Pathway connectivity solutions Pathport OCTO 64 Series User manual

User Guide
January 2021
Pathway Connectivity
1439 17 Ave SE • Calgary, AB • T2G 1J9
+1 (403) 243-8110
Pathport OCTO
DMX/RDM Gateways
Models 64XX
Running Firmware version 6.1

Copyright © Pathway Connectivity
A Division of Acuity Brands Lighting Canada (“Pathway”) and its licensors.
All rights reserved.
This software and, as applicable, associated media, printed materials and “on-line” or electronic
documentation (the “Software Application”) constitutes an unpublished work and contains valuable trade
secrets and proprietary information belonging to Pathway and its licensors.
WARNING ABOUT UNSECURED PROTOCOLS
Enabling an open protocol that does not use encryption or authentication - These protocols could be
eavesdropped or spoofed by malicious parties. You are strongly encouraged to use Pathway ssACN,
and secure access to your network, both physically and technologically. To use unsecured protocols,
you must acknowledge that you have read this statement and accept these risks.

CONTENTS
ABOUT PATHPORT OCTO .................................................................1
PROTOCOLS SUPPORTED...................................................................1
DMX512�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1
ETHERNET PROTOCOLS�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1
REMOTE DEVICE MANAGEMENT (RDM)������������������������������������������������������������2
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS........................................................2
OPTIONAL MOUNTING ACCESSORIES ..............................................3
INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENT ...........................................................3
PANEL LAYOUTS ................................................................................4
FRONT PANEL........................................................................................4
LCD �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4
ROTARY ENCODER����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4
DMX PORTS (IF APPLICABLE) ����������������������������������������������������������������������������4
LED INDICATORS �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4
REAR PANEL ..........................................................................................5
DMX PORTS (IF APPLICABLE) ����������������������������������������������������������������������������5
RJ45 etherCON NETWORK CONNECTION���������������������������������������������������������5
CCI (CONTACT CLOSURE INPUT)�����������������������������������������������������������������������5
AC INPUT ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5
CONFIGURATION ...............................................................................5
SECURITY ...........................................................................................6
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ............................................................6
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU ................................................................6
SECURITY DOMAINS ............................................................................7
RED PADLOCK - “Ready to Secure” device (previously “Unsecured”)��������7
AMBER PADLOCK - “Other Domain” name showing device������������������������7

AMBER PADLOCK - “Read Only” (previously “Locally Secured”)����������������7
GREEN PADLOCK - “My Domain” shows devices in the current domain����8
NO PADLOCK - “Disabled By User” – Firmware version 6�1 or later - rackmount
devices with front panel UI only���������������������������������������������������������������������������8
EMPTY SECURITY DOMAIN CELL – Firmware version prior to 5�0 - device
shipped prior to January 1, 2020 �������������������������������������������������������������������������8
CREATING A SECURITY DOMAIN........................................................9
ADMINISTERING A DOMAIN ..............................................................14
MANAGE SECURITY DOMAIN���������������������������������������������������������������������������14
MANAGE DEVICES���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18
RECOVERING A DOMAIN ...................................................................20
RETAINING DEVICE SETTINGS FROM UNKNOWN DOMAINS........22
USING OLDER VERSIONS OF PATHSCAPE WITH NEW DEVICES..22
LOCAL CONFIGURATION ONLY - Using OCTO without Pathscape ....23
DISABLING SECURITY ........................................................................24
INTRODUCING PATHWAY ssACN (Secure sACN) ............................25
DOMAIN AUTO ssACN PASSWORD������������������������������������������������������������������25
CUSTOM ssACN PASSWORD ���������������������������������������������������������������������������25
CHOOSING PATHWAY ssACN AS NETWORK PROTOCOL..............26
MANAGING PATHWAY ssACN PASSWORDS ���������������������������������������������������27
SOFTWARE (PATHSCAPE) CONFIGURATION................................30
NETWORK SETUP ...............................................................................30
DEVICE PROPERTIES..........................................................................31
PATHWAY SECURITY DOMAIN��������������������������������������������������������������������������31
BASIC PROPERTIES ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������31
DEVICE INFO ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������32
STATUS ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������32
DEVICE TIME SETTINGS������������������������������������������������������������������������������������33
NETWORK PROPERTIES �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������33
NETWORK PARTNER (LLDP)�����������������������������������������������������������������������������34

