Swisson XND-8 - User Manual

XND-8
8-Port Ethernet DMX Node
User Manual

Summary

Introduction

Applications

Lists various use cases for the XND-8 device, such as concert lighting and live events.

Typical Application Diagram

Illustrates a common setup for the XND-8 with a lighting controller and DMX fixtures.

Unpacking Contents

Details the items included in the product packaging, typically the device and user manual.

Safety Information

Safety Precautions

Detailed list of warnings and precautions to prevent hazards, including electrical and environmental safety.

Device Overview

Mains Power Connection

Instructions for connecting the device to the main power supply using a Neutrik powerCON connector.

Power Outlet Description

Details the power outlet specifications and usage warnings, including current load limits.

DMX Connection Types

Describes XLR and RJ45 connectors for DMX output, including pinout details.

Settings and Menu Navigation

General Navigation Controls

Explains menu navigation using the encoder wheel and buttons.

Home Screen Display

Overview of the main screen showing port status, Art-Net/sACN addresses, and configuration.

Network Configuration

Covers DHCP, static IP, netmask, gateway, and Art-Net IP settings for network connectivity.

Art-Net Node Setup

Configures Art-Net net, sub-net, and independent universes per node for flexible addressing.

Device Name Editing

Procedures for deleting and inserting text to name the device and its ports.

Output Port Configuration

Settings for each output port, including mode, merge, and failure behavior.

Factory Presets Loading

Loads pre-defined network and output configurations for common scenarios.

Device Settings Management

General device settings like display mode, screen saver, and LED muting.

Device Information Access

Displays model, boot software, firmware, hardware, and MAC addresses.

UIDs

RDM Unique Identifiers

Unique identifiers for RDM devices on each output port, aiding in device management.

Restore Default Settings

Factory Reset Procedure

Resets all device settings to their original factory defaults.

Ethernet Port Status

Link and Configuration Details

Displays current status, link speed, duplex mode, IP address, and netmask of the Ethernet port.

Status LEDs

Selected Port LED Indication

Describes LED behavior when a specific port is selected, flashing white.

Unselected Port LED Indication

Explains LED status for ports that are not currently selected (red, yellow, green, black).

Ethernet Port LED Indicators

Details the link LED (green) and traffic indication for the Ethernet connection.

Screen Saver Operation

Display Auto-Off Function

How the screen saver activates after inactivity and how to wake the display.

Firmware Updates

Update Process Information

Information on how to update the device's firmware using a PC and USB cable.

Technical Data

Specifications and Dimensions

Key specifications including ambient temperature, power, protocols, DMX/RDM standards, and physical dimensions.

Ordering Information

Product Versions and Codes

Product codes and descriptions for different versions of the XND-8, such as XLR or etherCON.

Credits

Software Licensing Details

Licensing information for included software components, such as LwIP.

Appendix

Art-Net Port Address Representation

Explains Art-Net port address representations, including net, sub-net, universe, and sub-uni.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Swisson XND-8 is an 8-port Ethernet DMX node designed for converting Art-Net and sACN data to DMX, facilitating the distribution of up to eight DMX universes. This device is particularly useful for lighting professionals who need to manage a large number of DMX universes over a single network cable, leveraging existing network infrastructure or creating new setups. Its user-friendly design makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from concert lighting and live events to multimedia shows, theaters, TV studios, theme parks, and architectural lighting.

Function Description

The primary function of the XND-8 is to act as a bridge between Ethernet-based lighting control protocols (Art-Net and sACN) and traditional DMX512. It receives Art-Net or sACN data over an Ethernet connection and converts it into DMX signals, which are then output through eight individually optically isolated DMX ports. This optical isolation helps protect the device and connected DMX fixtures from electrical surges and ground loops.

The device supports both Art-Net I, II, and 3, as well as sACN (ANSI E1.31) and sACN draft version (v0.2). This broad compatibility ensures that it can integrate seamlessly with most major lighting consoles and PC/Mac-based light controller programs that support Art-Net output. The XND-8 is modeled as two conceptual Art-Net nodes, each handling four output ports, to comply with Art-Net specifications that limit nodes to four ports and require unique IP addresses. However, physically, it operates with a single network interface.

Usage Features

The XND-8 offers a comprehensive set of features for configuration, monitoring, and operation:

• Display and Navigation: The device features a 128x64 pixels OLED display for clear status information and menu navigation. A central encoder wheel serves as the primary control for selecting menu items by turning and confirming selections by pushing (functioning as an [OK] button). A [Cancel] button is also provided for dismissing selections or exiting menus. Keeping the [Cancel] button pressed for two seconds will always return the user to the Home Screen.

