Syncronorm SyncroDAC User manual

SyncroDAC
Operating Manual
www.syncronorm.com [e-mail]#liquidinspiration

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www.syncronorm.com
[email protected]
Syncronorm GmbH
Graf-Gottfried-Strasse 122
59755 Arnsberg | Germany
ABOUT US
Syncronorm GmbH are highly motivated producers of high-end multimedia show design software,
which features a most unique real-time 3D visualizer. Our dynamic & experienced team thereby
operates on a world-wide scale, providing you with the best software & hardware solutions tting
to your dedicated project. From show-design, training-programs, instant support & consulting
to continuously soft- & hardware development, the team at Syncronorm is eager to realize your
visions. Syncronorm provide the most established & renowned products for the entertainment- &
water-show sectors within the industry and beyond.

Version: April 2021
SYNCRODAC
The SyncroDAC is a Universal Network Decoder to drive electronic control components in a multi-
media show environment. The Decoder supports all Major Protocols: Analog (0...10V) or Digital
(DSI or DALI). SyncroDAC is the perfect tool to integrate analog VFD´s into a Syncronorm
Depence Network as well as to control any 0...10V, 1...10V, DSI, DALI or PWM Output.
The SyncroDAC is a DMX RDM compatible interface and features four DMX personalities. Thus,
the Decoder can be operated with standard DMX or bidirectional DMX RDM and is fully compatible
with the Syncronorm RDM Browser application.
4 Channel DMX to Analog Decoder

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You made a great choice by purchasing Syncronorm‘s SyncroDAC hardware unit. Prior to
commissioning the unit, please read the following instructions of use carefully and fully familiarise
yourself with the unit. Ensure that all work on and with this unit is only carried out in accordance to these
instructions. Adhere to the safety information for the correct and safe use of the unit. Keep these
instructions in a safe place! Please also hand over the instructions, when passing the unit on to a new
owner.
Preface
This document is a guideline for controlling the hardware of Syncronorm‘s fountain control systems. The
information contained in this manual will give you a sucient understanding of this product, helping you
to use the unit correctly and eectively. Adhere to all instructions contained in this manual, when
installing and operating this unit. Every person working with this equipment must read this manual
before installation and commissioning of the equipment/device. Every person working with this device/
equipment must read the manual before starting to work. Even personnel working with this device only
occasionally must read and understand this manual before beginning to work. This manual must always
be available at the site, where the device is located. Every user of this device must be aware of the
location of the manual.
Technical Data
WELCOME TO SYNCRONORM
Dimensions
Weight
Protection Class
Power Supply
Operation Temperature
Certification
Outputs
Inputs
Order Number
80x90x58 mm DIN RAIL 4U
0.20 kg
IP 20
24V DC*
0.. 40° / 0.. 80% humidity
CE
4 Outputs 0..10V or 1..10V DC, DSI, DALI, PWM max 2mA
DMX RMD
SN-STDAC24
SyncroDAC