NETWORK DMX RECEIVE PROTOCOLS ����������������������������������������������������������34
NETWORK DMX TRANSMIT PROTOCOL ���������������������������������������������������������36
REMOTE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT ��������������������������������������������������36
ADVANCED PROPERTIES����������������������������������������������������������������������������������37
PATHPORT PORT PROPERTIES.........................................................38
OUTPUT PORT PROPERTIES .............................................................38
BASIC PROPERTIES ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������38
STATUS ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������39
DMX512 PORT PROPERTIES ����������������������������������������������������������������������������39
PORT PATCH ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������40
NETWORK DMX PROPERTIES��������������������������������������������������������������������������41
SIGNAL LOSS �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������41
RDM PROPERTIES���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������42
ADVANCED PROPERTIES����������������������������������������������������������������������������������42
INPUT PORT PROPERTIES .................................................................43
BASIC PROPERTIES ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43
STATUS ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43
DMX512 PORT PROPERTIES ����������������������������������������������������������������������������44
PORT PATCH ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������44
NETWORK DMX PROPERTIES��������������������������������������������������������������������������44
ADVANCED PROPERTIES����������������������������������������������������������������������������������45
PATCHING PORTS ...............................................................................46
UPGRADING DEVICE FIRMWARE......................................................46
FACTORY DEFAULT..........................................................................47
FRONT PANEL LOCKOUT...................................................................48
FRONT PANEL UI AND MENU .........................................................49
BEFORE YOU START...........................................................................49
FRONT PANEL UI .................................................................................49
SETTING SECURITY MODE ................................................................50
MAIN DISPLAY MESSAGES ................................................................52

USING THE FRONT PANEL UI ............................................................52
MENUS..................................................................................................53
NETWORK SETUP����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������53
DEVICE INFO/STATUS����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������54
PROTOCOL SUPPORT���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������55
ADMIN/SECURITY����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������57
PORT STATUS AND CONFIGURATION MENU ��������������������������������������������������59
APPENDIX 1: ELECTRICAL, COMPLIANCE & OTHER INFORMATION ...62
ELECTRICAL INFORMATION..............................................................62
COMPLIANCE ......................................................................................62
PHYSICAL.............................................................................................62


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ABOUT PATHPORT OCTO
Pathway Connectivity’s Pathport® OCTO is a eight-port DMX-over-Ethernet gateway intended for use primarily in entertainment
lighting systems. The OCTO provides transparent transmission and receipt of the DMX512 lighting control standard, using a
number of widely accepted protocols including Pathport Protocol, sACN (E1.31), Art-Net, Strand ShowNet, and Pathway
ssACN (Secure sACN), across a standard Ethernet data network.
The OCTO may be used alone, networked with other OCTOs and Pathport gateways, as well as with a number of other
Ethernet-aware lighting control products, such as consoles and controllers.
The OCTO, like all Pathports, is a routing device and does not provide control over the protocols or the data being passed. It
only provides control over the path the data takes, how multiple DMX sources are treated (merged or prioritized), and certain
other routing characteristics including DMX transmission speed and signal loss behavior.
The OCTO is easily configured and upgraded using the freely available software tool, Pathscape. It is also configurable using
the Front Panel UI, which consists of the LCD and rotary pushbutton encoder. NOTE that some features are not available if
configuring the device solely with the front panel.
PROTOCOLS SUPPORTED
DMX512
The most widely used digital multiplex protocol for controlling entertainment lighting and effects equipment. The DMX signal
consists of 512 8-bit control packets sent asynchronously over a two-pair shielded cable at 250K Baud. The standard
connector type is 5 pin XLR. The standard has been revised several times over the years, with the latest being ANSI E1.11
DMX512-A (2013). The Pathport OCTO is designed to work seamlessly with all variants of the protocol.
DMX is a last mile protocol, daisy-chained between end fixtures.
ETHERNET PROTOCOLS
Ethernet protocols are used to multiplex DMX data over Ethernet networks, largely to circumvent control channel limitations
inherent in the DMX standard. The Pathport OCTO supports the most widely accepted.
Pathport Protocol: A broadcast protocol developed by Pathway Connectivity and implemented by a variety of console
manufacturers.
Art-Net: A broadcast protocol developed by Artistic Licence. Its free distribution has made in popular with media server
manufacturers. Because this is not a standard, some implementations may not work with others.
Strand Shownet: A proprietary broadcast protocol developed by Strand Lighting and used exclusively in Strand lighting
consoles.
ANSI E1.31 streaming ACN (sACN): A multicast industry standard developed and maintained by the Technical Standards
Program of the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA). The standard is available for a nominal cost
from ESTA. This standard provides the DMX512 data transport for the separate ANSI E1.17 ACN (Architecture for Control
Networks) industry standard.
sACN is the DMX transport used by ETC Net3. The OCTO is fully compliant with Net3, and will seamlessly receive either
Final Draft 20, or the ANSI approved versions of sACN.
Pathway ssACN (Secure sACN): A new protocol developed by Pathway Connectivity that incorporates many features of
ANSI E1.31 sACN, but adds a layer of secure authentication. See later in the manual for details on Pathway ssACN.

