Harman Martin VC-Feeder User manual

VC-Feeder™
User Manual

Dimensions
All dimensions are in millimeters
36
68
180 (approx.)
164
180 (approx.)
180 (approx.)
© 2012-2013 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 trademarks 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 35000262, Rev. C

Contents
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Physical installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fastening to a surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Clamping to a truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connections: general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
P3 and DMX system connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Throughput connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Output connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Throughput to other device types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Setting up for P3 video display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Setting up for DMX control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Ambient temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
P3 video display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
DMX control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Monitoring, testing and resetting the installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Software installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4 Martin Professional™ VC-Feeder user manual
Safety information
The following symbols are used to identify important safety information in
this guide:
Warning! Read this user manual before installing and operating the
VC-Feeder.
Warning! The VC-Feeder 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 and operate devices only as described
in the manuals and only in accordance with local laws and
regulations. Keep this manual for future reference. Manuals are
supplied with devices and also available for download from
www.martin.com.
Warning! The VC-Feeder 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! There are no user-serviceable parts inside the VC-Feeder.
Refer any operation not described in this manual to Martin™ or its
authorized service agents.
If you have any questions about how to operate the VC-Feeder 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.
Warning!
Safety hazard.
Risk of personal
injury.
Warning!
Fire hazard.
Warning!
Hazardous
voltage. Risk of
severe or lethal
electric shock.
Warning!
Refer to user
documentation.

Safety information 5
PROTECTION FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK
• Follow carefully the directions given in the user manuals of all the
devices that you intend to connect to the VC-Feeder, 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.
• The VC-Feeder accepts input power at 48 VDC nominal via its
combined power/data input connector marked IN. Do not supply it with
power at any other voltage.
• The VC-Feeder can relay power at 48 VDC nominal via its throughput
connector marked THRU. Connect only devices that accept 48 VDC to
the THRU connector.
• The VC-Feeder can supply power at 15 VDC nominal via its combined
power/data output connector marked OUT. Connect only devices that
accept 15 VDC to the THRU connector.
• A linked chain that consists of one or more VC-Feeders plus display
devices can draw a safe maximum total current of 7.5 A. Do not create
an interconnected chain of devices with a total combined current draw
that exceeds this 7.5 A limit.
If the device used to supply the chain with DC power has a maximum
current rating that is less than 7.5 A, it is the device’s maximum current
rating that determines the maximum current for the chain. For example,
the Martin Tripix Power IP66™ has a maximum current rating of 5 A. If
you use the Tripix Power IP66 to supply a chain with DC power, do not
create an interconnected chain of devices with a total combined current
draw that exceeds 5 A.
This means that if the total current draw of a chain of devices has
reached either the maximum current rating for the PSU output or 7.5 A
– whichever of these two figures is lower – you must begin a new
chain that is connected to a new PSU output if you need to supply
power to more devices.
If you take off DC power at the end of a chain of VC-Feeders, include
the current draw of any additional devices in the current draw of the
chain and do not exceed the maximum limits given above.
• Use only the cables specified by Martin™ for the devices concerned to
interconnect them. Do not exceed the maximum lengths for cable runs
specified in this manual and in display device user manuals. 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.

6 Martin Professional™ VC-Feeder user manual
• The maximum permitted total length of the cable run that carries DC
power from:
- a Martin P3 data relay and DC power supply device such as the P3
PowerPort 1500™, or
- a Martin Tripix Power IP66™, or
- a 48 VDC generic external PSU
to:
- the last VC-Feeder on a chain of VC-Feeders, or
- a single VC-Feeder that is not linked to other VC-Feeders in a chain,
or
- the last device on the cable if DC power is taken off at the end of a
chain
is 50 m (164 ft.). Do not exceed this limit.
• Provide a means of locking out 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, rated for the
current requirements of all connected devices and of suitable type for
the location (including water, pollution, temperature and UV resistance).
• Isolate the installation from power immediately if any device, cable or
power plug is in any way damaged or defective, or if there are any signs
of overheating. Do not reapply power until the fault has been rectified.
• Do not operate the installation if any cover or component is missing,
damaged or deformed.
• The VC-Feeder is IP65-rated and resists the ingress of water, but do not
immerse it, install it in a location where flooding may occur or expose it
to high-pressure water jets.
PROTECTION FROM BURNS AND FIRE
• Provide free airflow and a minimum clearance of 10 cm (4 in.) around
the VC-Feeder.
• Do not operate the VC-Feeder if the ambient temperature (Ta) exceeds
55° C (131° F).
• Do not modify the VC-Feeder in any way not described in this manual or
install other than genuine Martin™ parts. Use only accessories
approved by Martin™.

