LSC NEXUS Series Owner's manual

Ethernet / DMX Interface
& NexLan Software
Nexus 1
Nexus 5 Rack Mount
Nexus 5 Truss Mount
INSTALLATION and OPERATION
Version V 2.0
May 2015
Document number: NEX-T01U-A2
LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
ABN 21 090 801 675
65-67 Discovery Road
Dandenong South, Vic.
Australia
Tel: [phone] Fax:[phone]
email: [e-mail]
web: www.lsclighting.com

DISCLAIMER
LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd. has a corporate policy of continuous improvement, covering
areas such as product design and documentation. To achieve this goal, we undertake to release
software updates for all products on a regular basis. In light of this policy, some detail contained
in this manual may not match the exact operation of your product. Information contained in this
manual is subject to change without notice.
In any event, LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd. cannot be held liable for any direct, indirect,
special, incidental, or consequential damages or loss whatsoever (including, without limitation,
damages for loss of profits, business interruption, or other pecuniary loss) arising out the use or
the inability to use this product for its intended purpose as expressed by the manufacturer and
in conjunction with this operating manual.
Servicing of this product is recommended to be carried out by LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty.
Ltd. or its authorized service agents. No liability will be accepted whatsoever for any loss or
damage caused by service, maintenance or repair by unauthorized personnel.
In addition servicing by unauthorized personnel may void your warranty.
LSC Lighting Systems’ products must only be used for the purpose for which they were
intended.

NEXUS
Contents
Operator Manual V2
Contents
1Functions and Features 1
1.1 Overview _________________________ 1
1.2 NEXUS 1 __________________________ 1
1.2.1 Features___________________________1
1.3 NEXUS 5 __________________________ 1
1.3.1 Features___________________________1
1.4 NexLan Software ___________________ 2
2Getting Connected 3
2.1 Basic Setup________________________ 3
2.2 Nexus 1 __________________________ 3
2.2.1 Ethernet Port _______________________3
2.2.2 Ethernet LED _______________________3
2.2.3 DMX port __________________________4
2.2.4 DMX LED __________________________4
2.2.5 Mode Button _______________________4
2.2.6 Power_____________________________4
2.3 Nexus 5 __________________________ 4
2.3.1 Ethernet Ports ______________________4
2.3.2 Ethernet LEDs ______________________4
2.3.3 DMX ports _________________________4
2.3.4 DMX LEDs _________________________5
2.3.5 Mode Button _______________________5
2.3.6 Mode LED__________________________5
2.3.7 Power_____________________________5
3Configuration 6
3.1 Overview _________________________ 6
3.2 DMX Port Options ___________________ 6
3.2.1 DMX port as an Output _______________6
3.2.2 DMX port as an Input_________________6
3.3 Mode Button _______________________ 7
3.3.1 Select_____________________________7
3.3.2 Defaults ___________________________7
3.3.3 Upgrade ___________________________7
4Typical Applications 8
4.1.1 Typical Nexus 1 applications ___________8
4.1.2 Typical Nexus 5 applications __________10
5NexLan Software 13
5.1 OVERVIEW _______________________ 13
5.2 Software Setup____________________ 13
5.2.1 Windows _________________________13
5.2.2 Apple Mac OS X ____________________13
5.3 Network Settings On You Computer ____ 13
5.4 Software Description _______________ 13
5.5 Main Window _____________________ 14
5.6 Property window. __________________ 14
5.7 Control window. ___________________ 15
5.8 Plan view ________________________ 15
5.9 Universe View_____________________ 16
5.10 Fixture View ______________________ 16
5.11 CONTROL Window _________________ 16
5.11.1 Network Items _____________________16
5.11.2 Fixture Control _____________________16
5.11.3 Universe Control ___________________17
5.11.4 Network Item Control _______________17
5.12 TOOLBAR Window _________________ 17
5.13 PROPERTY WINDOW________________ 17
5.14 LOG ____________________________ 18
5.15 PREFERENCES ____________________ 18
5.16 Universes ________________________ 18
5.17 Fixtures _________________________ 18
5.18 Network Item _____________________ 18
5.19 Groups __________________________ 19
5.20 Layout __________________________ 19
5.21 REMOTE CONTROL _________________ 19
5.21.1 Web Interface _____________________19
5.22 Customising the Software ___________ 19
5.22.1 Lists _____________________________19
5.23 FILTERs _________________________ 19
5.23.1 Simple Filtering ____________________20
5.23.2 Advanced Fitering __________________20
5.23.3 Multiple filters. _____________________20
5.23.4 Autocomplete______________________20
5.24 SHORTCUTS ______________________ 20
5.25 Configuring a Nexus ________________ 21
5.25.1 Generic __________________________22
5.25.2 Plan View _________________________22
5.25.3 Patch Information __________________22
5.25.4 DMX Input Options__________________22
5.25.5 DMX Output Options ________________23
5.25.6 Additional DMX Output Options ________27
5.25.7 Identify Nexus _____________________27
5.26 DMX Universe window ______________ 27
5.26.1 Manually Adding Universes ___________28
5.26.2 Universe Properties _________________28
5.26.3 Universe Control ___________________28
5.27 Fixture Window____________________ 29
5.27.1 Fixture Groups _____________________29
5.28 Fixture Properties __________________ 30
5.28.1 Patching a Fixture. __________________30
5.29 Fixture Control ____________________ 30
6Firmware Upgrade 32
7Fixture Library 33
8Specifications 36
8.1 Nexus 1 _________________________ 36
8.2 Nexus 5 _________________________ 36
9Terminology 37
9.1 DMX 512_________________________ 37
9.2 DMX Universes ____________________ 37
9.3 RDM ____________________________ 37
9.4 ArtNet and sACN __________________ 37
9.4.1 Artnet____________________________37
9.4.2 sACN ____________________________38

