also in the manuals
of all the devices you connect to it. Observe all warnings given in the manuals and printed on
devices. Install, connect and operate devices only as described in this manual and each device’s
manual and only in accordance with local laws and regulations. All Martin™ manuals are supplied
with devices and also available for download from www.martin.com.
Warning! The VC-Strip is not for household use. It presents risks of severe injury or death due to fire
and burn hazards, electric shock and falls. It must be installed by qualified technicians only.
Warning! The VC-Strip does not have user-serviceable parts. Refer any operation not described in
this manual to Martin™ or its authorized service agents.
Important! The VC-Strip is not designed to allow hot-plugging. Shut down power and data before
connecting or disconnecting modules.
If you have any questions about how to operate the VC-Strip safely, please contact your Martin™ supplier or
call the Martin™ 24-hour service hotline on [phone], or in the USA on 1-888-tech-180.
PROTECTION FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK
• Connect the VC-Strip only to the Martin™ devices specified and installed as directed in this user manual.
• Check and respect the directions given in the user manuals of all the devices that you intend to connect to
the VC-Strip, particularly the instructions, warnings and limits that apply to:
- system layout,
- connections to other devices,
- specified cables,
- maximum cable lengths, and
- maximum number of devices that can be connected.
• Use only the cables specified by Martin™ for the devices concerned to interconnect them. If the specified
cables are not long enough for an intended cable run, consult Martin™ for assistance in finding or
creating a safe alternative cable
WARNING!
Read the safety precautions in this section before
installing, powering, operating or servicing this
product.
Warning!
Safety hazard.
Risk of severe
injury or
death.
Warning!
Hazardous
voltage. Risk
of severe or
lethal electric
shock.
Warning!
Fire hazard.
Warning!
Refer to
manual before
installing,
powering or
servicing.

Safety Information 5
• Do not allow the total length of the cables used in a linked chain of VC-Strip modules to exceed 50 m
(164 ft.) from the 48 VDC power source (Martin P3 PowerPort 1500™, Martin Tripix Power IP66™ or other
external PSU) to the last VC-Strip at the end of the chain.
• Respect the following safety limits:
- If you supply VC-Strip modules with DC power from an output on a Martin P3 PowerPort 1500™, do
not connect more than one linked chain of VC-Strips to one DC power output, and respect the limits
given in Table 1 below.
- If you supply VC-Strip modules with DC power from a Martin Tripix Power IP66™, do not connect
more than one linked chain of VC-Strips to the DC power output, and respect the limits given in Table 1
below.
- If you supply VC-Strip modules with DC power from a generic 48 VDC external PSU (power supply
unit), do not create a linked chain of modules that will exceed the maximum power rating of the output
used to supply that chain with power. Allow 8 W per module in a chain of VC-Strip 16x1 modules and
4 W per module in a chain of VC-Strip 8x1 modules. Each time you reach (a) 45 VC-Strip 16 modules
or 60 VC-Strip 8 modules, or (b) the PSU output’s maximum power rating, whichever you reach first –
you must create a new chain of modules that is connected to a new 48 VDC power output.
• If you supply a chain of VC-Strip modules with DC power from a generic 48 VDC external PSU and the
DC output used does not have constant overcurrent protection that limits current to 8 A, install an inline
fuseholder with a 7.5 A or 8 A fuse on the circuit that you connect to that DC output.
• Provide a means of locking out AC mains power that allows power to the installation to be shut down and
made impossible to reapply, even accidentally, during work on the installation.
• Shut down power to the installation during service and when it is not in use.
• Before applying power to the installation, check that all power distribution equipment and cables are in
perfect condition and rated for the current requirements of all connected devices.
• Isolate the installation from power immediately if any product, power cable or power plug is in any way
damaged, defective or wet, or if it shows signs of overheating.
• Do not expose the VC-Strip to rain or moisture.
PROTECTION FROM BURNS AND FIRE
• Provide free airflow and a minimum clearance of 10 mm (0.4 in.) around the front of the VC-Strip.
• Do not operate the VC-Strip if the ambient temperature (Ta) exceeds 45° C (113° F).
• Do not modify the VC-Strip in any way not described in this manual or install other than genuine Martin™
parts. Use only accessories approved by Martin™.
PROTECTION FROM INJURY
• When installing the VC-Strip above ground level, ensure that the installation hardware and supporting
structure can hold at least 10 times the weight of all the devices they support.
• In an overhead installation or where the VC-Strip may cause injury if it falls:
- block access below the work area and work from a stable platform whenever installing, servicing or
moving the VC-Strip, and
- as soon as work is completed, check that all hardware and components are securely in place and
fastened to supporting structures.
DC Power source for chain Maximum number of
VC-Strip 16x1 modules
Maximum number of
VC-Strip 8x1 modules
P3 PowerPort 1500™ 45 60
Tr i p i x Po w e r I P 6 6 ™ 3 0 6 0
Generic 48 VDC external PSU
Allow 8 W per module. Do
not exceed PSU’s max.
power rating. Do not
exceed 45 modules. See
details above.
Allow 4 W per module. Do
not exceed PSU’s max.
power rating. Do not
exceed 60 modules. See
details above.
Table 1: Maximum permitted number of VC-Strip modules in one chain