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REMOTE DEVICE MANAGEMENT (RDM)
ANSI E1.20 Remote Device Management (RDM) is an industry standard, also published by ESTA, which allows remote
configuration of last-mile DMX devices, using the same wire pair that carries the DMX signal. Like DMX, RDM requires a
separate dedicated controller to generate the signal packets the OCTO will route. The freely available Pathscape software is
required to use the OCTO as an RDM gateway to configure DMX-based equipment.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The Pathport® OCTO is intended for desktop use, or to be mounted in a standard 19” equipment rack, using the included
rack ear accessories.
Rack ear accessories for installing the OCTO unit into a 19” equipment rack.
Use the included machine screws (2 per side) to attach the rack ears to the either side of the metal chassis.
PORT A BCD E F GH
If using the OCTO on a desktop permanently, you may wish to apply the adhesive rubber feet pads to the bottom of the unit.
Simply peel them off the adhesive backing and apply to the bottom of the metal enclosure, with one on each corner.

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OPTIONAL MOUNTING ACCESSORIES
Wall-mount adapters (P/N 9002) and truss-mount kits (P/N 9003) are available as accessories.
#9002 Wall-mount Kit #9003 Truss-mount Kit
INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENT
The Pathport OCTO is intended for installation in a dry, indoor location. Ambient operating conditions are 14°F to 122°F (-10°C
to 50°C); 5-95% relative humidity, non-condensing.
Warning: The AC socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily
accessible.
Warning: This equipment relies on building installation primary overcurrent protection.
Warning: Except for the IEC chassis plug marked for AC input, all ports on the Pathport OCTO
are intended for low voltage data lines only. Attaching anything other than low voltage sources
to the data ports may result in severe equipment damage, and personal injury or death.

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PANEL LAYOUTS
FRONT PANEL
Model 6423 Shown
LCD
Front-panel LCD shows device name, IP address, status, and menus, when configuring settings with the rotary encoder.
The LCD backlight will come on when the encoder knob is being used, but can be permanently enabled using Pathscape.
ROTARY ENCODER
Push-button rotary knob is used to check and set device settings. Rotate the knob to select different menus and options,
push in the knob to make a selection.
DMX PORTS (IF APPLICABLE)
Depending on the model number ordered, the DMX ports are: 5-pin XLR, 3-pin XLR or RJ45 etherCON connectors. The XLR
and etherCON connectors are of the locking type.
Plug your DMX512-capable devices into these ports using the appropriate cables. To unplug XLR and etherCON connectors,
push in the tab labeled “PUSH” at the top of the connector to unlock, then pull out the connector.
LED INDICATORS
See the chart above for details.

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REAR PANEL
DMX PORTS (IF APPLICABLE)
Depending on the model number ordered, the DMX ports are: 5-pin XLR, 3-pin XLR or RJ45 etherCON connectors, or
terminal strip connectors. The XLR and etherCON connectors are of the locking type.
Plug your DMX512-capable devices into these ports using the appropriate cables. To unplug XLR and etherCON connectors,
push in the tab labeled “PUSH” at the top of the connector to unlock, then pull out the connector.
RJ45 etherCON NETWORK CONNECTION
Plug the Pathport OCTO into the lighting network using an Ethernet cable here. The Link/Act LED will light up amber when
a link is established, and will flash when there is network activity. If the LED is off, there is no active link.
CCI (CONTACT CLOSURE INPUT)
There is a dry contact closure input on the rear panel. Shorting the two terminals will activate the associated function. The
Contact Closure can activate DMX Hold, RDM Pause, and more functions may be added in future firmware updates.
AC INPUT
Connect the unit to an AC power source using an IEC cable here.
CONFIGURATION
The Pathport® OCTO may be configured from the front panel interface using the LCD and rotary pushbutton encoder. However,
we recommend using our free software tool, Pathscape. To download Pathscape, visit the Pathway website at https://www.
pathwayconnect.com/index.php/products/software/176-pathscape and click the download link for the appropriate operating
system. Use the QR Code below to visit the download page.
For instructions on how to set properties and send transactions to devices, refer to the Pathscape manual.
For instructions on using the LCD and encoder to navigate the switch menus, see the Front Panel UI and Menu section.

