SN3 Innovations WDS-FX1 User manual
SN3 Innovations, LLC
WDS-FX1 4x4
User Guide
WDS-FX1 User Guide Patent Pending
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MAY 2017 WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE
Acknowledgements
Initiated and released by the SN3 Innovations, LLC team, this document was developed with
support from across the company and in direct collaboration with the following:
Key Contributors
Greg Notaro, MSEE (SN3)
Technical Reviewers
T. Scott Notaro, MS, MBA (SN3)
Doug Notaro, PhD (SN3)
Feedback
Please send comments or suggestions about this document to the SN3 Innovations, LLC Team
SN3 Innovations, LLC designs advanced entertainment lighting equipment for use by a broad array of
customers. Ease-of-use is the primary focal point in the company’s development strategies and is achieved
by incorporating novel design concepts and technically advanced solutions that alleviate operational
challenges associated with current products on the market.
www.sn3innovations.com
Disclaimer
The information and specifications contained in this document are subject to change without notice. SN3
Innovations, LLC assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions that may appear within.
SN3 Innovations, LLC reserves the right to update the existing document to correct for any errors or to add
additional content. The latest version of this document can be found and downloaded from
www.sn3innovations.com
Legal Notice
Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights
under copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise), or for any purpose, without the express written permission of SN3 Innovations, LLC.
SN3 Innovations, LLC may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual
property rights covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written
license agreement from SN3 Innovations, LLC, the furnishing of this document does not give you any
license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.
© 2017 SN3 Innovations, LLC. All rights reserved.
SN3 Innovations, LLC, The Diamond Series, are trademarks of SN3 Innovations, LLC
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE MAY 2017
Revision and Signoff Sheet
Change Record
Date
Author
Version
Change reference
7/01/2017
Greg Notaro
-
Initial draft
Reviewers
Name
Version approved
Position
Date
Autumn Notaro
-
Doug Notaro
-
Director
T.Scott Notaro
-
President
Distribution / Signoff
Name
Position
T. Scott Notaro
President
Doug Notaro
Director
Greg Notaro
Vice President
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MAY 2017 WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE
Table of Contents
Tables................................................................................................................... 5
Figures ................................................................................................................. 5
Safety................................................................................................................... 6
FCC Compliance ..................................................................................................... 7
Product Specifications ............................................................................................. 8
Mechanical ........................................................................................................... 9
Light Source ......................................................................................................... 9
Power.................................................................................................................. 9
User Interface.......................................................................................................10
LED Display ..........................................................................................................10
LED Indicators ......................................................................................................11
Mode Select Button................................................................................................15
Function Button.....................................................................................................15
Radio Modes....................................................................................................... 16
Group Select Button...............................................................................................17
Stand-Alone Operational Modes ...............................................................................18
Onboard Stand-Alone Operational Modes ................................................................ 18
DMX512-A Control .................................................................................................19
Standard DMX512-A Link...................................................................................... 20
Proprietary Enhancement to DMX512-A .................................................................. 21
DMX512-A Control using Standard Equipment ......................................................... 21
WDS-FX1 DMX Application Recommendation .............................................................23
DMX Operational Modes..........................................................................................23
Audio/Manual Effect Trigger Control .........................................................................26
Operational Instructions .........................................................................................27
Operational Instructions when not using DMX ......................................................... 27