6 VC-Strip Safety and Installation Guide
Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Martin VC-Strip™. This compact LED-based display module is designed to
integrate into a Martin P3™ video system to display video from a variety of sources, and it can also be
controlled using DMX. Use of an RDM-compliant DMX controller such as the Martin M1™ or M-PC™ allows
two-way communication and remote management of VC-Strip modules from the controller.
The VC-Strip combines flexibility and simplicity with high-quality video display capabilities. Used with or
without a front diffuser, multiple VC-Strips can be combined in ways that give exceptional creative flexibility.
A hybrid power and data cabling system allows VC-Strips to be daisy-chained for easy setup and minimal
cabling.
The VC-Strip is an array of LEDs arranged in a line on a rigid module. It offers the following features:
• 25 mm pixel pitch (center-to-center LED distance)
• Individually controllable pixels
• 4000 nits brightness (calibrated mode)
• High-quality 16-bit per color image processing technology
• Pixel-level brightness and color calibration for optimal image quality
• P3 and DMX control with automatic protocol detection
• Intuitive pixel mapping and addressing using a Martin P3™ system controller
• Single hybrid cable for power and data input and throughput
• External power and data processor (Martin P3 PowerPort 1500™) and simple cabling system
The VC-Strip is available in eight models. Two lengths are available:
• VC-Strip 16x1 25™ with 16 LEDs per module
• VC-Strip 8x1 25™ with 8 LEDs per module
and each length is available in RGB, warm white (WW), medium white (MW) and cool white (CW) models.
Martin™ user documentation is supplied with products and available for download from the Martin™
website at http://www.martin.com, where you can also find the latest specifications, firmware updates and
support information for all Martin™ products.
Martin™ welcomes input from users. Comments or suggestions regarding this manual can be e-mailed to
[e-mail] or posted to: Technical Documentation, Martin Professional A/S, Olof Palmes Allé 18,
DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
Electrostatic discharge precautions
Important! Components on the VC-Strip are sensitive to damage by ESD (electrostatic discharge).
Take the following precautions:
• Store the VC-Strip only in its ESD shielding bag and do not remove it until you are ready to install
it, and return it to its ESD shielding bag immediately if you remove it from an installation. Place it
on grounded (earthed) surfaces only.
• Hold the VC-Strip only by its edges. Avoid touching conductive surfaces. Avoid touching
components apart from the connectors and the control button. Avoid touching connector pins.
• Attach an ESD wrist strap to your wrist and connect its ground (earth) lead to a known ground
(earth) before handling the VC-Strip.
Unpacking
The VC-Strip is supplied in anti-static packaging. Leave products in their packaging until you are ready to
install them.