NEXUS
LSC Clarity
Operator Manual V2
Operator Manual V1.2
Conventions Used in this Manual
Throughout this manual, certain conventions have been used to make the meaning clearer.
A word in [Bold] text with brackets represents a button.
Emphasis is indicated by underlining.
Copyright Notices
Nexus products are developed by LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
www.lsclighting.com
Copyright © 2015 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
All rights reserved.
Contents of this manual, Copyright © 2015

NEXUS
Functions & Features
Operator Manual V2
© 2015 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
Page 1
1Functions and Features
1.1 OVERVIEW
DMX is the industry standard for the transmission of digital control signals between lighting
equipment. The DMX512 specification defines that it can convey 512 channels on a single
cable. This is defined as 1 DMX Universe.
Many setups and installations require multiple universes so rather than running multiple
cables (one for each universe), protocols have been developed that allow multiple universes
to be transmitted over a standard Ethernet network. Two such protocols are:
ArtNet.
sACN (developed by ESTA)
LSC Nexus devices are bi-directional Ethernet (ArtNet or sACN)/DMX interfaces that allow
you to connect your lighting controller(s) and lighting fixtures using standard network
infrastructure. The “Nexus 1”and “Nexus 5”interfaces are configured (and monitored) by
the NexLan software.
The Nexus units are connected to an ArtNet or sACN network via their Ethernet connections.
The input and output features of each model are listed below. A computer running the
NexLan software is also connected to the network to configure each Nexus. The computer
can also be used to monitor the network operation and to test lighting fixtures by sending
DMX signals to the network for testing purposes.
1.2 NEXUS 1
Nexus 1 is an Ethernet (ArtNet or sACN) / DMX, bidirectional interface with 1 Ethernet port
and 1 DMX port. It is powered via “PoE”(Power over Ethernet).
1.2.1 Features
One 10/100mBit Ethernet MDIX (auto crossover) port with PoE (Power over Ethernet).
One DMX port fitted with a female 5-pin connector. The port can be configured (via the
NexLan software) as an output or input. Use a male to male 5-pin adaptor for operation
as an input.
Remote programming and monitoring via LSC’s NexLan software.
DMX input options include:
oNormal
oBackup.
DMX output options include:
oNormal.
oMerging of any 2 ArtNet or sACN universes in HTP / LTP or custom.
oPriority merging (back up mode).
oMerging with softpatch.
oDMX control of merging.
Remote takeover of fixture parameters allowing Nexus to be used as standalone DMX
toolbox.
Visualizer input supports programs such as WYSIWYG / ESP / Capture / and many
others.
1.3 NEXUS 5
Nexus 5 is an Ethernet (ArtNet or sACN) / DMX bi-directional interface with 2 Ethernet ports
and 5 DMX ports. It is mains powered.
1.3.1 Features
Two MDIX (auto crossover) Ethernet ports with an internal 10/100 Mbit Ethernet switch.
Five DMX ports each fitted with a female 5-pin connector. Each port can be individually
configured (via the NexLan software) as an output or input. Use a male to male 5-pin
adaptor for operation as an input.

