Martin Professional Introduces New DMX Splitters

Martin Professional offers two new economical DMX splitters for proper data transmission and protection of DMX controllers and devices. The DMX 5.3 Splitter and RDM 5.5 Splitter are useful in maintaining proper data over long runs or several runs of DMX signal with the RDM 5.5 Splitter also capable of handling RDM data.

The Martin Splitters help to rectify disruptions in the DMX signal caused by bad cables or bad connections by splitting the DMX or DMX/RDM data link into five separate branches while boosting the weak DMX signal to its original output level before it becomes too low to be read by DMX devices.

Through fully individual isolated input and 5 outputs, the Martin Splitters will protect any DMX controller and DMX fixture against voltage surge on the data line. Ground loops are common in complex lighting setups and such problems can create errors in the DMX data. The Martin Splitters will help to prevent such situations.

Another common issue with DMX communication is reflection caused by long lines, too many connections, or too many devices on the same line, etc. The Martin Splitters prevent such reflection by dividing the load over several outputs, therefore making shorter lines with less connections and devices. If an error is detected on the DMX line, the Splitter will illuminate an error LED.

A lightweight yet robust construction makes these handy devices optimal tools for the often harsh touring environment. Both Splitters are easily rack, truss or wall mountable and rigging is easy using a standard G-Clamp. A universal power supply guarantees worldwide usage.

Martin RDM 5.5 Splitter
The Martin RDM 5.5 Splitter is the perfect companion to any controller or DMX/RDM device by also allowing for transmission of RDM data either way on the DMX line (most DMX splitters will not allow such data traffic to be processed). A built-in microprocessor manages the RDM information efficiently by avoiding data collisions and reducing discovery time of RDM devices on the link. In and Out PowerCon connectors make for easy daisy-chaining.

Pathway Announced Pathport Manager 5.1 Software With RDM

The set-up and management of Pathway Connectivity’s Pathport line of DMX-over-Ethernet nodes has just gotten easier and more comprehensive.

A feature which will appeal to both casual and power users is the new IP-address auto-corrector that simplifies configuration and trouble shooting.  “The most common support call we get is for help with IP addressing,” explains Robert Armstrong, Manager of Technical Sales and Support for Pathway.  “This release of Pathport Manager detects IP problems and corrects them on the fly.  No other node configuration tool does this.”

Also new is an integrated RDM configuration screen.  “Although RDM is starting to appear in moving lights and LED fixtures, we’re in a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation,” says Armstrong.  “There’s no point in having a feature if you can’t reach it.  By adding E1.20 management, we’re giving anyone who ever bought a Pathport the ability to unlock the value RDM brings – at no extra cost to them.  Not only can you change DMX start addresses and operating modes, you can also retrieve sensor information and manufacturer-specific properties.”

New Pathport firmware versions, bundled with the release, extend the reach of Pathport networks in other ways.  E1.31 streaming ACN is fully supported, with transmit and receive of both Draft 20 and the final ANSI release selectable by the user.  A virtual dipswitch allows Pathports to listen to Art-Net universe 0:0, making Pathports a natural bridge between Art-Net-based media servers and Net3 installations, among others.

Pathport Manager 5.1 recognizes the Strand Palette consoles, ShowCAD controllers and the Jands Vista, and will discover and configure the new Pathport VIA 10+1 gigabit switch, introduced at LDI 2010.  And of great value to venues using Strand and Entertainment Technology raceway dimmers, Pathport Manager 5.1 unlocks full protocol support in those products, including Art-Net and sACN.

Pathport Manager 5.1 is a free download from the Pathway Connectivity website.   Windows users can choose between installer versions with or without an embedded Java Runtime Enviroment.  Separate versions for Mac and Linux users are also available on the site.  Just go to www.pathwayconnect.com and look for the link on the home page.

GLP Ignition Truss Toner System

GLP or German Light Products debuted a new truss toner system at LDI this year.

It has quite a few things going for it- relatively light weight, 5 pin data and Powercon pass through, great color rendering, and pretty bright based on the number of LEDs it has. Oh, can’t forget that it’s RDM compliant.

There are removable wings on the sides so the unit can sit snuggly at the base of an upright truss or used to secure it in a flown truss. And see those corners? They fit just on the inside of the truss bolts.

According to the rep on the floor that I spoke to there is only a 12 square truss model but plans for larger and irregular sizes are in the works. At time of writing there is still nothing on their website, and no price was mentioned.

#LDI2010 – Enttec Datagate Mk2

Datagate Mk2 is a pretty sweet bit of hardware. It allows you take ANYTHING in and spit ANYTHING out.

On the front of the box is a pretty simple panel for making adjustments to the unit like setting an IP address or choosing a profile. The screen can display the status of the unit. The back has 1 DMX in, 8 DMX outs, a gigabit ethernet connection, 2 USB ports and a RS-232 jack.

You make your advanced changes by logging into each units built in web server. From there you set changes to it and your system through a pretty easy to use drag and drop GUI. You virtually patch different elements together to build your show, adjusting settings as you go along.

