High End Systems AXON - Manual (Page 28)

CHAPTER 2
Setup and Configuration
8 Axon Media Server User Manual
Linking Axon
Setting up a Standard DMX Link
You can link Axon to fixtures on a standard DMX512 link using XLR cabling. The number of fixtures
on a link is determined by the combined number of channels required by all the fixtures. The DMX
channel range is determined by the protocol mode you choose.
• Standard Protocol (controlling up to three graphic objects) requires 149 consecutive channels
• Dual Protocol (controlling two graphic objects) requires 111 consecutive channels
• Single Protocol (controlling a single graphic object) requires 73 consecutive channels
Use data-grade cable and 5-pin XLR cable connectors. Data-grade cable is designed to carry a
high-quality signal with less susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and less degradation
over long distances. For cable and connector specification, see Cable and Connector Specifications
on page 260.
Test each cable with a voltage/ohm meter (VOM) to verify correct polarity and to make sure that
the negative and positive pins are not grounded or shorted to the shield or to each other.
CAUTION!
Do not connect anything to the ground lug on the XLR connectors.
Do not connect or allow contact between the common (cable shield)
and the fixture’s chassis ground. Grounding the common could cause
a ground loop and/or erratic behavior.
To establish a DMX link:
1. Connect the male XLR connector of a DMX Data cable to the controller’s DMX Data Out
connector.
2. Connect the Data cable’s female XLR connector to the Data In connector of the first (or next)
fixture on the DMX link.
3. Continue linking the remaining fixtures connecting a cable from the Data Out connector of
each fixture to the Data In connector of the next fixture on the link.
4. Connect a terminator to the Data Out connector of the last fixture in the link (see Powering On
the Axon Server on page 10). For information on obtaining a terminator, see Related Products
and Optional Accessories on page 4. You can construct a terminator according to the
specifications listed in Cable and Connector Specifications on page 260.
Using an Ethernet Link
Connecting multiple media servers to a common Ethernet network allows you to use the CMA to
remotely manage content uploads and configuration for all the linked servers. An Ethernet link is
also required if you want to synchronize playback between media servers. If you are using a DMX
console and other automated lighting products compatible with Art-Net, an Ethernet network can
also serve as the link for DMX control.