VC-Strip™ overview 7
VC-Strip™ overview
Figure 1: Overview
C
B
A
A - Control button
B - 48 VDC power + data throughput (THRU)
C - 48 VDC power + data input (IN)
D - Module cutting points (VC-Strip 16x1 25™ only)
D
D
D
D
VC-Strip 16x1 25 illustrated

8 VC-Strip Safety and Installation Guide
Physical installation
The VC-Strip can be installed in any orientation. The most evenly matched optical characteristics when
viewing an installation from the side at an angle are obtained when all VC-Strip modules are oriented
horizontally, but unevenness will hardly be noticeable in vertical strips, and then only when viewed from the
side.
The backs of modules are marked with arrows and the word TOP. Install all modules with the arrows facing
the same way. When installing horizontally, install all modules with the arrows pointing upwards and the
TOP marking at the upper edge of the modules.
Allow free airflow around the product and at least 10 mm (0.4 in.) of clearance around the LEDs on the front
surface.
To maintain 25 mm pixel spacing across multiple VC-Strip modules so that they form a seamless display
surface, install them with a 1 mm (0.04 in.) gap between ends and 5 mm (0.2 in.) gap between sides of
modules.
See Figure 2. The VC-Strip can be fastened to a surface or structure by installing pillar bolts using any two
of the mounting holes (arrowed).
Important! Read ”Electrostatic discharge precautions” on page 6 before installing the
VC-Strip.
Mounting frames
Mounting frames for the VC-Strip that simplify the
installation process are available from Martin™.
See www.martin.com for details.
Figure 2: Mounting holes
Figure 3. Martin™ Mounting Frames

Physical installation 9
Shortening 16x1 modules
It is possible to shorten a VC-Strip 16x1 module by cutting it at one of four possible cutting points (see Din
Figure 1), leaving the module with 8, 10, 12 or 14 LEDs. Modules shortened in this way will communicate
their length when they identify themselves to a P3 or RDM controller.
To cut a VC-Strip 16x1 module:
1. Ensure that the VC-Strip is isolated from
power and data.
2. Read “Electrostatic discharge
precautions” on page 6. Do not damage
components or printed circuits.
3. See Figure 4. Using a small rotary
cutting tool (Dremel or similar) with a
fine-tooth cutting wheel, cut the
VC-Strip along the dotted line at a
cutting point.
4. The end of the VC-Strip without
connectors cannot be re-used. Send it
for electronic waste recycling.
5. Clean up the cut edge with fine-grit sandpaper.
VC-Strip 8x1 modules cannot be shortened.
If you mix full-length and shortened modules in a chain, do not exceed the maximum limit of 45
interconnected 16x1 VC-Strip modules. However, if you create a chain of VC-Strip 16x1 modules in which
ALL the modules in the chain have been shortened, you can increase the maximum permitted number of
modules slightly from the limit of 45 for standard 16x1 modules. The new limits are shown in Table 2:
Warning! Table 2 gives the absolute maximum limit for the number of VC-Strip modules that can be
linked in a chain and connected to one output of a Martin PowerPort 1500. Lower limits may apply if
the chain of VC-Strip modules is connected to an external PSU:
• If the Martin Tripix Power IP66™ is used, a maximum of 30 VC-Strip 16x1 modules can be
connected in a chain.
• If any other type of external PSU is used, the total power consumption of the VC-Strip 16x1
modules in the chain – allowing 8 W per module – must not exceed the PSU’s DC power output
rating.
See the sections on DMX-controlled installations later in this manual for full details.
Number of LEDs on all the VC-Strip
modules in the chain
Maximum number of modules in the chain
provided that the PSU’s DC power output
rating is not exceeded
16 (full-length) 45
14 50
12 57
10 60
860
Table 2: Maximum length of VC-Strip chains
Figure 4: Cutting a VC-Strip

