OBSIDIAN CONTROL SYSTEMS Netron RDM6XL 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]
FCC STATEMENT
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits as per Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
device uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
included instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be deter- mined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following methods:
• Reorient or relocate the device.
• Increase the separation between the device and the receiver.
• Connect the device to an electrical outlet on a circuit different from which the radio receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Energy Saving Matters (EuP 2009/125/EC)
Saving electric energy is a key to help protecting the environment. Please turn off all electrical products when
they are not in use. To avoid power consumption in idle mode, disconnect all electrical equipment from power
when not in use. Thank you!
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
10/29/19
1
Initial release.

3
CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
4
LIMITED WARRANTY
5
SAFETY GUIDELINES
6
OVERVIEW
7
INSTALLATION
8
CONNECTIONS
10
MAINTENANCE
13
SPECIFICATIONS
14
DIMENSIONS
15
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
17

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.
UNPACKING
Every device has been thoroughly tested and has been shipped in perfect operating condition.
Carefully check the shipping carton for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If the carton
is damaged, carefully inspect the device for damage, and be sure all accessories necessary to install
and operate the device have arrived intact. In the event damage has been found or parts are missing,
please contact our customer support team for further instructions. Please do not return this device to
your dealer without first contacting customer support. Please do not discard the shipping carton in
the trash. Please recycle whenever possible.
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
[phone] | [email protected]

5
LIMITED WARRANTY
1. Obsidian Control Systems hereby warrants, to the original purchaser, Obsidian Control Systems products to be
free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years (730 days).
2. For warranty service, send the product only to the Obsidian Control Systems service center. All shipping charges
must be pre-paid. If the requested repairs or service (including parts replacement) are within the terms of this
warranty, Obsidian Control Systems will pay return shipping charges only to a designated point within the United
States. If any product is sent, it must be shipped in its original package and packaging material. No accessories
should be shipped with the product. If any accessories are shipped with the product, Obsidian Control Systems
shall have no liability whatsoever for loss and/or or damage to any such accessories, nor for the safe return thereof.
3. This warranty is void if the product serial number and/or labels are altered or removed; if the product is modified
in any manner which Obsidian Control Systems concludes, after inspection, affects the reliability of the product;
if the product has been repaired or serviced by anyone other than the Obsidian Control Systems factory unless
prior written authorization was issued to purchaser by Obsidian Control Systems; if the product is damaged
because not properly maintained as set forth in the product instructions, guidelines and/or user manual.
4. This is not a service contract, and this warranty does not include any maintenance, cleaning or periodic check-up.
During the periods as specified above, Obsidian Control Systems will replace defective parts at its expense, and
will absorb all expenses for warranty service and repair labor by reason of defects in material or workmanship. The
sole responsibility of Obsidian Control Systems under this warranty shall be limited to the repair of the product, or
replacement thereof, including parts, at the sole discretion of Obsidian Control Systems. All products covered by
this warranty were manufactured after January 1, 1990, and bare identifying marks to that effect.
5. Obsidian Control Systems reserves the right to make changes in design and/or performance improvements upon
its products without any obligation to include these changes in any products theretofore manufactured.
6. No warranty, whether expressed or implied, is given or made with respect to any accessory supplied with the
products described above. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, all implied warranties made by
Obsidian Control Systems in connection with this product, including warranties of merchantability or fitness, are
limited in duration to the warranty periods set forth above. And no warranties, whether expressed or implied,
including warranties of merchantability or fitness, shall apply to this product after said periods have expired. The
consumer’s and/or dealer’s sole remedy shall be such repair or replacement as is expressly provided above; and
under no circumstances shall Obsidian Control Systems be liable for any loss and/or damage, direct and/or
consequential, arising out of the use of, and/or the inability to use, this product.
7. This warranty is the only written warranty applicable to Obsidian Control Systems products and supersedes all
prior warranties and written descriptions of warranty terms and conditions heretofore published.
8. Use of software and firmware:
To the maximum extent permitted by applic a b l e l a w, in no event shall Elation or Obsidia n Cont rol Systems or its
suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, damages for loss of profits or data,
for business interruption, for personal injury or other loss whatsoever) arising out of or in any way related to the
use of or inability to use firmware or software, the provision of or failure to provide support or other services,
information, firmware, software, and related content through the software or otherwise arising out of the use
of any software or firmware, even in the event of the fault, tort (including negligence), misrepresentation, strict
liability, breach of warranty of Elation or Obsidian Control Systems or any supplier, and even if Elation or Obsidian
Control Systems or any supplier has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
WARRANTY RETURNS: All returned service items, whether under warranty or not, must be freight pre-paid and
accompany a return authorization (R.A.) number. The R.A. number must be clearly written on the outside of the return
package. A brief description of the problem as well as the R.A. number must also be written down on a piece of
paper and included in the shipping container. If the unit is under warranty, you must provide a copy of your proof of
purchase invoice. Items returned without a R.A. number clearly marked on the outside of the package will be refused
and returned at customer’s expense. You may obtain a R.A. number by contacting customer support.

