PXM PX 255 User manual

MANUAL
PX 255
DMX-DALI-DMX
interface
R

CONTENTS
3
3
4
4
5
6
6
6
7
9
9
10
10
11
12
13
13
17
17
18
18
19
20
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21
1. General description.............................................................................................................
2. Safety conditions.................................................................................................................
3. Connections and control elements description...................................................................
4. Navigating the menu...........................................................................................................
5. Use of the device................................................................................................................
6. Main menu..........................................................................................................................
7. Programming the device functions......................................................................................
7.1. DALI.......................................................................................................................
7.2. DALI <<< DMX (DMX to DALI) Patching...............................................................
7.3. ...............................................................
7.4. Screensaver...........................................................................................................
7.5. DMX Out settings...................................................................................................
7.6. Language.
7.7. ................................................................................................
8. Connections scheme..........................................................................................................
9. DMX signal connection.......................................................................................................
11. Technical specification.......................................................................................................
12. Declaration of conformity...................................................................................................
7.1.1. Ballasts settings.....................................................................................
7.1.2. Ballasts reset.........................................................................................
7.1.3. Ballasts initialisation...............................................................................
7.1.4. Number of ballasts.................................................................................
7.1.5. Number of virtual ballasts......................................................................
DMX <<< DALI (DALI to DMX) Patching
7.5. Input DMX preview.................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................
Firmware info.........
10. Dimensions.......................................................................................................................
Manufacturer reserves the right to make modifications in order to improve device operation.
PXM Marek Żupnik spółka komandytowa
ul. Przemysłowa 12
30-701 Kraków, Poland
tel.: [phone]
fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.pxm.pl
+48
Rev.1.0.

DMX-DALI-DMX Interface is a powerful device that allows to combine dynamic
light systems based on the DALI protocol and systems using DMX-512 signal. It allows
to connect DMX-512 devices in the DALI protocol, or to connect DALI devices operating
in the protocol DMX-512 standard. According to DALI specification, the PX255 can
control up to 64 DALI devices (such as ballasts). A menu of the PX255 allows to address
individual lamps or groups of devices, user can create up to 16 groups.
Additionally, for each of the lamp (ballast), you can define a number of individual
parameters such as minimum and maximum brightness of the lamp, the time at which
the brightness of the lamp reaches its maximum value ("fade time"), the number of
steps needed to achieve the maximum level of brightness ("fade rate") or determine the
brightness of each lamp in the event of failure of the control system.
The device is powered from 24V DC and manufactured in a housing of six
individual rail modules width adapted for mounting on 35 mm wide DIN rails.
3
1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
2. SAFETY CONDITIONS
DXM-DAL-DMXI Interface is powered with safe voltage 24V; however, during its
installation and use the following rules must be strictly observed:
1. The device may only be connected to 24V DC current (stabilized voltage) with
current-carrying capacity compatible with technical data.
2. All the conductors should be protected against mechanical and thermal damage.
3. In the event of any conductor damaging, it should be replaced with the one of the
same technical data.
4. Connection of DMX signal should be made with shielded conductor.
5. All repairs and connections of outputs or DMX signal can only be made with power
off.
6. PX255 should be strictly protected against contact with water and other liquids.
7. All sudden shocks - particularly dropping - should be avoided.
8. The device cannot be turned on in places with humidity exceeding 90%.
9. The device cannot be used in places with temperature lower than +2°C or higher
than +40°C.
10. For cleaning use only a damp cloth.

4
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE CONNECTORS AND CONTROL ELEMENTS
4. NAVIGATING THE MENU
3
21 V+
45
6
1DMX-512 input
2
Power supply
3
DMX-512 output
4
DALI input
5
DALI power supply
6Control buttons
Navigating the menu of the device allow programmable buttons. Every button
is described on the right side and their use is as follows:
- allows to enter the selected option and approve the set value
- scrolls up the menu or left (horizontal menu)
- scrolls down the menu or right (horizontal menu)
- exits from the currently programmed parameter without saving
the changes or goes to the highier level in the menu
(pressing the button while being in main menu will
cause to exit to the )
escape
summary screen
To change the value of selected parameter, you must choose on the screen
button or using the or key.
After that you need to save the settings before going level up, this will allow
storing value in memory of the PX255. To do this, after moving to the screen button
you need to push
"+" "–"
button.enter
7
7Display
8USB input
DALI <-> DMX
Converter
8