Functions & Features
NEXUS
Operator Manual V2
Page 2
© 2015 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
Remote programming and monitoring via LSC’s NexLan software.
DMX input options such as:
oNormal
oBackup.
DMX output options such as:
oNormal.
oMerging of any 2 ArtNet or sACN universes in HTP / LTP or custom.
oPriority merging (back up mode).
oMerging with softpatch.
oDMX control of merging.
oEach output can merge 2 DMX universes. It is also possible to “resend” a merged
output as a new ArtNet or sACN universe on the network and use this universe to
merge with a third universe.
Can be configured as a DMX splitter.
Remote takeover of fixture parameters allowing it to be used as standalone DMX
toolbox.
Visualizer input supports programs such as WYSIWYG / ESP / Capture / and many
others.
Available in either rack mount or truss mount housings.
1.4 NEXLAN SOFTWARE
The NexLan software is used to configure and monitor the Nexus range of products.
The software is only necessary when you configure the Nexus products however you may
also use it to monitor the system and to control and test lighting fixtures without the
presence of a lighting console.
The software is a free download and is available on these platforms:
Windows (XP and Vista).
Apple Mac OS X (10.4 and up as universal binary).
The NexLan software is fully described in its own section of this manual.

NEXUS
Getting Connected
Operator Manual V2
© 2015 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd
Page 3
2Getting Connected
2.1 BASIC SETUP
ArtNet or sACN to DMX
This basic setup uses a Nexus 1 as an ArtNet or sACN to DMX converter. The “Network Device”
will typically be a “Network Switch” that supplies PoE (Power over Ethernet) to power the
Nexus 1. Multiple Nexus 1 units can be used to supply DMX at different locations on the
network.
The computer is only required to configure the Nexus to output the required ArtNet or sACN
universe. It can however be used to monitor the system when it is running and also to directly
control fixtures (that you patch in the NexLan software) even when the lighting controller is
not present.
If the lighting controller is a computer based system such as LSC’s “Clarity”, then the
NexLan software can be run on the same computer that is running Clarity.
A computer is not required if your setup is configured to use the default settings of the Nexus
units. See “Defaults” later in this manual for details on these settings and how to set a Nexus
to its defaults.
2.2 NEXUS 1
2.2.1 Ethernet Port
The Ethernet port uses standard UTP network connections to an internal 10/100 Mbit
Ethernet transceiver. The port has MDIX auto sensing which means that cross over cables
are not required.
This connection must also supply PoE (Power over Ethernet) to the Nexus 1.
Both versions of PoE (data-pairs/spare-pairs) are supported. Devices (such as network
switches) that provide PoE are available from most computer suppliers.
2.2.2 Ethernet LED
Indicates data activity on the Ethernet port.
Lighting
Controller
with ArtNet
output
Network
Device
supplying PoE
to NEXUS
Ethernet
NEXUS 1
Ethernet
DMX Devices
DMX
Computer
running
NexLan
software
DMX Port
Ethernet Port
Ethernet LED
Mode Button
DMX LED

