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EUROLIGHT LD6230 User Manual
2.2.1 DMX512
Data transmission in the field of lighting equipment refers to transmitting
control information from the lighting console via the dimmer to the headlights,
scanners and similar equipment. This process takes place by using the digital
DMX512 control signal that was developed at the USITT (United States Institute
for Theatre Technology). Information is no longer represented through analog
voltage values; instead, digital data sets are used. In contrast to analog data
transmission, digital signals can simply be “patched” together: each “piece” of
information has an address to which it belongs. Additionally, the following goes
for digital signals: when they arrive at their destination, they have the correct
value since there is no loss of quality associated with analog signals.
Of course, problems may arise here as well. Very often, the reason for faulty
transmissions lies in deploying wrong connectors or connectors other than
those prescribed by the norm. Using wrong cables also may lead to faulty data
transmission. We therefore only recommend using cables that are intended for
use with digital audio technology.
The DMX standard contains 512 digital light channels that are controlled using a
common data cable. However, a maximum of 32 different pieces of equipment
can be connected to any one cable since the cable at some point becomes
overburdened (due to shared controlling of all end equipment). Still, each piece
of equipment can evaluate as much data as you wish. To connect additional
pieces of equipment, you need a so-called splitter or a booster to amplify or to
regenerate the DMX signal.
DMX512 is a compatible norm and requires only one data cable since all
signal recipients are freely addressable, so you avoid having “cable salad”
issues. Once all pieces of equipment are correctly connected and addressed,
a DMX system typically works completely trouble-free.
2.3 ANALOG mode
In addition to the digital DMX mode, your EUROLIGHT LD6230 dimmer pack also
lets you work in ANALOG mode. You get to this mode by pressing the MODE key
while the CONFIG key is pressed (the
ANALOG
LED lights up). The analog control
signal (0 - 10 V) is transfered to the dimmer pack via an 8-pole DIN connector
located on the rear panel. This way, you can use the LD6230 with analog
control equipment.
In ANALOG mode, each dimmer channel has a control cable (or a core pair)
of its own. The control signal runs through this cable. The output voltage of the
dimmer is proportionate to the control cable signal. As a rule, 0% is represented
by a voltage of 0 V, 50% is represented by a voltage of 5 V and 100% is
represented by a voltage of 10 V.
◊
When the dimmer pack receives a zero signal level at the input end,
the output signal level should correspondingly be at its minimum.
When the dimmer pack receives a maximum signal level at the input
end, the output signal level should be at its maximum.
2.4 MANUAL mode
To power up your lighting equipment, the EUROLIGHT dimmer pack can be
used even without an external lighting console when in MANUAL mode
(
MANUAL
LED lights up). In this mode, all settings are automatically saved every
two seconds and can be recalled even after powering the LD6230 off and then on
again. As with other operating modes, you get to MANUAL mode by pressing the
CHANNEL key while the CONFIG key is kept pressed.
The left display digit indicates the channel selected with the CHANNEL key.
The next two digits to its right indicate the level of the control signal, with values
from 0 to 99. Use the UP and DOWN keys to adjust the control signal value.
3. Applications
Lighting equipment is an integral part of almost every performance event and
venue. Be it concerts, theatre or musical acts, clubs or even presentations and
exhibits, they all benefit from good visuals in order to leave a lasting impression
on the audience.
In general, lighting either creates a certain feeling or emphasizes the mood
created through music or dramaturgic composition. Creating a lighting setup
is a demanding and creative endeavour, since it is much more than merely
making a set of lights go on and off. To do this, you need a dependable,
multi-functional set of tools. The EUROLIGHT LD6230 offers a maximum on
functionality and is the perfect expansion for a lighting console, preferably the
BEHRINGER EUROLIGHT LC2412.
Thanks to digital DMX controlling, using multiple dimmer packs lets
you implement demanding lighting setups, since you can control up to
32 components with only one DMX connection. These components don’t
necessarily have to be headlights; in switch mode, you can also control fog
machines, pyrotechnic equipment or motors. This makes the LD6230 much
more than just a piece of lighting equipment.
The following illustration shows a connection example with two
EUROLIGHT LD6230s, a BEHRINGER EUROLIGHT LC2412 and BEHRINGER ULTRAPAR
UP1000 headlights, whereby 12 light channels can be run. The first dimmer
pack is controlled with the digital DMX control signal, the second one with
an analog signal. If both dimmer packs are controlled with the DMX control
signal, the second dimmer pack needs to receive the control signal via the first
dimmer pack:
ULTRAPAR UP1000
Analog In
Analog Out
EUROLIGHT LC2412 Rear
DMX512 In
DMX512 Out
EUROLIGHT LD6230 Rear
Fig. 3.1: Connection example with the EUROLIGHT LC2412 and the ULTRAPAR UP1000 headlights
If you need more light channels, connect extra dimmer packs for processing your
control signals.