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Checking the Scope of Delivery
Please check that the scope of delivery is complete. Keep the packaging for later transport. If
components are damaged or missing, contact your Syncronorm supplier via [email protected].
Scope of delivery:
1x SyncroDAC 4 Channel DMX to Analog Decoder
Please note that a programming adaptor (3000P) is not included with DIN rail mount devices. A
programming adaptor (required to set DMX start addresses and operating options) must be ordered
separately.
This unit requires the SyncroTools DMX address board (SN-STADRB) (not included).
Intended Use
The SyncroDAC, in the following referred to as „unit“, may only be used as specied as follows:
Converting ArtNet signal to DMX-RDM signal
Safety Information
Danger to persons and assets may emanate from this unit, if it is used in an improper manner or not
in accordance with its intended use, or if the safety instructions are ignored. This unit must not be used
by children under the age of 18. Persons with impairments or lack of experience and knowledge may
use the unit, as long as they are supervised and instructed on how to use the unit safely and are able to
understand the potential risks. Do not allow children to play with this unit. Do not allow children to clean
or maintain the unit.
Correct electrical Installation
• Electrical installations must meet the national regulations and may only be carried out by a qualied
electrician.
• A person is regarded as a qualied electrician, if, due to his/her vocational education, knowledge and
experience, he or she is capable of and authorized to judge and carry out the work commissioned
to him/her. This also includes the recognition of possible dangers and the adherence to the pertinent
regional and national standards, rules and regulations.
• For your own safety, please consult a qualied electrician.
• The unit may only be connected when the electrical data of the unit and the power supply coincide.
The unit data is to be found on the unit type plate or on the packaging, or in this manual.
• Ensure that the unit is fused for a rated fault current of max. 3A on the mains side by means of a fault
current protection device.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Save Operation
• Never operate the unit, if either the electrical cables or the housing are defective!
• Do not carry or pull the unit by its electrical cables.
• Route cords/hoses/lines in a way that they are protected against damage, and ensure that they do
not present a tripping obstacle.
• Only open the unit housing or its attendant components, when this is explicitly required in the ope-
rating instructions or approved/prescribed by Syncronorm‘s technical support service.
• Only execute work on the unit that is described in this manual. If problems cannot be overcome,
please contact an authorized customer service point or, when in doubt, the manufacturer.
• Only use original spare parts and accessories for the unit.
• Never carry out technical modications to the unit.
• Only operate the unit, if no persons are in the water!
• The unit, the connections and the plugs are not water-proof and must not be routed or installed in
water.
Qualications and Training of Employees
• Ensure that installation personnel have the required technical qualications.
• Also ensure that all operating personnel are suciently qualied.
• Ensure that maintenance work is only performed by personnel authorized for this purpose, e.g.
specialists of Syncronorm GmbH or personnel with suitable training.
Dangers resulting from non-adherence to the Safety Information
Please note that Syncronorm GmbH assumes no liability for damage, downtimes or malfunctions resul-
ting from non-adherence to this installation and operating manual. By ignoring or not adhering to all of
the safety information contained in this manual, you could endanger people, the environment and the
system of this unit. For example, non-adherence to the safety information contained in this manual can
lead to the following dangerous occurrences:
• A malfunction of important features of this unit
• Danger for persons due to electric shock
Safety-conscious Operation
As a user of this unit, ensure that you follow all safety information contained in this manual. Follow the
accident prevention regulations at all times. If the unit is used in a location where internal regulations,
operating and safety instructions apply, ensure that these regulations and instructions are also adhered
to.

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Optional retrotting and Production of Spare Parts
Safety Information regarding Maintenance, Inspection and Installation Work
Changes or modications to the device are only permitted after consultation with the manufacturer.
Original spare parts and accessories approved by the manufacturer provide safety. We wish to stress that
all parts and accessories not supplied by Syncronorm GmbH have neither been tested nor approved
by Syncronorm GmbH. For this reason, the installation and/or use of such products can, under certain
circumstances, negatively aect the specications for the device. This could also lead to restrictions of the
active and/or passive safety of the device. Syncronorm GmbH assumes no liability for damage resulting
from the use of parts and accessories other than original Syncronorm GmbH parts.
In this case all guarantee expires.
It is the owner/user‘s responsibility to ensure that all maintenance, inspection and installation work is car-
ried out by authorized and qualied personnel, who have read and understood this manual.
Only carry out maintenance work on this unit, when the unit system is switched o. Ensure that no
pressure is applied to the unit and it is disconnected from the power supply (voltage-free) before carry-
ing out maintenance or repair work.
Ensure that small malfunctions are immediately rectied by authorized personnel to avoid possible future
damage, malfunctions and/or downtimes of the unit system. Certain maintenance work may require
safety barriers to be removed and/or deactivated. If this is the case, ensure that all safety and protective
devices/guards are re-installed and/or reactivated after completing the maintenance work.
Dangers encountered by the Combination of Water and Electricity
• The combination of water and electricity can lead to death or severe injuries from electrocution, if the
unit is incorrectly connected or misused.
• Prior to reaching into the water, always switch o the mains voltage to all units used in the water.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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CONNECTION
Connectors
The DAC Decoder 4x comprises of these connectors::
CN6 POWER SUPPLY 230V AC 50 Hz
1 black: L 230V AC
2 blue: N 0V AC
CN2 DMX Data Input
1 (grey) GND, Screen
2 (blue) DMX Drive Signal -
3 (orange) DMX Drive Signal +
CN3-6 Drive Output to electronic ballasts
1 CH 1: Drive Signal 1
2 CH 1: Drive Signal GND
3 CH 2: Drive Signal 2
4 CH 2: Drive Signal GND
5 CH 3: Drive Signal 3
6 CH 3: Drive Signal GND
7 CH 4: Drive Signal 3
8 CH 4: Drive Signal GND
Refer to the drawing for the location of the connectors. To open clamp, press lever. Insert wire, release
lever.
You may connect DSI (Digital Serial Interface) compatible, or DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Inter-
face) compatible, or analog 1-10V compatible electronic ballasts (EVG) to the DAC Decoder 4x. Optimum
performance will be obtained when using DSI compatible ballasts. The interface has to be programmed
for Analog, DSI or DALI mode, see below. You are not allowed to mix analog, DSI and DALI devices on
one decoder. Ballasts must be connected to the output terminals of the DAC Decoder 4x. Multiple bal-
lasts may be connected in parallel if required – see technical data. Digital SYNCRONORM PCA electronic
ballasts are insensitive to polarization. If using other ballasts, please check before wiring. The signal out-
put of the DAC Decoder 4x is positive (+).