5
5. USE OF THE DEVICE
After switching on the screen shows the main window menu, which
summarizes the device status. It describes all of the input signals of the PX255.
If the device recives the DMX signal it displays a green message
If DMX signal is not detected at the input to the device on the screen is displayed
Similarly, during correct operation of the DALI bus a
message is displayed and when there is no connection or something is wrong
.
DMX signal OK.
DALI BUS Ok
No
DMX signal.
DALI
BUS Error
Description of information showed on window:
! view of a display on the left side (DALI to DMX mode): white bars correspond to the
values of virtual ballast brightness transmitted onto the DMX-512 protocol. Height of
bars represents the value of the DMX signal on each channel (full height is 255, no bar
means 0). The display above shows the maximum of 64
channels .
! ( ): red boxes show the present
value of the converted from DMX signal and sent to a specific address of DALI
ballast. This address can be read from a visualization on the screen. It is the sum of
the visible at the beginning of each row and column.
Red bars indicates no conversion of DMX signal to individual control onto precise
address. Green fields describe converted values of DMX-512 signal send to chosen
group (between 1-16), blue fields shows value send to all of ballasts.
Summary Screen
value transmitting DMX
view of a display on the right side DMX to DALI mode
Description of other messages displayed on the :
- the present starting channel of the DMX-512 protocol, in which the device
operates (this function is parameterized in the menu).
- information about the mode in which the device operates in a given
moment e.i. signal processing such as DMX-512 DALI protocol.
- device work in the signal processing from the DALI to DMX-512
protocol mode.
Summary Screen
001÷512
DALI <<< DMX Patching
DMX >>> DALI
DALI >>> DMX

When the PX255 is working in mode DALI to DMX-512 signal conversion it simulates
the work of ballast (virtual ballast) allowing to any DALI controller identification of
devices on the DALI line, thus sending messages to the busbar.
In the case of working mode DMX-512 to DALI the PX255 transmits the processed
DMX signal directly to the DALI protocol.
6. MAIN MENU
At the bottom of the summary screen a Menu screenbutton is placed. Once approved,
with the enter button, the user is transferred to the Main Menu screen. This menu allows
to configure all of devices' parameters according to user needs. The following picture
shows the list of available options.
To select one of them use or buttons and then choose an option and confirm
the selection by pressing enter.
6
7. PROGRAMMING DEVICE SETTINGS
7.1. DALI
After selecting submenu a user will see another window. Available options allow to
manage all of the options associated with the DALI protocol. The picture below shows
the list of available options. To choose one of them you need to select appropriate
option with or buttons and confirm the selection by pressing button.
DALI
enter
Remarks:
Ballast - is a device plugged in to the DALI bus. Typically, this is part of the lamp, but it
may also be other DALI device.
DALI interface protocol is relatively slow compared to the DMX protocol, because of
that in large installations to optimize it is recommended:
! Limit the number of ballast (7.1.4. ) to the actual number of lamps in the system;
! Group ballast;
! Delete redundant address groups.
point

7
After reading the parameters on the screen is shown picture visible above.
option allows you to change the settings for all devices visible on the DALI
line.
Consecutive found ballasts are marked with lighting bulbs symbols that are visible next
to the number of ballast. The ballast marked with a question mark sign are not found by
the PX255. The device supports up to 64 ballasts (according to DALI protocol
specification). Only in recognized ballasts user can change parameters. To do this,
select the ballast using or buttons, then confirm choice by pressing
All ballasts
enter.
The user may use the following editable parameters:
! Fade rate - range: 1-15;
The number of steps needed to achieve the maximum level of brightness;
! Fade time - range: 0-15;
The transition time between the levels of brightness:
0 - immediate transition between brightness levels;
1-15 time of transition;
! Power On level - range: 0-254;
The brightness of the lamp after switching on:
0 - ;
254 - full brightness (100%).
! System error level - range: 0-254;
The brightness level of the lamp when on the control bus there is an error:
0 - light is off;
254 - full brightness (100%).
light is off
The menu is the first available option. It allows you to change all of the
major features for available ballasts. When selected, and after pressing button,
the device checks the communication with DALI ballasts visible on the protocol and
reads the available ballasts information.
In the event of lack of power supply on the DALI line on the screen appears
message.
Ballast settings
enter
Bus Error
7.1.1. Ballasts settings

