OBSIDIAN CONTROL SYSTEMS NETRON EN4 User manual

©2019 OBSIDIAN CONTROL SYSTEMS all rights reserved. Information, specifications, diagrams,
images, and instructions herein are subject to change without notice. Obsidian Control Systems logo
and identifying product names and numbers herein are trademarks of ADJ PRODUCTS LLC. Copyright
protection claimed includes all forms and matters of copyrightable materials and information now
allowed by statutory or judicial law or hereinafter granted. Product names used in this document may
be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.
All non – ADJ brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
OBSIDIAN CONTROL SYSTEMS and all affiliated companies hereby disclaim any and all liabilities for
property, equipment, building, and electrical damages, injuries to any persons, and direct or indirect
economic loss associated with the use or reliance of any information contained within this document,
and/or as a result of the improper, unsafe, insufficient and negligent assembly, installation, rigging, and
operation of this product.
OBSIDIAN CONTROL SYSTEMS B.V.
Junostraat 2 | 6468 EW Kerkrade, The Netherlands
[phone]
Document Version: An updated version of this document may be available online. Please check
www.obsidiancontrol.com for the latest revision/update of this document before beginning installation
and use.
Date
Document Version
Note
12/17/19
1.0
INITIAL RELEASE

3
CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
4
OVERVIEW
5
CONNECTIONS
6
MENU:
NAVIGATION
10
HOME SCREEN
11
PRESETS
12
CUES
15
DMX PORTS
16
REMOTE INPUT
17
VIEW AND TEST
18
IP ADDRESS
20
SYSTEM
21
INFORMATION
22
WEB REMOTE CONFIGURATION
23
WEB REMOTE MENU
24
FIRMWARE UPDATES
38

4
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
Please read and understand the instructions in this manual carefully and thoroughly before
attempting to operate this device. These instructions contain important safety and use
information.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Contact your local Obsidian Controls Systems dealer or distributor for any product related
service and support needs. Also visit forums.obsidiancontrol.com with questions, comments
or suggestions.
OBSIDIAN CONTROL SERVICE EUROPE – Monday – Friday 08:30 to 17:00 CET
[phone] | [email protected]
OBSIDIAN CONTROL SERVICE USA – Monday – Friday 08:30 to 17:00 PST
(866) 245 – 6726 | [email protected]

5
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The Netron devices offer unique and powerful DMX management features. Most settings can
be accessed from the intuitive display and menu system.
All settings are available from the integrated web page, which allows remote access to this
device from any web-browser. The multi-purpose EN4, EP4, and EN12 EtherDMX Gateways
essentially package Artnet and sACN conversion, Merger, DMX patch-bay, and a DMX scene
recorder into one device.
KEY FEATURES
-sACN and Artnet to DMX conversion
-Factory defined NETRON presets
-10 User Presets
-99 Cues with Fade Time, Hold Time and Cue linking
-External contact closures to trigger cues and preset recall (EN12 only)
-DMX Monitor
-DMX and Ethernet Test Generator
SOFTWARE
Before the first use, please download the latest software version from the support website at
http://obsidiancontrol.com, and periodically check the website for updates.

6
CONNECTIONS
DMX CONNECTIONS
All DMX Output connections are 5pin female XLR; however, the pin – out on all sockets is pin 1 to
shield, pin 2 to cold ( – ), and pin 3 to hot (+). Pins 4 and 5 are not used.
Carefully connect DMX cables to the respective ports.
To prevent damaging the DMX ports, provide strain relief and support. Avoid connecting FOH
Snakes to the ports directly.
Certain functions may require adapters (purchased separately), such as a 5 pole XLR male to 5 pole
XLR male.
ETHERNET DATA CONNECTION
The Ethernet cable is connected on the back of the gateway into the port labeled A or B. Devices
can be daisy chained, but it is recommended not to exceed 10 Netron devices in one chain.
Because these devices use locking RJ45 connectors, and the use of locking RJ45 ethernet cables
is recommended, any RJ45 connector is suitable.
To connect multiple devices to an EtherDMX Source, an Ethernet switch is required to split the data
into the desired number of streams.
The Ethernet connection is also used to connect a computer to the Netron device for remote
configuration via a web browser. To access the web interface, simply enter the IP address shown
in the display in any web browser connected to the device. Information about the web access can
be found in the manual.
Pin
Connection
1
Com
2
Data –
3
Data +
4
Not connected
5
Not connected

