RC4 Wireless LumenDimPix User manual

RC4
Wireless
Wireless Dimming | Wireless DMX | Wireless Motion
Since 1991
LumenDimPix
Wireless Pixel Driver
Quick Start Guide
Rev. 1.0

2 3
RC4 LumenDimPix
1. DMX Data Indicator
2. Function and COP 3Indicator
3. Function Button
4. SetA, SetB Buttons
5. RF Connect Indicator for Transmitter Linking
6. RF Connect (Link) Button
7. I2C Data Port (for Advanced Applications)
8. Power Input Connector
9. Pixel Control Port A 1
10. Pixel Control Port B 1
11. DMX/RDM Data In/Out
12. Removable Phoenix Connectors for Power and Pixels 2
1Pixel Control Ports provide 4 connections:
+Positive power to pixels
D Data line for pixel control
C Clock line for pixel control (not used with 3-wire pixel products)
- Negative (ground) power to pixels
For pixel loads drawing more than 6A, pixel power should connect DIRECTLY
to the power supply or battery, NOT through the LumenDimPix. A common
ground (-) is always required between the LumenDimPix and the pixels.
2 One set of connectors is provided with each new LumenDimPix.
Additional sets of connectors available separately from RC4 WIreless.
3 COP means “Computer Operating Properly.” This indicator always shows a blink
pattern, proving that internal rmware is running. Dierent patterns indicate various
modes and advanced settings.
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2
3
5
4
6
7
8
2 3
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RC4Wireless LumenDimPix
10
+
-
C
D
+
-
C
D
+
-
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LumenDimPix Quick Start Guide
Your RC4 LumenDimPix has a wide variety of patented features that reduce
the number of DMX control channels needed to create beautiful looks with
up to 1000 pixels. Parameter settings, as a group, are called an RC4 Custom
Pixel ProleTM, or CPP. CPPs are ideal for pattern-based (rather than video-
based) applications of pixel tape, pixel panels, festoon strings, and other pixel
products. The small size and light weight of the LumenDimPix make it perfect
for costumes and small props, even hats and wigs.
Right out of the box, the LumenDimPix operates like most DMX-controlled
pixel drivers. The default CPP settings let you immediately start controlling
up to 170 APA102* three-color pixels with one 512-channel DMX universe,
starting on the rst channel.
This guide helps you discover how to make big looks with fewer resources and
in less time, using any of the most popular pixel types, including 3-wire and
4-wire data formats, 3-color and 4-color pixels, and more.
Registering Your Product
Registering your LumenDimPix is quick and easy. After registration, you’ll be
notied of new rmware updates, and warranty claims can be resolved more
quickly.
Please complete your registration at:
www.rc4wireless.com/support/register/
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LumenDimPix System Components
To use your LumenDimPix wireless dimmer you will need:
• A DMX lighting console.
• A LumenRadio CRMX-compatible wireless transmitter like the
RC4 LumenDimIO or the LumenRadio TX1.
• A battery or DC power supply for the LumenDimPix and pixel products
you will be operating with it.
• A set of Phoenix connectors (one set is included with the LumenDimPix)
• A small tool, like a bent paperclip, to press the recessed buttons on the
LumenDimPix, and to press the wire-release buttons on the connectors or
power and pixels.
• A pixel product, like APA102 (the default) or WS2812 pixel tape.
* APA102 is one of several types of pixel. It uses a high internal PWM frequency,
making it ideal for motion picture capture without banding or other visual artifacts.

