pathway DMX repeater pro User manual

DMX Repeater Pro
User’s Guide
Version 3.0
January 2008
For Firmware Versions 1.4.0 and higher
Suite 103, 1439 - 17 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB, T2G 1J9
Canada
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
www.pathwayconnect.com

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
2
T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
Overview .....................................................................................................................3
Protocols Supported..................................................................................................4
Startup Displays .........................................................................................................4
Setting Basic Personalities .......................................................................................5
Port Customization Options ......................................................................................8
DMX Monitor and Console.........................................................................................9
RDM Discovery .........................................................................................................12
More on DMX Hub Mode ..........................................................................................13
More on DMX Merger Mode .....................................................................................14
Appendix A – XLR Connector Pinouts ...................................................................15
Appendix B – Default Settings ................................................................................15
Appendix C – Specifications ...................................................................................15

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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O VERVIEW
This manual describes the function and configuration options for the
Pathway Connectivity DMX Repeater Pro with firmware versions of
1.4.0 or higher. Some features and menu choices described below
are not found in earlier firmware. Firmware is not currently
upgradeable by the end user.
The DMX512 entertainment lighting control protocol is accepted
throughout the world as the standard for interoperability between
equipment supplied by most manufacturers. RDM, or Remote
Device Management, is a recent enhancement to the DMX standard
that provides two-way communication between controllers (such as
consoles) and devices (such as scrollers and moving lights).
The DMX Repeater Pro provides three distinct operating
personalities to configure one dedicated input port and eight
input/output ports, to allow tailoring to the user’s specific DMX
network needs. DMX tester functions and RDM discovery and
device management are also integrated.
•Splitter: One incoming DMX data stream is repeated by eight
output ports, allowing a “star” topology to be created. Bi-directional
RDM communication is supported on all ports and is customizable
on a port-by-port basis. All ports are fully isolated.
•Merger: Two streams of DMX are merged on a highest-takes-
precedence (HTP) basis, and repeated by the remaining output
ports.
•Hub: Often console input connections are daisy-chained
together, creating an illegal DMX configuration, and the potential for
errors. In Hub mode, the DMX Repeater Pro automatically routes
signals from up to 9 input locations to up to 8 outputs without
breaking any rules and while maintaining DMX signal integrity.
•DMX Monitor and Console: A bar graph and numeric display
gives a quick indication of incoming DMX levels. DMX output can be
generated directly from the front panel to check downstream
devices, replacing the need for a separate tester. Both features are
indispensable tools for troubleshooting.
•RDM Discovery and Management: All RDM-enabled devices
can be detected and identified from the front panel display and
keypad. Management of DMX start addresses, personalities and
other device-dependent attributes can be done from the same user
interface. The DMX Repeater Pro is discoverable and configurable

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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as an RDM device, as well as providing the functions of an in-line
controller.
Warning: Except for the IEC chassis plug marked for AC input, all
ports on the DMX Repeater Pro are intended for low voltage data
lines only. The 250 volt fault protection is not intended as primary
personal protection. Attaching anything other than low voltage
sources to the data ports may result in severe equipment damage,
and personal injury or death.
P ROTOCOLS S UPPORTED
DMX512 – The most widely used protocol for controlling lighting and
effects equipment, DMX512 was the first digital multiplex standard.
The DMX signal is simplex, or unidirectional. The standard
connector type is 5-pin XLR. Since its inception in 1986, there have
been two revisions: USITT DMX512/1990 and the newer ANSI
E1.11 DMX512-A version. The DMX Repeater Pro is designed to
work seamlessly with these and all manufacturer-specific variants of
the protocol.
RDM – A recent addition to the DMX512 protocol is ANSI E1.20
RDM (Remote Device Management). A separate optional standard,
it interleaves a get-and-set command structure into the basic DMX
data stream. RDM is a half-duplex, bi-directional protocol that
requires DMX ports to transmit as well as receive. Uses include
remote device addressing and status reporting. The DMX Repeater
Pro supports RDM on all ports.
S TARTUP D ISPLAYS
Plug in the power cord. There is no on/off switch. The internal
power supply will automatically sense and accommodate any
voltage/frequency from 100-240VAC and 50/60 Hz. The front panel
liquid-crystal display (LCD) and the keypad will illuminate. Once boot
up is completed, the display will cycle through the three main status
displays.
▲DMX Input ▲
▼512 Channels ▼
▲Port ABCDEFGH ▲
▼Src IIIIIIII ▼
▲RDM ▲
▼0 essages ▼

