ChamSys SnakeSys B4 User Manual
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ChamSys SnakeSys B4 User Manual

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Summary of Contents for ChamSys SnakeSys B4

  • Page 1 SnakeSys User Manual SnakeSys User Manual...
  • Page 2 SnakeSys User Manual REVISION HISTORY NUMBER DATE DESCRIPTION NAME v1.7.1.0 02/03/2016 ChamSys...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    ..........2.10 Powering the SnakeSys B4 .
  • Page 4 ..........39 6.4 Older ChamSys 4 Port Ethernet interfaces .
  • Page 5 ............43 7.10.1 SnakeSys B4 .
  • Page 6 ChamSys Ltd will not accept goods back for repair if the serial number sticker is removed or defaced so that it is illegible. This also applies to warranty repairs. See terms and conditions of sale for full details.

  • Page 7: Snakesys Products

    Where appropriate, SnakeSys products have in-built battery backup to protect against unexpected power loss. SnakeSys products support Power over Ethernet - the SnakeSys B4 and T2 can both be powered directly from the R4 rack nodes and switches using Power over Ethernet rather than from the mains - this reduces the number of cables in the system.

  • Page 8: Networking

    Interface. Wherever possible the IP address should be kept on the 2.x.x.x network. On a SnakeSys B4 and R4 there is no display panel to show the current IP address on the unit - so if you forget the IP address range then you may need to factory reset the unit.

  • Page 9: Snakesys B4

    The SnakeSys B4 is a four universe DMX to Ethernet convertor. It supports four DMX512 ports that are configurable as either inputs or outputs and one DMX port that is always assigned as an input. The SnakeSys B4 is designed as a multi purpose box to be used in places where a small portable Ethernet to DMX conversion solution is required.

  • Page 10: Product Diagram

    SnakeSys User Manual 4 / 45 2.1 Product Diagram For simple Art-Net or ACN to DMX output conversion on the SnakeSys B4 the DIP switches/rotatory encoders can be used to quickly configure the device for this mode. 2.2 Art-Net Output On the DMX output end of the B4, the DIP switches are used to configure the device mode.

  • Page 11: Art-Net Output + Dmx Input

    SnakeSys User Manual 5 / 45 2.3 Art-Net Output + DMX Input This mode is exactly the same as Art-Net Output except that the DMX Input connector on the rear of the unit is enabled, DIP Switch 2 is used to enable the rear DMX Input. The Input Art-Net Universe follows after the 4 Output Universes, so for example when the rotary encoders are set to 0-0 the 4 DMX Output Ports would map to Subnet 0, Universes 0, 1, 2, 3 and the DMX Input would generate Art-Net Universe 4.

  • Page 12: Acn Output + Dmx Input

    SnakeSys User Manual 6 / 45 2.5 ACN Output + DMX Input This mode is exactly the same as ACN Output except that the DMX Input connector on the rear of the unit is enabled, DIP switch 2 is used to enable the rear DMX Input. The Input ACN Universe follows after the 4 Output Universes, so for example when the rotary encoders are set to 0-1 the 4 DMX Output Ports would map to ACN Universes 1, 2, 3, 4 respectively, and the ACN Input Universe will be ACN Universe 5.

  • Page 13: Dmx Buffer Mode

    2.8 DMX Buffer Mode The SnakeSys B4 can also be used as a simple DMX buffer, giving 4 DMX outputs from a single DMX input. For DMX buffer Mode DIP switch 1 should be in the up position with all other DIP switches down.

  • Page 14: Dmx Connectors

    SnakeSys R4, when running via PoE the B4 accepts between 37-57V and takes 6.5-12.9W. The mains power supply is universal wide input range type and has the following specification: 85 to 264VAC @ 47 to 63 Hz or 120 to 370VDC The SnakeSys B4 does not have an internal battery.

  • Page 15: Factory Reset

    SnakeSys User Manual 9 / 45 2.11 Factory reset From V215 firmware, it is possible to reset the IP address of the B4 if it has been changed via ChamNet. To clear settings, disconnect the power and set all DIP switches to the OFF position and set both address switches to F. Then power on the unit.