!Minimal level - range: 0-254;
The lowest level of the brightness of the lamp:
0 - light is off; 254 - full brightness (100%);
When this parameter is set to a relatively high level,the DMX control will respond during
reducing of the modulation only to this value. After crossing of minimal level the further
reduction will not affect the behavior of the lamp.
If DMX signal would be set to 0 lamp would turn off every time, no matter how high the
level of the minimum brightness of the lamp will be set.
!Maximal level - range: 0-254;
The highest level of brightness of the lamp:
0 - light is off; 254 - full brightness (100%);
!Group 1-16 - Range: 0-1
Allocation of the ballast to a specific group:
0 - indicates no assignment, 1 - selected ballast belongs to the group;
!Scene 1-16 - range: 0-255;
The change of the brightness of the lamp for the specified scene:
0-254 - the bright. level of the scene 255 - the scene is not set
Scenes are parameterized for each ballast separately by DALI controller. PX255 allows
you to make changes in the brightness of the scene set in the ballast. You can not select
which scene will be switched on by the controller.
Ballast communication - values: Yes | No;
This indicates that the lamp responds to messages.
Ballast fail - values: Yes | No;
This indicates that the lamp reports an error.
Power On Event - values: Yes | No;
Displays the lamp reports that it has been switched on;
Limit error - values: Yes | No;
Displays info about the state when brightness level limits has been exceeded;
Reset state - values: Yes | No;
This indicates that the lamp has been reset;
Unknown address - values: Yes | No
This indicates that the lamp has lost its address.
In addition, each ballast is described with information parameters (they do not allow to
make changes in their value). Below it list of those parameters:
!Status - range: 0-255;
Displays a decimal value of the status.
!
!
!
!
!
!
8

9
7.1.2. Ballasts reset
7.1.3. Ballasts initialisation
This is important menu because of the possibility of assigning individual addresses to
selected ballasts in the chosen by the user order. Such operation allows the menu
labeled as . To assign individual ballasts according to needs the user should
select the screen-button and confirm with button. After this select using
or button change number of ballast (in range Adr.00 to Adr.63). The device is
finding ballasts separately, and each should be addressed individual.
In case you choosing option, the PX255 automatically assigns the next found
ballasts addresses (00 to 63).
Manual
Manual enter
Auto
__
Ballast reset
All ballasts
Ballast Reset OK
Reset ERR
allows to restore the default settings for all ballast and each individual. To
reset all ballasts at the same time, select the option. After confirming with the
button, a message about the execution of the operation: will be
showed.
When a single ballast reset is needed you need to select desired ballast and then
proceed as in the case of all ballast reset. If you try to reset the ballast is not found by the
device there will be an error message displayed .
enter

7.1.4. Number of ballasts
The maximum amount of ballast supported with DALI protocol is limited to 64, but to
make it easier to program and optimize the performance we recommend to set only the
required amount of ballast available in the DALI system.
To change the amount of ballast after entrering to Number of ballasts you need to select
the or screenbutton using or buttons. Then press r to set the reference
value.
+ - Ente
7.1.5. Number of virtual ballasts
This menu is responsible for the amount of simulated virtual ballast by PX255. This
parameter is important for devices operating in DALI to DMX-512 protocol conversion
mode. According DALI protocole the maximum number of ballasts is limited to 64. The
user in this menu can further reduce the number of such ballast to zero.
To change the parameters, proceed similarly as in the previous paragraph.
10
Remember to save values
using floppy disc button
and confirm with enter

7.2. DALI <<< DMX (DMX to DALI) Patching
This option allows you to set the parameters of conversion of DMX-512 signal
to the DALI protocol. First of all, you can choose DMX channel which is responsible for
the specified number DALI ballast. The option DMX address 001 is responsible for
determining the DMX start address, according to which are automatically assigned
consecutive DMX channels to all of the ballast. It is also possible to allocate one group
to selected one DMX channel. In addition, the last option on the menu list i.e.
allows to set all DALI ballasts to one selected DMX channel.
To change the default values 󰾬󰾬follow these steps: select a specific ballast using or
buttons and confirm by pressing button. Then the selected option is highlighted
in blue, and using or buttons You can change the DMX channel value
corresponding to a specific ballast. The selected value must be confirmed by pressing
the button.
Remarks:
Number of visible ballasts available for lamps depends on the number of units declared
by the user during the selection of the amount of ballast on the menu
. The default value is 12 ballasts. In such cases where the installation supports a
smaller number of ballast it is advisable to limit the value of the real quantity.
When the user wants to increase reduced number of ballasts it again, there is a
possibility that the device will assigne automatically next available DMX channels to
ballasts. To do so the user should selectthe option and change its
value by one (increasing or decreasing). This will quickly assign successive DMX
addresses of all the ballasts.
All ballasts
< DMX---
enter
enter
DALI Ballast
number
DMX address 001
_
11

