Connecting To Data; Data Via Dmx Cable - Martin ERA 700 Performance IP User Manual

Connecting to data

Warning! Before installing the ERA 700 Performance IP, read the latest version of the fixture's Safety
and Installation Manual that is attached to the User Manual, paying particular attention to the 'Safety
Precautions' section. Besides important safety information, the Safety and Installation Manual contains
instructions for connecting to AC mains power.
When using the fixture outdoors or in any environment where water or humidity is present, use IP65-
rated connectors and keep the anti-tamper box installed over the connections panel with the cable
openings facing downwards.
If independent control of a fixture is required, it must have its own DMX channels. Fixtures that are
required to behave identically can share the same DMX address and channels.
The number of fixtures that you can connect to DMX data in a daisy chain is limited by the number of
DMX channels required by the fixtures. A maximum of 512 channels is available in one DMX universe.
To add more fixtures or groups of fixtures when you no longer have enough DMX channels, add a
DMX universe and another daisy-chained link.
The ERA 700 Performance IP has two pairs of connectors for control data In/Out:
• one pair of locking 5-pin XLR sockets that accept IP65-rated Neutrik TOP (or compatible)
connectors, and
• one pair of etherCON sockets that accept IP65-rated Neutrik TOP (or compatible) Ethernet
connectors.
All sockets are protected by rubber caps. Keep the rubber caps in place at all times on unused sockets.

Data via DMX cable

The ERA 700 Performance IP has 5-pin locking XLR sockets for DMX and RDM input and output via
DMX cable. The pin-out on both sockets is:
• Pin 1 to shield
• Pin 2 to data 1 cold (-)
• Pin 3 to data 1 hot (+).
Pins 4 and 5 are not used by the fixture but are bridged between input and output sockets. These pins
can therefore be used as a pass-through connection for an additional data signal if required.
Tips for reliable data transmission via DMX cable
• Use shielded twisted-pair high-quality DMX cable.
• 24 AWG cable is suitable for runs up to 300 meters (1000 ft). Heavier gauge cable and/or an
amplifier is recommended for longer runs.
• Do not use microphone cable, as standard microphone cable does not have the correct impedance
and cannot transmit control data reliably over long runs.
• To split the data link into branches, use an optically isolated splitter-amplifier. Use an RDM-
compatible splitter-amplifier if using RDM.
• Do not overload the DMX data link. You can connect up to a maximum of 32 devices on a serial
DMX link.
• Install a DMX termination plug at the end of the DMX link.
Connecting to data via DMX cable
To connect the fixture to DMX and/or RDM data carried over DMX cable:
1. Connect the DMX data output from the controller to the fixture's data input (male XLR) socket
using good-quality DMX cable.
2. Run DMX cable from the fixture's data output (female XLR) socket to the data input of the next
fixture and continue until the link is complete.
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Martin ERA 700 Performance IP User Manual Rev. D