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CONNECTION
Signal Indicators
Status signalling is with LED indicators:
- green: DMX data reception OK
- red: ERROR
- normally o
- blinks at transmission errors or at loss of signal
DMX Start Address
It is a commonly used scheme for building automation devices to avoid conguration switches. All
settings are stored permanently in non-volatile memory. When installing the decoder for the rst time,
however, the output protocol and the DMX start address (number of the rst DMX data slot, value 001 ...
509) must be programmed. The start address switch board 3000P or 3003P is required to set start ad-
dress and mode of operation. This is a standard device, which can be used for all Syncronorm decoders.
DMX-IN 24V DC POWER
START-ADR
MODULE
4x ANALOG 0..10V OUTPUT

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SETTINGS & SETUP
Programming adaptor
To set a DMX start address, connect the address board as decribed above. Make sure the connector is
plugged in the right orientation as indicated on the label. Connecting the address board the wrong way
may damage both, the decoder and the adress board. Then power up the decoder and apply a valid
DMX signal. Then simply set the desired start address. The hundreds switch is located next to the LEDs.
Valid address settings are from 001 to 509. Wait some seconds until the unit recognizes and programs the
address setting. The programming cycle will be indicated by the the red and green LED ashing alterna-
tively four times. If the decoder is already fully wired you may test the system for proper operation right
now. If everything works to your satisfaction, power down the system and remove the address board.
DIP switches
The output protocol of the decoder and the behaviour at loss of data may be selected by the user. The
address board consists of four DIP switches to select the required features. All settings are stored in inter-
nal nonvolatile memory (same as the DMX start address).
DIP-SWITCH 1: DMX HOLD
Denes the behaviour at loss of DMX data.
OFF= see DIP switch #2
ON = DMX HOLD at data loss
Connector for start address board and polarization notice Hundreds - Tens – Ones
DIP-SWITCH 2: OUTPUT LEVEL AT NON-HOLD
OFF= all outputs are driven to 0% (e.g. stage lighting)
ON = all outputs are driven to 100% (e.g. architectural lighting)
DIP-SWITCH 3/4: OPERATING MODE
OFF/OFF= Analog output 0..10V / 1-10V
ON /OFF= DSI
OFF/ON = DALI
ON /ON = PWM

