MDG D-Verter User manual

Les Générateurs de Brouillard MDG Ltée / MDG Fog Generators Ltd
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10301 avenue Pelletier, Montréal, Québec, Canada H1H 3R2
Tel. [phone] - Fax [phone]
www.mdgfog.com e-mail : [email protected]om
User Guide
D-Verter
(Revision A/b, November 2017, © MDG Fog Generators Ltd)

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 2 / 23
Intentionally left blank

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 3 / 23
TABLE OF CONTENT
Section Page
Table of Content 3
User Guide 4
How to read this User Guide 4
Qualified Personnel 4
Need a little Help? 5
Copyright Notice 5
Basic Description 6
Working with the D-VERTERTM 7
Examples of installation 8
Starting the D-Verter 9
The Keyboard 10
LCD Saver 10
The Menu 11
Operating instructions 13
DMX Control 14
RDM Control 15
Troubleshooting 17
Technical Datasheet 18
Electrical Requirements 18
Cable Requirements 18
Gas requirements 19
Environmental Requirements 19
Mechanical Data 19
Dimensions 20
Warranty 21
Declaration of conformity 22
Notes 23

D-Verter
User Guide, Rev: A/b 4 / 23
USER GUIDE
Congratulations on your purchase of the D-Verter™. These original instructions describe the use
of this Fog Input/Output Mechanical Splitter.
MDG manufactures fog generators since 1980. Our fog systems have been used in numerous
applications including firefighters’ training, the motion picture industry, theatres, theme parks,
flight simulators, and also educational, worship and touring venues throughout the world. With
proper care, we are confident your MDG D-Verter™will provide you with years of quality
service.
HOW TO READ THIS USER GUIDE
WARNING and CAUTION are used throughout this manual to forewarn of possible
danger to the users if precautions are not observed. As is customary in military and
some commercial manuals, the precautions will always precede the steps to which it
refers so that the users will be aware of any potential danger before performing the
task.
WARNING and CAUTION labels are key equipment parts. Do not remove, change
or cover these labels. If the labels are not readable, contact MDG Fog Generators
Ltd.
BOLD TEXT: Contains important information, cautionary steps and warnings that should
be read and understood prior to installing the unit.
BOLD and ITALIC TEXT: pertains to product names and trademarks, proprietary names
and products made by MDG Fog Generators Ltd.
Please read the following instructions carefully and completely before installing, and using this
digital fan.
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
MDG Fog Generators Ltd systems will perform as designed but are to be installed, operated,
and serviced by trained personnel. Installation, operation and servicing of this equipment require
trained personnel with technical skills in electrical theory and fluid dynamics.
CAUTION
This equipment must always be disconnected from its power source during service or
when replacing parts.

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 5 / 23
This manual is not a substitute for qualified technicians or local authorities on electricity, gas,
fluid, or engineering, and therefore does not supersede, amend or void local safety installation
practices. Please refer to local authorities for further information.
CAUTION
This equipment is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless
they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a
person responsible for their safety.
CAUTION
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance
NEED A LITTLE HELP?
At MDG, we try our best to provide you with complete information for our products. Despite it
all, sometimes, a little more is required due to the specifics of your project and installation.
We’re looking forward to go that extra mile for you.
Contact us:
By Phone: [phone] [phone]
By Fax: [phone]
By e-mail: [email protected]
On the Web: www.mdgfog.com
By Mail: MDG Fog Generators Ltd.
10301, Avenue Pelletier
Montréal, QC, H1H 3R2
Canada
Please note that our business hours are from 08h30 to 12h00 and from 12h30 to 17h00
(8:30AM to 12:00PM and 12:30PM 5:00PM), Eastern (GMT -5).
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This User Guide (Original Instructions) is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by MDG Fog
Generators Ltd.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of MDG Fog Generators Ltd.

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 6 / 23
BASIC DESCRIPTION
The MDG D-Verter™is a DMX pneumatic device which mechanically either, splits a single
source of fog into two distinct outputs, merges two separate sources of fog into a single output,
or acts as a fog output gate.
Low power consumption (only 50 W), controllable via DMX or RDM, this mechanical Fog
Input/Output Splitter can be used anywhere due to its universal switching power supply (100-250
VAC, 50/60 Hz).
Its simple and efficient multi-level User Interface, accessible from the backlit LCD panel, allows
for a gradual switch between local mode and most common protocols: DMX-512-A USITT and
RDM ANSI E1.20.
WARNING
When not in use ALWAYS switch off the power switch located on the front
panel, or unplug the appliance.
Never install above people.