6
SAFETY GUIDELINES
This device is a sophisticated piece of electronic equipment. To guarantee a smooth operation, it is important to
follow all instructions and guidelines in this manual. OBSIDIAN CONTROL SYSTEMS is not responsible for injury
and/or damages resulting from the misuse of this device due to the disregard of the information printed in this
manual. Only the original included parts and/or accessories for this device should be used. Any modifications to the
device, included and/or accessories will void the original manufactures warranty and increase the risk of damage
and/or personal injury.
PROTECTION CLASS 1 – DEVICE MUST BE PROPERLY GROUNDED
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THIS DEVICE WITHOUT BEING FULLY TRAINED ON HOW TO USE IT. ANY
DAMAGES OR REPAIRS TO THIS DEVICE OR ANY LIGHTING FIXTURES CONTROLLED BY THIS
DEVICE RESULTING FROM IMPROPER USE, AND/OR THE DISREGARD OF THE SAFETY AND
OPERATION GUIDELINES IN THIS DOCUMENT VOIDS THE OBSIDIAN CONTROL SYSTEMS
WARRANTY, AND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY WARRANTY CLAIMS AND/OR REPAIRS, AND MAY
ALSO VOID THE WARRANTY FOR ANY NON-OBSIDIAN CONTROL SYSTEMS DEVICES.
KEEP FLAMMABLE MATERIALS AWAY FROM DEVICE.
DRY LOCATIONS USE ONLY!
DO NOT EXPOSE DEVICE TO RAIN, MOISTURE, AND/OR SEVERE ENVIRONMENTS!
DO NOT SPILL WATER AND/OR LIQUIDS ON OR INTO THE DEVICE!
DISCONNECT the device from AC power before removing fuses or any part, and when not in use.
Always electrically ground this device.
Use only a source of AC power that complies with local building and electrical codes and has both overload and
ground-fault protection.
Do not expose the device to rain or moisture.
Never attempt to bypass fuses. Always replace defective fuses with ones of the specified type and rating.
Refer all service to a qualified technician.
Do not modify the device or install other than genuine Netron parts.
CAUTION: Risk of Fire and Electrical Shock. Use only in dry locations.
CAUTION: Risk of Explosion if Battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to local
environmental regulations.
AVOID brute force handling when transporting or operating.
DO NOT expose any part of the device to open flame or smoke. Keep device away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
DO NOT use device in extreme and/or severe environments.
Replace fuses with ones of the same type and rating only. Never attempt to bypass a fuse. Unit provided with a
single fuse in Line side.
DO NOT operate device if power cord is frayed, crimped, damaged and/or if any of the power cord connectors are
damaged, and does not insert into the device securely with ease. NEVER force a power cord connector into device.
If the power cord or any of its connectors are damaged, replace it immediately with a new one of similar power rating.
Strictly use a source of AC power that complies with local building and electrical codes and has both overload and
ground-fault protection. Use only the provided AC power supply and power cords and the correct connector for the
country of operation. Use of the factory provided power cable is mandatory for operation in the US and Canada.
Allow free unobstructed airflow to the bottom and back of the product. Do not block the ventilation slots.
Operate the console only on a stable and solid surface.
DO NOT use the product if the ambient temperature exceeds 40°C (104° F)
Transport the product only in suitable packaging or a custom fitted road case. Transportation damage is not covered
under warranty.
CAUTION: Risk of explosion if CMOS battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according
to local environmental regulations.
CAUTION: Do not expose CMOS battery to excessive heat such as sun or fire.