Safety information 7
PROTECTION FROM INJURY
• When installing the VC-Feeder above ground level, ensure that the
primary installation hardware and supporting structure can hold at least
10 times the weight of all the devices they support.
• When suspending the VC-Feeder from a rigging structure, use a rigging
clamp that is approved by an official notified body for the weight it
supports and installed as described in this manual.
• In an overhead installation or where the VC-Feeder 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-Feeder,
- install as described in this manual a secondary attachment (such as a
safety wire) that is approved in accordance with UL1573 Section 9.2
and EN 60598-2-17 Section 17.6.6 as a safety attachment for the
weight it must secure if the primary attachment fails, and
- as soon as work is completed, check that all hardware and
components are securely in place and that all installation and rigging
hardware used is securely fastened.

8 Martin Professional™ VC-Feeder user manual
Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Martin Professional™ VC-Feeder, a multi-
protocol IP65-rated driver box that accepts 48 VDC power and
video/control data and supplies 15 VDC power and relays data to Martin™
LED-based video display systems. The VC-Feeder can be installed on a
flat surface in any orientation or suspended from a rigging truss.
For possible system layouts when using the VC-Feeder with Martin™
video display products, see the user documentation for those products.
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.

Overview 9
Overview
Figure 1: Product overview
Hybrid (15 VDC & data)
output OUT connector
Hybrid (48 VDC & data)
throughput THRU connector
Hybrid (48 VDC & data)
input IN connector
Rigging clamp
attachment point
Surface mount
attachment point
Surface mount
attachment point
Test/reset button Status LED
Safety wire
attachment point

10 Martin Professional™ VC-Feeder user manual
Physical installation
Warning! If suspending the VC-Feeder above ground level, secure it
against failure of primary attachments with a safety wire that is
approved as a safety attachment for the weight of the product.
The VC-Feeder can be installed on a flat surface or suspended from a
rigging truss in any orientation. Allow free airflow and at least 10 cm (4 in.)
of clearance around the device.
Supporting surfaces, fasteners and hardware must be capable of
supporting ten times the load they will bear when devices are installed.
Fastening to a surface
The VC-Feeder can be mounted on a flat, stable surface in any orientation
using bolts or screws fastened through the surface mount attachment
points (see Figure 1 on page 9).
To fasten to a surface:
1. Check that the surface is flat and stable, and that the surface and all
installation fasteners can support at least ten times the weight of all
devices and hardware they will bear.
2. Fasten two grade 8.8 minimum steel 6 mm fasteners that are suitable
for the mounting surface and environment through the two slotted
holes that provide the surface mounting points for the VC-Feeder,
ensuring that the fastener heads are wider than the slotted holes.
3. Check that the VC-Feeder is held securely and cannot fall.
4. If the product can cause injury or damage if the fasteners fail, install a
safety wire that is approved as a safety attachment for the weight of
the product by attaching it to the safety wire attachment point (see
Figure 1 on page 9) and a secure anchoring point so that the safety
attachment will catch the product if the primary attachment fails.
5. Check that the product is securely and safely installed.

Physical installation 11
Clamping to a truss
1. Obtain a rigging clamp and check that
it is undamaged and approved for the
weight it will support. Check that the
structure that will be used for
suspension can bear at least 10 times
the weight of all installed products,
clamps, cables, auxiliary equipment,
etc.
2. Bolt the clamp securely through the
rigging clamp attachment point (see
see Figure 1 on page 9) with a
minimum grade 8.8 steel M12 bolt and
lock nut.
3. Block access under the work area.
Working from a stable platform, fasten
the product to the truss with the rigging clamp.
4. Install a safety wire that is approved as a safety attachment for the
weight of the product by attaching it to the safety wire attachment point
(see Figure 1 on page 9) and a secure anchoring point so that the
safety attachment will catch the product if the primary attachment fails.
5. Check that the product is securely and safely installed.
Figure 2: Martin™ half-
coupler rigging clamp