7.3. DALI to DMX) DMX <<< DALI ( Patching
12
This option allows to enter the converted brightness value of the virtual ballast
onto a given DMX channel. First of all, you can change the virtual DALI ballast address
with the specified number, which is assigned to the selected channel DMX. It is also
possible to send a zero value to a specified DMX-512 channel (it has to be set to zero -
the screen visible below on the right).
To change the default values you need to carry on as follows: select a specific ballast
using the keys or and confirm by pressing enter. Then the selected option is
highlighted in blue, and the using buttons or You can change the value of the
DALI ballast virtual number assigned to a specific DMX channel or a zero value (when
to the channel DMX-512 is not sent any value). The selected value has to be confirmed
by pressing the button.
Notes:
Number of visible virtual ballast depends on the amount of equipment declared by the
user when selecting the menu number DALI ballast .
The default value is the maximum number of 64 virtual ballast, but when it is necessary
it can be reduced.
We use the name "virtual ballast" due to the need of simulations by the PX255 the real
ballasts. This allows the correct operation of the protocol conversion mode from DALI to
DMX-512.
enter
DALI Virtual ballasts

After selecting a submenu on the screen will show up the
currently set parameters of DMX signal. This menu allow you to replace the parameters
of the DMX-512 signal sent from a device. Default in the PX255 are set the values
visible below.
DMX Out Settings
13
7.5. DMX Out settings
At the bottom of the screen is displayed the aggregate and
for so configured parameters.
Packet length Refresh rate
7.4. Screensaver
In this menu you can activate the screensaver mode after a time period of
inactivity (not pressing any of programming button in PX255). To activate this feature
you need to select the button and press . After this the box next to
the text will be filled in. To deactivate press one more time
button.
When you select you can also set the time after which the back-light of
the screen is turned off. To do this, select the button and confirm with Then
there will a new screen show up where you can select the screen saver parameters.
To adjust the the time gap select or buttons and press the button.
Screensaver Off enter
enter
Set
enter
Screensaver On
Screensaver On
enter .
_
"+" "-"
Remember to save values
using floppy disc button
and confirm with enter

DMX512 protocol describes exactly the way according to which data is sent.
The basic element of each data transfer protocol is a low or high level of voltage on the
line called a bit. Its duration in the DMX512 is exactly 4 microseconds. The set of such a
few bits determines transmission code. In our case code length is 8 bits or a byte. This
allows 256 different combinations - e.g. levels of brightness.
Because one frame contains full information about the DMX channel, to send
all of 512 channels we need 512 frames. However, the receiver need to recognize when
the entire transmission starts (i.e. which channel is first). That is way the transmission
begins with the signal called BREAK. It have to last at least 88 microseconds. Another
important signal is MARK AFTER BREAK (MAB). Its length was in the original
specification allocated to 4 microseconds. But it quickly became apparent that many of
the devices manufactured at that time had big trouble with catching up to such a short
pulse. That is why in 1990 the change of the MAB to 8 microseconds was introduced.
After transferring the MAB a controller is obliged to send a START CODE byte.
The creators of the DMX protocol reserved this byte to the so-called "future
applications". It was planned to mark with it sending of 512 bytes to control dimmers or
other receivers. However, since the beginning it was not exactly clear what it will be
those "other" device, it was assumed that at the moment its value will be zero - and it
stayed so. The starting byte must be zero. If not, the receiver should ignore all the
subsequent bytes.
start stop stop data
1 1 010 0 10
one frame 44 microseconds
To a byte of data you need to add a few control bits to determine when a byte is
starting, and when it ends. In the DMX512 there is one start bit and two stop bits. In this
way we obtain a sequence of 11 bits called a frame.
BREAK MAB START
CODE
44 ms88 ms min. 8 ms
When you send a zero byte controller starts to send bytes with data, starting
from the content of the first channel. The minimum number of channels permitted by the
standard is 24 and a maximum of 512.
14
DMX512 protocol - useful information