The built in features are basic DMX splitting, shifting, and generation. Optional upgrades allow you more flexibility like HTP or LTP merges, RDM gateway, and using multiple units as a hot backup so if one unit goes down, your show doesn’t.

The base model starts at  $1750 and upgrade licenses range from $150 to $1150.

You can check out more on the Enttec website.

#LDI2010 – Goddard Design RDM-Net

Goddard Design Co. has come up with a solution for distributing RDM beyond a single node. They call it RDM-Net. It’s a tiny little thing that can fit in the palm of my hand, but it allows RDM (by extension of DMX, of course) input anywhere in the path of a data line without the headache of bad data or data reflections. No worries or RF interference.

If any node in the network sees input it automatically locks out input from any of the other nodes so you don’t have to worry about accidental multiple inputs or anyone purposely trying to mess with you.

The units are bidirectional, so you can use a gender changer to quickly change a unit from input to output or vice versa. The LED on the unit lets you know what state the unit is in so there is no confusion is data is being sent somewhere else on the network. The unit is built using 5-pin Neutrik connectors.

The input module retails for $195, and the output for $198. A standard metal wall plate goes for $12.

You can find more information on their website at www.goddarddesign.com.

W-DMX Set to Announce BlueBox at PLASA 2010

Wireless Solution Sweden AB will unveil the latest product to the award-winning W-DMX™ line, the BlueBox RDM Controller, during PLASA 2010 in London, September 12-15 in Stand 1-E43.

BlueBox is the industry’s first PC-based intelligent, integrated DMX and RDM controller software. Built from the ground up specifically for controlling large rigs of RDM enabled products, the BlueBox RDM controller allows users to search for any RDM enabled product in a DMX/RDM Network, automatically patch the fixture, and control the fixture, as well as receive status updates on the fixture and configure settings such as fixture mode, lamp on/off and more. This makes the BlueBox RDM controller perfect for quick setup and programming of corporate and live event rigs (much quicker than an equivalent DMX console due to the fast automation that RDM allows for), and is ideal for autonomous monitoring of large scale lighting installations in architectural environments.

The BlueBox RDM controller is built with a set of features specifically for the W-DMX™ G4 range. BlueBox will automatically search for and find any G4 transmitters and RDM enabled G4 receivers and display them clearly on the screen. Useful information, such as signal strength and wireless channels used can be displayed, and useful configuration options such as signal power, transmitter/receiver pairing and compatibility modes can be set up quickly and easily from dedicated W-DMX™ menus. Users can also see which RDM fixtures are connected through which W-DMX™ receiver, simplifying installation.

The DMX controller allows cue lists to be built, coupled with powerful timing control to enable automatic, architectural or event lighting to take place, with minimal user intervention. The clear, concise fixture alerting system alerts the user if there are any problems with fixtures on screen and by email, virtually eliminating all manual checking of fixtures in fixed installations. The cue list quick select allows dynamic shows to be programmed and run ‘on-site’.

BlueBox comes as an Ethernet dongle and PC software, and is optimized for touch screen PCs. Use of a simple wireless LAN allows the controller to be brought practically anywhere in a venue, making patching, focusing, testing and programming much easier. Multiple dongles can be used for multiple universes of DMX/RDM, allowing a practically unlimited system size.

For more information on W-DMX BlueBox, visit their website at www.wirelessdmx.com.

Swisson to Announce New Sine Wave Dimmer

Swisson is preparing to announce a couple of new products at the LDI Show tomorrow. The first being the XSD-D Satellite Sine Wave Dimmer pictured right. The XSD is a pretty flexible device as is can be operated as a dimmer, switch or a fixed stabilized voltage source.

The XSD is extremely quiet, currently used in TV Studios. With the Uplink\Pass-Through  option for power, multiple XSD-D’s can be daisy chained to meet your specific power needs.

The Power Manager ensures safe operation when working on the limit of the mains supply, by limiting the total power used as per your requirements and specification.

Swisson is also going to be debut a new line of RDM Splitter which will be available in a variety of enclosures and connection types.  The RDM splitter is expected to be ETL listed and certified by the beginning of the new year.

For more information on these products from swisson, visit their website at www.swisson.com or visit their booth, # 836 at the LDI Show.

Martin Introduces RADAR

Martin Professional just sent out an email about their latest offering, the Martin RADAR lighting Information Feedback System. More from the Press Release:

Martin Professional has teamed up with Wybron, Inc. to offer an innovative lighting feedback system based on the industry-standard feedback protocol Remote Device Management (RDM).

Called Martin RADAR™, an acronym for Remote Access Diagnostics And Reporting, the information feedback and monitoring system enables users to communicate with lighting fixtures by gathering lighting fixture data remotely and sending it to operators for immediate attention. It allows troubleshooting and fixture repair to be completed in minutes instead of hours, cutting down on expensive repair time and increasing productivity and ROI.