12 Martin Professional™ VC-Feeder user manual
Connections
Warning! Check that the installation is isolated from AC mains power
and that power cannot be reapplied during work on cables and
connections.
Warning! Before connecting devices to the output (OUT) or
throughput (THRU) connectors of a VC-Feeder, check carefully the
information about system layouts and maximum safe limits in
“Safety information” on page 4 of this manual, and in the user
manuals of the devices.
Warning! When linking a VC-Feeder to other devices using its
throughput connector, respect the maximum limits given in display
device user manuals for the number of devices that can be linked in a
chain and maximum permitted cable lengths.
Important! Do not connect more than twenty (20) VC-Feeder devices
in one linked chain, even if you have not reached the maximum
permitted current draw for the chain.
Figure 3 gives an overview how the VC-Feeder is connected.
Figure 3: VC-Feeder connections overview
48 VDC power + data
15 VDC power + data output (OUT) to display devices
throughput (THRU) to
48 VDC power + data
input (IN) from power
and data source other VC-Feeders
Maximum total
current 7.5 A or
max. PSU output
current,
whichever is
lower

Connections 13
Connections: general
IP65 connectors
The VC-Feeder uses custom IP65-rated connectors. To ensure that they
are correctly sealed and avoid damage, connect them as follows:
1. Line up the raised key and corresponding groove on the connectors.
The connector pins and holes should now also be lined up.
2. Push the connectors together firmly but without excessive force. If
force seems necessary, separate the connectors and check that they
are correctly lined up, then try again.
3. When the connectors are fully engaged, screw the locking ring on the
male connector onto the thread on the female connector until tight.
Input
The VC-Feeder input is a 180 mm (7 in.) cable tail with a 6-pin male IP65
IN connector that accepts 48 VDC power and data.
Extension cables
If the VC-Feeder is not close to the power and data source, you will need
to extend the input cable. To do this, insert a Martin™ hybrid extension
cable with custom 6-pin IP65 connectors between the input adapter cable
shown in Figure 4 and the VC-Feeder. Suitable cables from Martin™ are
listed under ”Hybrid extension cables” on page 27.
The maximum permitted total length of the cable run that carries DC
power to a chain of VC-Feeders is 50 m (164 ft.) from the DC power
supply device (P3 PowerPort 1500 or Tripix Power IP66, for example) to
the last VC-Feeder on the chain.
Do not exceed the maximum lengths for cable runs specified in display
device user manuals.
P3 and DMX system connections
The VC-Feeder connections depend on whether you are installing a P3™
video display system or a DMX/RDM-controlled display system. See the
following sections.

14 Martin Professional™ VC-Feeder user manual
P3™ system connections
In a Martin P3™ video display system, you supply the VC-Feeder with
combined P3 video data and 48 VDC power from a suitable Martin P3
power supply/data relay device such as the Martin P3 PowerPort 1500™.
Warning! Check the maximum current rating of each P3 power
supply/data relay device output and make sure that the total current
draw of all the devices connected to that output will not exceed
either this maximum current rating or 7.5 A, whichever is lower.
The P3 PowerPort 1500 can safely supply 7.5 A at each of its four
P3/48 VDC outputs.
To connect the VC-Feeder to P3 data and DC power:
1. Check that the system is isolated from AC mains power.
2. See Figure 4. Connect a Martin VC-Feeder Input Adapter Cable to a 4-
pin female XLR output on a suitable Martin P3 power supply/data relay
device such as the P3 PowerPort 1500.
3. Connect the VC-Feeder Input Adapter Cable to the VC-Feeder IN
connector. If necessary, add extension cables (see ”Hybrid extension
cables” on page 27) between the Input Adapter Cable and the VC-
Feeder IN connector.
DMX system connections
In a DMX-controlled system, you supply the VC-Feeder with DMX/RDM
data from a DMX/RDM controller and 48 VDC power from an external
PSU. You can use the Martin Tripix Power IP66™ external PSU or a
generic external PSU (the Mean Well SP-480 48, for example).
The cables required are different depending on which type of PSU you
use. The two different types of installation are covered in the next two
sections.
Figure 4: Martin™ Hybrid Input Adapter Cable, P/N 11840165
From power Power and data
to VC-Feeder IN
and data source
connector
4-pin male XLR IP65 VC-Feeder connector

