SyncroLight DC08B User Manual
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The network is a 2-wire network, which connects to each controller in a liner multi-drop
arrangement, connecting to each controller in turn. The network should not contain any
spurs or loops.
To ensure reliable data transmission it is often recommended that RS-485 networks are
terminated with a resistor between the two wires. This is optional as in most cases the
network will work fine without any terminating resistor. If you find messages on the
network are being lost (i.e. lights not coming on/ going off as expected), then it may be
worth adding a resistor. The SyncroLight controllers keep a count of the number of
corrupt messages to aid in identification of poor network performance.
We strongly recommend the use of shielded network cable (available on the SyncroLight
website) to minimise interference from electrical cables and equipment. When running
network and power cables around your light display to controllers and lights, try and run
the network cable away from power cables to minimise any risk of electrical interference.
Don’t worry if you have to run the network cables alongside power cables, you’ll
probably be Ok. Just remember where you have done so and revisit this area should you
have any communication problems on the network.
The shielding of each cable should be joined at each controller and connected to the
ground connection provided on the USB-RS485 converter.
Each controller on the network is given a unique numeric address, often called either,
controller address, controller id or device id. This controller address, which has a value
between 1 and 255, is used by the software to identify and address each output on the
network (i.e. Controller Id 3 Channel 1).
New controllers come with a default id of 1, which can easily be changed using the
SyncroLight Device Manager Software.