7
CONNECTIONS: EN4 (FRONT & REAR PANELS)
FRONT CONNECTIONS
-(6) 5pin DMX/RDM optically isolated ports
-Ports are bidirectional for DMX In and Output
-Full color OLED display
-Encoder w. Push to Select / Exit Button
DMX PORTS STATUS INDICATER LEDs
Ports
LED Color
Solid
Blink
Flashing/Strobing
DMX
RGB
Error
DMX
RGB
DMX In
DMX Lost
DMX
RGB
DMX Out Stable
DMX Lost
DMX
WHITE
Flash on RDM packets
All LEDs are dimmable and can be turned off via the Menu/System/Display menu.
REAR CONNECTIONS
-Seetronic Power In/Thru
-(2) RJ45 network connections (1x POE)
Turn to scroll, push–to–select
OLED Display
5 – Pin DMX/RDM
optically isolated port
Menu return button
Power Out
Power In
RJ45 Network
connection
Fuse
RJ45 Network
connection w/POE
DMX Port Status Indicator LED

8
CONNECTIONS: EN12 (FRONT & REAR PANELS)
FRONT CONNECTIONS
- (12) 5pin DMX/RDM optically isolated ports
- Ports are bidirectional for DMX In and Output
- Full color OLED display
- Encoder w. Push to Select / Exit Button
DMX PORTS STATUS LEDs
Ports
LED Color
Solid
Blink
Flashing/Strobing
DMX
RGB
Error
DMX
RGB
DMX In
DMX Lost
DMX
RGB
DMX Out
DMX Lost
DMX
WHITE
Flash on RDM packets
All LEDs are dimmable and can be turned off via the Menu/System/Display menu.
REAR CONNECTIONS
- (2) Locking RJ45 Ethernet network in
- (10) Contact Closures (Terminal Block)
- 2) RJ45 network connections
Turn to scroll,
push-to-select
OLED Display
5-Pin DMX/RDM
optically isolated port
Menu return
button
Power Out
Power In
RJ45 Network
connection
Fuse
RJ45 Network
connection w/POE
DMX Port Status
Indicator LED
Contact Closures
(Terminal Block)

9
CONNECTIONS: EP4 (FRONT & REAR PANELS)
FRONT CONNECTIONS
- (4) 5pin DMX/RDM optically isolated ports
- Ports are bidirectional for DMX In and Output
DMX PORTS STATUS INDICATER LEDs
Ports
LED Color
Solid
Blink
Flashing/Strobing
RJ45
LINK Green
Link established
RJ45
ACT Yellow
Network Traffic
DMX
RGB
Error
DMX
RGB
DMX In
DMX Lost
DMX
RGB
DMX Out Stable
DMX Lost
DMX
WHITE
Flash on RDM packets
The LEDs are dimmable from the System – Display menu and can be turned off completely if desired.
REAR CONNECTIONS
- USB-C power option (5V, 2A). POWER ONLY, NO DATA CONNECTION
- (2) RJ45 network connections (1x POE)
RJ45 Network
connection
RJ45 Network
connection w/POE
,
DMX Port Status Indicator LED
USB-C power option (5V, 2A)
POWER ONLY, NO DATA
CONNECTION
Reset Button: Push the pin
carefully with paperclip until
unit resets (Approx. 5s)
,
k

10
MENU: NAVIGATION
The Netron devices use a small OLED display for feedback and setup. The encoder dials up
and down through the menu, a push of the encoder selects an item or saves an entry. Revert
back to a previous menu or cancel an entry with a single push of the back arrow.
Wheel Right
Scroll down in menu list / increase values
Wheel Left
Scroll up in menu list / decrease values
Wheel Push
Enter Menu, Select menu item, go down one level in menu, confirm
values.
Back Arrow
Go up one level in menu tree, cancel change of values, hold for 2
seconds to return to home screen
As you scroll up or down the menu, the arrows indicate that more items are available above or below
that which is displayed, and only show when needed.

