Owner's manual
DMX to DALI Interface
Operating Instructions
Overview:
The DMX2DALI interface has an opto-isolated DMX512 input and two DALI output ports. Each output port
is capable of individually addressing 64 DALI-enabled fluorescent ballasts. There are also modes to allow for
single channel control of all ballasts (broadcast mode), stand alone operation, and a simple fixture addressing
facility. The DALI ports are current limited per the DALI specification thus protecting the interface from short
circuits.
Installation:
The DMX2DALI interface requires 120 VAC for operation. All DMX512 and DALI connections are made via
terminal block.
The interface is available in a table-top enclosure which can be fitted with optional rack mounting ears. It is
also available in a 12 X 12 X 4 NEMA 1 electrical enclosure.
DMX addressing:
The address switches on the front of the unit should be set to the desired DMX starting address for the
interface. The interface will use 128 consecutive DMX addresses starting with the one shown on the address
switches. The first 64 channels will appear on DALI port 1 and the second set of 64 channels (65-128) will
appear on DALI port 2.
For example: if the interface is set to address 1, and a ballast addressed as number 1 is connected to DALI
port 1, that fixture would be controlled by DMX channel 1. If that same fixture were connected to DALI port
2, it would be controlled by DMX channel 65 (the first channel on DALI port 2). Note that DALI addresses are
only from 1-64. The ability to control more individual ballasts is accomplished through the use of more DALI
ports.
Note that when the address switches are set to 000, the interface will behave as if they were set to 001.
Normal operation:
Each addressed ballast will be controlled by a DMX control channel. When the DMX control channel is at 0,
the fixture will be off. When the DMX control channel is at full, the fixture will be at full brightness. Depending
on the number of channels changing level at the same time, the reaction time of the fixture may vary from near
instant control to delaying several seconds.
Broadcast mode:
When broadcast mode is selected, all fixtures connected to both ports will respond to a single DMX channel.
This allows large numbers of fixtures to be smoothly controlled by a single DMX channel. When in this mode,
control of individual fixtures is not possible.
Broadcast mode is selected by removing jumper JP2. Note that for interfaces mounted in electrical boxes,
it may be necessary to unplug the address switch board to gain access to the jumpers.
Loss of DMX:
Upon loss of the DMX input signal, the DMX2DALI interface will normally disable its DALI output ports. Most
fixtures default to full brightness when this happens. If desired, the DMX2DALI interface can be set to hold
the last levels when DMX fails. This is accomplished by leaving the DALI output ports enabled.
To enable the hold last look feature, jumper JP1 should be removed. Note that for interfaces mounted in
electrical boxes, it may be necessary to unplug the address switch board to gain access to the jumpers.
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