Using WDS-FX1 devices independently without DMX................................................. 28
Wireless Automatic Master/Slave Operation without DMX .......................................... 28
Wired Automatic Master/Slave Operation without DMX ............................................. 29
Operational Instructions with DMX ........................................................................ 30
Wireless Operation with DMX Control ..................................................................... 30
Wireless & Wired Mixed Operation with DMX Control ................................................ 31
Wired Operation with DMX Control......................................................................... 32
DMX Data.............................................................................................................34
Warranty..............................................................................................................40
References & Contact Information............................................................................40
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WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE MAY 2017
Tables
Table 1 - FCC Testing Method/Standard Results ............................................................... 7
Table 2 –Mode Select Button Operation and Timing Requirements ................................... 15
Table 3 –Function Button Operation and Timing Requirements ........................................ 16
Table 4 –Group Number Indicator (Front Panel) ............................................................ 17
Table 5 –Group Select Button Operation and Timing Requirements .................................. 18
Table 6 –WDS-FX1 Operational Modes: Determined by the DMX Slot 1 Data Byte .............. 22
Table 7 - DMX OPERATIONAL MODE (DMX PERSONALITY) –SLOT 1 ................................. 34
Table 8 - 3-CHANNEL SYNCHRONIZATION .................................................................... 35
Table 9 - 48-CHANNEL SYNCHRONIZATION................................................................... 35
Table 10 - 48-CHANNEL SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM .................................................. 36
Table 11 - FREE RUNNING .......................................................................................... 37
Table 12 - FREE RUNNING MOOD LIGHTING.................................................................. 37
Table 13 - FREE RUNNING RGB COLOR SELECTION ........................................................ 38
Table 14 - AUTO ADDRESS TRI-COLOR BLOCK/DEVICE MODE ......................................... 38
Table 15 - RESERVED - 1............................................................................................ 39
Table 16 - RESERVED - 2............................................................................................ 39
Figures
Figure 1 - WDS-FX1 Front Panel .................................................................................... 8
Figure 2 - WDS-FX1 Back ............................................................................................. 8
Figure 3 - LED reference designators ............................................................................ 11
Figure 4 –MODE INDICATOR LED TIMING..................................................................... 12
Figure 5 –W-DMX STATUS INDICATOR TIMING WHILE OPERATING AS TRANSMITTER ........ 13
Figure 6 –W-DMX STATUS INDICATOR TIMING FOR RECEPTION RATE INDICATION ........... 13
Figure 7–W-DMX MODE INDICATOR TIMING WHILE OPERATING AS TRANSMITTER............ 14
Figure 8 –W-DMX MODE INDICATOR TIMING WHILE OPERATING AS RECEIVER................. 14
Figure 9 –DMX CONNECTION FROM MASTER TO "N" SLAVE DEVICES. (N <= 32) .............. 20
Figure 10 –DMX CONTROL ARRANGEMENT EXAMPLE: 5 DMX FIXTURES OPERATING IN 3CHN
DMX MODE ............................................................................................................... 20
Figure 11 –WDS-FX1’S ELECTRICAL INTERFACE SHOWN IN A WIRED DMX LINK. .............. 21
Figure 12 –DMX512-A PACKET: SLOT 1 DATA BYTE SELECTS THE WDS-FX1 OPERATIONAL
MODE ...................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 13 –AUDIO/MANUAL EFFECT TRIGGER CONTROL................................................. 27
Figure 14 –WIRELESS OPERATION SETUP WITHOUT DMX CONTROL ................................ 29
Figure 15 –WIRED AUTOMATIC MASTER/SLAVE OPERATION SETUP WITHOUT DMX CONTROL
.............................................................................................................................. 30
Figure 16 –WIRELESS OPERATION SETUP WITH DMX CONTROL ...................................... 31
Figure 17 –WIRELESS AND WIRED MIXED OPERATION SETUP WITH DMX CONTROL .......... 32
Figure 18 –WIRELESS OPERATION SETUP WITH DMX CONTROL ...................................... 33
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MAY 2017 WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE
Safety
•If mounting this product from a truss, on an elevated platform, or by any means
overhead, always secure to a fastening device using a safety cable.
•To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this unit or the external
power supply to rain or moisture.
•This product is for indoor use only.
•Make sure that the mains supply matches that of the required voltage of the
external power supply.
•Do not attempt to operate this unit if the power cord of the external supply has
been broken, frayed, or damaged in any way.
•Disconnect from mains power before making any electrical connections to the unit.
•Do not attempt to remove the cover or operate when the cover is removed.
