TX1 ArcMesh transmitter

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Kelly Greene
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control and ease of installation are primary factors. Wireless operation allows for rapid integration of the whole ArcSystem with existing auditorium lighting installations.

The is based upon an industry standard communications protocol which can coexist alongside the inevitable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interference.

1 ArcSystem 1.5 Datasheet Introduction ArcSystem is a comprehensive range of LED lighting fixtures and control options specifically designed for auditorium and arena spaces where quality of light, precise dimming control and ease of installation are primary factors. Wireless operation allows for rapid integration of the whole ArcSystem with existing auditorium lighting installations. The controls and coordinates the ArcSystem lighting fixtures in response to inputs from auditorium button panels and/or an external DMX feed from a lighting console. The is based upon an industry standard communications protocol which can coexist alongside the inevitable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interference. The internal memory of the contains up to 24 preset scenes, each of which can be requested by any of the button panels. Initial setup and ongoing maintenance is performed using the ARC-CT Commissioning Tool. This wireless USB dongle plus accompanying software allows the system to be configured and fine tuned from any location within the installation space, using just a basic notebook computer. Global Design Solutions Release 1.0e May 2016 GDS Ltd Unit 13, Riverside Business Park, St Anne s Road, Bristol, BS4 4ED, UK Page 1 of 6 Tel: +44 (0)

2 ArcMesh operation The is a vital element in every ArcSystem installation, it forms the gateway between your control inputs (button panels, lighting console, etc.) and the ArcSystem lighting fixtures. The uses an industry standard communication protocol (IEEE ) and is designed to reliably operate over short to medium distances. The beauty of the ArcSystem is that the transmitter does not need to reach every fixture; all ArcSystem fixtures are capable of re-transmitting the data they receive in order to greatly extend the range over which they can operate as a whole. We call this ArcMesh and it provides great flexibility to the system. Up to 100 wireless ArcSystem fixtures can be controlled via a single ; for larger installations additional transmitters can be added to coordinate extra fixtures. During installation, an RF survey is carried out to determine any potential sources of interference and the ArcMesh system is fine tuned accordingly to avoid those sources. ArcSystem fixtures can retransmit the data they receive to create a widespread mesh network; this is ArcMesh. Key features ArcSystem is straightforward to install in new and existing locations thanks to wireless operation. User control by wireless push button units and/ or a DMX feed from any lighting console. Encrypted operation, not identifiable by Wi-Fi. 64 ArcMesh fixture groups are patchable to any DMX channels. Single or dual gateway operation for system redundancy. Automatic failover if the first transmitter fails. Up to 100 wireless fixtures can be controlled by a single. A maximum of 64 DMX addresses can be assigned to the fixture groups. Those addresses will also be the only ones to be output by the TX1 when wired fixtures are connected. Patched DMX output to hardwired fixtures. All settings are safely stored within non-volatile memory. 100 to 240VAC (50/60Hz) mains operation. Maximum power: 5W. Inrush current: 30A maximum at 230VAC Release 1.0e May 2016 GDS Ltd Page 2 of 6 Tel: +44 (0)

3 Transmitter details Construction The is contained within a compact powder coated, indoor rated enclosure with an external whip antenna. On the underside, three knockout panels allow the use of cable glands or direct conduit connections. Internal screw connectors allow quick connection for the mains input (100 to 240VAC), DMX in and out plus two auxiliary input connections. The is protected by a 1 amp internal fuse. Dimensions Overall weight: 0.8 kg (1.76 lbs) Antenna types The unit is supplied with a 5dB whip antenna that uses an RP-SMA connector and has a 90 degree omni-directional radiation pattern: Connections The physical connections to/from the TX1 ArcMesh transmitter are as follows: For best results arrange the within the same horizontal plane as the ArcSystem fixtures that it serves. Where this is not possible, and fixtures cannot benefit from ArcMesh re-transmission by other fixtures, alternative antennas can be used. 2dB antennas offer a full 360 degree coverage but have a lower range. High power and directional antennas are available for specialist applications. Contact GDS technical support for further details. Status indicators The front panel includes five indicators which provide clear feedback on current operation: Power Status DMX In Master Tx On when mains power is present. Flashes to show healthy processor operation. On when DMX input signal is present. On when this unit is the master. Override On when in override mode, for example when Blackout or Full are triggered, they override all other settings. Apart from the mains power, connections are optional. The auxiliary inputs can be linked to various external sources, such as a fire alarm system or PIR motion sensor. Both auxiliary links can be pre-programmed to call a particular preset scene, such as All fixtures at 100%, in response to them being triggered. Release 1.0e May 2016 GDS Ltd Page 3 of 6 Tel: +44 (0)