Getting Connected
NEXUS
Operator Manual V2
Page 4
© 2015 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
2.2.3 DMX port
The XLR5 female DMX port is bidirectional (via programmable setup) with an internal
terminator resistor and is RDM (Remote Device Management) ready.
Pin
Description
1
Ground/Screen
2
Data -
3
Data +
4
-
5
-
2.2.4 DMX LED
The DMX LED indicates data direction and activity on the DMX port as indicated below:
LED Condition
DMX Data
Off
No input or output DMX data
Green
The port is configured as an OUTPUT and is sending DMX data.
Orange
The port is configured as an INPUT and is receiving DMX data.
2.2.5 Mode Button
See section 3.3 for details.
2.2.6 Power
Power is supplied via PoE. See the Ethernet Port above.
2.3 NEXUS 5
Rack Mount Nexus 5
Truss Mount Nexus 5
2.3.1 Ethernet Ports
The two Ethernet ports use standard UTP network connections to an internal 10/100 Mbit
Ethernet switch. The ports have MDIX auto sensing which means that cross over cables are
not required.
2.3.2 Ethernet LEDs
Each LED indicates data activity on its Ethernet port.
2.3.3 DMX ports
The five XLR5 female DMX ports are fully isolated bidirectional (via programmable setup)
and each have an internal terminator resistor. They are RDM (Remote Device Management)
ready.
Pin
Description
1
Ground/Screen
5 DMX Ports
2 Ethernet Ports
2 Ethernet Port LEDs
5 DMX Port LEDs
Power LED
MODE Button & LED

NEXUS
Getting Connected
Operator Manual V2
© 2015 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd
Page 5
2
Data -
3
Data +
4
-
5
-
2.3.4 DMX LEDs
The DMX LEDs (1 to 5) indicate data direction and activity on their respective DMX ports (1
to 5) as indicated below:
LED Condition
DMX Data
Off
No input or output DMX data
Green
The port is configured as an OUTPUT and is sending DMX data.
Orange
The port is configured as an INPUT and is receiving DMX data.
2.3.5 Mode Button
See section 3.3 for details.
2.3.6 Mode LED
The Mode LED indicates that the Nexus is performing internal operations.
2.3.7 Power
Power input is 85-264 VAC 47-440 Hz 10VA max. A mains input IEC connector is provided
at the rear of the unit. The input is protected by a T0.5A Slow Blow fuse.

Configuration
NEXUS
Operator Manual V2
Page 6
© 2015 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd.
3Configuration
3.1 OVERVIEW
The NexLan software allows you to configure the Nexus devices to your requirements. The
software is fully described in the “NexLan Software” section.
3.2 DMX PORT OPTIONS
You can configure each DMX port on a Nexus as Disabled, Output or Input.
3.2.1 DMX port as an Output
When a DMX port is configured as an output, you can select the working mode of that port
and which ArtNet or sACN universe(s) it will output. The modes are:
Disabled - The DMX port is disabled.
Out Zero –The DMX port sends a valid DMX signal with all values at 0 (useful as
test signal).
Single - The DMX port will send the selected (primary) ArtNet or sACN universe. If
the selected universe on the network fails, the DMX port will hold the last DMX signal
(programmable hold time).
Priority - Define a “Primary”, a “Secondary” and optionally a “Tertiary” ArtNet or
sACN universe for the DMX output port. As long as the primary universe is active,
then it will be on the output. If the primary fails, then the output will switch to the
secondary universe. If the primary returns it will switch back. If both the primary
and secondary universes are lost then the output will switch to the tertiary universe.
This setting provides an automatic backup in the event of the Primary and or
Secondary universes fails. If a higher priority universe returns it will switch back to
it.
HTP - The DMX port output is a HTP (Highest Takes Precedence) merge of 3 selected
universes (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary).
Softpatch -
The DMX port output for each channel can be from any input or merged or set to a
fixed value and/or cross patched to another channel.
Resend - Each DMX port can only merge 3 ArtNet or sACN universes. If the “Resend”
option is selected, this merged DMX output is sent back into the network as a new universe.
This new (merged) universe can now be used to merge with another universe on another
DMX port thus creating more merges”.
Rate - The specified data rate for DMX is 44fps (frames per second) however equipment
from some manufacturers will not operate reliably at this rate. If this is the case you can
select a lower output rate for the DMX port which might provide more reliable operation.
Hold - If the DMX signal is lost, the DMX output port will hold the last values. The hold time
for each port can be set.
3.2.2 DMX port as an Input
When a DMX port is set up as an input, you can select the working mode of that port and
which ArtNet or sACN universe to use. The modes are:
Disabled - The DMX input is disabled.