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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DMX Status: The first display shows DMX activity and the number
of current input channels detected. Some controllers transmit less
than a full universe of 512. If there is no DMX present, the display
will read ‘DMX Input – Inactive’.
RDM Status: The second display shows RDM activity and the
number of RDM messages since power was last cycled on the
Repeater Pro. In some modes, the screen will read “RDM Disabled”.
Port Status: The last display shows the port-by-port customization
for handling DMX and RDM signal packets.
For full explanations of the displays, see “Status and Monitoring”.
S ETTING B ASIC P ERSONALITIES
The DMX Repeater Pro operates in one of three basic personalities.
Individual ports can be further customized, as described in “Port
Customization Options” below. Certain DMX parameters and the
LCD backlight can also be modified. RDM discovery and DMX
troubleshooting are described in “DMX Monitor and Console” and
“RDM Discovery”.
Navigation
The functions for the DMX Repeater Pro are configured using the
menu keypad to the right of the LCD.
During configuration, the rear illumination of each push button
changes, providing a contextual aid to the user. Only those buttons
that will do something are backlit. Generally, the up/down buttons
are used to cycle through menus and the OK button is used to
accept choices.
Home
Cancel
Navigation
Buttons
OK
Button

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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Selecting a Personality
To begin, press the Home button. The screen will read “Pathway
DMX Repeater Pro” and the OK button will light up green. Press the
up/down arrows to cycle through the following screens: “Discover
RDM Devices”, “DMX Monitor and Console”, “Status Information”
and “Repeater Configuration”.
When “Repeater Configuration” appears, press the check-mark to
select. Press the up/down arrows until this screen appears:
Press the check-mark to select, then the up/down arrows to choose
from “RDM Splitter”, “DMX Merger” and “DMX Hub”, which will
appear on the lower line. Use the check-mark to accept the
personality you require. Setting a basic personality will clear any
port-by-port customization.
Personality Descriptions
RDM Splitter: A one-in/eight-out opto-splitter with RDM functionality
enabled on all ports. This is the factory default personality.
RDM can be disabled on a port-by-port basis to accommodate some
older equipment that may misinterpret RDM requests as DMX level
changes. See “Port Customization Options”.
DMX Merger: A one-in/eight-out or two-in/seven out merger/opto-
splitter with RDM disabled on all ports.
While in this personality, the Repeater Pro scans ports A through H
for active DMX. If found, the second DMX source will be merged with
the primary “DMX IN” signal on a highest-takes-precedence basis.
Also see “More on DMX Merger Mode”.
RDM discovery and commands will not work on ports that are
merging DMX due to timing constraints in the RDM protocol.
DMX Hub: A nine-in/eight-out switcher. The DMX Repeater Pro
scans each port in turn (including the primary input port “DMX IN”)
until a DMX source is found. It then reconfigures all other ports
(except the primary input port) as outputs and routes the DMX signal
▲Personality ▲
▼RDM Splitter ▼

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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to them. If DMX signal is lost, the Repeater Pro will begin the
scanning process all over again.
This personality allows one console to be moved easily between
multiple input locations without use of extension cables or patch
bays, or alternately to allow a back-up to rapidly take over from a
failing primary console.
In DMX Hub mode, active signal appearing at the “DMX IN” port will
take immediate priority over any other active signal.
Also see “More on DMX Hub Mode”.
Other Settings
Other global parameters available from the “Repeater Configuration”
screen are the keypad lock, DMX hold time, DMX speed and the
backlight brightness.
Keypad Lock: This function provides basic security only. While the
keypad is locked, it is possible to scroll through menus to determine
current settings but any attempt to alter them will result in a “Keypad
Locked” message.
The keypad lock can also be invoked by pressing and holding the
Cancel key until the display reports “Keypad Locked” and the
up/down arrows are backlit red. To unlock the keypad, press and
hold the Cancel key until the displays reports the keypad is
unlocked.
DMX Hold Time: This option determines how long the DMX
Repeater Pro will hold its ‘last look’ in the event of loss of DMX
signal. The choices are 0 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes
and Forever. The factory setting is 0 seconds.
Be careful how you use hold time. While it can save a show when
someone kicks the DMX cable out of the wall, it can have an
undesirable outcome if you shut down a console without running
down the grand master first, since the levels that were present prior
to shutdown will be maintained.
DMX Speed: The speed option specifies the refresh rate or how
often the ‘dimmer’ levels are updated. The maximum DMX refresh
rate is about 44 Hertz (Hz), but some equipment behaves erratically
at that rate. The DMX Repeater Pro can operate at three different
refresh rates: slow (34 Hz), medium (39Hz), fast (44 Hz). The factory
setting is fast.