4 Local, external and auxiliary control The accepts control inputs from multiple sources, whether they be ARC-CP8 button panels (local control) or a DMX feed from the venue lighting console (external control). A common requirement in many venues is for local control from the auditorium during preshow periods and external control from the lighting console within the show: Control mediation using LTP The mediates between the multiple control inputs using an LTP (Latest Takes Precedence) approach. Thus, the control input request that was last received, from any device, is the one that is determining the current output. The fade times between scenes can be pre-programmed and stored within the TX1 unit. Each button of an ARC-CP8 panel is pre-programmed (using the ARC-CT Commissioning Tool) to call a particular preset scene stored within the TX1 ArcMesh transmitter. The chosen preset scene then determines the intensity levels of up to 64 fixture groups. The resulting control signals are output via the wireless link to the relevant wireless fixtures and via the DMX output port for any connected wired fixtures. A maximum of 64 DMX addresses can be associated with the fixture groups stored within the TX1 ArcMesh transmitter. These same 64 selected DMX addresses will be the only ones that the TX1 will output to the wireless and wired fixtures being controlled. Thirdparty DMX fixtures can be driven from the wired output providing their DMX addresses are appropriately patched into the TX1 using the Virtual DMX address function. Locking out the button panels In order to prevent accidental (or unauthorised) control from the auditorium during a show, the TX1 ArcMesh transmitter allows a single DMX address to be reserved for locking out the button panels. While that DMX channel is triggered, the lighting console will have almost (see Auxiliary control below) exclusive control over the house lighting states: Auxiliary control The also provides two hardwired auxiliary inputs which can be linked to various external sources, such as a fire alarm system or PIR motion sensor. Both auxiliary links can be preprogrammed to call a particular preset scene, such as All fixtures at 100%, in response to them being triggered. Release 1.0e May 2016 GDS Ltd Page 4 of 6 Tel: +44 (0)

5 Dual redundancy operation The is designed to operate either as the sole controller (as described earlier) or in a pair to add redundancy with automatic failover. In a dual redundancy installation, both units are pre-programmed with identical copies of the setup details (i.e. scene presets, fade times, fixture groups, etc.). However, one of the TX1 units is designated as the master while the other takes the role of slave. The DMX in and out connections are presented in a parallel arrangement to the two units via DMX buffers. In normal operation, the master unit takes command of the whole system, while the slave remain passive. In the event of a failure at the master, the slave will become active and begin taking over control of the system (see right for slightly more detail). Depending on the size of the installation, this can take up to one minute to complete. The slave will continue in its role of temporary master until the original master becomes available once again, at which point the slave will automatically revert to its dormant mode. Technically speaking The two s are connected in parallel to the DMX in and out lines using a DMX buffer and a DMX merger (third-party items). The system automatically assigns one TX1 to be the master and the other to be the slave based upon their respective MAC addresses; the TX1 with the highest MAC address becomes the master. In the event of a loss of the master, the slave device is automatically promoted to be the new master after a short delay of up to one minute. To specify state: A wireless gateway for use with ArcSystem LED light fixtures. The gateway accepts and arbitrates multiple wireless and/or wired control inputs; it then outputs an orchestrated wireless signal to control the behaviour of up to 100 ArcSystem fixtures. The compact powder coated mild steel casing is designed for wall mounting and includes an external antenna. Configuration is achieved using the ARCP15MCT (Commissioning Tool). Release 1.0e May 2016 GDS Ltd Page 5 of 6 Tel: +44 (0)

6 Key items within the ArcSystem range A vital element in most ArcSystem installations. Controls and coordinates all other elements. ARC-CP8 button panels Provide direct recall for 8 of the 24 preset scenes contained within the TX1 ArcMesh transmitter. ArcMesh Control USB Commissioning Tool & software A USB wireless interface tool plus PC application used to commission and maintain ArcSystem installations. ARC-D1 and ARC-D4 drivers Mains powered compact drivers in various sizes to dim Pro One-Cell fixtures or ArcLamps according to wireless (or wired) control. Emergency versions also available. Pro One-Cell fixtures A range of high output recessed, and yoke mount, single emitter fixtures. These require the use of a D1 or D4 CC driver. ArcLamps A range of direct replacement lamps for traditional fixtures. ArcLamps are designed to closely mimic the light output and dimming response of traditional 60W tungsten lamps. ArcLamps require the use of a D4 CV driver. Pro Multi-Cell (Two to Eight) fixtures Mains powered fixtures with 2, 4 or 8 emitters. All driver and wireless systems on board. Can also be hardwired to the control system where necessary. Emergency versions also available. Sales sales@gds.uk.com Tel: +44 (0) Release 1.0e May 2016 GDS Ltd Document number: 48 Global Design Solutions Limited Unit 13, Riverside Business Park, St Anne s Road, Bristol, BS4 4ED, United Kingdom. Support support@gds.uk.com Tel: +44 (0) First issued: May 2016 Last revision: May 2016

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