10 VC-Strip Safety and Installation Guide
System installation
Warning! Read “Safety Information” on page 4 of this manual carefully before installing a VC-Strip™
system.
Warning! Connect the VC-Strip™ only to the devices and using only the Martin™ cables specified in
this manual.
Warning! Do not exceed the maximum numbers of devices that can be connected and maximum
cable lengths specified in this manual and the manuals of the other devices in the system.
Important! The VC-Strip is not designed to allow hot-plugging. Shut down power and data before
connecting or disconnecting modules.
The VC-Strip is designed to display either Martin P3™ video or DMX-controlled lighting effects. It
automatically recognizes and responds to either a Martin P3™ or a DMX data signal. The next sections
explain how to create a VC-Strip installation to display P3 video data or DMX-controlled lighting effects.
Installing a P3 system
See Figure 6 for an overview of the elements and layout of a Martin P3™ video display system.
To install a system that displays P3 video on VC-Strips, see the overview in Figure 6 and follow these
directions:
1. Make sure that no devices in the installation can be connected to AC mains power until all installation
work is complete.
2. Read “Safety Information” on page 4 and ”Electrostatic discharge precautions” on page 6.
3. Connect VC-Strip modules together in chains using Martin™ hybrid PCB-to-PCB cables (see ”VC-Strip
to VC-Strip link cables” on page 28). Connect each cable from the THRU connector of one VC-Strip to
the IN connector of the next VC-Strip to create the chain.
Warning! Each chain that is connected to a Martin P3 PowerPort 1500™ may contain up to a maximum
of forty-five (45) VC-Strip 16x1 modules or sixty (60) VC-Strip 8x1 modules.
4. Connect each chain of VC-Strips to one of the four 4-pin female XLR hybrid (48 VDC power + P3 data)
outputs on a P3 PowerPort 1500™ using a Martin™ hybrid 4-pin male XLR to PCB adapter cable, P/N
11840158 (see Figure 5).
5. If necessary, extend the cable by connecting a Martin™ 4-pin XLR hybrid extension cable to the
Hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable so that you can run the hybrid link to the P3 PowerPort 1500. Suitable
extension cables are available from Martin™ in various lengths. See ”Extension cables” on page 28.
6. Create a P3 video data link from a Martin P3™ system controller such as the P3-100™, P3-200™ or P3
PC™ to the P3 PowerPort 1500™ (see the products’ user manuals for details).
7. If required, continue the P3 video data link in a daisy-chain by connecting the P3 data throughput of one
P3 PowerPort 1500™ to the P3 data input of the next, as described in the P3 PowerPort 1500™ user
manual. You can connect up to fifty P3 PowerPort 1500s in a P3 data daisy-chain like this. If you need to
Figure 5: Power and P3 video data input
4-pin male XLR PCB connector
Hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable, P/N 11840158
Insert 4-pin XLR hybrid
extension cable here if you
need to extend the hybrid cable
run
DC power and
data from P3
PowerPort 1500
DC power and
data to VC-Strip
chain

System installation 11
connect more than fifty, use an unmanaged Ethernet switch to split the P3 data link into branches, each
containing less than fifty P3 PowerPort 1500s.
8. Connect the P3 PowerPort 1500™ to AC mains power at 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz as described in its user
manual.
9. connect the P3 system controller to AC mains power and power the controller on.
You can now configure the system at the P3 controller. See”System setup” on page 18.
Max. 45 VC-Strip 16x1 modules
or 60 VC-Strip 8x1 modules total per chain
Max. 4 chains per
P3 PowerPort 1500
AC mains
power
P3 System Controller
P3 PowerPort
1500
P3 PowerPort
1500
AC mains
power
AC mains power
P3 video data link (Ethernet cable)
Hybrid (DC power and data) link
Figure 6: P3 system layout
Hybrid-to-PCB
adapter cable
Hybrid PCB-
to-PCB cable
Hybrid PCB-
to-PCB cable