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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LCD Backlight. Use the up\down arrows to set the desired level of
backlight and the check-mark to accept. The factory setting is full.
The backlight does not dim itself after a period of idleness.
P ORT C USTOMIZATION O PTIONS
While setting the personality and global parameters, you will have
scrolled past several screens that look like this:
where xis a letter between A and H, referring to a DMX/RDM port on
the DMX Repeater Pro. These are the Port Options screens. Use
the check-mark to select the desired port and the up/down arrows to
cycle through the four customization options.
Customization is done on a port-by-port basis and results are
dependent on the basic personality in effect.
Input (RDM): This is the factory setting. The port is patched to the
“DMX IN” port on the Repeater Pro and is enabled to pass RDM
packets. In DMX Merger mode, this option re-enables RDM by
patching the I/O port to the primary “DMX IN” port and disabling the
merge function. In Hub mode, the port is patched to “DMX IN” and
will ignore signal from any other port (effectively disabling it).
Disabled: In all modes, the port will ignore all signals.
Filter/Merge: In RDM Splitter mode and DMX Hub mode, disables
RDM on the selected port. It has no effect in DMX Merge mode.
Hub A thru H: In RDM Splitter mode, this option disables the port.
In DMX Merger mode, this option changes the selected port to a
DMX input. The DMX Repeater Pro will merge, on an HTP basis,
DMX from the selected port with the DMX signal arriving at “DMX
IN”. Although more than one port can be selected as a secondary
source, only one port at a time will be merged with the primary input
source. If multiple ports are customized, the active port will be
selected using the same rules as DMX Hub mode.
▲Port x Source ▲
▼Input (RDM) ▼

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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In DMX Hub mode, selecting a port forces the DMX Repeater Pro to
switch signal sources, but only if DMX is active at the new port and it
has a higher letter (e.g. C is higher than D).
For example, the primary console is plugged into Port A, but has
crashed. The DMX Repeater Pro has automatically switched to the
back-up console in Port B. Once the primary console is up again, if
you go to the Port A options screen and reselect “Hub A thru H” (hit
the check-mark so it flashes, then again to accept), the Repeater
Pro will switch control back to Port A – without having to unplug any
cables or cycle power on the back-up console.
However, this technique will not work to force the Repeater to switch
to the back-up signal on Port B as long as there is active signal
coming from the primary console on Port A.
DMX M ONITOR AND C ONSOLE
The DMX Repeater Pro supplies comprehensive information on the
DMX signal path and status, through the “DMX Monitor and
Console” and through the start-up display screens.
DMX Monitor and Console provides two essential tools for
troubleshooting signal problems. From the start-up displays, press
Home, then the up\down arrows to reach “DMX Monitor and
Console”. Press the check-mark to select. The LCD screen will look
similar to this:
The DMX Monitor provides approximations of the DMX input levels
for channels 1 to 8 on the upper line and for channels 9 to 16 on the
lower. In this example channels 1 and 9 are on at about 100%,
channels 2 and 4 are at about 50%, channel 6 is off, and so on. Use
the up/down arrows to scroll through all 512 channels.
By using the left/right arrow keys, you can highlight a channel and
see its numeric level on the right hand side of the screen. The upper
number is the decimal value between 0 and 255. The lower number
is the same value shown in hexadecimal format. Levels can easily
be compared against console or controller sources.
◄1 █▄█▄▄█▄ 255
▼9 █▄██▄▄▄█ FF