  • Page 16: Snakesys R4

    SnakeSys User Manual 10 / 45 Chapter 3 SnakeSys R4 The SnakeSys R4 is a multi-purpose network distribution node, comprising DMX output ports, DMX input ports and multiple network ports in a 1U rack. The SnakeSys R4 is designed to be used on stage for Ethernet to DMX conversion, at front of house for DMX to Ethernet conversaion, and in any other location that requires conversion between DMX and Ethernet or Ethernet switching.

  • Page 17: Product Diagram

    SnakeSys User Manual 11 / 45 3.1 Product Diagram 3.2 Network Buttons • CHAMNET Enables ChamNet mode for use with MagicQ console, or disables ChamNet mode where local control mode will be used instead. • VPN Enables VPN (VLAN) mode, which is used to connect two R4 units together and create a virtual private network. Connect a network cable between NET4 on both units and enable the VLAN with the VPN button and the LED will illuminate.

  • Page 18: Selection Buttons

    SnakeSys User Manual 12 / 45 When the unit is not in ChamNet mode this button can be used to configure the unit as DMX input (on the rear connectors) or DMX output (on the front connectors). • ART / ACN When the unit is not in ChamNet mode this button can be used to configure the unit as sending or receiving Art-Net or streaming ACN.

  • Page 19: Power Button

    SnakeSys User Manual 13 / 45 3.7 Power Button • POWER The POWER button is used to shut down (when on battery power) or place the unit in standby (when on mains power). Since the unit has an internal UPS when the unit is in standby it will still charge the battery. It is normal that the fan continues to run in standby mode.

  • Page 20: Rear Panel Diagram

    SnakeSys User Manual 14 / 45 3.11 Rear Panel Diagram The two NET ports on the back of the device do not have PoE (Power over Ethernet) functionality. Both ports can be of general use, and NET4 can also be used as the VPN link between two R4 units. 3.12 RDM Support The R4 hardware supports full RDM functionality, however RDM is not currently supported in R4 firmware.

  • Page 21: Thermal Management

    SnakeSys User Manual 15 / 45 3.14.1 Thermal Management The SnakeSys R4 contains its own thermal management system. The fan is automatically controlled for regulation of the internal temperature of the unit. 3.14.2 Battery Care Information The inbuilt UPS feature of the SnakeSys R4 is powered by a Battery. If planning to place the unit into long term storage it is recommended to first re-charge the battery by leaving the unit on mains power for at least 2 hours.

  • Page 22: Snakesys T2

    SnakeSys User Manual 16 / 45 Chapter 4 SnakeSys T2 The SnakeSys T2 is a rugged truss mountable two universe Ethernet to DMX convertor with an in-built network switch supporting three separate DMX output sockets per universe. • Two universes •...

  • Page 23: Product Diagram

    SnakeSys User Manual 17 / 45 4.1 Product Diagram Note Image shown in diagram is T2 product version MK1 For Simple Art-net or ACN to DMX output conversion the SnakeSys T2 inbuilt menu system can be used to quickly configure the device for the required mode.

  • Page 24: Network Connectors

    SnakeSys User Manual 18 / 45 to, and the second row of DMX connectors output the current universe address + 1. All DMX Outputs are Opto-Isolated, even though each group of three output the same universe. Note The SnakeSys T2 MK2 includes an additional DMX Input connector, which is used to provide a DMX Buffer feature and additional DMX Input option for Art-Net and ACN modes.
  • Page 25 SnakeSys User Manual 19 / 45...

  • Page 26: Main Menu

    SnakeSys User Manual 20 / 45 4.4.1 Main Menu • Address Used to set the T2 address / universe, which can be either: Menu Item Function Box Id ChamNet Mode Art-Net universe Art-Net Mode sACN universe sACN Mode...
  • Page 27 SnakeSys User Manual 21 / 45 • Protocol Used to set the network protocol used by the T2, there are now two versions of the unit the MK2 version T2 has an additional DMX input, both units use the same firmware but the MK2 has some additional features present in the Protocol menu. The MK1 unit will still be supported although we are no longer shipping the MK1 and it has been replaced by the more advanced MK2.

