VC-Grid™ User Manual
Dimensions All measurements are expressed in millimeters 185 185 18 © 2012 Martin Professional A/S. Information subject to change without notice. Martin Professional A/S and all affiliated companies disclaim liability for any injury, damage, direct or indirect loss, consequential or economic loss or any other loss occasioned by the use of, inability to use or reliance on the information contained in this document.
Contents Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Electrostatic discharge precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Information WARNING! Read the safety precautions in this section before installing, powering, operating or servicing this product. The following symbols are used to identify important safety information on the product and in this document: Warning! Warning! Safety hazard. Hazardous Risk of severe voltage. Risk injury or of severe or death. lethal electric shock. Warning! Fire hazard. Warning! Refer to manual before installing, powering or servicing.
• Each VC-Grid 8x8 25 consumes up to 30 W. Do not interconnect VC-Grids 8x8 25s in a chain with a total power consumption that exceeds either: - 360 W maximum or - the maximum safe power rating of the DC output on the external PSU (power supply unit) used, whichever is lower. Each time you reach 360 W – or the PSU output’s maximum power rating if lower than 360 W – use a new PSU output to continue connecting VC-Grids to 48 VDC power.
Introduction Thank you for selecting the Martin VC-Grid™. This compact LED-based display module is designed to integrate into a Martin P3™ video system and can also be controlled using DMX. The VC-Grid combines flexibility and simplicity with high-quality video display capabilities. Used with or without a front diffuser, multiple VC-Grids can be combined in ways that give exceptional creative flexibility.
VC-Grid overview A C B A - Control button B - 48 VDC power + data throughput (THRU) C - 48 VDC power + data input (IN) Figure 1: Overview VC-Grid overview 7
Physical installation The VC-Grid can be installed in any orientation. The backs of modules are marked with arrows and the word TOP. To ensure the most evenly matched optical characteristics when viewing VC-Grids at an angle, install all modules with the arrows facing the same way. In vertical arrays, install all modules with the arrows pointing upwards and the TOP marking at the upper edge of the modules. Allow free airflow around the product and at least 10 mm (0.4 in.
System installation Warning! Connect the VC-Grid™ only to the devices specified in this manual and only using the Martin™ cables specified in this manual. Warning! Do not exceed the maximum numbers of devices that can be connected and maximum cable lengths specified in this manual and the manuals of the devices in the system.
7. When the P3 link and all VC-Grids are connected and you are ready to set up and test the installation: • Connect the Martin P3 PowerPort 1500™ to AC mains power at 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz as described in the P3 PowerPort 1500™ user manual, then • connect the Martin P3 system controller to AC mains power and power the controller on. AC mains power P3 video data link (Ethernet cable) P3 System Controller Hybrid (DC power and data) link AC mains power P3 PowerPort 1500 Max.
Installing a DMX-controlled system The DMX link requires DMX cable. It can be maximum 300 m (1000 ft.) in length, but this can be extended using an RDM-compliant amplifier/splitter such as the Martin RDM 5.5 Splitter™, P/N 90758150. The link must run in one single daisy-chain but you can split it into separate branches each time you insert an amplifier/splitter. If you would like assistance with creating a DMX link, your Martin™ supplier will be glad to advise.
DMX/RDM Controller 48 VDC power DMX link (DMX cable) Hybrid (DC power and data) link DMX/RDM Splitter (if needed) 48 VDC external PSU 48 VDC external PSU Hybrid lead-in cable Hybrid lead-in cable Hybrid extension cable (if needed) Hybrid extension cable (if needed) Hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable Hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable Hybrid PCBto-PCB cable Hybrid PCBto-PCB cable Hybrid PCBto-PCB cable Hybrid PCBto-PCB cable See text for max. number of of VC-Grids per hybrid link See text for max.
System setup Warning! Before applying power to the VC-Grid: • Carefully review the safety information starting on page 4 • Check that the installation is safe and secure. Setting up for P3 display A Martin P3™ system allows video to be displayed on an installation that consists of or includes VC-Grid devices. When a P3 controller is connected to the data link and the installation is powered on, you can set up all the devices on the link from the P3 controller. See the P3 controller user manual for details.
If a VC-Grid module is set to individual pixel control (see “Setting modules to grouped or pixel control modes” on page 15), LEDs are given DMX addresses using a ‘left-to-right, then down’ numbering system (like the reading order you are using for the words on this page).
Setting DMX Addresses See Figure 7. To set DMX addresses using the M-PC application, open the RDM View window and click on Scan to display a list of the elements in the installation. Click in the Address box for each VC-Grid module and enter the desired DMX address, then press the Enter key to store the DMX address for that module. Remember that modules with identical addresses will receive the same instructions.
Using the VC-Grid Warning! Before applying power to the VC-Grid: • Carefully review the safety information starting on page 4 • Check that the installation is safe and secure. Do not use the VC-Grid if the ambient temperature exceeds 45° C (113° F) or falls below -20° C (-4° F). P3 display The VC-Grid will display video from all common video sources sent via a P3 controller. See the P3 controller documentation for details. DMX control The VC-Grid will display effects controlled by DMX.
LED status feedback The VC-Grid gives status information via its LEDs as shown in Table 2: Color Output Indication Action required Blue Constant Busy (e.g. booting up or writing to flash memory). Wait a moment for normal operation to be resumed. Red Constant Error. The VC-Grid has encountered a fatal error and can not run. Perform a factory reboot, followed by a firmware upload. Red Flashing No control source detected. Connect a P3 system controller or DMX source to the network.
Service and maintenance Warning! Read “Safety Information” on page 4 before carrying out service on the VC-Grid. Warning! Isolate the installation from AC mains power before servicing. Warning! Refer any service operation not described in this manual to a qualified service technician. Important! Read ”Electrostatic discharge precautions” on page 6 before carrying out service on the VC-Grid. Important! Excessive dust buildup causes overheating and a risk of short-circuits and will damage the product.
Troubleshooting Problem Control is lost and pressing control button causes VC-Grid to show constant or flashing red status indication. Product is completely dead. VC-Grid does not display as intended. Probable cause(s) Remedy Error has occurred. Check that system is correctly connected, set up and running. Hold control button pressed in until it turns blue, then release, to reboot VC-Grid. Restart P3 or DMX controller. No DC power to product. Check 48 VDC power supply and cables Internal fault.
Specifications Physical Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185 mm (7.3 in.) Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185 mm (7.3 in.) Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 mm (0.7 in.
Construction Base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black FR4 circuit board Transparency through module (unmasked area) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37% Protection rating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IP20 RoHS compliant Installation Orientation . . . . . . . . . .
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