7
OVERVIEW
KEY FEATURES: RDM6XL
The Netron RDM6XL is a rugged and compact DMX/RDM Splitter. Designed for live production and
installations, it features six opto-isolated 5pin XLR outputs and flexible mounting options to cover
any situation.
- (6) XLR 5pin outputs
- DMX and RDM compliant
- Optically isolated ports
- Power / DMX Through connectors
- Powder-coated aluminum ½rack housing
KEY FEATURES: RDM645
The Netron RDM645 is a rugged and compact DMX/RDM Splitter. Designed for live production and
installations, it features six opto-isolated RJ45 DMX outputs and flexible mounting options to cover
any situation.
- (6) RJ45 Ethercon DMX outputs
- DMX and RDM compliant
- Optically isolated ports
- Power / DMX Through connectors
- Powder-coated aluminum ½rack housing

8
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE!
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
A qualified electrician should be used for all electrical connections and/or installations.
USE CAUTION WHEN POWER LINKING OTHER MODEL DEVICES AS THE POWER
CONSUMPTION OF OTHER MODEL DEVICES MAY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM POWER
OUTPUT OF THIS DEVICE. CHECK SILK SCREEN FOR MAXIMUM AMPS.
Device MUST be installed following all local, national, and country commercial electrical and
construction codes and regulations.
ALWAYS ATTACH A SAFETY CABLE WHENEVER INSTALLING THIS DEVICE IN A
SUSPENDED ENVIRONMENT TO ENSURE THE DEVICE WILL NOT DROP IF THE
CLAMP FAILS. Overhead device installation must always be secured with a secondary
safety attachment, such as an appropriately rated safety cable that can hold 10 times the
weight of the device.
POWER LINKING
USE CAUTION WHEN POWER LINKING AS THE POWER CONSUMPTION MAY EXCEED
THE MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT ON THIS DEVICE. CHECK SILK SCREEN FOR
MAXIMUM AMPS.

9
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Installation Options:
- Standalone, where either device sits on a firm flat surface.
- Truss-mounted using the M10 or M12 mounting holes for use with a truss clamp or appropriate
mounting hardware.
- Wall-mounted horizontally or vertically (brackets included)
- DIN Rail mounted horizontally or vertically (adapter included)
- Rack-mount option for two devices (requires NET Shelf, not included)

10
CONNECTIONS
AC CONNECTIONS
The Obsidian Control Systems Netron RDM6XL and RDM645 are rated 100-240V 50/60Hz and
accept AC mains power over a range of 90-264V 50/60Hz. Do not connect it to power outside this
range. Damage resulting from incorrect connection is not covered under warranty.
North America: A cable with a NEMA 15-5P plug is provided for use with the RDM6XL and RDM645
in the USA and Canada. This approved cable must be used in North America.
Rest of the world: The provided True1 cable is not fitted with a country-specific plug. Install only a plug that
meets local and or national electrical codes and is suitable for the country’s specific requirements.
A 3-prong grounded-type (earthed type) plug must be installed following the plug manufacturer’s
instructions. To apply power to the product: In addition to the input, the unit has a loop through
IEC output connection, allowing daisy chaining between multiple RDM6XLs and RDM645s. Do not
exceed 6A total power draw from the IEC output.
DMX CONNECTIONS: RDM6XL
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.
Pin
Connection
1
Com
2
Data -
3
Data +
4
Not connected
5
Not connected
DMX CONNECTIONS: RDM645
All DMX Output connections are RJ45 (see chart below).
Carefully connect DMX configured RJ45 cables to their respective ports.
To prevent damaging the RJ45 ports, provide strain relief and support. Avoid connecting FOH Snakes to the
ports directly.
L
Connection
1
Data +
2
Data -
3
Not connected
4
Not connected
5
Not connected
6
Not connected
7
Com
8
Com
Shield
Earth

11
CONNECTIONS: RDM6XL (FRONT & REAR PANELS)
FRONT CONNECTIONS
- 5Pin DMX Input
- (6) 5Pin Opto-Isolated DMX Outputs
- RDM Enable
DMX PORTS STATUS INDICATER LEDs
LED Color
Solid
Blink
Flashing/Strobing
DMX PORTS BLUE
DMX Out Stable
Slow On/Off Blink
Flash on RDM Packets
DMX Lost
Active RDM communication
REAR CONNECTIONS
- 5pin DMX Input (parallel with front)
- 5pin DMX Through
- Terminate
- Seetronic Power In/Through
Power Out
Power In
5Pin DMX
Through
Fuse
5 Pin DMX
Input
DMX Port Status Indicator LED
RDM Enable
Terminate button (120 Ohm)
for DMX In
(6) 5Pin Opto-Isolated
DMX Outputs
5Pin DMX Input