•Disconnect the external power supply from mains power when the device is
experiencing long durations of non-use.
•Do not plug the external supply into a dimmer pack.
•This fixture should only be serviced by qualified service personnel when damaged in
any way, including the external power supply.
•This product is not intended for permanent installations.
•Never attempt to carry the product from any connected electrical cable.
•Some people may experience severe dizziness, seizures, epileptic seizures or
blackouts triggered by flashing lights or patterns. Such seizures are more common
in children and young adults under the age of 20. Anyone who has a history of
seizures, loss of awareness, or other symptoms linked to an epileptic condition
should consult with a doctor before using this product.
•This product should not be operated by children under the age of 13. Any child
above the age of 13 attempting to operate this device should be monitored by an
adult.
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WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE MAY 2017
FCC Compliance
The WDS-FX1 has been fully tested under the FCC Rules contained in Title 47 of the CFR, Part
15 Subpart B & Industry Canada ICES-003 for Class B Digital Devices.
All tests were conducted using measurement procedure from ANSI C.63.4.2009 as
appropriate.
Table 1 - FCC TESTING METHOD/STANDARD RESULTS
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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MAY 2017 WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE
Product Specifications
Figure 1 - WDS-FX1 Front Panel
Figure 2 - WDS-FX1 Back
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WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE MAY 2017
Mechanical
Weight: 3 lbs
Dimensions: 6” x 6” x 4.5”(length x width x height)
Light Source
WDS-FX1 4x4 contains Cree PLCC6 SLV6A-FKB LEDs
16 (tri-color) 5mm x 5mm RGB SMD LEDs
Light Intensity: 3920mcd per LED
Wide viewing angle
Power
The WDS-FX1 requires the use of the supplied +16VDC power supply in order to charge the
internal NiMH battery pack and/or to run the unit off non-battery power. It is the customer’s
responsibility to use the power supply provided with the WDS-FX1. Any attempt to power the
WDS-FX1 from a supply not provided by SN3 Innovations, LLC will immediately void the
warranty.
Power Supply model: YHY161017001 (or equivalent)
Input: 100-240VAC
Output: 16VDC, 1.5A, 24W
AC Cable: US 2-Prong 1.2M
AC Inlet Type: C8 Type DC 20AWG 1.5M
DC Tip Size: 5.5mm OD, 2.1mm ID (center positive right angle type)
Power Dissipation
Transmitter
5.5W maximum
Receiver
5.13W maximum
Charging
The WDS-FX1 contains intelligent battery charging electronics that slow charges the internal
NiMH battery back at a C/10 rate. This equates to a charge current of roughly 250mA. This
charge rate maximizes the potential lifetime of the battery pack and ensures that the WDS-
FX1 will be fully charged after the completion of a charging cycle. A fully drained battery
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MAY 2017 WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE
should complete a charge cycle in 11 hours on average. Therefore, it is advised to charge the
WDS-FX1 overnight before an event.
Internal Battery Pack
The WDS-FX1 contains a 25Wh Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack. This particular chemistry
was selected due to the overall safety compared to other options such as Lithium based
chemistries. A fully charged WDS-FX1, used under normal operating conditions, will last well
beyond the length of a typical 6 hour event. It is recommended to fully charge the WDS-FX1
the night before an event. A WDS-FX1 that is stored and unused for long periods of time will
experience self-discharge effects that will reduce the available operational time. Fully
charging the WDS-FX1 will counteract this effect. After an event it is also advised to fully
charge the WDS-FX1 whether an upcoming event is planned or not. A fully depleted NiMH cell
that is stored for prolonged periods of time can negatively impact the cell’s expected lifetime
and capacity. Any WDS-FX1 that will be kept in storage should be fully charged every 1-2
months.
User Interface
The back panel of the WDS-FX1 contains all necessary user interfaces.