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SETTINGS & SETUP
Modes of Operation
MODE 1: ANALOG OUT 0-10V / 1-10V
DIP-SWITCH 3 = OFF
DIP-SWITCH 4 = OFF
The decoder DAC Decoder 4x supports both, 0-10V output and 1-10V output. The dierence of both
protocols is the direction of the drive current: while 0-10V devices require a control current to be sup-
plied by the decoder, 1-10V devices require control current to be drawn by the decoder. The decoder
saties both needs and adjusts its output automatically. The control characteristics are fully linear ranging
from DMX=000 (full o, or minimum intensity, depending on ballast characteristics) to DMX=255 (maxi-
mumj intensity). Please note, that most analog driven electronic ballasts cannot be drive to the OFF state
using the control input. This is a ballast property. Minimum ballast intensity is 1% (typically). Again, this is
a ballast property: minimum levels of 3%, even 5% (or higher) are commonly available (The decoder will
nevertheless go down to 0V). Please check the data of your ballasts. SYNCRONORM recommends use of
OSRAM ballasts for optimum performance.
MODE 2: DSI
DIP-SWITCH 3 = ON
DIP-SWITCH 4 = OFF
DSI (Digital Serial Interface) is a digital protocol for smooth intensity control. Optimized drive characteris-
tics, following a quasi-logarithmic law to match the eye‘s intensity sensing and
excellent common mode characteristics are among the DSI benets. You may use all PCA ECO and PCA
EXCEL ballasts made by Tridonic and BBC. Each output may be loaded with up to two ballasts, giving a
total of 8 ballasts to be driven by the DAC Decoder 4x. DMX control is identied by these control values:
DMX = 000 ballast OFF (Standby)
DMX = 001 ON , 1% Intensity
DMX = 128 10% Intensity
DMX = 255 100% Intensity
MODUS 3: DALI
DIP-SWITCH 3 = OFF
DIP-SWITCH 4 = ON
Nearly all ballast manufacturers (e.g. Philips, Helvar, Osram, Tridonic etc) will supply DALI compatible
ballasts. All DALI ballasts may be connected to the 3004A-H, independent of type
and manufacturer. Wiring is same as with DSI.
The DAC Decoder 4x supplies drive voltage to connected DALI ballasts.
Thus NO ADDITIONAL DALI power supply must be used, DALI BUS is not supported (only individual
devices). The decoder control range is dened to support a 1% to 100% intensity span. Please note, that
several DALI ballasts will only support lower dim levels starting at 3%, 5% or even 10%. If so, the DMX
inignition point will remain intact, but intensity will only increase as soon as the ballast starting value has
been reached. For a 3% starting value, this is about half-scale. DALI ballasts usually react much faster
than DSI ballasts, but lack resolution (only 170 intensity steps available as compared to 255 for DSI). That
is why they may appear somewhat „rougher“ when fading.

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SETTINGS & SETUP
DMX = 000 ballast OFF (Standby)
DMX = 001 ballst ON , 1% intensity
DMX = 128 10% intensity
DMX = 255 100% intensity
MODE 4: PWM
DIP-SWITCH 3 = ON
DIP-SWITCH 4 = ON
A PWM output allows intensity control for electrically non-linear devices, such as LEDs. PWM (pulse
width modulation) achieves intensity control by setting the output to either full ON or full OFF using a
variable on/o ratio. The DAC Decoder 4x features four 4 PWM outputs delivering a 10V PWM control
signal. This may be used to drive power output stages equippend with bipolar transistors or MOSFETs.
Output frequency is approx. 240 Hz. The control characteristic is absolutely linear and has a 8 bit resolu-
tion (256 steps).
DMX = 000 OFF, output = 0V
DMX = 128 50% intensity, duty cycle 50% (ratio 1:1)
DMX = 255 100% intensity, output = 10V
Drive Characteristics
Using microprocessor-controlled electronic ballasts results in a unprecedented precise logarithmic cont-
rol curve matching the eye‘s intensity sensitivity very closely. Thus the whole dimming range (1%...100%)
seems completely linear to the eye. DSI cuts the DMX control range (256 steps) into two halves to gene-
rate two decades of intensity (from 1% to 10% and from 10% to 100%). Thus a DMX input value of 001
represents a output intensity of 1%, a DMX input value of 128 represents a output intensity of 10% and
a DMX input value of 255 represents a output intensity of 100%. DALI cuts the DMX control range (256
steps) into three thirds to generate three decades of intensity control (from 0.1% to 1%, from 1% to 10%
and from 10% to 100%). Thus a DMX input value of 087 would represent a output intensity of 1%, and
all values from 001 to 086 would do the same because there a no electronic ballasts available worldwide
which can dim lower than 1%. This, however, would make 1/3 of the fader control range useless. To ob-
tain the same behaviour as with DSI devices the 3004B-H stretches the remaining 2/3 (170 steps) of the
DMX control range to full scale. Thus smooth fades in DALI mode may appear somewhat „rougher“.
Electronic Ballasts
The electronic ballasts are connected to connector CN4. Each output has two terminals, orange (output
drive signal, +) and blue (ground, -). SYNCRONORM PCA electronic ballasts are insensitive to polariza-
tion of the drive signal, thus terminal connections may be interchanged. When using other brands, make
sure to obey correct polarization of the drive signal. Each output may drive up to 2 ballasts maximum.
Installation of electronic ballasts must only be carried out by trained and qualied technicians. Electronic
ballasts must be connected to mains voltage; interchanging power supply and control lines will damage
both, ballast and decoder. Check your wiring thoroughly before powering up your system.