BREAK BREAK MAB
M
B
F
M
B
F
M
B
F
M
B
F
M
B
F
START
CODE
DIMMER
1
DIMMER
2
DIMMER
3
DIMMER
511
DIMMER
512
full DMX packet
This means that even if we have a simple 6-channel lamp controller, the transmitter still
have to send 24 DMX channels. The interval between each frame of data is marked as
MARK BETWEEN FRAME (MBF) and can range from zero to 1 second. Thus, a
complete DMX package looks as below:
Obviously, sending time of one DMX data set depends on the number of
channels. For a minimum of 24 channels it is 1196 microseconds, and for a maximum of
512 channels it is 22 668 microseconds. Because of that, the maximum transmission
change rate value is 836 Hz (for 24 channels), and in the second case only 44 Hz (for 512
channels). This is quite a serious limitation, whose effects can be observed during fast
movements of e.g. a large number of scanning mirrors. Another quite important parameter
is the minimum frequency of sending DMX packets. According to the standard the rate is
1Hz. This means that the interval longer then 1 second is considered as no DMX signal.
Unfortunately, creators of this protocol did not defined what should do in this case the
receiver. There are several possibilities:
- Maintain of the recently received DMX value,
- Immediate shutdown of device (BLACKOUT),
- Smooth device shutdown,
- During the lack of DMX it sends a previously predetermined value.
In the most applications a one of the first two solutions are used or the user is allowed to
select the one of the options with appropriate software.
15
1. Break Time allows to change the length of the interval between successive DMX
packets. Break signal may take longer, but can not be less than 88 microseconds.
Usually it lasts about 120-140 microseconds.
Due to the lack of compliance with the DMX512 standard of multiple devices
available on the market below options allow to select appropriate
parameters of the output DMX signal to a specific device.
If you experience any problems, we recommend using bigger lengths
of Break Time, MAB, MBF, and packet gap.
To save the value before
leaving level up in menu You
need to select floppy disc
button and press .enter
At the top of the screen next to
the option name are visible
important information that
simplify setting an appropriate
value.

2. MAB Time (Mark after break) is the interval time that occurs in each package
according to the standard DMX-512. The minimum value is 16 microseconds.
3. MBF (Mark Between Frame) - the amount of time (if any)between the end of one
frame (end of the 2nd stop bit) and the start of the next - Mark Time Between Frames
(MTBF) is the full name. Its length can range from 0 to 1000 microseconds, the shorter
the better.
4. Packet gap - the amount of time between packets (from last slot to start of the break).
Its length can range from 16 to 5000 microseconds.
5. Channels number - Using this feature, you can limit the number of channels sent
from the PX255. The minimum value is 24 channels and the maximum is 512 (default).
16
Remember to save values
using floppy disc button
and confirm with enter
Remember to save values
using floppy disc button
and confirm with enter
Remember to save values
using floppy disc button
and confirm with enter

17
Language Settings allow you to change the menu language. To do this select
appropriate language using or buttons and press enter.
7.6. Input DMX preview
7.7. Language
This menu allows to check the current DMX signal received by the PX255.
The presentation of DMX signal:
The value of DMX signal on a given channel is presented in the form white bar, the
height of which varies proportionally according to the relation:
the greatest height - DMX value is 255, no bar - DMX value is 0.
DMX channels are described on the left side, respectively, for
subsequent lines. In addition, each line is divided by dots, where red means another ten
channels, and green additional 100 channels bigger value.
1, 129, 257, 385

7.8. Firmware version
This option allows you to check the firmware and bootloader version and serial
number. Additionally, you can restore the default settings.
CAUTION!!!
You need to remember that using Default settings option
will erase set by the user configuration.
18
To restore default setting push button, then select the button and
again approve with . In the case of incorrect choosing this option, you can go back
by selecting , or go directly level up in menu by pressing .
enter Yes
enter
No escape

19
9. DMX SIGNAL CONNECTION
CORRECT WRONG
DMX-512 input DMX-512 output DMX cable
DALI <-> DMX
Converter
LN
DC OK
VV
8. CONNECTION SCHEME
DMX controller
24V DC
power supply
Next DMX devices
(e.g. lamp)
Ballasts
DALI bus
PX255 must be connected to the DMX line in series. This means that a
to the DMX IN terminal control, and then from the DMX OUT terminal
the control cable should go to other DMX receivers.
cable should
be connected
GND

24V DC
1 (512 channels)
1
64
64
16
260 mA
0,1 mA
terminal blocks
0,19 kg
Width: 105mm (6-modules)
Height: 86mm
Depth: 60mm
(512 channels)
, USB
- Power supply
- DMX Input
- DMX output
- DALI channels
- Virtual DALI ballasts
- Number of device groups
- Max. current consumption
- 10V Output
- Output Connections
- Weight
- Dimensions:
11. TECHNICAL DATA
20
10. DIMENSIONS
105 mm
86 mm
58 mm
DALI <-> DMX
Converter