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 7 / 23
WORKING WITH THE D-VERTERTM
The MDG D-VerterTM is quite easy to operate and requires no preventive maintenance. It should
only be used indoor.
The D-Verter can be used in two modes:
Dual output: Control panel must be set facing towards the fog generator
Dual input: Control panel must be set facing away from the fog generator
Fog Dual Inputs or Outputs
Handle
DMX/RDM In/Out
Gas Inlet (100 psi Max)
Power Switch
LCD+ Keyboard
100-250 VAC, 50 W, 50/60 Hz
Fog Input or
Output on
RIGHT side
LEFT side

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 8 / 23
Me1 or Me2
EXAMPLES OF INSTALLATION
One ICE FOG Q / Gate
The D-Verter acts as a gate. The user can stabilize the output before activating the gate, or stops
rapidly the dispersion.
One ICE FOG Q / Dual output
This configuration allows setting two different output locations with the same ICE FOG Q.
Two Fog Generators / Single output
In this configuration, the D-Verter is used to disperse, at the same fog output, two types of fog
effects (low Lying Fog, and Fog).

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 9 / 23
STARTING THE D-VERTER
Connect the data wiring (DMX or RDM), if you want to use a remote control.
Plug the powerCON connector (100–250 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 50 W).
Connect the gas line and set the pressure between 60 psi (414 kPa) to 100
psi (689 kPa) max
Switch On the power.
The MDG D-VerterTM will display during two (2) seconds, the following message:
D-Verter by MDG
V: x.xx –F: y.yyy
where ‘x.xx’ is the version of your D-Verter, and ‘y.yyy’ is the firmware of the program.
The program will load the configuration parameters, saved in the EEPROM memory. These
parameters are saved each time the program is modifying them (User or Configuration).
Finally, the screen will display the menu.

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 10 / 23
THE KEYBOARD
The user can scroll in the menu by using the buttons of the keyboard:
‘Down’ moves the selection to the next menu, or decreases a data value.
When at the end of a list, the program moves back to the first item of this list.
If the selected menu is a data input menu, keeping this key pressed will decrease
the value more rapidly.
In a data input menu, when the value reaches its minimum value, the program
continues with the maximum value.
‘Up’ moves the selection to the previous menu, or increase a data value.
If the item is the first of a menu, the program moves the selection to the last item
of that menu.
If the selected menu is a data input menu, keeping this key pressed will increase
the value more rapidly.
In a data input menu, when the value reaches its maximum value, the program
continues with the minimum value.
‘Mode’ moves the last selection to the upper level
This key has no effect in the first level, except when the length of value is too long.
If the displayed value starts with a ‘’, this key will scroll the value to the left.
In a data input menu, pressing this key permits to exit the menu without
changing any value (escape).
‘Enter’ confirms a selection or data value.
This key has no effect in the first level, except when the length of value is too long.
If the displayed value ends with a ‘’, this key will scroll the value to the right.
In a toggle menu, this key confirms the selection and moves the cursor back to
the upper level menu.
In a data input menu, this key confirms the value of the data and moves the
cursor back to the upper level menu.
LCD SAVER
The program can automatically switch off the LCD screen (menu display and backlight) if there is
no keyboard activity. The user can choose between a 30 second and a 2 minute delay in the
Settings Menu (« SETTINGSLCD SAVER »).
When the LCD Saver is activated, just press any key of the keyboard to re-activate the LCD screen
functions.
The user can also deactivate the LCD saver by selecting the OFF option.