Martin RADAR uses RDM to collect fixture data from an installed system – or from a rig before and during a show – and then modifies it if needed (DMX, lamp, fixture status, etc.). Imagine checking lighting equipment and diagnosing any problems from the convenience of a computer and without the hassle of having to access the lighting system, a great benefit for installations such as theatres, retail, outdoor architecture, cruise ships, theme parks and more. It also simplifies fixture patching by scanning the system, applying DMX addresses and uploading to fixtures.

RADAR real-time monitoring can directly increase return on investment by decreasing expensive down time. It lets users be proactive, foreseeing problems by providing precise information even before a break down occurs, and is a great benefit in connection with service planning.

Rental companies can benefit from the system as well to quickly diagnose, service and repair returned gear before sending it out on its next assignment, increasing uptime and therefore earnings. Martin RADAR also lets users prep fixtures before arriving on site, and resets them once the event is over.

To learn more about the Martin RADAR, visit their website at www.martin.com or visit them on the LDI show floor next week at their booths 1769 & 1763.

Enttec Introduces Din-LED4PX LED Driver

Enttec, the makers of such products as the DMXis and the MIDI Wing Panel has just introduced their latest control device, the DIN-LED4PX. It may seem like a complicated name, but it is a simple device. It is a 4 channel, constant voltage LED driver with DMX/RDM inputs that fits right to a din rail system!

For those of you wondering what a din rail systems is. A Din Rail System is a collection of unique “open architecture” high density rail-mounted components designed specifically for remote control and acquisition. Featuring a highly integrated modular design and support for industry standard Modbus ASCII, RTU and TCP protocols, RAIL components are ideal for use in all industries. All components may be used stand-alone or integrated with other components of the system.

Back to the Din-Tec device. There are 4 LED ports on a 10 way screw connector as pictured on the right for controlling up to 4 channels.  The device also has 1 input of DMX, also on  a screw connector located at the bottom. Each channel can control up to 1A @ 24V which would come from an external power supply.  The LEDs are dimmed with a 500Hz PWM signal, with 8 bits of resolution. DMX addressing happens over standard RDM controllers.

The Enttec DIN-LED4PX retails for $99 USD.  For more information or to find a dealer near you, visit Enttec’s website at www.enttec.com.

New ESTA Protocol Magazine Out

Right before we left for our nice long memorial day weekend, we received the latest issue of ESTA’s Protocol magazine in the mail. While relaxing in the shade, we had a chance to read the magazine from cover to cover.

The cover article, ACN and RDM, Working together to add real value, caught our eye and was read first.  The article explains the uses and development of ACN and RDM within the entertainment lighting industry. The article covers how to leading manufacturers are working together to bring the standards together across the industry.  We highly recommend reading to article as ACN and RDM are becoming increasingly common place in the industry.  You can download the PDF of the entire article here.

In addition to the ACN and RDM article is another article on the implementation and usage of DDL (Device Description Language) which works hand in hand with ACN.  You can download and read the complete article here.

The ESTA Protocol magazine covers news and updates on industry standards.  It is avilable for reading online or you can sign up and receive your very own copy in the mail for free.

Wybron Updates Infogate Feedback Software

We received a press release from Wybron today about updates that are available for their infogate feedback software.

More from the press release:

Wybron has released an updated version of the software that powers its award-winning feedback system.
Infogate Version 2.2, which uses the industry-standard feedback protocol Remote Device Management (RDM), makes it easier for users to visualize and monitor an entire lighting rig from a computer.
The updated Infogate software includes:

• Simplified layout for the Device Parameter Spreadsheet, the heart of Infogate, to reduce screen clutter but still give users the option to customize the layout
• Ability to maintain Device Parameter Spreadsheet layout when closed, letting the user set up, and keep, an interface customized for his or her use
• New ESTA status message, recently added to RDM specs, to report lamp and cable failure.
• New RDM throttle to allow users to reduce the number of RDM data packets transmitted along the DMX cable, letting more DMX signal through when feedback isn’t as vital

Infogate 2.2 comes with a licensing fee, and to operate the software, the user must purchase a special USB dongle from Wybron, said Vice President of Engineering Lee Schlais

“What’s great about Infogate is that it can be used so many different ways, including architectural installations, retail, and cruise ships,” Schlais said. “An Infogate system will let you monitor each venue locally, but if you have a need for remote monitoring, we have a server system that will allow you to see that data from anywhere in the world.”

Infogate powers Wybron’s groundbreaking Infotrace Control and Management System, which took top honors at the PLASA, LDI, and WFX trade shows in 2006.

With Infogate, users can proactively check the condition of equipment, receive error messages and alerts when something goes wrong, assign DMX addresses from the ground, and monitor an entire rig from a world away.

Infogate Version 2.2 can be downloaded from the Wybron Web site, and it’s also available on a CD. For more information, visit Wybron’s website, www.wybron.com.

New Nonprofit: Institute for Feedback Excellence

We received a press release on the announcement of a new Nonprofit organization called the Institute for Feedback Excellence.  The Institute was organized by join ventures from Enttec, Martin Professional and Wybron to Harmonize the use of feedback protocols in entertainment lighting.  The IFE was established to standardize the RDM or Remote Device Management protocol across the lighting industry.

More from the Press Release after the jump.

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