Connections 15
Connections using a Tripix Power IP66 PSU
Warning! Make sure that the total current draw of all the
devices that are supplied with DC power by one Tripix
Power IP66 will not exceed 5 A.
To connect the VC-Feeder to DMX data and DC power from a Martin
Tripix Power IP66:
1. Check that the system is isolated from AC mains power.
2. See Figure 5. Connect a Martin Hybrid Lead-in Cable, Tripix Power
IP66, P/N 11840195 to a DMX link from a DMX/RDM controller and to
the DC output of a Martin Tripix Power IP66.
3. Connect the Hybrid Lead-in Cable, Tripix Power IP66 to the VC-
Feeder IN connector. If necessary, add IP65 extension cable (see
”Extension cables” on page 13) between the Input Adapter Cable and
the VC-Feeder IN connector.
Figure 5: Hybrid Lead-in Cable, Tripix Power IP66, P/N 11840195
DC power from
5-pin male XLR IP65 VC-Feeder connector
Tripix Power IP66
DMX from
DMX/RDM
controller
Power and DMX
to VC Feeder
IN connector

16 Martin Professional™ VC-Feeder user manual
Connections using a generic 48 V external PSU
Warning! Check the maximum current rating of the PSU output and
make sure that the total current draw of all the devices that are
supplied with DC power from that output will not exceed either that
output’s maximum current rating or 7.5 A, whichever is lower.
Protect the installation with an inline fuse installed as described
below if the PSU does not have constant overcurrent protection.
To connect the VC-Feeder to DMX data and DC power from a generic
48 V external PSU:
1. Check that the system is isolated from AC mains power.
2. See Figure 6. Connect a Martin™ Hybrid Lead-in Cable (P/N
11840174) to the VC-Feeder IN connector. If necessary, add an IP65
extension cable (see ”Extension cables” on page 13) between the
Hybrid Lead-in Cable and the VC-Feeder IN connector.
3. Connect the Hybrid Lead-in Cable to the DMX data output of a
DMX/RDM controller.
4. If the PSU does not have constant overcurrent protection that will limit
current to max. 8 A on the DC output used, install an inline fuseholder
with a 7.5 A or 8 A fuse on the Hybrid Lead-in Cable’s white (+ve)
power lead-in wire. If the maximum safe current rating of the PSU is
less than 8 A, use a fuse with a rating that matches the PSU’s
maximum current rating. You can use an automotive-type inline
fuseholder with a blade fuse for this purpose.
Figure 6: Martin™ Hybrid Lead-in Cable
(P/N 11840174)
From 48 VDC PSU
white to +ve, black to -ve
DMX from
DMX/RDM
controller
Insert 7.5 A or 8 A inline
fuse here if PSU does not
have max. 8 A overcurrent
protection
Power and DMX
to VC-Feeder
IN connector
5-pin male XLR IP65 VC-Feeder connector

Connections 17
5. Connect the Hybrid Lead-in Cable’s power lead-in wires to a DC
output on the 48 V external PSU. Connect the white wire to positive
(+ve) and the black wire to negative (-ve).
DMX termination
DMX termination is integrated in the VC-Feeder. No external DMX
termination is required.
Throughput connections
The VC-Feeder throughput (THRU) is an integral 180 mm (7 in.) cable tail
with a 6-pin female IP65 connector that can relay power and data to other
VC-Feeder devices in a chain.
To create a chain of VC-Feeder devices, see example in Figure 3 on page
12, Connect one VC-Feeder’s THRU connector to the next VC-Feeder’s
IN connector.
You can connect up to twenty (20) VC-Feeders in one linked chain, but as
soon as you reach the maximum permitted current draw for a chain (7.5 A
or the external PSU output’s maximum current rating, whichever is lower)
you must create a new chain.
If you want to install VC-Feeders further apart than their THRU and IN
connector cable tails allow, insert a Martin™ IP65 extension cable (see
”Hybrid extension cables” on page 27) to extend the link between VC-
Feeders. Do not exceed the maximum cable run lengths given in
“Protection from electric shock” on page 5 and specified in display device
user manuals.
Output connections
The VC-Feeder output (OUT) is a 180 mm (7 in.) cable tail with an 8-pin
female IP65 connector that supplies 15 VDC power and data to Martin™
LED-based display devices.
The method for connecting the power + data output from the VC-Feeder is
the same for P3 video and DMX/RDM-controlled systems:
1. Check that the installation is isolated from power.
2. Connect the display device or chain of display devices to the VC-
Feeder OUT connector:
• Assemble IP65 connectors as described in ”Connections: general”
on page 13.
• If you are connecting devices to a chain of VC-Feeders that are
linked using THRU connectors, do not connect devices that will draw
more than 7.5 A total for the whole chain. If using a Tripix Power