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 11 / 23
THE MENU
The menu is refreshed every second.
-Items preceded by the « - » character are state messages or parameters, updated by
the program. The user cannot modify them.
-Items preceded by the « » character are control parameters.
-The user, within specific ranges or choices, can MODIFY them. In user input mode, the
value or the choice is preceded with the « ?» character.
This menu can be
modified by user
This menu cannot
be modified by user
The value is presently
modified by user

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 12 / 23
The tree menu architecture is explained below. Items highlighted in blue are state menu ( - ), and
those highlighted in yellow are control menu ( ).
Output ---- Output position
RIGHT - Right side
LEFT - Left side
DMXAdd yyy DMX Address (1 to 512)
Perso ---- Personality (Can be set by RDM)
NORMAL - DMX < 128 for RIGHT side, DMX ≥128 for LEFT side
REVERSE - DMX < 128 for LEFT side, DMX ≥128 for RIGHT side
Comm. ---- Communication toggle. The MDG D-Verter™ is:
AUTO - controlled by DMX/RDM if a signal is present or
locally if there is no signal
LOCAL - controlled by the keyboard ONLY
DMX - controlled by DMX/RDM ONLY
Firm. x.xx Program Firmware
DevLab yyyyyy RDM Device Name (Can only be set by RDM)
DevUID yyyyyy RDM Device ID
Saver ---- LCD Saver (Can be set by RDM)
30 s - LCD saver is activated after 30 s
2 mn - LCD saver is activated after 2 min
OFF - LCD Saver is Off
R.Time yyyyyy Run Times (Decimal hours)

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 13 / 23
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The MDG D-VerterTM can be controlled either locally, with the keyboard, via DMX (see DMX
control and RDM Control). This paragraph focuses on local control.
Powered up, the control program configures the Input/Output and loads the configuration
parameters, saved in the EEPROM memory.
At this point, the MDG D-VerterTM switches to stand-by mode, and most of the electronic
controls are off.
Scroll to the Output menu.
Normally, at start-up (no DMX signal), you are on the right side output.
Switch to left, to force the output to toggle on the other side.
When switching from one side to the other, be very careful from being hit by any moving part.
Reduce the pressure input if necessary.

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 14 / 23
DMX CONTROL
The MDG D-VerterTM can be controlled via a DMX512-A USITT standard protocol.
WARNING
Activating the «DMX» mode («Comm.  DMX»), controls the MDG D-VerterTM
only by DMX signal. If the DMX wire is unplugged or DMX signal is lost, the MDG
D-VerterTM will stop.
Activating the «AUTO» mode («Comm.  AUTO»), controls MDG D-VerterTM by
DMX, only if there is a signal. If the DMX wire is unplugged or DMX signal is lost,
the MDG D-VerterTM keeps the last DMX values.
WARNING
In «AUTO Mode», DMX commands always take precedence over Local commands.
The MDG D-VerterTM provides a simple way to check if there is DMX signal:
The user can change the DMX Start Address in the Interface Menu («DMX Add»), and choose any
value between 1 and 512 (512, last DMX channel).
The D-Verter DMX interface uses one (1) channel, but has two personalities:
Personality NORMAL
DMX < 128 0 - 50% the fog input (or output) is aligned to a fog output (or
input) on RIGHT side
DMX value ≥128 50 - 100% the fog input (or output) switches to the LEFT side fog
output (or input).
Personality REVERSE
DMX < 128 0 - 50% the fog input (or output) is aligned to a fog output (or
input) on LEFT side
DMX value ≥128 50 - 100% the fog input (or output) switches to the RIGHT side
fog output (or input).
These channels have the same behaviour that the menus of the local interface (see Operating
instructions paragraph).
No DMX Signal
DMX Signal

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 15 / 23
RDM CONTROL
The MDG D-VerterTM can be controlled via a RDM ANSI E1.20 protocol, an intelligent bi-
directional communication utilizing the DMX512 data link.
RDM permits a console or other controlling device to discover and then configure, monitor, and
manage intermediate and end-devices connected through a DMX512 network. RDM provides for
intelligent control of devices on a DMX512 network, which has not been previously available
outside of proprietary networks
RDM Control has the same functionalities than the DMX Control (see DMX Control) with bi-
directional functions allowing the user to read or write specific functions.

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 16 / 23
The RDM supported parameters implemented in the MDG D-VerterTM are summarized in the
following table.
RDM Parameter ID’s
Value
GET
Allowed
SET
Allowed
Comments
DISC_UNIQUE_BRANCH
0x0001
DISC_MUTE
0x0002
DISC_UN_MUTE
0x0003
QUEUED_MESSAGE
0x0020