12 VC-Strip Safety and Installation Guide
Installing a DMX-controlled system
In a DMX-controlled system, an RDM-compliant DMX lighting controller sends a DMX control data signal
over a DMX link to the installation, and then over the hybrid link to the VC-Strips.
The DMX link requires DMX cable. It can be maximum 300 m (1000 ft.) in length and must run in one single
daisy-chain, but it can be extended or split into branches using an RDM-compliant amplifier/splitter such as
the Martin RDM 5.5 Splitter™ (P/N 90758150). Alternatively, you can run the DMX signal from the controller
over Ethernet cable using Art-Net protocol and convert it to a DMX-compliant signal with a Martin
Ether2DMX8™ DMX router (P/N 90758130).
If you would like assistance with creating a DMX link, your Martin™ supplier will be glad to advise.
The number of VC-Strips that you can control on one DMX link is limited by the number of DMX channels
the VC-Strips will use and the 512 DMX channels available in one DMX universe at the DMX controller.
Each time you have used 512 channels, you must create a new DMX link that is connected to a new DMX
universe on the controller. Note that this limit applies to the DMX link. The maximum safety limits that apply
to the hybrid link (see “Safety Information” on page 4) take priority and must be respected in all cases.
DC Power options in DMX installations
A DMX-controlled VC-Strip installation can be supplied with DC power from the Martin Tripix Power IP66™
external PSU or from a generic external PSU (the Mean Well SP-480 48, for example).
The hardware and cables required are slightly different depending on which type of PSU you use to supply
the installation with DC power. The two different types of installation are covered in the next two sections:
• If you are using a Martin Tripix Power IP66™ PSU, see ”Installing a DMX system using the Tripix
Power IP66™” on page 13.
• If you are using a generic 48 VDC PSU, see ”Installing a DMX system using a generic external 48
VDC PSU” on page 15.

System installation 13
Installing a DMX system using the Tripix Power IP66™
Hybrid
DMX/RDM Controller 48 VDC power
DMX link (DMX cable)
Hybrid (DC power and data) link
Figure 7: DMX-controlled system using the Tripix Power IP66 PSU
lead-in cable,
DMX/RDM Splitter (if used)
Hybrid-to-PCB
adapter cable
Hybrid extension
cable
(if needed)
Hybrid extension
cable
(if needed)
Hybrid PCB-
to-PCB cable
Hybrid PCB-
to-PCB cable
Max. 30 VC-Strip 16x1 25s
or 60 VC-Strip 8x1 25s per chain
Hybrid-to-PCB
adapter cable
Hybrid PCB-
to-PCB cable
Hybrid PCB-
to-PCB cable
Tripix Power IP66
Tripix Power IP66
Hybrid
lead-in cable,
Tripix Power IP66
Max. 30 VC-Strip 16x1 25s
or 60 VC-Strip 8x1 25s per chain
Tripix Power IP66 Tripix Power IP66

14 VC-Strip Safety and Installation Guide
To create a DMX-controlled installation that draws DC power from the Martin Tripix Power IP66:
1. See Figure 7 on page 13 for an overview of this type of installation
2. Make sure that no devices in the installation can be connected to AC mains power until all installation
work is complete.
3. Read “Safety Information” on page 4 and ”Electrostatic discharge precautions” on page 6.
4. Connect VC-Strips together in daisy-chains using Martin™ hybrid PCB-to-PCB cables (see ”VC-Strip to
VC-Strip link cables” on page 28). Connect each cable from the THRU connector on one VC-Strip to the
IN connector on the next VC-Strip.
Warning! Do not exceed the maximum permitted number of thirty (30) VC-Strip 16x1 modules or sixty
(60) VC-Strip 8x1 modules per chain connected to a Tripix Power IP66.
5. See Figure 8. Connect a Martin™ hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable (P/N 11840158) to the first VC-Strip of
each chain.
6. If necessary, you can extend the hybrid link by connecting a Martin™ 4-pin XLR hybrid extension cable
to the Hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable. Suitable extension cables are available from Martin™ in various
lengths. See ”Extension cables” on page 28.
7. See Figure 8. Connect the DC power input connector of a Martin™ Tripix Power IP66 hybrid lead-in
cable (P/N 11840194) to the DC output on the Tripix Power IP66.
8. Connect the 4-pin female XLR connector on the hybrid lead-in cable to the 4-pin male connector on the
hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable (or on the hybrid extension cable, if you have extended the hybrid link).
9. Connect the 5-pin male XLR connector on the hybrid lead-in cable to a DMX link that carries a DMX
signal from an RDM-compliant DMX controller such as the Martin M1™ or M-PC™.
10. Install a mains power cable on the Tripix Power IP66 and connect it to AC mains power.
11. Apply AC mains power to the DMX controller.
You can now configure the system. See ”System setup”on page 18.
Figure 8: Tripix Power IP66 and DMX connections to a VC-Strip chain
DC power input from
To VC-Strip
Hybrid lead-in cable, Tripix Power IP66, P/N 11840194
chain
5-pin male XLR 4-pin female XLR 4-pin male XLR PCB connector
Hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable, P/N 11840158
Martin Tripix Power IP66 PSU
DMX from DMX/RDM
controller
Insert 4-pin XLR hybrid
extension cable here if you
need to extend the cable run

