RC4 Wireless LumenDimPixMicro User manual

LumenDimPixMicro
Miniature Wireless Pixel Driver
Quick Start Guide
Rev. 1.1A

22
9
11
RF
F
B A
12
35
6
7
4
8
C2 D2 C1 D1 +IN-
10
C2 D2 C1 D1 +IN-

3
RC4 LumenDimPixMicro
1. DMX Data Indicator
2. Function and COP 2Indicator
3. Function Button
4. SetA and SetB Buttons
5. RF Connect Indicator for Transmitter Linking
6. RF Connect (Link) Button
7. Male Connector Pins for Power In and Pixel Clock/Data Outputs
8. DMX/RDM In/Out Data Port
9. Disconnectable Female IDC Connector 1for Power In and Pixel Outputs
10. Pixel Data Connection Wires (Clock/Data1, Clock/Data2)
11. Power Connection Wires (DCin +/-)
1. Connector is Amp MTA-100-Series, 0.1” pin spacing. Shell color indicates wire gauge. Red shell is for
22 AWG wire, Amp connector P/N 3-641190-6. Numerous alternatives are available, each with dierent
P/Ns. Use the correct shell for the wire you are using. Amp also supplies crimping tools for these
connectors. One 22 AWG connector assembly is included with each LumenDimPixMicro. Additional
cable assemblies are available from RC4 Wireless.
2. COP means “Computer Operating Properly.” This indicator always shows a blink pattern,
proving that internal rmware is running. Dierent patterns indicate advanced settings.
3

4
LumenDimPixMicro Quick Start Guide
This guide will get you started using your RC4 LumenDimPixMicro.
Most LumenDimPixMicro users will nd all the information they
need right here.
Your LumenDimPixMicro also has a wide variety of expanded
features for advanced users. You can nd out more about all of them
in the RC4 Knowledge Base at http://rc4.info.
Registering Your Product
Registering your LumenDimPixMicro 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/
4

55
LumenDimPixMicro System Components
To use your LumenDimPixMicro wireless pixel controller 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 controller and pixel devices you will be
operating with it.
• Pixels of a type supported by the LumenDimPixMicro. Common types are
WS2812 and APA102.
MTA-100 Connector Shell Color and Wire Gauge Matter
The 6-pin connector on the LumenDimPixMicro is the Amp MTA-100-Series,
with 0.1” pin spacing. These are Insulation Displacement Connectors (IDC).
An Amp MTA-100 tool is used to insert the wires.
One 22 AWG red-shell wire-tail assembly is provided with each
LumenDimPixMicro. Additional cable assemblies are available from RC4.
The shell color of MTA connectors indicates the wire gauge it is designed for.
Red shells, Amp P/N 3-641190-6, are for 22 AWG wire. Each dierent wire
gauge uses a connector with a dierent color and P/N. Use the correct shell for
the wire you are using.
Connections to the wires on RC4 wire-tail connector assemblies can be made
by soldering, crimp connectors, wire caps, or other joiners. Be sure to cover
soldered connections with tubing or tape to avoid accidental short circuits.

66
Performing a Factory Reset
If someone else has used your LumenDimPixMicro,
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. COP and
Data indicators will blink together to conrm that
factory settings are restored.
NOTE: This does NOT aect transmitter linking.
You must intentionally unlink to disconnect from a
previously linked transmitter.
PRO TIP: If you are not sure what settings are
currently selected, you can always get back to
a known starting point by returning to factory
default.
RF
F
BA
RF Conn
SetA
Func
DMX Data
COP
C2 D2 C1 D1 +IN-

77
Unlink the LumenDimPixMicro
If the blue RF Connect LED on the LumenDimPixMicro blinks continuously, it is
looking for a transmitter that it was previously linked with.
To unlink it, 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 LumenDimPixMicro is ready to be linked to
your transmitter.
Link status is not aected by performing a Factory Reset. You must
intentionally unlink to disconnect from a previously linked transmitter.
NOTE: When using a wired RDM controller plugged into the miniplug DMX
connector, wireless DMX data must be stopped. This can be done by unlinking,
turning o the wireless transmitter, or disconnecting the wired DMX data going
into the transmitter.