  • Page 28: Network Menu

    SnakeSys User Manual 22 / 45 4.4.2 Network Menu Menu Item Function IP Addr Used to set the T2 network IP address used by the T2 processor. The IP address is automatically chosen when the T2 units default settings are applied, however sometimes it is necessary to change the address.

  • Page 29: Network Port Menu

    SnakeSys User Manual 23 / 45 Menu Item Function Netmask Used to set the T2 network sub-net mask which is applied to all network data that the T2 processor receives. This is an advanced option, The default subnet mask is normally 255.0.0.0 Default Used to restore default networking settings to the T2.

  • Page 30: Settings Menu

    SnakeSys User Manual 24 / 45 4.4.4 Settings Menu...

  • Page 31: Rdm Support

    firmly attached through the T2 rear chassis. Care should also be taken to ensure that the units clamp is securely fastened to the Truss, and only T2 clamp mounts supplied by ChamSys Ltd are...

  • Page 32: Powering The Snakesys T2

    SnakeSys User Manual 26 / 45 4.8 Powering the SnakeSys T2 There are three methods in which the SnakeSys T2 can be powered: Mains supply via Powercon connector on the base of the The power supply is universal wide range input type and unit has the following specification: 85 to 264VAC @ 47 to 63 Hz or 120 to 370VDC...

  • Page 33: Snakesys R8

    SnakeSys User Manual 27 / 45 Chapter 5 SnakeSys R8 The SnakeSys R8 is an eight universe Ethernet to DMX convertor in a 1U rack. It support eight DMX512 ports that are fully configurable as either inputs or outputs. It also features dual Neutrik Ethercon network ports. The SnakeSys R8 is designed to be used on shows where large numbers of universes are in use and there is a need to convert to and from DMX.

  • Page 34: Product Diagram

    SnakeSys User Manual 28 / 45 5.1 Product Diagram 5.2 DMX Connectors The DMX connectors are bi-directional and can be configured either as DMX Output or DMX Input. When using any channel as DMX Input a male to male 5 pin gender adaptor or equivalent cable may be required. 5.3 Network Connectors The SnakeSys R8 has a total of two Ethernet Network connectors.
  • Page 35 SnakeSys User Manual 29 / 45 The top level screen provides some immediate information regarding each of the 8 ports, and also indicates the units base address, protocol, and firmware version. Pressing the any button or rotating the encoder during display of the Top Screen will cause the R8 unit to enter the main menu. If the unit is left navigating one of the menu’s and no button or encoder movement is detected for some time the unit will automatically return to the Top Screen.

  • Page 36: Main Menu

    SnakeSys User Manual 30 / 45 5.4.1 Main Menu...
  • Page 37 SnakeSys User Manual 31 / 45 • Address Used to set the R8 address / universe, which can be either: Box Id ChamNet Mode Art-Net universe Art-Net Mode sACN universe sACN Mode • Mode Used to set the network protocol mode used by the R8, which can be either: Menu Item Function Disabled...

  • Page 38: Network Menu

    SnakeSys User Manual 32 / 45 5.4.2 Network Menu...
  • Page 39 SnakeSys User Manual 33 / 45 Menu Item Function ArtNet IP 1 Used to set the main R8 network IP address used by the R8 processor. If the unit is placed into Art-Net mode then this IP is used for Art-Poll-Reply / Art-Net DMX network data on ports 1 through 4.

  • Page 40: Settings Menu

    SnakeSys User Manual 34 / 45 5.4.3 Settings Menu Menu Item Function Clear All Used to clear all R8 settings, and restore the entire unit to factory default settings. The R8 will automatically reboot after default settings are restored. Reboot Used to completely reboot the R8 unit.

