Pathway LR Manual - Manual (Page 12)

DMXPathfinder LR System Requirements and
Installation
11
The test is finished! Your PC has now been verified to run DMXQConnect
properly.
C OMMUNICATIONS S ETUP
1. Determine which COM port your computer will utilize for PC comm data
communications with the DMXPathfinder rack (COM1, 2, 3 or 4). Don't
attempt to use one that's already in use for an internal fax/modem or other
device. If your mouse uses COM1, you shouldn't use COM3 for the comm link
to the Pathfinder since it shares the same IRQ number as COM1. Choose
COM2 instead. If no devices are currently assigned any COM ports, you can
use any port you like.
2. Determine whether you will be using an RS232 or RS485 interface for the
physical link. Both types of interfaces are provided at terminal blocks in the
rear-wiring bay of the Pathfinder rack. A good rule of thumb for making this
decision is whether the line will be longer than 15 meters (50 feet). Longer
runs should use RS485 (up to 500 meters / 1600 feet). The advantage of using
RS232 is that no special hardware is needed; you can connect your PC's COM
port directly to the Pathfinder. For RS485, a 232-485 or 232-422 converter, or
an RS422/485 serial adapter card is required; this must be near or inside the
PC. It is acceptable to connect multiple PCs to the Pathfinder at the same
time; one each to the RS232 and RS485 terminal blocks on any (or many)
output modules.
3. There is no need to be concerned about possible ground loop problems when
connecting the PC comm data line, since the connections at the
DMXPathfinder are optically isolated.
4. Energize the DMXPathfinder rack, and check that the following LEDs are
illuminated:
•
Isolated Power on the Input Module(s)
•
XPU: Main 5V Status on all Output Modules
•
CPU: Processor OK on all Output Modules
5. Ensure that the Patch Error LED is not illuminated. If it is, press and hold the
System Reset button on the face of the first Input Module for about 2 seconds,
until the green Processor LED turns off, then release the button.
6. Launch DMXQConnect. First click on View, DMX Pathfinder Hardware
Setup. Choose the DMXPathfinder System Configuration item. Determine
how many Input and Output Modules your system was supplied with, and enter
those values in the appropriate boxes. Click OK. Now choose View, DMX
QConnect Options from the top menu bar, then select the Comm Port tab.