Issue A 29/10/2002

The XTBA Smart Switch 8:4 is designed to allow one to four universes of DMX to have an on line back up that will detect data failure and switch to the back up data. Additional units can be slaved for a greater number of universes.

OPERATION

On power up the Smart Switch will sequence the LED’s on the front panel on automatic mode. In manual mode (see below) the LED’s will all light for 0.5 sec. This tests the LED’s and the systems micro controllers.

The main control desk inputs are connected to the relevant universe ‘main in’ and the back up universe to ‘back up’ – easy so far. Each input is monitored for data and will check the break and mark timing and received data words. If data is present and is DMX the green led above the input will be lit.   

In the event of a main data failure the Smart Switch 8:4 will check all the other operating universes back ups and will Switch All to back up if all back ups are operating correctly. If a back up is not operating correctly or is not present the Smart Switch will switch over only the universe that has failed, e.g. Switch if Able.  

The output red LED’s indicate if the outputs are running in main or back up. If lit the output has been switched to back up. If the main DMX inputs are functioning correctly the red output LED’s will not be lit.

Manual Override

On the rear of the Smart Switch 8:4 is a female six pole XLR. The allows the switch over system to be driven manually from a remote position. Both Switch All and Switch if Able are remoted through this connector. See table below.

To manually Switch All take Pin 3 (Switch All) to Pin 5 ( Common)

To manually Switch if Able take Pin 4 (Switch if Able) to Pin 5 ( Common)

The yellow LED will light if manual Switch All is used.

The yellow LED will light and slow flash if manual Switch if Able is used.  

If both are used together the unit will Switch All.

Connector pin out, female XLR

Pin1                Buss R Slave

Pin 2               Buss A Slave

Pin 3               Switch All

Pin 4               Switch if Able

Pin 5               Common

Pin 6               Not used

Slaving units for more inputs

If more than 4 universes are required the Smart Switch 8:4 can be slaved to additional units via the six pole XLR. If more units are required and/or the manual remote needs to be used in addition, Y cords can be used to extend the buss to other units.

Smart Switch 8:4 Manual Mode

In order to allow the unit to operate with protocols other than DMX512 or Hog Overdrive mode provided that they are RS485/422 compatible. The unit can be switched to manual only mode by changing the internal PCB mounted switches.

In manual mode the unit will not check the incoming data. The input LED’s will still show that there is data but only that the input line is ‘waggling’. The unit can only be controlled from the remote input. Either Switch All or Switch if Able will cause the outputs to switch to backup. The relevant backup led will light if there is backup data available, and the manual led will light.

To change the speed of the switch operation to slow do the following. Disconnect the unit from the mains via the IEC inlet. Remove the six side case screws. Move the four slide switches – one per card to the slow setting as indicated on the cards.

Make sure that all four switches are changed. If not the front panel LED’s  will not sequence on start up.

On power up in manual mode all front panel leds will go to full and then off. In normal mode the leds will sequence data1,data2, output.

POWER SUPPLY

The mains input to the transformer is via a 2A a/s fuse.  A spare fuse is provided in the input connector block.

19” RACK MOUNTING

The XTBA Smart Switch 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                   265/290mm inc. front handles x 430mm x 40mm

Weight                         4.5 Kg

Power                          100V - 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.

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.