1. Power input Jack –Mates with provided +16VDC power supply
2. DMX In –RJ45 6P6C jack (pinout follows accepted ESTA standard)
3. DMX Out –RJ45 6P6C jack (pinout follows accepted ESTA standard)
4. Mode Select Button –Pushbutton used to select one of eight operational modes
when not under the control of DMX. This pushbutton also selects the operational
direction of the wireless transceiver (transmitter/receiver).
5. Function Button –Pushbutton used to link/unlink over wireless DMX and to select
specific wireless radio operational modes.
6. Group Select Button –Pushbutton used to assign unit to a specific Group, similar
to addressing in standard DMX operation.
LED Display
The WDS-FX1 contains 16 tri-color RGB LEDs positioned in a framing pattern around the edge
of the primary circuit card assembly. Each LED contains a red, green, and blue LED which can
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WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE MAY 2017
be individually controlled to produce a myriad of colors. Each tri-color LED is assigned a
number according to the following image:
Figure 3 - LED reference designators
LED Indicators
The back panel of the WDS-FX1 contains LED indicators to highlight certain operational
settings and to provide real-time feedback during operation and during the selection of device
parameters.
•1: Group Select Indicator –Indicates when the Group Select pushbutton is
depressed.
➢ON –pushbutton is depressed
➢OFF –pushbutton is not depressed
•2: MODE Select Indicator –Indicates when the Mode Select pushbutton
has been depressed.
➢ON –pushbutton is depressed
➢OFF –pushbutton is not depressed
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MAY 2017 WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE
•3: MODE Indicator –Indicates which standalone operational mode has
been selected by flashing at a specific duty cycle. Two seconds of each
pattern are represented below:
Figure 4 –MODE INDICATOR LED TIMING
•4: RESERVED –This LED is reserved.
•5: W-DMX Tx/Rx Select Indicator –Indicates the selected direction of the
wireless DMX transceiver.
➢ON –Transmitter
➢OFF –Receiver
•6: W-DMX Status Indicator –When the WDS-FX1 is configured as a
transmitter, the W-DMX Status Indicator highlights whether the W-DMX
device is currently operating in G3 or G4S radio modes.
When configured as a receiver, the W-DMX Status Indicator highlights the
reception rate of wireless DMX data. The on time of the LED, per 1 second
intervals, indicates the reception rate.
The timing of the LED, when operating the WDS-FX1 in both wireless modes,
as well as the indicated reception rates is shown below:
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WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE MAY 2017
Transmitter:
Figure 5 –W-DMX STATUS INDICATOR TIMING WHILE OPERATING AS TRANSMITTER
Receiver:
Figure 6 –W-DMX STATUS INDICATOR TIMING FOR RECEPTION RATE INDICATION
•7: W-DMX Mode Indicator –Indicates the current state of the wireless
connection and the presence of DMX data in either directional mode. The
behavior of the LED is dependent on the selected direction of the wireless
DMX transceiver as shown below:
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MAY 2017 WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE
Transmitter:
Figure 7–W-DMX MODE INDICATOR TIMING WHILE OPERATING AS TRANSMITTER
Receiver:
Figure 8 –W-DMX MODE INDICATOR TIMING WHILE OPERATING AS RECEIVER
•8: Charging Status Indicator –Indicates the charging status of the
internal battery pack. The external power supply that came with the WDS-
FX1 must be connected for charging to take place. The LED indication is as
follows:
External Power Supply connected:
➢ON –Charging
➢OFF –Charging completed
External Power Supply disconnected:
➢OFF –No indication
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WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE MAY 2017
Mode Select Button
This button is used to select the stand-alone operational mode of the WDS-FX1 and to select
the desired direction of the W-DMX wireless transceiver. The length of the time the Mode
Select Button needs to be depressed in order to cycle through stand-alone operational modes
or to change the direction of the wireless transceiver is shown below:
Table 2 –Mode Select Button Operation and Timing Requirements
Function Button
The Function Button controls linking/unlinking of wireless WDS-FX1 devices over the W-DMX
link.