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SECURITY
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On January 1, 2020, California became the first state to enforce cybersecurity and IoT related legislation. Oregon, New
York and Massachusetts are following suit. California’s law is Title 1.81.26 “Security of Connected Devices” and mandates
that we equip our products with security features that are appropriate to the nature and function of the device. By law, this
encompasses all products that are assigned Internet Protocol addresses which can connect to the Internet directly or indirectly.
Pathway Connectivity, a division of Acuity Brands, will only ship compliant devices regardless of the jurisdiction into which
they are sold.
The law requires us to either supply a unique password for our products (see Local Configuration Only below) or requires
the users to change the password before being able to use it (See Creating a Security Domain below). With Pathscape V3
and later, we provide features that protect our products from unauthorized access or use by enforcing passwords.
Pathway Connectivity does not collect or store personal information on our devices.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU
1. When using products shipped after January 1, 2020, Pathscape will require a single password to allow configuration of all
the devices on your network. Since the release of Pathscape V4, all Pathway Connectivity products can be upgraded to
firmware version 6.x. It is suggested you upgrade your devices to take advantage of the most recent security improvements.
2. Products shipped before January 1, 2020, devices with version 3.x and 4.x firmware will continue to function without
passwords using either Pathscape version 3 or 4.
3. All products shipped after January 1, 2020 may only be configured using Pathscape 4 or later.
4. Products shipped after January 1, 2020 cannot be downgraded to earlier password-free firmware.
Using the Tools > Firmware Updater dialog (see later in the manual for instructions), devices manufactured before
January 1, 2020 may show newer firmware versions, but using the Select Latest button will not select the latest. These
devices do not have a method, like a front panel, to factory default them. You can manually select the latest firmware using
the Select Firmware button, but do not forget the new password as you cannot factory default them.
We highly recommend printing the Password Recover PDF when creating a Security Domain so you can reset
lost passwords.
5. Products that are fully configurable from the front panel can enter Local Configuration Mode (Read-Only mode). This
allows them to be configured locally, but not over the network.
6. You will be encouraged to print or save a recovery key in case you lose the password. Do so when setting up your Security
Domain. It is the only chance you’ll get to save/print/see this Recovery Key.
7. If you lose the password and lose the recovery key, you will manually have to factory default each device on the network.
See the resource section of the Pathway website for a comprehensive document describing how to manually factory
default all our devices.
8. The complete network configuration may be saved without a password before factory defaulting devices. Applying the
saved configuration will require a new password to be set for the network.
9. Configuring our devices to receive unsecured protocols such as sACN and Art-Net will require you to accept the risks.
See WARNING BOX regarding unsecured protocols below.
By default, all Pathway Connectivity products sent and/or receive Pathway ssACN which is an authenticated method of
transporting the E1.31 protocol within a Security Domain.

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10. Pathway does not store personal information such as names or email addresses on our devices.
11. On products with a front panel display and encoder using firmware release 6.1, it is possible to opt out of the prescribed
security features. See Disabling Security below.
SECURITY DOMAINS
To simplify the process of managing security on your network, Pathscape introduced the concept of a “Security Domain”.
Below we will describe how to create a Security Domain and add or remove devices from it. In the Device tab of Pathscape
there is a column that shows you the name of the devices’ domain and a padlock icon showing their current state.
There are several different ways a device can appear in the Security Domain column.
RED PADLOCK - “Ready to Secure” device (previously “Unsecured”)
Prior to Pathscape version 4.1, this was shown as “Unsecured”.
Any device shipped after January 1, 2020 will have version 5 or later firmware which includes security. These devices will
report their type, name and firmware version only. All other properties cannot be read until you add them to a Security
Domain (see below on creating domains).
AMBER PADLOCK - “Other Domain” name showing device
Devices that have been added to a security domain will appear with an amber padlock. These devices will allow you to read
all their properties and even save a show file with the network setup, but the properties are Read-Only. You will have to login
to the domain to set any properties. (See Login procedure below.)
AMBER PADLOCK - “Read Only” (previously “Locally Secured”)
Prior to Pathscape version 4.1, this was shown as “Locally Secured”.
Read Only means the front panel was used to create a unique (and hidden) password to allow front-panel-only configuration.