18 Martin Professional™ VC-Feeder user manual
IP66 external PSU, do not connect devices that will draw more than
5 A total for the whole chain. If using a generic external PSU, do not
connect devices that will draw more than 7.5 A or the maximum
current rating of the PSU, whichever is lower.
• If you are connecting devices to one single VC-Feeder that is not
connected to any other VC-Feeders, respect the maximum limits
given above for a chain of VC-Feeders.
Throughput to other device types
Drawing off data only
It is possible to draw off P3 or DMX data at the end of a VC-Feeder chain
for connection to other types of device by connecting a Martin™ Data
Out/Thru Adapter Cable (P/N 11840202) to the last VC-Feeder’s THRU
connector. This cable has a:
• 6-pin male IP65 connector that accepts data from the VC-Feeder
throughput, and a
• 5-pin female XLR connector that can supply P3 or DMX data to other
types of Martin™ display device.
Drawing off power and data
Warning! If you draw off DC power at the end of a chain of VC-
Feeders, check that any additional devices will not exceed the
maximum permitted current for a chain as specified in “Protection
from electric shock” on page 5.
Add the length of any extra cable to the cable length from the DC
power source to the last VC-Feeder on the chain, and check that the
total cable length will not exceed the maximum permitted DC power
cable run of 50 m (164 ft.) for a chain as specified in “Protection from
electric shock” on page 5.
It is possible to draw off 48 VDC power and P3 or DMX data at the end of
a VC-Feeder chain for connection to other types of Martin™ device by
connecting a Martin™ Hybrid Output Adapter Cable (P/N 11840166) to
the last VC-Feeder’s THRU connector. This cable has a:
• 6-pin male IP65 connector that accepts power and data from the VC-
Feeder throughput, and a
• 4-pin female XLR connector that can supply 48 VDC power and P3 or
DMX data to other types of Martin™ display device.

Setup 19
Setup
The VC-Feeder automatically detects the LED display devices that are
connected to it and the type of data signal (P3 or DMX/RDM) that is sent
to it.
Setting up for P3 video display
When a Martin P3™ controller is connected to the data link and the
installation is powered on, you can set up all the devices on the link for
data display using the P3 controller. See the P3 controller user manual for
details.
Setting up for DMX control
You can set up and control a VC-Feeder installation over the data link
using an RDM-compatible DMX controller such as the Martin M1™
console or M-PC™ Windows application.
If individual DMX control of strings or groups of devices in the VC system
is required, each VC-Feeder must be set up to receive instructions from
the DMX controller on a DMX channel or group of DMX channels in the
512 channels available in a DMX universe.
The DMX address, also known as the control address or start channel, is
the first of these channels. Each group of devices uses this channel and
the channels immediately above it to receive instructions.
The VC-Feeder uses the number of DMX channels required by the
devices connected to it. For example, if a VC-Feeder has its DMX address
set to 1 and you connect a string of 100 VC-Dots display devices (each
using three DMX channels for RGB control) to the VC-Feeder, it will use
channels 1 - 300. Channel 301 will be available for use as the DMX
address for the next VC-Feeder.
If two or more VC-Feeder devices are set up with the same DMX address,
they will receive the same instructions and behave identically. Setting up
identical devices with the same address is an easy way to achieve
synchronized action and can also be used as a troubleshooting tool.
Setting up via RDM using Martin M-PC™
DMX Addressing
Using an RDM-compliant DMX controller, you can communicate with the
VC-Feeder devices on the data link via RDM. You can:
• Retrieve data

20 Martin Professional™ VC-Feeder user manual
• Set the DMX addresses of the VC-Feeder devices on the link
• Apply various setup options depending on the display products
connected to the VC-Feeder (see the product user manuals).
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 7. Opening the RDM View window in M-PC and clicking on the
Scan button (arrowed bottom left) gives a list of the RDM-compliant
devices on the data link (in this example, one string each of Martin VC-
Dot™ 1, VC-Dot™ 4 and VC-Dot™ 9 RGB video display modules are
present on the link, and all three strings are set to DMX address 1).
To set DMX addresses using M-PC, click in the Address box for each VC-
Feeder, enter the desired DMX address, then press the Enter key to store
the DMX address for that string or unit.
Figure 7: M-PC RDM View