  • Page 41: Dmx Settings Menu

    SnakeSys User Manual 35 / 45 5.4.4 DMX Settings Menu Caution The following settings are a feature for advanced users which can be used if DMX timing related issues are found with certain fixtures. It is not recommended to adjust these features unless you are familiar with DMX packet and understand what the adjustments are actually doing.

  • Page 42: Rdm Support

    SnakeSys User Manual 36 / 45 Menu Item Function TX Packet MAB Used to adjust the length of the transmitted DMX Mark After Break which is adjustable in microseconds TX Retransmit Time When DMX network packets are not received this corresponds to the frame refresh delay between transmitted DMX packets to keep the DMX transmit alive, and is adjustable in milliseconds.

  • Page 43: Security Measure Warning

    J3 pins while the motherboard is powered up. Damage to the units firmware may result if the unit detects multiple tampering events, and the unit will have to be returned to ChamSys for...

  • Page 44: Network Manager (Snakesys)

    Chapter 6 Network Manager (SnakeSys) MagicQ supports a Window for managing SnakeSys network products including the SnakeSys B4, SnakeSys R4, SnakeSys T2 and SnakeSys R8. The Network Manager (Setup, View DMX I/O, Net Manager) can be used for monitoring and configuring SnakeSys products.

  • Page 45: Upgrading Snakesys Firmware

    If you are sent a newer firmware file by ChamSys support then copy the file into the firmware folder in the MagicQ installation. To install it onto a MagicQ console put the file onto a USB stick, then in MagicQ go to Setup, File Manager. Select USB DRIVE.

  • Page 46: Older Chamsys 4 Port Ethernet Interfaces

    6.4 Older ChamSys 4 Port Ethernet interfaces Older Chamys 4 Port Ethernet Interfaces and the SnakeSys B4 interfaces manufactured prior to 2013 (serial numbers with last 4 digits less than 0268) have no storage for configuration data and so when in ChamNet mode they always get their configuration from MagicQ every time they are powered up.
  • Page 47 Updated the DMX output firmware with the same DMX firmware correction to match R4. 7.2 Version 215 7.2.1 SnakeSys B4 Added the ability to clear unit settings on unit boot up by the user first setting all DIP switches to OFF position and also setting both address switches to F then powering up the unit.
  • Page 48 Fixed a bug which caused a longer delay than expected before settings were written to flash memory. 7.5 Version 212 7.5.1 SnakeSys B4 Fixed issue when using Art-Net and ACN subnets 3-0 and above which would cause the DMX packet to be reduced to less than the full 512 values.
  • Page 49 7.9 Version 208 7.9.1 SnakeSys T2 Support for SnakeSys T2 added. 7.10 Version 206 7.10.1 SnakeSys B4 Added support for storing of ChamNet settings. 7.11 Version 204 7.11.1 Snakesys R4 Fixed a bug where when the units settings were reset from the front-panel the POE ports were disabled. Since there is still no way to re-enable the ports in MagicQ this could be a serious issue for some end users.
  • Page 50 SnakeSys User Manual 44 / 45 7.13 Version 202 7.13.1 Snakesys R4 In ChamNet mode the IN/OUT and ART/ACN LEDs now reflect the current ChamNet settings, and will toggle if combined protocol or input / outputs are used. 7.13.2 All Products Added notifications so MagicQ can detect when port settings are changed.
  • Page 51 SnakeSys User Manual 45 / 45 Chapter 8 SnakeSys Firmware Release Notes (R8) 8.1 Version 214 Change default DMX setting of the retime transmit timer from 200ms to 50ms as a small number of fixture types were found not to be responding on time when the 200ms setting was used. Minor improvements and adjustments to DMX send on input logic. 8.2 Version 213 Change the policy for ACN output to hold the current DMX output packet, to correct an issue where some fixtures may not respond on time when DMX output restarts.

This manual is also suitable for:

Snakesys r4Snakesys t2Snakesys r8

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