8
Linking Transmitter and Receiver
In this example, we’re using an RC4 LumenDimIO transmitter. Have both
devices powered on. Put the LumenDimIO Mode switch in the transmit
position. Connect a DMX data source to the XLR data input on the
LumenDimIO.
Tap the Link button. This 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 devices will ash for several seconds and
then remain on, indicating that they are linked.
NOTE: If DMX data is not present at the transmitter, the blue LED will blink
slowly rather than staying on.
8
MODE
PUSH
Link Button

Title
Text
99
Connecting Pixel Strings and Power
To use your LumenDimPixMicro, you must connect pixel products to at
least one of the two outputs. When you’re connecting anything to your
LumenDimPixMicro, be sure that the LumenDimPixMicro is powered down.
Connect everything, being sure that the power supply delivers the correct
voltage for the pixels you are using; connecting 5V pixels to 12V power
destroys the pixels instantly.
Connections should be made to an MTA-100 connector. Attach the connector
to the LumenDimPixMicro after wiring is completed and checked, then apply
power.
Connections to wire-tail connections can be
made by soldering, crimp connectors, wire caps,
or other joiners. Wires can also be directly
inserted into a connector shell using an Amp
MTA-100 insertion tool.
One 22 AWG MTA-100
connector assembly is
incuded with each
LumenDimPixMicro.
Find additional information
about MTA-100 connectors
on page 5.
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
Both ports support 3-wire
and 4-wire pixel types.
They can be set to dierent
types, they do not have to
be the same.
C2 D2 C1 D1 +IN-

10 10
RC4 Custom Pixel ProlesTM
The LumenDimPixMicro 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.
Keyframe

11 11
Replication (Duplication, Mirroring, etc.)
The LumenDimPixMicro 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 LumenDimPixMicro 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
LumenDimPixMicro. Of course, there are numerous lengths with interesting benets and advantages.
Keyframe
Keyframe

1212
RC4 OneTouchTM for Setting Parameters
with DMX Channel Levels
NOTE: To use RC4 OneTouchTM, the LumenDimPixMicro 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
LumenDimPixMicro 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
LumenDimPixMicro pixels and everything else in your lighting system.
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.

1313
RC4 OneTouchTM Implementation in LumenDimPixMicro
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%)
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
Press a Set button to
capture and save levels
as CPP settings.

1414
Set DMX Start Channel and Pixel Type for Each Port
To use RC4 OneTouchTM, the LumenDimPixMicro 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 LumenDimPixMicro)
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.
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.
Set all other channels at
zero to change only the
Start Channel and Pixel
type. All other settings
will be preserved.

1515
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.
Select Pixel Color Order
Repeatedly pressing the same Set button will cycle through 6 color orders. Se-
lect the color-order of the pixel product being used, and the LumenDimPixMicro
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.
DMX Start and Pixel Type
must always be non-zero
and correctly set when
using RC4 OneTouchTM.

16
16
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.
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.

Title
Text
17
17
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 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.

Title
Text
18
Advanced Features
The LumenDimPixMicro 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
LumenDimPixMicro can also control LPD8806 pixels and MY9231 pixels*. 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 LumenDimPixMicro 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 LumenDimPixMicro 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 (RDM) can be used to congure all available
parameters in the device, including some parameters not accessible any other
way. The LumenDimPixMicro supports wireless RDM when used with an RDM-
capable CRMX transmitter.
* MY9231 control requires a very small clock adaptor module between the LumenDimPixMicro and the
rst pixel, available from RC4 Wireless.
18

Title
Text
19
19
Caring for Your LumenDimPixMicro
• The LumenDimPixMicro 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.
• Connect the pixel power lines directly to your power supply or battery.
• Common ground is always required between the LumenDimPixMicro 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 LumenDimPixMicro 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.
• When you purchased your LumenDimPixMicro, you selected either
internal chip antenna, or external antenna via the U.FL connector.
If you are comfortable with precision electronic soldering, you can change
the antenna type yourself. The LumenRadio TiMo RF module uses its
on-board chip antenna if pins 5 and 6 are jumpered together. With no
jumper, the TiMo will use the external U.FL connector by default. Go to
the RC4 Wireless online Knowledge Base for more details. Don’t hesitate
to ask for assistance!

Title
Text
20
20
Get in Touch
1-866-258-4577 Toll Free, North America
1-919-229-9950 North Carolina, USA, Local
[phone] London, UK
1-866-237-6641 Toll Free Fax, North America
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rc4wireless.com
Knowledge Base: http://rc4.info
We’re here to help you at any time.
James David Smith
President and Chief Product Designer
RC4 Wireless