11
MENU: HOME SCREEN
This is the default screen providing quick status feedback and indicates IP and DMX traffic.
IP Address: shows the
current IP address of the
device. Use this address
inside a web browser for
remote access.
Ports: The port numbers show
the assigned Universe below in
the Universe Box, which itself
is colored following the LED
feedback.
IP A / B: White text with a
check mark indicates if a
network port is connected.
Red indicated the port is
not connected.
Universe Box:
Green = DMX In
Blue = DMX Out
White = RDM Traffic
Red = Error
i005 = DMX Input Universe 5
Purple v201 = sent value 201

12
MENU: PRESETS
Several simple presets are preprogrammed into the device for fast
setup. Some presets require additional input like a start Universe.
SUB MENU
OPTION / VALUES
DESCRIPTION
1 :ArtNet 2.x
Universe 1 – 256
See NETRON Presets
2 :ArtNet 10.x
Universe 1 – 266
3 :sACN DHCP
Universe 1 – 256
4 :ArtNet In
Universe 1 – 266
5 :sACN DHCP In
Universe 1 – 256
6 :ArtNet In/Thru
Universe 1 – 256
7 :Splitter Port1
1 :MyPreset 1
…
10 :MyPreset 10
Save Preset
Preset Saved
Load Preset
Preset Loaded
Rename Preset
12 Character Label

13
MENU: EN4/EP4 NETRON PRESETS
These simple presets are preprogrammed into the device for fast setup. Some presets require additional input like
a start Universe.
Label
Ethernet
DMX Ports
IP Address
Subnet
Protocol
Option
1
2
3
4
Artnet 2.x
Automatic 2.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Universe #
Output
Output
Output
Output
X
X
X+1
X
X+1
RDM
Yes
Yes
Yes
Artnet 10.x
Automatic
10.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Universe #
Output
Output
Output
Output
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+3
RDM
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
sACN
DHCP
DHCP
sACN
Universe #
Output
Output
Output
Output
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+2
RDM
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Artnet In
Automatic 2.x
255.0.0.0
Universe #
Input
Input
Input
Input
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+3
sACN In
DHCP
DHCP
Artnet
Universe #
Input
Input
Input
Input
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+3
Artnet In /
Thru
Automatic 2.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Universe #
Input
Input
Output
Output
X
X
X+1
Clone 1
Clone 2
RDM
Yes
Yes
Splitter Port 1
Automatic 2.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Input
Output
Output
Output
No RDM support
X
Clone 1
Clone 1
Clone 1
RDM
Yes
Yes
Yes

14
MENU: EN12 NETRON PRESETS
These simple presets are preprogrammed into the device for fast setup. Some presets require additional input like
a start Universe.
Label
Ethernet
DMX Ports
IP
Address
Subnet
Protocol
Option
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Artnet 2.x
Automatic
2.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Universe
#
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+3
X+4
X+5
X+6
X+7
X+9
X+10
X+11
X+12
RDM
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Artnet
10.x
Automatic
10.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Universe
#
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+3
X+4
X+5
X+6
X+7
X+9
X+10
X+11
X+12
RDM
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3 Artnet
Nodes
Automatic
2.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Port 1
Universe
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+3
Port 5
Universe
Y
Y
Y+1
Y+2
Y+3
Port 9
Universe
Z
Z
Z+1
Z+2
Z+3
RDM
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
sACN
DHCP
DHCP
sACN
Universe
#
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+3
X+4
X+5
X+6
X+7
X+9
X+10
X+11
X+12
RDM
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Artnet In
Automatic
2.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Universe
#
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+3
X+4
X+5
X+6
X+7
X+9
X+10
X+11
X+12
sACN In
DHCP
DHCP
Artnet
Universe
#
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+3
X+4
X+5
X+6
X+7
X+9
X+10
X+11
X+12
Artnet In /
Thru
Automatic
2.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Universe
#
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
X
X
X+1
X+2
X+3
X+4
X+5
Clone
1
Clone
2
Clone 3
Clone
4
Clone
5
Clone
6
RDM
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Splitter
Port 1
Automatic
2.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
No RDM support
X
Clone 1
Clone 1
Clone
1
Clone
1
Clone
1
Clone
1
Clone
1
Clone 1
Clone
1
Clone
1
Clone
1
Splitter
Port 1 + 7
Automatic
2.x
255.0.0.0
Artnet
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
Input
Output
Output
Output
Output
Output
No RDM support
Clone 1
Clone 1
Clone
1
Clone
1
Clone
1
Clone
7
Clone 7
Clone
7
Clone
7
Clone
7