• Network Configuration:

  • DHCP Capability: The XND-8 supports DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), allowing for automatic network configuration, which simplifies setup in environments like home or office networks.
  • Static IP Settings: Users can manually configure IP addresses, netmasks, and gateway addresses if DHCP is disabled. The device also offers options to set primary and secondary Art-Net IP addresses, which are computed from the device's MAC address.
  • Art-Net Net and Sub-Net: Art-Net settings, including net and sub-net addresses, can be configured on a per-node basis (Node 1 for ports 1-4, Node 2 for ports 5-8). For compatibility with older Art-Net I and II controllers, the Art-Net net should be set to 0.
  • Independent Universes: This feature allows each output port to have an independent Art-Net port address, enabling flexible configuration of the node to any combination of Art-Net universes. However, it's recommended to avoid enabling independent universes if possible, as it might cause reporting issues with some controllers.

• Output Port Configuration: Each of the eight DMX output ports can be individually configured:

  • Mode Selection: Ports can be set to output data received via Art-Net, sACN, or be turned off.
  • Merge Mode: The device supports two DMX merging modes:
    • HTP (Highest Takes Precedence): If data for a DMX channel is received from multiple sources, the higher value is used.
    • LTP (Latest Takes Precedence): The value from the source that last changed its value for a given channel is used.
    • Merging applies when more than one Art-Net or sACN controller sends data to the same port, considering up to two controllers.
  • Failure Behaviour: Users can define how a port behaves if DMX updates stop:
    • Off: The output stops sending DMX after 6 seconds of no updates.
    • Hold Last Look: The output continues to send the last received DMX look indefinitely.
  • Art-Net RDM: RDM (Remote Device Management) can be enabled or disabled for each output port, but it only functions when the port is in Art-Net mode. The XND-8 can discover up to 250 RDM devices per output port.
  • Universe Assignment: The DMX universe for each output port can be easily adjusted via the display or by pressing the corresponding output port button. The display shows essential information like port status (No DMX, Off, Hold, DMX OK), Art-Net net, sub-net, and sub-uni, or the 15-bit Art-Net port address when independent universes are enabled.

• Device Settings:

  • Device Naming: The device's name and short name can be customized through the menu, with a text editing interface similar to character selection.
  • Address Display Mode: Users can choose to display Art-Net and sACN universe addresses in either decimal or hexadecimal format.
  • Screen Saver: An adjustable screen saver automatically turns off the OLED display after 40 seconds of inactivity to prolong its lifespan. It can be enabled or disabled.
  • Mute LEDs: All status indicator LEDs can be muted, keeping them dark regardless of the device's operational status. When unmuted, LEDs provide visual feedback on port status and network activity.
  • User Input Locking: A password-based locking mechanism protects the device from unauthorized or accidental manipulation. Once locked, only the Home Screen and Ethernet Port Status Information are accessible, and menu access requires password entry.

• Status Information:

  • Ethernet Port Status: A dedicated button provides access to detailed Ethernet port status, including link status (up/down), connection speed (10/100 Mb/s), duplex mode (full/half), and configured IP address/netmask for both virtual interfaces.
  • Status LEDs: LEDs on the front panel indicate the status of each DMX output port (Red for no DMX, Yellow for last look, Green for DMX OK, Black for off) and the Ethernet link (green for link, blinking for traffic).

• Factory Presets: The device includes several factory-defined presets to quickly configure common setups, such as:

  • Default Art-Net settings (primary IP, RDM enabled, universes 0-7).
  • Art-Net with RDM disabled.
  • sACN settings (DHCP, RDM enabled, universes 1-8).
  • Mixed Art-Net (ports 1-4) and sACN (ports 5-8) settings.
  • Art-Net for office networks (DHCP enabled).
  • Loading any preset disables independent Art-Net universes.

Maintenance Features

• Firmware Updates: Firmware updates are provided on the Swisson website and can be performed using a PC with Windows (Vista or later) and a USB A to B cable. Separate documentation details the update process.
• Restore Default Settings: A menu option allows users to restore all device settings to their factory defaults, including names, Art-Net parameters, output configurations, IP addresses, and LED/screen saver settings. This is useful for troubleshooting or reconfiguring the device from a clean slate.
• Device Information: The device provides access to its model number, boot software version, firmware version, hardware revision, and MAC addresses of its Ethernet interfaces, which can be helpful for support and maintenance.

Swisson XND-8 Specifications