STATUS_MESSAGES
0x0030

SUPPORTED_PARAMETERS
0x0050

PARAMETER_DESCRIPTION
0x0051

DEVICE_INFO
0x0060

PRODUCT_DETAIL_ID_LIST
0x0070

Other (0x7FFF)
DEVICE_MODEL_DESCRIPTION
0x0080

Other (0x7FFF)
MANUFACTURER_LABEL
0x0081

MDG Fog Generators Ltd
DEVICE_LABEL
0x0082


SOFTWARE_VERSION_LABEL
0x00C0

DMX_PERSONALITY
0x00E0


2
DMX_PERSONALITY_DESCRIPTION
0x00E1

D-Verter (x1)
D-Verter Reverse (x1)
DMX_START_ADDRESS
0x00F0


1 to 512
SLOT_INFO
0x0120

SLOT_DESCRIPTION
0x0121

DEFAULT_SLOT_VALUE
0x0122

IDENTIFY_DEVICE
0x1000


LCD flashes
RESET_DEVICE
0x1001

0x01/0xFF Reset (Warm)
MDG_LCD_SAVER
0x8004


Unsigned Byte
(0=30 s,1=2 min, 2=Off)
MDG_COMM
0x8005


Unsigned Byte
(0=AUTO,1=LOCAL,
2=DMX)
Table 1: RDM Supported Parameters.

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 17 / 23
TROUBLESHOOTING
Contact MDG, if symptoms are not listed, or if the provided solutions fail to resolve the issue.
Table 2: Symptoms and Solutions
Symptoms
Probable Causes and Suggested Actions
The MDG D-VerterTM does not switch on
Verify that AC power cord is properly
connected on both ends.
Check the fuse or the breakers of your VAC
entry. The wattage of the MDG D-Verter is
around 50 W.
Verify the AC voltage on the power cord.
100-250 VAC.
Switch ON the Main
The MDG D-VerterTM does not move from one
side to the other side
Verify the gas bottle is opened
Verify you have enough pressure (at least
50 psi).
Verify the communication mode «Comm.»
You cannot control the MDG D-Verter
locally if you are in DMX mode, and vice-
versa.
If you are in DMX mode:
Verify the cable
Verify the DMX address
Verify the channels
LCD displays strange letters or does not seem
to work normally
In some conditions (Radio transmission or static
discharges), the LCD may lose its settings. The
MDG D-Verter is still working, but the LCD
displays strange or no characters:
Wait 30 seconds without touching any
key,
Press any key
If the menu does not reappear, restart the
MDG D-Verter.
Please contact the Service if this problem
persists.

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 18 / 23
TECHNICAL DATASHEET
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a special cord or assembly available from
the manufacturer, or its distributing / service agent.
-Operating voltage: 100-250 VAC, single phase. 50/60 Hz, 50 W.
-Ground / Earth connection REQUIRED.
-Cable Preparation
Da = 9.5 [0.374”] - 15.0 [0.59”]
-Cable Assembly
1. Put bushing and chuck onto the cable
2. Prepare cable as shown above
3. Insert the wire into the terminals and fasten the clamping device by a flat screw
driver
4. Push insert and chuck into housing (pay attention to the guiding keyway!)
5. Fasten bushing by means of a fork wrench ¾”, min. Torque 2.5 Nm (1.8 lb-ft)
CABLE REQUIREMENTS
-Power input: 1 mm (18 AWG), 3-wire, 90 ˚C copper,
CE UL/CSA compliant cable
-DMX/RDM data: Dual twisted pair 0.75 mm (22 AWG) + shield, XLR-5 type connector,
CE UL/CSA compliant cable.

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 19 / 23
GAS REQUIREMENTS
-3/8 inch pneumatic tubing.
-Clean compressed Air (filtered, dry and oil less) or Inert Gas (CO2, N2 industrial grade)
-Pressure from 60 psi (414 kPa) to 100 psi (689 kPa) max
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
-Indoor use.
-Dry room conditions, 90 % relative humidity @ 50 ˚C (122 ˚F) , non-condensing
-0 ºC to 50 ºC (32 ºF to 122 ºF) operating temperature
-Dust-free space
-Storage conditions: -40 ºC to 60 ºC (-40 ºF to 160 ºF), 80 % relative humidity @ 60 ºC
(140 ˚F).
MECHANICAL DATA
-8’’ Ø nominal exhaust (20.3cm Ø) / 8.6” OD (21.9 cm) exhaust
Minimum 17 inch (43.2 cm) operation insertion
-Total net weight: 6.8 kg (15 lbs)
-See next page for dimensions

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User Guide, Rev: A/b 20 / 23
DIMENSIONS