15
MENU: CUES
A cue is a full static snapshot of all DMX values of all ports. The
device supports 99 cues with fade and hold times, plus a link
option to loop multiple cues together. This allows small “mini”
cuelists to be created. Cues are used for standalone operation,
as a backup for signal loss or can be assigned to one of the
switch inputs. This is often used for fire alarm situations where a
system has to go to a defined state and stop all console playback.
Cues can be sent as Ethernet Universes so one device can drive
many other Netron nodes.
SUB MENU
OPTIONS / VALUES
DESCRIPTION
Run Cue
1 – 99
Go/Off
Select the desired cue
Save Cue
1:Cue 1
…
99:Cue 99
Save Cue?
Yes/No
Save all values on all ports to a cue slot
Rename Cue
1 – 99
12 Character Label
Edit name of cue
Link Cues
1 – 99
Fade Time
0s –60min
Set the fade time of the cue
Hold Time
0s –60min
Set the time to hold the cue until the next cue is started
Link to
Cue
Disable, 1 – 99
Set the next Cue
Resend Ethernet
Disable
Cue data is not sent over Ethernet
Enable
Cue data is sent on the Universe number and protocol
assigned to the ports.

16
MENU: DMX PORTS
Select a port number to adjust its settings. Depending on the
Mode, certain options are not relevant and hidden from the
display or web interface.
SUB MENU
OPTIONS / VALUES
DESCRIPTION
Universe
1 – 256
Select the EtherDMX Universe
Mode
Disable
The port is disabled.
Input
The port receives DMX values and assigns them to the
selected Universe.
Output
The port sends out DMX Values on the selected
Universe
Send Value
0 – 255
Send a static DMX value
Protocol
Artnet, sACN, None
Select the EtherDMX protocol per port
FrameRate
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40
Select the desired frame rate.
RDM
Disabled, Enabled
Disable / Enable RDM traffic for this port
Merge
OFF
The merger is disabled
HTP
The sources are merged by Highest Takes
Precedence
LTP
The sources are merged by Last Takes Precedence
Toggle
The complete source Universe is switched as soon as
a single value changes
Clone
None, Port 2, Port 3, Port 4
Replicates the identical DMX data from another port
Range
From: 1 – 512
default 1
To: 1 – 512
default 512
Offset Addr
Off, 2 - 511
Offset start address, incoming channel X value is sent
on this port as channel X+Offset, Channels are cut off
if they exceed 512

17
MENU: REMOTE INPUT
The device supports ten remote assignments that can trigger
specific actions like recalling a cue or preset. These events are
recalled using local contact closures, DMX In, or a specific
EtherDMX Universe / Address.
SUB MENU
OPTIONS / VALUES
DESCRIPTION
Cue
1 – 99
Recall a specific cue number
Cue Mode
Trigger
The cue is activated, and all times and links are
processed even if the contact is opened again
Toggle
The cue is activated, and all times and links are
processed only as long as the contact is closed
Netron Preset
a,b,c,…
Recalls this Netron preset when the contact is
closed
User Preset
1 – 10
Recalls this user preset when contact is closed
Disable DMX
Stops all DMX output for as long as contact is
closed
Send Value
0 – 255
Sends specific DMX value on all ports for as
long as contact is closed
Source
disabled
Input is disabled
DMX Port
1 – xx
Use DMX Port. Port must be set as Input
ArtNet
Artnet Trigger
sACN
sACN Trigger
Universe
Set Universe for remote trigger
Address
Set DMX Address for remote trigger
DMX Map for Remote Trigger
Inputs can be remotely activated over DMX, ArtNET, or sACN. The input is activated as long
as the DMX value is at the value shown below.
Value
Action
0 – 10
Idle
11 – 20
Input 1
21 – 30
Input 2
31 – 40
Input 3
41 – 50
Input 4
51 – 60
Input 5
61 – 70
Input 6
71 – 80
Input 7
81 – 90
Input 8
91 – 100
Input 9
101 – 110
Input 10
111 – 255
Idle