When the WDS-FX1 is configured as a transmitter, the Function Button can be used to link any
number of WDS-FX1 fixtures, configured as receivers, which are within operable range of the
W-DMX link. Conversely, the Function Button can also be used to unlink any WDS-FX1
fixtures that are currently linked.
Time Max
Less than
4s
Change W-DMX Transceiver Direction
4s
No Limit
Change Stand-Alone Operational Mode
Operation
15ms
Time Min
Off
Automatic
Bass
Active
Mood
Lighting
#1
Mood
Lighting
#2
Mood
Lighting
#3
Mood
Lighting
#4
Battery
Capacity
Receiver Transmitter
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MAY 2017 WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE
When the WDS-FX1 is configured as a receiver, the Function Button can be used to unlink
from the transmitter it is currently assigned to.
Only the transmitting WDS-FX1 can link receiving WDS-FX1 devices. A receiving WDS-FX1
device must be unlinked before the linking procedure can be executed.
The Function Button can also be used to enter the Control Mode. Having entered the Control
Mode, a specific radio mode can be selected.
The length of time the Function Button needs to be depressed in order to execute a specific
command is shown below:
Table 3 –Function Button Operation and Timing Requirements
Radio Modes
G4S is the most current radio mode available within the WDS-FX1. When configured in G4S
mode, the WDS-FX1 will transmit wireless DMX data over the 2.4GHz frequency band while
implementing adaptive frequency hopping in order to avoid frequencies that are already in
use. This ensures that transmission is conducted interference free for not only the WDS-FX1
fixtures in use but for other wireless systems that are operating within the vicinity. The
wireless link created by the WDS-FX1 will not be interfered with and will not cause
interference with other wireless systems.
Operation Time min Time max
Link Receivers 100ms 3s
Unlink all Receivers 3s 10s
Enter Control Mode 10s -
Store Radio Mode
(Control Mode Only)
Unlink from a Transmitter 3s -
Change Radio Modes
(Control Mode Only)
100ms
3s
TRANSMITTER
RECEIVER
Cycle Power
G4S G3
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WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE MAY 2017
G3 mode provides many of the same features as the G4S mode but is an older
implementation. This radio mode should be selected if a G3 only compatible product is being
used to receive wireless DMX data from the WDS-FX1. If the WDS-FX1 is only transmitting
data to other WDS-FX1 units and/or other G4S compatible products then it is advised to select
the G4S radio mode.
Group Select Button
The Group Select Button assigns a particular Group Number to the WDS-FX1. This Group
Number is only used when the WDS-FX1 is under wireless DMX control and is being
commanded to operate in the Address Free DMX Mode. While under wired DMX control, the
WDS-FX1 is addressed automatically over the DMX link while in the Address Free DMX Mode
and ignores the Group Number assignment.
The WDS-FX1 can be assigned any Group Number from 1-48. The onboard LED display on the
front of the WDS-FX1 is used to indicate which Group Number is currently assigned. At
startup, the WDS-FX1 defaults to Group Number 1. The specific front panel LED associated
with a particular Group Number is shown below:
Table 4 –Group Number Indicator (Front Panel)
The length of time the Group Select Button needs to be depressed in order to indicate and
select a Group Number is specified below:
Group Number
LED Indicator
(Front Panel)
LED Indicator Color
DMX Channels
(Red, Green, Blue, Reserved)
1 Red 3-6
2 Green 7-10
3 Blue 11-14
4 Red 15-18
5 Green 19-22
6 Blue 23-26
46 Red 183-186
47 Green 187-190
48 Blue 191-194
LED 16
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
LED 1
LED 2
.
.
.
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MAY 2017 WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE
Table 5 –Group Select Button Operation and Timing Requirements
Stand-Alone Operational Modes
The WDS-FX1 contains eight stand-alone operational modes. “Stand-alone” in this context
refers to operating the WDS-FX1 when no DMX signal, wireless or wired, is being received.