System installation 15
Installing a DMX system using a generic external 48 VDC PSU
Hybrid DC
DMX/RDM Controller 48 VDC power
DMX link (DMX cable)
Hybrid (DC power and data) link
Figure 9: DMX-controlled system using a generic PSU
lead-in cable
DMX/RDM Splitter (if used)
Hybrid DC
Hybrid-to-PCB
adapter cable
lead-in cable
Hybrid extension
cable
(if needed)
Hybrid extension
cable
(if needed)
Hybrid PCB-
to-PCB cable
Hybrid PCB-
to-PCB cable
See text for maximum number of
of VC-Strips per hybrid link
See text for maximum number of
of VC-Strips per hybrid link
Hybrid-to-PCB
adapter cable
Hybrid PCB-
to-PCB cable
Hybrid PCB-
to-PCB cable
External PSU
Inline fuse
required if PSU
does not have
8 A overcurrent
protection
External PSU
Inline fuse
required if PSU
does not have
8 A overcurrent
protection

16 VC-Strip Safety and Installation Guide
To create a DMX-controlled installation that draws DC power from a generic PSU:
1. See Figure 9 on page 15 for an overview of this type of installation.
2. Make sure that no devices in the installation can be connected to AC mains power until all installation
work is complete.
3. Read “Safety Information” on page 4 and ”Electrostatic discharge precautions” on page 6.
4. Connect VC-Strips together in chains using Martin™ hybrid PCB-to-PCB cables (see ”VC-Strip to
VC-Strip link cables” on page 28). Connect each cable from the THRU connector on one VC-Strip to the
IN connector on the next VC-Strip.
Warning! Check the PSU’s DC output power rating. Do not connect VC-Strips in a chain that will exceed
this rating, allowing:
• 8 W per VC-Strip 16x1, and
• 4 W per VC-Strip 8x1.
Even if the PSU’s DC output power rating would be high enough, do not connect VC-Strips in a chain
that contains more than:
• Forty-five (45) VC-Strip 16x1 modules, or
• Sixty (60) VC-Strip 8x1 modules.
5. See Figure 10. Connect a Martin™ hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable (P/N 11840158) to the first VC-Strip of
each chain.
6. If necessary, you can extend the hybrid link cable run by connecting a Martin™ 4-pin XLR hybrid
extension cable to the Hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable. Suitable extension cables are available from
Martin™ in various lengths. See ”Extension cables” on page 28.
7. See Figure 10. If the PSU does not have constant overcurrent protection that will limit current to 8 A on
the DC output used, install an inline fuseholder with a 7.5 A or 8 A fuse on the white (+ve) power wire of
a Martin™ hybrid lead-in cable (P/N 11840171). A 30 amp automotive-type inline fuseholder with a 7.5 A
blade fuse can be used. Connect the power wires on the lead-in cable to a DC output on the PSU.
Connect the white wire to positive (+ve) and the black wire to negative (-ve).
8. Connect the 4-pin female XLR connector on the hybrid lead-in cable to the 4-pin male connector on the
hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable (or on the hybrid extension cable, if you have extended the hybrid link).
9. Connect the 5-pin male XLR connector on the hybrid lead-in cable to a DMX link that carries a DMX
signal from an RDM-compliant DMX controller such as the Martin M1™ or M-PC™.
10. Apply AC mains power to the external PSU.
11. Apply AC mains power to the DMX controller.
You can now configure the system. See ”System setup”on page 18.
Figure 10: Generic PSU and DMX connections to a VC-Strip chain
DC power from
white to +ve, black to -ve
To VC-Strip™
Hybrid DC lead-in cable, P/N 11840171
chain
5-pin male XLR 4-pin female XLR 4-pin male XLR PCB connector
Hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable, P/N 11840158
generic 48 VDC PSU
Insert 4-pin XLR hybrid
extension cable here if you
need to extend the cable run
Insert 7.5 A or 8 A inline
fuse here if PSU does not
have 8 A overcurrent
protection
DMX from DMX/RDM
controller