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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The Console function sends a DMX level to all output ports,
allowing an independent check on downstream or end devices. Use
the left/right arrows to highlight the desired channel on the display
and press the check mark to select it. The level information on the
right hand side will blink. Use the up/down arrows to change the
channel’s level. Check if the end device is reacting accordingly.
Press the check mark again to release the channel and have it
return to its previous level. The DMX Repeater Pro will not
accidentally cause cueing changes with this feature.
For the Status Screens, use the following illustrations as reference.
DMX Status:
RDM Splitter mode: the number of source channels is shown.
DMX Merge: the number of source channels is shown for both the
primary “DMX IN” port and for the secondary source, in this instance
port B.
Hub mode: the active source port and number of channels is shown.
If the primary “DMX IN” port is active, the lower line will read “A-H
inactive”.
▲DMX Input ▲
▼512 Channels ▼
▲I 512 channels ▲
▼
B 48
channels
▼
▲Input inactive ▲
▼A 512 channels ▼

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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Port Status:
The letters appearing below the Port indicate the port’s
customization. Many combinations are possible; the examples are
generic for clarity.
The letter “I”: Indicates the port is sourced from the primary input
“DMX IN” and that RDM is enabled.
Letters “A” through “H”: Indicates the port is in Hub mode and is
sourcing its signal from the indicated port. Although several ports
may be customized to act as possible inputs, only the letter of the
port active as an input will be shown.
The letter “M”: Indicates the port is in “Filter/Merge” mode and RDM
is disabled. If all ports are labeled with “M”, the box is acting as a
simple 8-port DMX opto-splitter.
In this example, the Repeater is in DMX Merge mode, and port A is
active as a secondary input, being merged with the normal “DMX IN”
source.
The “-”: Indicates the port is in Hub Mode, but there is no signal at
any input port.
The “X”: Indicates the port is disabled.
▲Port ABCDEFGH▲
▼Src IIIIIIII▼
▲Port ABCDEFGH▲
▼Src CCCCCCCC▼
▲Port ABCDEFGH▲
▼Src ----XXXX▼
▲Port ABCDEFGH▲
▼Src MMMMMMMM▼
▲Port ABCDEFGH▲
▼Src AMMMMMMM▼

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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RDM D ISCOVERY
The DMX Repeater Pro provides a straight-forward interface to
discover and configure RDM-enabled devices.
From the “Pathway DMX Repeater Pro” screen, press the down
arrow until the screen reads “Discover RDM Devices”. Press the
check mark and the screen should read “Use arrows to discover.” If
a discovery has previously been done, the screen will go directly to
showing device UIDs (Unique Identifiers).
Pressing the up or down arrow starts discovery. How long discovery
lasts will depend on the number of devices on the DMX network.
Once polling is finished, the screen will show the UID for the last
device discovered – which may not be the device furthest away.
The two lines report the same UID information, with the top line
being in hexadecimal and the bottom line being alphanumeric. The
identifier consists of a manufacturer’s ID and a device ID, typically
the serial number. In the example, PC is the code for Pathway
Connectivity and 840 is the serial number of the discovered device.
Press the check mark to select the shown device for identification
and possible configuration. The selected device will exhibit is
‘identify’ behaviour, which may be a flashing LED display or some
other means of calling attention to itself.
The parameters available for configuration will differ from device to
device, and by manufacturer. Typical choices will be DMX address
or start address, device personality, self test and reset.
Use the up/down arrows to scroll through the options. The option
name will appear on the upper line, with a value on the bottom.
Press the check mark and the value will flash. Use the up/down
arrows to scroll through the available values and then the check
mark to accept. The new value will stop flashing when the
acknowledgement is received from the end device.
Press the home button once to return to the device list, and twice to
exit from RDM discovery. When de-selected, the device’s self-
identify behaviour should stop.
▲5043:348 ▲
▼PC:840 ▼