These stand-alone operational modes will only be executed under this condition. If the WDS-
FX1 is receiving a DMX signal then priority will be given to DMX and the operation of the unit
will be dictated by the incoming DMX packet, regardless of the chosen stand-alone operational
mode. When no DMX control signal is present, the WDS-FX1 will automatically switchover and
operate in the user selected stand-alone operational mode. A specific stand-alone operational
mode can be selected using the Mode Select Button. These eight operational modes are a
small subset of the internal control functions and additional operational modes of the device.
Accessing these additional features requires the use of wired or wireless DMX control.
Onboard Stand-Alone Operational Modes
1. Off –The WDS-FX1 will be commanded to a blank state. All LEDS will be off.
Operation Time min Time max
Show Group Number .25s
Less than
2s
2s
-
Change Group Number
(Group Number will increment every .25s)
Group
#1
Group
#2
Group
#3
Group
#4
.........
Group
#46
Group
#47
Group
#48
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WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE MAY 2017
2. Automatic –The WDS-FX1 will cycle through the large quantity of internal lighting
effects applying different RGB color combinations for every repetitive cycle. Effects
will be continuously cycled. Any and all audio signals will be ignored in this mode.
3. Bass Active –The WDS-FX1 will trigger internal lighting effects to the sound of the
music, particularly the bass frequency range. Audio frequency content picked up by
the onboard electret microphone will be used to trigger time altering lighting
effects.
4. Mood Lighting #1 –Mood Lighting effect #1. Any and all audio signals will be
ignored in this mode.
5. Mood Lighting #2 –Mood Lighting effect #2. Any and all audio signals will be
ignored in this mode.
6. Mood Lighting #3 –Mood Lighting effect #3. Any and all audio signals will be
ignored in this mode.
7. Mood Lighting #4 –Mood Lighting effect #4. Any and all audio signals will be
ignored in this mode.
8. Battery Capacity –If operating without the external power supply, this mode will
indicate how much capacity is remaining in the internal battery pack. Each front
panel LED indicates 6.25% capacity. If all 16 front panel LEDs are illuminated then
the battery pack is operating at 100% capacity. For each LED that is not
illuminated, there is a 6.25% reduction in available capacity. If the external power
supply is connected, the front panel LEDs will flash green indicating the WDS-FX1 is
running off of external power.
DMX512-A Control
The WDS-FX1 has a multitude of internal operational features that can only be accessed via
DMX512-A control. Unlike traditional DMX intelligent fixtures, the WDS-FX1 doesn’t require
any manual DMX Addressing, DMX Personality settings, or Master/Slave configuration. These
fixtures are able to operate without these added burdens due to a patent pending proprietary
communication enhancement that encapsulates the DMX512-A protocol. This enhancement
provides the ability of controlling an entire chain of WDS-FX1 units operating in Master/Slave
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MAY 2017 WDS-FX1 USER GUIDE
mode with a DMX512-A controller. Switching from a Master/Slave operational mode to a DMX
mode is seamless and can be accomplished directly from a DMX512-A controller. This
capability is very unique. An understanding of how this approach differs from traditional DMX-
512A implementations is outlined in the following sections.
Standard DMX512-A Link
Traditional DMX512-A employs an RS-485 signaling standard and relies on a multi-drop
configuration to route the data to all devices in a network. Unlike many RS-485 applications,
DMX is a unidirectional control protocol which means data is transmitted from a single device
and received by all other devices. Bi-directional communication is not part of the DMX512-A
standard. A typical DMX connection from master to "n" number of slave devices is depicted
below:
Figure 9 –DMX CONNECTION FROM MASTER TO "N" SLAVE DEVICES. (N <= 32)
This lower level depiction of a DMX link is how all DMX intelligent fixtures operate. In order to
demonstrate this more clearly, we can look at a typical wired lighting display example. A user
incorporating a DMX controller to communicate to a fixed number of units is a very standard
and understood application and can be illustrated as follows:
Figure 10 –DMX CONTROL ARRANGEMENT EXAMPLE: 5 DMX FIXTURES OPERATING IN 3CHN DMX MODE
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