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Performing a Factory Reset
If someone else has used your LumenDimPix, or
you just want to get back to a known conguration,
performing a factory reset is easy:
Power on the device. The green COP indicator will be
blinking.
Press and hold Func, briey tap (press and release)
the SetA button, then release Func. The DMX Data and
COP indicators will blink several times to conrm that
factory settings are restored.
NOTE: This does NOT aect transmitter linking.
PRO TIPS:
Bending a single paper clip into a U shape will enable
you to easily reach and press both buttons together.
If you are not sure what mode, pixel type, or other
settings you may have selected, you can always get
back to a known starting point by returning to factory
defaults.
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Phoenix Connectors for Power and Pixels
Power and pixel connections are made with Phoenix COMBICON FK-MC Series
removeable connectors. One set of mating connectors is included with the
LumenDimPix. Additional connectors can be purchased from RC4 Wireless. *
Connecting wires is easy:
• Wire must be in the size range of 0.5mm2 to 0.75mm2(20 - 18 AWG).
• Strip 8mm (5/16 inch) of insulation from the end of each wire.
• Use a small screwdriver to hold down the orange spring-release button
above the wire-entry hole.
• While holding the button, fully insert the bare wire end into the hole.
• With the wire fully inserted, release the orange button.
• Firmly but gently pull back on the wire to conrm a good grip on the wire.
NOTE: It is helpful to use a small vice, spring-loaded clamp, or pliers
to hold the connector upright while inserting wires.
+ - C D
+
- C D
+
-
DC IN PIXEL
PORT
A
PIXEL
PORT
B
* 2-Pin Phoenix P/N 1881325
4-Pin Phoenix P/N 1881341
Power Input: 6 - 35VDC
Do not exceed voltage
rating for connected pixels.
The most common pixel
voltages are 5V and 12V.
-
CLK
DATA
+
-
DATA
+
4-Wire Pixels use C and D
3-Wire Pixels use Only D
RF
Connect
Set B
Set A
Func
COP
DMX Data
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Both ports support 3-wire
and 4-wire pixel types.
PortB also supports
DMX-controlled pixels.
For pixel loads drawing more than 6A, pixel
power should connect DIRECTLY to the power
supply or battery, NOT through the LumenDimPix.
A common ground (-) is always required.

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Unlink the LumenDimPix
For all RC4 Wireless products, LED indicators are behind small round holes.
Buttons are behind small slots. Do not push tools into round holes. Use a bent
paperclip or small screwdriver to push buttons.
If the blue RF Connect LED on the LumenDimPix blinks continuously, it is
looking for a transmitter that it was previously linked with.
To unlink it, use a bent paperclip or small screwdriver to press and hold RF
Connect for several seconds until the blue LED goes o and stays o.
If the RF Connect LED remains on, or is blinking, repeat the process until it
stays o.
When the RF Connect LED is o, the LumenDimPix is ready to be linked to your
transmitter.
NOTE: Link status is not aected by performing a Factory Reset (see page 7).
Linking Transmitter and Receiver
In this example, we’re using an RC4 LumenDimIO transmitter.
If you’re using a dierent transmitter, be sure it is CRMX-compatible, to work
with LumenRadio devices. Refer to your transmitter user manual for specic
linking instructions.
Have both devices powered on. Put the LumenDimIO Mode switch in the
transmit position, then tap the Link button. The Link button is recessed under
the small slot to the right of the blue RF Connect LED. Tap it with a small
screwdriver or the end of a bent paperclip.
The blue RF Connect LEDs on both the LumenDimIO and the LumenDimPix
will ash for several seconds and then remain steady, indicating that they are
linked.
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MODE
PUSH
Link Button