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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M ORE ON DMX H UB M ODE
When hard-wiring a number of console input receptacles to a
dimming or distribution system, the usual practice would be to daisy
chain them to the dimmer rack or opto-splitter. While this method
often works with no apparent problems, this practice is expressly
forbidden by DMX rules. The problem has been that there is no
realistic ‘legal’ alternative. The DMX Repeater Pro remedies this.
Up to 9 DMX input receptacles can be directly connected (home run)
to the DMX Repeater Pro when it is in Hub Mode. The drawing
below shows the hub mode wiring configuration.
Because RDM-enabled ports can be both DMX inputs and
outputs, the DMX Repeater Pro is capable of selecting any of the 9
ports on the unit as the splitter's primary DMX input. When in Hub
Mode and DMX is not present on any port, the DMX Repeater Pro
scans each port, listening for DMX. Each port is made an input for
about 1/10
th
of a second, while the other ports are disabled.
Once the DMX Repeater Pro discovers a valid DMX signal on a
given port, all other ports on the unit are automatically configured as
output ports and the DMX data is actively repeated to them. When
DMX data is removed (e.g. if the console is turned off or unplugged)
the DMX Repeater Pro will begin the scanning process again.
The ideal application for the DMX Repeater Pro's 'Hub Mode' is in
installations where a single console is frequently moved between
different locations within a hall. Rather than use a cord patch, the
DMX Repeater Pro will automatically connect the console wherever
it's plugged in.
DMX In
DMX Out
Port H Port G Port F Port A DMX IN

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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M ORE ON DMX M ERGER M ODE
Often an installation requires an architectural controller and a lighting
console to be active on the same DMX universe or even to
simultaneously access different dimmers within the same rack.
Although resolvable with a merger card, the situation can become
hopelessly complicated if the secondary source must move between
numerous locations. The DMX Repeater Pro provides an elegant,
hot-patchable solution, eliminating the need for a manual DMX patch
bay.
With the architectural or non-mobile controller plugged into the main
“DMX IN” port, signal will be transmitted out the other eight ports,
which can be hard-wired to various locations around the site.
As soon as the secondary controller is plugged into one of those
locations, the DMX Repeater Pro will sense the new source, turn
that port around and begin to transmit through the other seven ports
a DMX stream that is a highest-takes-precedence merge of the two
sources. The remote receptacles can wired for in/out usage, or
simply wired as female outputs and a turnaround cable used
between the receptacle and the controller.
The ideal application for the DMX Repeater Pro’s ‘Merger Mode’ is in
installations where an architectural controller and a lighting console
must speak to the same dimmers, or where a Remote Focus Unit
must operate at the same time as the main lighting console.

DMX Repeater Pro User’s Guide
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A PPENDIX A – XLR C ONNECTOR P INOUTS
DMX512A
1 – Common
2 – Data –
3 – Data +
4 – Data 2 – (not used)
5 – Data 2 + (not used)
Note: Although unused under DMX512, pins 4 and 5 are connected on the DMX
Repeater Pro, which should be taken into consideration in systems including
manufacturers’ proprietary signals on pins 4 and 5.
A PPENDIX B – D EFAULT S ETTINGS
There is no global method of returning the DMX Repeater Pro to its factory settings.
If you need to manually reset the configuration, use the following as a checklist:
Personality: Repeater
DMX Hold Time: 0 seconds
DMX Speed: Fast
LCD Backlight: Full
Port x Source: Input (RDM)
- as it is possible to configure each port separately, you will need to check that
all eight are set to “I” (input) on the Port Status screen.
Note: Firmware is not currently upgradeable by the end user.
A PPENDIX C – S PECIFICATIONS
Protocol Compliance: ANSI E1.11 DMX512-A and ANSI E1.20 RDM
Connectors: 1 – Male 5-pin XLR (normal input)
8 – Female 5-pin XLR (normal output)
or 9 – Phoenix-style 5-position terminal blocks
Protection: 2500V opto-isolation per port, 250V fault protection on DMX connectors
Data Link Fuses: Self-resetting thermal fuse
Power: 100-240VAC, .75 - .35A, 50-60Hz
Size: 432 x 152 x 44mm (17 x 6 x 1.75in)
Weight: 1.6kg (3.5lb)
Operating Temperature: 0°C - 40°C (32°to 104°F)
Operating Humidity: 10%-95% relative humidity, non-condensing
OUT(F) IN (M)
5
4
3
2
1
PUSH
5
4
3
2
1