Pinout
4 Pin XLR
|
Pin
|
Signal
|
|
1
|
Data Common
|
|
2
|
Data +
|
|
3
|
Sense
|
|
4
|
Sense Common
|
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About ECMUX, But Were Afraid to Ask
This information has been generated as a result of research, installation modification and repair, and trial and error by David North, Technical Services Manager.
Overview
Three different versions of digital communication were used with EC Premier and Celebrity consoles. The Response 2212 does not do all of them and you may run into a situation where this is the case.
8 data bits
1 start bit
2 stop bits
no parity
187.5 kbaud
bit width 5.33usec
ECMUX transmits intensity and patch information depending on what the header value is for a data stream. For specifics on the data structure, please contact ETC.ECMUX is a single ended data signal. This means that it consists of a data signal referenced to a common wire. The disadvantage to this signal is that it can be susceptible to noise and ground loops. With this in mind, there are several precautions you must take when adapting to it. Please read the Interface section carefully. One other signal is included with most ECMUX installations. Sense and sense common are feedback lines from the rack to the console. When a patch change is made, information is sent to the racks from the console and is acknowledged in the rack by activating the sense line. Additionally, when the racks have an over temperature problem, the sense line is again made active.
The Installations
ECMUX systems primarily consisted of QD Dimmers and the Celebrity series of consoles. Most installations of EC dimming which used ECMUX, had THHN single conductors for data. Also, data runs going to several racks may not daisy chain and can cause problems with outboard interfaces. Typically, you will find 4 pin female XLR connectors used on wall plates.
Data pins on connectors are as follows:
|
Pin
|
Signal
|
|
1
|
Data Common
|
|
2
|
Data +
|
|
3
|
Sense
|
|
4
|
Sense Common
|
Interfacing to ECMUX
- ETC manufactures the Response 2212 interface to convert from various protocols to ECMUX. There are several notes and precautions to keep in mind when connecting to these systems.
- The 2212 needs to locate as close to the rack(s) as possible as the 2212 cannot transmit ECMUX over long distances.
- Verify what wire is used in the wall before attempting to reuse any of it. Since you are going to place the 2212 close to the rack, pull a new DMX cable instead of reusing the ECMUX wiring.
- Quite often, the data common line in the rack will be tied to ground. ETC consoles also have common tied to ground internally. When installed, a ground loop is formed which may disable the dimmers. There are several ways to resolve this. First, try to untie the common to ground strap on the rack control input. Sorry, I don’t know where this is. If this doesn't seem obvious, remove the shield wire from pin one on the DMX cable. This is not the best thing to do but will get the system up and running.· The 2212 will send a one to one patch to the racks upon start up. All soft patching will be held in the console from that point on.