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RC4 Custom Pixel ProlesTM
The LumenDimPix with patented RC4 Custom Pixel ProlesTM (CPP) provides a
simple but powerful means of creating and controlling up to 1000 pixels. RC4
CPP vastly reduces the number of channels needed, while supporting a level of
designer creativity not possible with other channel-saving techniques. Unlike
drivers that provide preset or canned eects, CPP still allows you to create
your own patterns in real time from your DMX console.
Instead of having your console handle the replication of patterns across a large
number of pixels, which consumes at least 3 channels (and sometimes more)
per pixel, that duty is moved to the pixel driver and handled by RC4 Custom
Pixel ProlesTM.
Keyframes
You decide how many DMX channels will be used for creating your pattern by
setting the Keyframe Length. A Keyframe Length of 170 pixels (the default)
will map 510 DMX channels directly to pixels, as is done with most DMX-
controlled drivers.
Setting a shorter Keyframe Length reduces the number of channels needed to
display patterns nearly identical to what an expensive console generates using
multiple universes and huge numbers of DMX channels.
The keyframe length can be anything from 1 to 170 pixels long. A particularly
powerful and channel-conservative Keyframe Length is 60 pixels*, which
utilizes just 180 DMX channels, approximately 35% of one DMX universe.
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Replication (Duplication, Mirroring, etc.)
The LumenDimPix and CPP driver replicates the keyframe down the entire length
of connected pixels, up to 500 for each of two pixel driver ports. A variety of
Replication Methods are available to choose from, and more will be added with
future rmware updates.
Replication works even with a Keyframe Length of 170, allowing one port to
control 500 pixels with only the data for the rst 170. Two ports provide a total
of 1000 3-color pixels controlled from a single LumenDimPix.
Grouping
Another way to reduce DMX channels while controlling more pixels is Grouping.
In this case, the LumenDimPix with CPP controls multiple physical pixels with
one console pixel. A Group Length setting of 3 will cause each console pixel to
control three physical pixels in a row. This is the equivalent of nine (or more)
DMX channels if done from the console. Grouping eectively widens the visual
pattern or eect without consuming more DMX channels.
The combination of Keyframe Length, Group Length, and Replication Method,
applied to patterns generated live by the lighting console, ensures maximum
creative exibility while substantially reducing the number of DMX channels
needed. CPP parameters are described in detail on pages 14 - 17.
* A Keyframe Length of 60 is evenly divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30, making it easy to
create the appearance of varying pattern lengths without the need to actually change CPP settings in the
LumenDimPix. Of course, there are numerous lengths with interesting benets and advantages.
Keyframe
Keyframe
Keyframe

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RC4 OneTouchTM Implementation in LumenDimPix
In the implementation chart below, channel S is the DMX Start Channel, range
1 to 512. The level of channel S and the next three channels set RC4 Custom
Pixel ProleTM parameters. Parameters are described in detail on pages 14 - 17.
Before pressing a Set button, the start (S) channel must be at the correct
level for the pixel type being used. If the level of any subsequent parameter
channel is at zero, the previous setting for that parameter is retained. This
makes it easy to change only the start channel and pixel type.
RC4 OneTouchTM channel levels only matter at the moment a Set button is
pressed.
Example:
DMX Start Channel 74 (rst non-zero ch is 74)
WS2812 Pixel Type (start ch at level 77, which is 30%)
60-pixel Keyframe Length (rst ch above Start, ch 75, set to level of 60)
Pixels controlled in Groups of 3 (ch76 set to level of 3)
Increment/Decrement Replication Method (ch 77 at 55, which is 22%)
RC4 OneTouchTM for Setting Parameters
with DMX Channel Levels
NOTE: To use RC4 OneTouchTM, the LumenDimPix must be paired to a CRMX
transmitter, and live DMX channel data must be streaming.
RC4 OneTouchTM uses four DMX channel levels to assign values to
LumenDimPix parameters. Channel levels are captured and saved with the
press of a single button for each driver port using the SetA and SetB buttons.
While you are using RC4 OneTouchTM, only DMX channels that are setting
parameters should be at levels above zero. All other channels should be o.
NOTE: Channels being used in your DMX system for house-lights and moving
light parameters (like pan and tilt) must also be at true zero.
When a RC4 OneTouchTM button is pressed, the driver sets the rst non-zero
channel as the DMX Start Channel. In addition, the level of that channel
selects one of four popular pixel types. The three channels immediately
following the DMX Start Channel are used to set Keyframe Length, Group
Length, and Replication Method.
Settings are remembered even when power is cycled. After parameters
are set, return to using your DMX console as you normally do, controlling
LumenDimPix pixels and everything else in your lighting system.
DMX Chan:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 . . . . 65 66 67 68 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 . . . .
DMX Lev: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . . . . 0 0 0 . . . . 77 60 3 55 0 0 0 . . . .
Channels below Start at zero (0)
First channel up sets DMX Start
Level of DMX Start sets pixel type
Sets keyframe length
Sets Group Length
Sets Replication Method
DMX Start Channel for Pixel Control: S (any chan from 1 to 512)
Keyframe Length in Pixels: S + 1
Group Length in Pixels: S + 2
Pattern Replication Method: S + 3
Using RC4 OneTouchTM is easy:
1. Set channel levels to reect desired settings for a driver port.
2. Press the Set button for the port.
3. Repeat for other ports, and other devices in your system.
4. Proceed with using your DMX console as you normally do.
Press a Set button to
capture and save levels
as CPP settings.