18
MENU: VIEW AND TEST
This Netron device provides a variety of tools right from the front
display to monitor and test the system. Colors indicate changing
values.
SUB MENU
OPTIONS / VALUE
Description
DMX View
View
Port 1 – 4
View the DMX values of a specific port
Range
From: 1 – 512
default 1
To: 1 – 512
default 512
Start Monitor
Start Monitoring Values. Use Encoder to dial to the
desired DMX address. Push Encoder to change
display readout style (Grid, List, Address)
Artnet View
Universe
1 – 256
View a specific Artnet Universe
Range
From: 1 – 512
default 1
To: 1 – 512
default 512
Start Monitor
Start Monitoring Values. Use Encoder to dial to the
desired DMX address. Push Encoder to change
display readout style (Grid, List, Address)
sACN View
Universe
1 – 256
View a specific sACN Universe
Range
From: 1 – 512
default 1
To: 1 – 512
default 512
Start Monitor
Start Monitoring Values. Use Encoder to dial to the
desired DMX address. Push Encoder to change
display readout style (Grid, List, Address)
DMX Port Test
Output
Port 1 –4
Send generator values on specific port
All Ports
Send generator values on all ports
Range
From: 1 – 512
default 1
To: 1 – 512
default 512
Speed
1 – 10, Manual
Select the speed of generator
Artnet Test
Universe
1 – 256
Select Artnet Universe
Range
From: 1 – 512
default 1
To: 1 – 512
default 512
Speed
1 – 10, Manual
Select the speed of generator
sACN Test
Universe
1 – 256
Select sACN Universe
Range
From: 1 – 512
default 1
To: 1 – 512
default 512
Speed
1 – 10, Manual
Select the speed of generator

19
MENU: VIEW AND TEST (continued)
Monitor (DMX View, ArtNet View, sACN View)
The monitoring options are helpful to find faults, or simply watch incoming traffic. Three styles
are available by clicking the encoder wheel. Dial the wheel to change the display to the desired
address, and exit the monitor with the back button.
DMX Test Display – Grid
The color coding helps to quickly identify changing DMX values.
Cyan: DMX Address
Green:
Red:
Value Decreased
Value Increased
White: Value stable (after 10 seconds)
DMX Test Display – Line
DMX Test Display – Address

20
MENU: IP ADDRESS
Set the desired device IP address in this menu. Every Netron
device is set to a unique 2.x.x.x address at the factory, and after
every reset to this default. For Artnet systems, it should never be
necessary to adjust this IP. Any custom address and subnet can
be assigned so the node can operate within any network
environment. EP4 devices default to 2.0.0.1 as they contain no
display. Configure each EP4 to a unique IP using the web remote
access.
SUB MENU
OPTIONS / VALUES
Description
DHCP IP
The device waits for a DHCP server address
After 30s it assigns itself a unique 169.254.x.x
address but continues to monitor DHCP server
requests.
Automatic 2.x
The device is set to a unique 2.x.x.x Address, Subnet
255.0.0.0
Automatic 10.x.x
The device is set to a unique 10.x.x.x Address,
Subnet 255.0.0.0
Custom IP
IP Address
x.x.x.x
Assign any desired numbers. The device does not
check the validity of address and subnet values.
Subnet Mask
x.x.x.x