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The device requires regular maintenance.
Carry out maintenance in accordance with the maintenance schedule:
- If necessary, update your software version.
- Check, if all external cables are working properly.
Important information!
Maintenance must be carried out by qualied personnel only!
CE Conformity
This DMX decoder is microprocessor controlled and uses high frequency (8 MHz quartz). The interface
has been tested in our EMC lab to comply with EN5022B and IEC65/144. To ensure the best perfor-
mance regarding radiated and conducted emissions, please make sure that shielded data cable is used
and the shield is connected properly to the GND terminal. Shield must never make contact to any other
signal lines.
Protecting the environment
For the transport and Protective packaging, environmentally friendly
materials have been choosen that can be supplied normaly recycling.
Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste,
but make sure that they are collected for recycling
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive (WEEE).
FCC Statement
This product has been tested and complies with the specications for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to 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 according to the instructions, may cause harmful inter-
ference 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 is found by turning the equipment o 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 or devices
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver‘s
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
FCC Caution: Any change or modication to the product not expressly approved by SLH could void the
user’s authority to operate the device.
Maintenance and Cleaning
MAINTANANCE & DISPOSAL

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Syncronorm GmbH assures a 12 month manufacturer ‘s guarantee for this specic Syncronorm unit, pur-
chased by you. This guarantee only exists in accordance to the specic guarantee conditions lad down
as follows:
The guarantee period starts with the purchase from a Syncronorm GmbH specialist dealer. In the event
of a resale, the guarantee period will not start again.
If services by Syncronorm GmbH are provided under the terms of this guarantee, this does not lead to
extension or renewal of the guarantee period. Your legal rights as a purchaser, especially those ensuing
from the warranty, persist. They are not restricted by this guarantee.
Syncronorm warranties are limited to our product only and do not extend to any
direct, indirect or subsequential loss under any circumstances.
Misusage of the device leads to a loss of guarantee!
Guarantee Conditions
SYNCRONORM GmbH guarantees impeccable, purpose-related properties and workmanship,
expert assembly and proper functionality. Subject to our discretion, the guarantee refers to
free-of-charge repair or free-of-charge supply of spare parts or of a replacement unit respectively.
Should the unit type concerned no longer be manufactured, we reserve the right, at our discretion, to
supply a replacement unit from our range that is closest to the type subject to complaint. Claims, the
origin of which can be traced back to installation and operating faults as well as lack of care, e.g. the use
of unsuitable cleaning materials or negligent maintenance, use other than that intended, damage due
to accidents, falls, impact, eect of frost, cutting plugs, shortening cables, calcium deposits or improper
attempts to repair the unit, are not covered by our guarantee. We hereby refer to the proper use as spe-
cied in the instructions of use that form an integral part of the guarantee. Wearing parts such as bulbs
etc. are exempted from the guarantee.
The refund of costs for removal and installation, checks, claims for lost prot and damages are exemp-
ted from the guarantee together with further reaching claims for damages and loss of whatever nature
caused by the unit or its use. The guarantee is only valid in the country in which the unit was purchased
from a Syncronorm GmbH dealer. This guarantee is governed by German law under the exclusion of the
agreement of the United Nations covering contracts, governing the international sale of goods (CISG)
regulations. Guarantee claims can only be brought forward by presenting the sales receipt to
Syncronorm GmbH
Graf-Gottfried-Strasse 122
59755 Arnsberg | Germany
by returning the unit or part of the unit‘s subject of complaint to us, freight free, at your own risk, ac-
companied by a copy of the original purchase receipt from the Syncronorm GmbH specialist dealer, this
guarantee document and written information of the fault encountered.
GUARANTEE