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Set DMX Start Channel and Pixel Type for Each Port
To use RC4 OneTouchTM, the LumenDimPix must be paired to a CRMX transmitter,
and live DMX channel data must be streaming.
The rst channel in the DMX universe that is at a non-zero level will be assigned
as the DMX Start Channel. The Start Channel must be at the correct level for the
pixel type being used:
Dec Level % Level String Type Selected
0 – 37 <15% Channel Ignored
38 – 101 30% WS2811/WS2812 *
102 – 152 50% WS2801
153 – 203 70% APA102 (default for LumenDimPix)
204 – 255 100% SK6812RGBW (4-colors per pixel)
Additional pixel types can be selected using Remote Device Management (RDM).
Setting only this parameter, with all other DMX channels at zero, will change the
DMX Start Channel and pixel type without changing other CPP parameters.
* WS2812 is the most common data protocol for pixel control. There are many compatible products. If
you are using a 3-wire device with D but no C connection, it will most likely work using the WS2812 driver
setting. The SK6812RGBW uses the same data protocol but allocates 4 control channels to each pixel, for
4 colors.
Set Keyframe Length in Pixels
The channel immediately after the DMX Start Channel sets the Keyframe
Length in pixels, limited to the range 1 - 170. A value of zero will be ignored,
so the previously set Keyframe Length will remain unchanged. Values higher
than 170 will set a length of 170 pixels.
The default Keyframe Length is 170 RGB pixels, using 510 DMX channels.
DMX Chan:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 . . . . 65 66 67 68 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 . . . .
DMX Lev: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . . . . 0 0 0 . . . . 77 60 3 55 0 0 0 . . . .
Channels below Start at zero (0)
First non-zero channel becomes DMX Start
Level of DMX Start Channel selects pixel type.
Dec 77 selects WS2812.
Select Pixel Color Order
Repeatedly pressing the same Set button will cycle through 6 color orders.
Select the color-order of the pixel product being used, and the LumenDimPix
will re-order the control channels for red/green/blue control from your console:
RGB (red/green/blue, default)
GRB
RBG
BRG
GBR
BGR
DMX Chan:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 . . . . 65 66 67 68 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 . . . .
DMX Lev: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . . . . 0 0 0 . . . . 77 60 3 55 0 0 0 . . . .
Channels below Start at zero (0)
Sets keyframe length.
Dec 60 sets a length
of 60 pixels.
NOTE: When using RGBW 4-color pixel products, only the rst
3 colors are rotated to change color order. The 4th channel in
each pixel must be white.
Set all other channels at
zero to change only the
Start Channel and Pixel
type. All other settings
will be preserved.
DMX Start and Pixel Type
must always be non-zero
and correctly set when
using RC4 OneTouchTM.