12
CONNECTIONS: RDM645 (FRONT & REAR PANELS)
FRONT CONNECTIONS
- RJ45 Ethercon DMX Input
- (6) RJ45 Ethercon Opto-Isolated DMX Outputs
- RDM Enable
DMX PORTS STATUS INDICATER LEDs
LED Color
Solid
Blink
Flashing/Strobing
DMX PORTS BLUE
DMX Out Stable
Slow On/Off Blink
Flash on RDM Packets
DMX Lost
Active RDM communication
REAR CONNECTIONS
- RJ45 Ethercon DMX Input (parallel with front)
- RJ45 Ethercon DMX Through
- Terminate
- Seetronic Power In/Through
(6) RJ45 Ethercon
Opto-Isolated
DMX Outputs
Power Out
Power In
RJ45 Ethercon
DMX Through
Fuse
RJ45 Ethercon
DMX Input
DMX Port Status Indicator LED
RJ45 Ethercon DMX Input
RDM Enable
Terminate button (120 Ohm)
for DMX In

13
MAINTENANCE
The Obsidian Control Systems Netron RDM6XL and RDM645 are designed as rugged, roadworthy
devices. The only required service is occasional cleaning. For other service related concerns, please
contact your Obsidian Control Systems dealer, or visit www.obsidiancontrol.com .
Any service that is not described in this guide must be carried out by a trained and qualified Obsidian
Control Systems technician.
As any electronic device, the RDM6XL and RDM645 require periodic cleaning. The schedule relies on
the environment in which the device is operated. An Obsidian Control Systems technician can provide
recommendations if necessary.
Never spray cleaner directly onto the device surface; always spray into a lint-free cloth and wipe it
clean. Consider using cleaning products designed for cellphone and tablet devices.
Important! Excessive dust, dirt, smoke, fluid build-up, and other materials can degrade the
performance of the RDM6XL and RDM645 devices, causing overheating and damage to
the unit that is not covered by the warranty.
Fuse Replacement:
Single fuse in the Line side; the RDM6XL and RDM645 is protected by a single 1A slow
blow mains fuse in a fuse holder on the back of the device.
Disconnect the product from AC mains power before replacing the fuse as parts of the
product may remain live even if the mains fuse has blown.

14
SPECIFICATIONS
RXL6XL
Mounting Hardware
- Standalone
- Truss-mount (M10 or M12 mounting hole)
- Wall-mount horizontal or vertical (included)
- DIN Rail horizontal or vertical (included)
- Rack-mount option (requires NET Shelf)
Connections
Front
- DMX Input
- (6) 5pin Opto-Isolated DMX Outputs
- RDM Enable
Back
- 5pin DMX Input (parallel with front)
- 5pin DMX Through
- Terminate
- Seetronic Power In/Thru
Physical
- Length: 8.5” (215mm)
- Width: 5.5” (139mm)
- Height: 1.65” (42mm)
- Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
Electrical
- 100-240 V nominal, 50/60 Hz, 10W
Included Items
- 1.5m Seetronic power cable (EU or US
version)
- (2) Wallmount plates
- (2) DIN-Rail clamps
RDM645
Mounting Hardware
- Standalone
- Truss-mount (M10 or M12 mounting hole)
- Wall-mount horizontal or vertical (included)
- DIN Rail horizontal or vertical (included)
- Rack-mount option (requires NET Shelf)
Connections
Front
- RJ45 Ethercon DMX Input
- (6) RJ45 Ethercon Opto-Isolated DMX Outputs
- RDM Enable
Back
- RJ45 Ethercon DMX Input (parallel with front)
- RJ45 Ethercon DMX Through
- Terminate
- Seetronic Power In/Thru
Physical
- Length: 8.5” (215mm)
- Width: 5.5” (139mm)
- Height: 1.65” (42mm)
- Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
Electrical
- 100-240 V nominal, 50/60 Hz, 10W
Included Items
- 1.5m Seetronic power cable (EU or US version)
- (2) Wallmount plates
- (2) DIN-Rail clamps

15
DIMENSIONS: RDM6XL
8.5” [215mm]
5.5” [139mm]
5.8” [147mm]
1.65” [42mm]

16
DIMENSIONS: RDM645
8.5” [215mm]
5.5” [139mm]
5.8” [147mm]
1.65” [42mm]

17
DIMENSIONS NETSHELF (NOT INCLUDED)
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
ORDER CODE
ITEM
US#:NRE001 / EU#:1330000060
NET Shelf (rackmount shelf)
5.6” [142mm]
19.0” [482.5mm]
1.7” [44mm]