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To gain read/write privileges with Pathscape, you must Reset Security settings from the front panel and then add it to the
Security Domain using Pathscape.
GREEN PADLOCK - “My Domain” shows devices in the current domain
Once you have logged into a Security Domain with a password, any device in your domain will appear with a green padlock
and all their properties will be Read/Writable.
NO PADLOCK - “Disabled By User” – Firmware version 6�1 or later - rackmount
devices with front panel UI only
With the release of firmware version 6.1 for rackmount devices with a front panel display and encoder (OCTO,
QUATTRO, VIA rackmount only), it is possible to opt out of the security features altogether. This is designed primarily for
the rental market where devices may be shipped to various locations for use by different end users, where Domain passwords
and Recovery Keys may not be known.
Devices set to Disabled by User will behave like legacy devices and are fully Read/Writable by Pathscape without needing
to be logged into a Domain.
For information on opting out of security features, see Disabling Security below.
EMPTY SECURITY DOMAIN CELL – Firmware version prior to 5�0 - device shipped
prior to January 1, 2020
If the Security Domain cell is empty, this device is using Version 4 firmware and cannot be secured. Pathscape 4 will be able
to read and write properties exactly like earlier versions of Pathscape. If you upgrade to version 5 or later firmware, the device
will appear with a red padlock and you will need to add it to a domain before you can use it.

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CREATING A SECURITY DOMAIN
• After starting Pathscape, the online devices will populate the Device View.
• Choose the Security Domain view from the Select View dropdown
• Each device running V5 or later firmware will have a Red “Ready to Secure” value in the Security Domain column.
• NOTE: QUATTROs running V6.1 firmware or later will show a Security Mode screen on the front panel LCD.
Security Mode
Wait for Pathscape to Secure
Local Conguration Only
Disable Security
Wait for Pathscape to Secure
Serial # : PPXXXXXXX
MAC : XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX
<Back>
• No action is required here to add the device to Pathscape. Clicking the encoder knob to select Wait for Pathscape to
Secure will show the device Serial Number and MAC Address, in cases where this may be helpful for device identification.
• If you want to configure your devices only via the front panel, choose Local Configuration Only. If you prefer to opt out
of security and the needs for passwords on these devices, choose Disable Security.
See the below for more detail on these options.
• If your devices have old firmware, you may update them to current firmware by going to the Tools menu in Pathscape and
selecting Firmware Updater. Select the devices to upgrade, and choose Select Latest, then Send Firmware. (See the
Upgrading Device Firmware section for more detail). The devices will go offline and come back with a red padlock.
• From the Security menu, choose New Domain.

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• Enter the new Domain Name and Administrator and User passwords,then click Next.
• The Administrator can change passwords, change the Security Domain’s name, factory default devices, manage
Device Restore Points and add or remove devices from the domain.
• The User can change device properties and save and restore show files, but cannot change domain passwords,
factory default devices or add/remove devices. There is one User account password for all users.
• Add all the Ready to Secure devices on your network by checking the top checkbox labeled “Ready to Secure” and then
click Next. If you wish to add some but not all devices to this domain, click on the checkbox next to each device you’d
like to add, and then click Add Devices.

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• The next window will show the Recovery Key. This key will allow you to recover Security Domain access should the
passwords be lost or forgotten.
It is extremely important to keep a record of this Recovery Key, as this is the only time it will be shown to you.
Print the Recovery Key.
• Clicking the Print button will open a Print Dialog, from which you may choose a printer to print to.
• You may also right-click on the Recovery Key, then Select All and Copy the key to the clipboard and store it in a safe
place.

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• In order to proceed, you must click the checkbox acknowledging you have printed or saved the Recovery Key in some
way.
Managers of the facility should store this key in a safe place, keeping in mind that anybody with this key can change both
the Administrator and User passwords at any time.
• Click Finish and the window will close, and the devices will be added to the domain. The devices will have an amber
padlock and their properties will be read-only.
• To configure the devices, you must log in to the domain as a user by pressing the Log In button in the toolbar. Note:
The Security Toolbar option under the Window menu must be checked.
You can also click on the Security menu and select the Log In menu item.

Pathport® OCTO - 64XX - Manual January 2021
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• Enter the User password for the Security Domain that was just created, and click Finish.
As security parameters are verified, the amber padlocks will turn green and the properties of those devices will be read/
writable.
Once logged into a domain, the Log In button will change to the Log Out button, and the name of the domain
currently logged into will appear next to it.
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