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Set Group Size in Pixels
The second channel after the DMX Start Channel sets the Group Length in
pixels. A value of zero will be ignored, so the previously set Group Length will
remain unchanged.
For decimal values 1 - 250, that value directly becomes the Group Length. The
remaining high levels result in the following Group Lengths:
DMX Chan Lev Group Length Selected
251 300
252 350
253 400
254 450
255 500 (unison mode)
A Group Length of 500 with a Keyframe Length of 1 is Unison Mode, where all
pixels in a string are controlled by just three DMX channels (DMX Start Channel
for red, the next channel for green, the next for blue).
The default Group Length is 1.
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Set Pattern Replication Method
This parameter is congured to support 12 dierent methods of extending
the Keyframe pattern over the length of all pixels controlled by a CPP driver.
The rst 4 methods are currently assigned. The remaining 8 methods are not
yet designed, and selecting one will default to method 1 (Incremental).
A Replication Method is always active. When using a 170 pixel keyframe,
replication will apply from the 171st pixel through to the 500th. Data for all
500 pixels is always there, regardless of how many real pixels are connected.
DMX Chan:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 . . . . 65 66 67 68 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 . . . .
DMX Lev: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . . . . 0 0 0 . . . . 77 60 355 0 0 0 . . . .
Channels below Start at zero (0)
Sets Group Length.
Dec 3 sets groups
of 3 pixels.
DMX Start and Pixel Type
must always be non-zero
and correctly set when
using RC4 OneTouchTM.
DMX Chan:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 . . . . 65 66 67 68 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 . . . .
DMX Lev: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . . . . 0 0 0 . . . . 77 60 3 55 0 0 0 . . . .
Channels below Start at zero (0)
Sets Replication Method.
Dec 55 selects Inc/Dec.
DMX Start and Pixel Type
must always be non-zero
and correctly set when
using RC4 OneTouchTM.
Ch Lev Replication Method Selected
0 – 15: No Function, channel ignored.
16 – 31: Increment Channels (default): Repeat Keyframe beginning to end:
32 – 47: Decrement Channels: Repeat Keyframe end to beginning,
starting with a mirrored (reversed) keyframe:
48 – 63: Inc/Dec Channels: Alternating Increment and Decrement patterns:
64 – 79: Dec/Inc Channels: Alternating Decrement and Increment patterns
starting with a mirrored (reversed) keyframe:
80 – 255: Reserved for additional Replication Methods in the future.

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Caring for Your LumenDimPix
• The LumenDimPix should not be used with AC power or with any
voltage higher than 35VDC. Doing so will severely damage the device
and is extremely dangerous for the operator.
• Do not exceed the maximum total power handling of the LumenDimPix,
which is 6A. To drive larger pixel loads, connect the pixel power lines
directly to your power supply or battery. A common ground is always
required between the LumenDimPix and the pixels.
• Always use a fuse or circuit breaker at the source of power and always
use an appropriate wire size for the fuse rating. For example, if using a
10A fuse, use wire that can safely carry 10A.
• The LumenDimPix should be kept away from excessive heat, cold, dust
and moisture.
• Do not immerse in water or other uids.
Failing to observe appropriate safety precautions can result in re or
other risk. RC4 Wireless cannot be held responsible or liable in such
cases.
Advanced Features
The LumenDimPix is a multifaceted device for users of all experience levels. The
features below can be explored further at http://rc4.info/ or by asking us for help
at [email protected]:
• In addition to the pixel types referred to in this Quick Start Guide, the
LumenDimPix can also control LPD8806 pixels, MY9231 pixels*, and Port B can
control strings that read DMX data directly. New pixel types will be supported
with rmware updates from time to time , all of which can be selected using
DMX Remote Device Management (RDM).
• The LumenDimPix includes RC4 ColorMatchTM, allowing you to visually match
the color rendering of dierent pixel strings. This lets you use multiple string
types, brands, and batches that do not inherently look the same, and correct
their output for better color continuity.
• Using a small adaptor cable, the LumenDimPix can be used as a wireless data
receiver to deliver DMX to other devices. It can also be used as a wired DMX
pixel driver: the miniplug DMX port becomes an input when the device is not
linked to a transmitter.
• DMX Remote Device Management can be used to select DMX start channel and
pixel string type for each pixel port. The LumenDimPix support both wired
and wireless RDM when used with an RDM-capable CRMX transmitter. (Future
rmware updates, always provided at no charge, will provide access to RC4
Custom Pixel ProleTM parameters. Watch for rmware update announcements.)
* MY9231 control requires a very small clock adaptor module between the LumenDimPix and the rst
pixel, available from RC4 Wireless.
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