The XTBA Smart Link2 is a self contained dual converter that will convert Strand's D54 to DMX512 and DMX512 to D54 lighting control protocols. D54 is an serial analogue multiplex protocol. Each frame of D54 comprises of up to 384 dimmer channels.

D54 to DMX512 Conversion

The Smart Link2 will convert D54 to DMX512 via the right side of the unit. When D54 is present the Green LED will be lit. If the D54 input stops for more than 2 seconds the LED will turn off and either the DMX channel levels will be set to zero or will maintain the last frame depending on the option switch setting (see switch settings). If more than 384 D54 channels are detected the green D54 input LED will flash indicating an over run error.

As D54 has only 384 channels the maximum number of DMX channels converted is 384. The unit transmits the full 512 channels in DMX but the unused channels are set to zero.

The D54/DMX section features a digital filtering section which can be selected from the internal switches (see switch settings). This will attempt to reduce jitter caused by the analogue nature of the D54 protocol which can give problems with scrollers and moving lights. However the 'trade off' is that the system's conversion accuracy will be slightly degraded.

On power up the DMX output start code is read from SW1 (see switch settings)

DMX512 to D54 Conversion

The Smart Link2 will also convert DMX512 to D54 via the left side of the unit. When DMX is present the Green LED will be lit. If the DMX input stops for more than 2 seconds the LED will turn off and either the D54 output channel levels will be set to zero or will maintain the last frame depending on the option switch setting.(see switch settings). If more than 512 DMX channels are detected the green DMX input LED will flash indicating an over run error.

As D54 has only 384 channels the maximum number of DMX channels converted is 384.

Shorter frame DMX inputs e.g. below 384 will result is a corresponding D54 output. 

On power up the DMX start code is read from SW1 (see switch settings). NOTE If the incoming start code is not the same as the switch settings the incoming DMX data will be ignored. In almost all cases the incoming start will be zero, but this feature may be useful in the future.

Internal switch settings

SET UP LED

The set up LED on the front panel can be used to correct the system set up due to voltage drop in the D54 input. The unit is factory trimmed for full voltage D54. However the output of D54 can be different for different systems or at the end of long cable runs.

Set the Link2 for Self test and using an external D54 input  - not the output from the DMX/D54 section of the converter, with channel one of the input set to full, turn the internal trim pot until the yellow Set Up LED lights. This then will set up the unit to give DMX512 full for D54 full. The unit will then have to be switched back from Self Test mode to function.

POWER SUPPLY

The mains input to the transformers is via a 2A a/s fuse and the transformer may be switched to 120 volt operation via the internal PCB mounted selection switch. A spare fuse is provided in the input connector block on the rack unit.

19” Rack Mounting

The rack version of the XTBA Smart Link2 is provided with a pair of ‘ears’ for fitting into a 19” rack frame. The ears are fitted to the unit by removing the two screws on either side at the front of the unit. The stick on rubber feet (used when the unit is free standing) will need to be removed from the underside of the unit.

Technical Specifications

19” Rack.

Dimensions: 305 (340mm inc. front handles) x 430mm x 32mm

Weight 4.0 Kg

Power 190/250V AC Nominal 2A 240V AC

Data DMX512 1986/1990

Pin Configuration Pin 1 Common, Pin 2 minus data, Pin 3 plus data.

Pins 4 and 5 are not connected on any connectors.

General Information

This product may only be used for controlling dimmers and moving lights. It must not be used in DMX512 applications for stage machinery or pyrotechnics. Using the product out of these specifications will remove all responsibility from the supplier.

CE Declaration of conformity

XTBA declares that the following equipment meets the requirements of the EMC Directive 89/366/EEC.

14/10/99

© XTBA 1999