System installation 17
Connecting additional devices to a VC-Strip chain
Drawing off combined data and DC power from the end of a chain
If you want to continue the hybrid link to carry 48 VDC power and a P3 video or DMX signal from the end of
a VC-Strip chain to other devices, connect a Martin Hybrid Adapter Cable, PCB to 4-pin female XLR, P/N
11840159, to the OUT connector of the last module in the chain.
Warning! If you draw off DC power from the end of a VC-Strip chain and connect additional devices,
respect the maximum safe power rating of the power source that you use to supply all the devices
with DC power. Calculate the power consumption of the VC-Strip chain, allowing 8 W per VC-Strip
16x1 25™ module and 4 W per VC-Strip 8x1 25™ module, then add the power consumption of each
device that you add to the end of the chain. As soon as you reach 360 W – or the maximum power
rating of the device that you use to supply the chain with DC power if this rating is lower than 360 W
– you must stop adding devices and create a new chain that draws DC power from a new source.
Drawing off a DMX signal from the end of a chain
If you want to continue the DMX link to carry a DMX signal from the end of a VC-Strip chain to other devices,
connect a Martin Hybrid Adapter Cable, PCB to 4-pin female XLR, P/N 11840159, to the OUT connector of
the last module in the chain.
Then, to connect to a standard DMX link that uses 5-pin XLR connectors, add a Martin Data Out/Thru
Adapter Cable, 4-pin male XLR to 5-pin female XLR, P/N 11840203. This adapter cable relays the DMX
data signal only, it does not collect DC power at its 4-pin male XLR connector.

18 VC-Strip Safety and Installation Guide
System setup
Warning! Before applying power to the VC-Strip:
• Carefully review the safety information starting on page 4
• Check that the installation is safe and secure.
Setting up for P3 display
A Martin P3™ system allows video to be displayed on an installation that consists of or includes VC-Strip
devices. When a P3 controller is connected to the data link and the installation is powered on, you can set
up all the devices on the link from the P3 controller. See the P3 controller user manual for details.
Setting up for DMX control
A DMX system gives 0 - 100% variable intensity control. Varying the intensity of red, blue and green LEDs in
RGB products provides RGB color mixing.
You can set up and control a VC-Strip installation over the data link using an RDM-compatible DMX
controller such as the Martin M-PC™ Windows application (running on a PC connected to a USB/DMX
interface such as the Martin USB Duo™ DMX Interface) or the Martin M1™ DMX/RDM control console. The
interface on the Martin M1™ monitor screen is basically identical to the Martin M-PC™ interface.
DMX control channels
DMX controllers send control data on DMX control channels in DMX universes. One DMX universe has 512
channels available. RGB control of each individually controlled element in an installation requires three
channels, white intensity control requires one channel.
A VC-Strip installation can be controlled as groups of pixels or as individual pixels:
• A group can consist of an entire installation, any part of an installation or a single VC-Strip module. In
grouped control, all the LEDs in one group are controlled using the same DMX channels – three channels
for RGB products and one channel for WW, MW and CW products.
• If VC-Strips are set up for individual pixel control, each of the 16 LEDs on a module is controlled by its
own DMX channels.
A VC-Strip installation uses the number of DMX channels required by the group or pixel (three channels for
RGB and one channel for WW, MW or CW) multiplied by the total number of groups or pixels in the
installation. For example, an installation with fifty RGB modules will require:
• 3 DMX channels if the entire installation is controlled as one group,
• 3 channels x 10 groups = 30 DMX channels if the installation is divided into ten groups that are controlled
individually,
• 3 channels x 50 modules = 150 DMX channels if each of the fifty modules is controlled as an individual
group, and
• 3 channels x 50 modules x 16 pixels = 2400 DMX channels if each of the 800 pixels is controlled
individually (in this example, five DMX universes will be required because one DMX universe has 512
channels).
Individual and grouped control can be mixed freely in an installation. For example, some VC-Strip modules
can be set up for individual pixel control, other modules can be set up for individual module control, and
other modules can be put into groups for grouped control of multiple modules.
DMX addresses
The system must be set up so that each individually controlled group or pixel receives instructions from the
DMX controller on its own DMX channels. The DMX address, also known as the control address or start
channel, is the first of these channels. If a unit uses more than one channel, it uses the DMX address
channel and the channels immediately above it. For example, one VC-Strip RGB module controlled as one
group and set to DMX address 1 will use DMX channels 1 - 3. Channel 4 will be available for use as a DMX
address for the next device.

