XTBA DMX Distribution

Since XTBA launched the concept of multi-point DMX 512 Distribution and the range of XTBA DMX Distribution Modules in the Spring of 1993, extensive XTBA DMX Distribution Systems have been installed at the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Barbican in London, in BBC Pebble Mill Birmingham, BBC Television Centre Studios 4, 6 and 8, RTE Dublin, RTV Slovinia, the Parliament Building of the European Union in Brussels, Expo Lisbon '98, at least 10 super luxury cruise liners, Mr. Michael Mouse's French Theme Park, and numerous others. They have proved to be the simple, reliable, and inexpensive method of connecting multiple DMX outlets and inlets together to form an integrated DMX data distribution system.

No longer do multiple outlet systems require splitters and patch bays with all the complications of distribution wiring: The XTBA Distribution Modules act just like a ring main. Installation is easy, and expansion is simply a matter of adding additional Distribution Modules, with little extra time or cost.

XTBA Distribution Modules are remarkably adaptable, allowing a huge range of configurations which will suit from the simplist to even the most complex installation. XTBAs range of Splitters, Merges and Protocol Converters will all run in conjunction with the Network, giving greater flexibility to your DMX system.

Although we recommend that an XTBA Distribution Module Power Supply Unit is used to power the system, our Splitters and Protocol Converters can all be modified to incorporate the power supply.

Specification and installation of an XTBA Distribution System is very simple:
From the lighting control the DMX 512 data should be fed via a Splitter or an XTBA Power Supply to the cable feeding the Distribution system. The cable can then be installed and Distribution Modules simply "cut in" anywhere along its length. By using the Distribution Splitter, multiple branches can be installed, allowing DMX access to any point in the venue. Branches are kept separated from each other, and every output module is separate from the branch.

In addition to DMX512 data, each Distribution Module (Input or Output) requires +8 to +15V DC to provide power for the local circuitry. This can be supplied via a an XTBA Distribution Module Power Supply Unit for a single branch system, or via an XTBA Smart Splitter for a multiple branch system.

Each branch can have a maximum of 32 XTBA Distribution Output Modules (the protocol's limit) and a cable length of up to 1,000 metres.

Distribution Output Modules

Fully optical isolated Distribution Module with separate isolated power supply for the output transmitter with display leds for  Power and Data.

Industry standard protection for :
Over Voltage on the data lines
Static Discharge Protection on the Output
Rise Time Adjusted Outputs
Short Circuit Protection

XTBA Distribution Output Modules are the backbone of any DMX512 installation. They act as a one way DMX512 optically isolated splitter, and split off any DMX source or Distribution Branch.

Both the module input and the optical isolated output are buffered and short circuit protected: This means that should the DMX output be overloaded, the Distribution Module will prevent the main line from being pulled down, allowing the rest of the Distribution to work correctly. Once the overload is removed, the module will continue to work normally. As each Output Module is a new source of DMX, the Distribution Output Module will allow up to 32 receivers from each module, and will reshape DMX should the system involve long cable runs. The use of Distribution Modules removes the need for loop through links or return cables.

Distribution Output Module LM

The Distribution Output Module LM adds line condition monitoring to the Distribution Output Module. The overall unit size remains unchanged.

Three additional monitoring leds display the state of the DMX line, with or without data, and indicate whether the output line is terminated correctly (green), there is a line error (yellow) or an overloaded (flashing red). Additionally, the data led detects valid DMX data and will not light if the data is corrupt or not DMX.

All the displays, including the power led, can be turned off and on from the lighting console by sending channel 510 to full - all others off for 15 seconds. This function can be over-ridden via an on board jumper link, allowing those Network Module displays in view of an audience to be turned off during performances.

Distribution Input Module

XTBA Distribution Input Modules allow multiple DMX control Inputs, for example for use in stalls or remote positions on stage. The Network Input Modules system logic prevents more than one input being active at a time, removing the possibility of data clashes. Once XTBA Distribution Input Modules are installed, your system becomes much more flexible, giving you remote access to the Lighting Control Distribution via a hand held transmitter, and allowing the control system to be moved to a more convenient location during plotting.

The Input Modules display shows if the module is available (led red) not available (led off) e.g. other transmitters are on line. Once the module is receiving a valid input, the led will light green.

Distribution Input Modules are available in two types:

* The Standard Module will prioritise the inputs, dependant on their position on the line. The inputs can be set up to default to the desk master override control on the inputs, locking out all other inputs if transmitting.

* The Input FTP Module will switch the line to the first transmitted unit and lock out all other modules. Once the active module is free, the Input Network is available again, indicating this by lighting the red led.

Standard and FTP modules can be mixed in installation to provide maximum flexibility.