System setup 19
If a VC-Strip module is set to individual pixel control (see “Setting modules to grouped or pixel control
modes” on page 20), LEDs are given DMX addresses using a ‘left-to-right’ numbering system. For example,
if one VC-Strip RGB module is set to pixel control and set to DMX address 1, each of the 16 LEDs will use 3
channels, and the module will use DMX channels 1 - 48 (Channel 1 -3 for the first pixel, channels 4 - 6 for
the next pixel etc. until it reaches channels 46 - 48 for the last pixel. Channel 49 will be available for use as a
DMX address for the next device.
If a VC-Strip module is set to module control (see “Setting modules to grouped or pixel control modes” on
page 20), it can be controlled as an individual module or assigned to a group of modules. To create a group
of modules, give them the same DMX address. All modules that have the same DMX address will receive
the same instructions and behave identically.
Setting up via RDM using Martin M-PC™
Using an RDM-compliant DMX controller such as Martin M-PC™, you can communicate with the VC-Strip
modules on the DMX data link via RDM. You can:
• Retrieve data
• Set the DMX addresses of the groups or pixels on the link
• Apply various setup options.
To use Martin M-PC, connect a PC running this application to the data link using the Martin USB Duo™
USB/DMX interface box.
See Figure 11. Open the RDM View window in M-PC and click on the Scan button (arrowed bottom left) to
display a list of the RDM-compliant devices on the DMX/RDM data link (in this example, ten VC-Strip RGB
modules are present on the link, and all ten modules are set to DMX address 1).
Identifying VC-Strips in the installation
To see which VC-Strip module in this list corresponds to which VC-Strip module in the installation, click on
each VC-Strip module in the list once to select it, then click on the Identify button at the bottom of the
screen. The VC-Strip in the installation that corresponds to the selected VC-Strip in the list will flash a signal
so that you can identify it.
Figure 11: M-PC RDM View

20 VC-Strip Safety and Installation Guide
Setting DMX Addresses
See Figure 11. To set DMX addresses using the M-PC application, open the RDM View window and click on
Scan to display a list of the elements in the installation. Click in the Address box for each VC-Strip module
and enter the desired DMX address, then press the Enter key to store the DMX address for that module.
Remember that modules with identical addresses will receive the same instructions.
When working with more than one DMX universe, click in the Universe box for each VC-Strip module, enter
the desired DMX universe number, then press the Enter key to store the DMX universe for that module.
Setting modules to grouped or pixel control modes
In pixel mode, the 16 LEDs on a module are controlled individually. In module mode, All the LEDs on one
module are controlled as one group.
To set a VC-Strip module to pixel or module mode, calibrated or raw, using M-PC, open the RDM View
window and click on Scan to display a list of the elements in the installation. Select the module in the list,
then click on the Properties... button at the bottom of the screen to open the Properties window for that
module. Select from:
• Pixel mode (calibrated)
• Module mode (calibrated)
• Pixel mode (raw)
• Module mode (raw)
Calibrated and raw modes
See the section on setting control modes above.
In calibrated mode, color and intensity levels are evenly matched in different LEDs and different modules but
maximum output is slightly reduced.
In raw mode, LEDs give maximum possible output but color and intensity levels may be slightly uneven in
different LEDs and different modules.
Setting up shortened modules
Any VC-Strip that has been shortened by cutting the module will communicate the number of LEDs it
contains to the P3 or RDM controller so that its 14, 12, 10 or 8 pixels can be controlled correctly.