Lumenradio CRMX Pluggy Radio Module
Introduction
What is CRMX™
CRMX is an acronym for Cognitive Radio MultipleXer – it is the first smart wireless system to automatically and continuously adapt to its surroundings in real time. CRMX was specifically developed to meet the demand for reliable, easy to use, and cost effective wireless lighting controls.
CRMX Pluggy FX and Pluggy RX
Pluggy Radio Module
Building as a pin-compatible replacement of the W-DMX TiNY module, LumenRadio offers CRXM Pluggy – the first plug-in module compatible with CRMX, CRMX2, W-DMX G3, G4S, and G5. Pluggy is tested according to ETSI EN 300 328 (v2.2.2) as well as pending FCC certification with a modular approval up to 50mW. Pluggy allows for a flexible integration where the option to install the module or not can be done late in the manufacturing process, or even post-sales by a certified service technician.
Features
- Receives CRMX2, CRMX Classic, W-DMX G3, G4, G4S and G5.
- Transmits CRMX Classic, W-DMX G3 and G4S (FX version only)
- Supports ANSI E1.11 – DMX512-A and ANSI E1.20 – RDM (RDM in RX mode only, FX version only)
- Cognitive coexistence – dynamically avoids occupied frequencies (in CRMX modes)
- DMX fidelity and frame integrity
- DMX frame rate and frame size auto-sensing
- Fixed 5 ms end-to-end latency
- U.FL/IPEX external antenna connector
- All configuration data is stored in non-volatile memory, with 20 years of data retention.
- Pluggy contains upgradeable firmware for future-proofing
- Over-the-air firmware upgrades
Pin Assignments and Functions
This section describes the pin assignments and pin functions.
Pin assignments
Pin functions
| Pin | Name | Pin type | Description |
| 1 | VSS | Power | Ground (0V) |
| 2 | DMX_RXD | Digital input | DMX RXD |
| 3 | DMX_TXD | Digital output | DMX TXD |
| 4 | LINK_SW | Digital input | Link control switch input |
| 5 | STATUS_LED | Digital output | Status LED |
| 6 | VDD | Power | Power supply (5V) |
| 7 | N.C. | No connection | Internal use only – do not connect |
| 8 | RS485_DIR | Digital output | RS485 driver direction control |
| 9 | RGB_RED | Digital output | RGB LED red signal |
| 10 | RGB_BLUE | Digital output | RGB LED blue signal |
| 11 | FLEX_MODE | Analog input | Flex mode selection pin (FX version only) |
| 12 | RGB_GREEN | Digital output | RGB LED green signal |
| ANT | RF_ANT | RF | Antenna connector |
Typical application circuit
LED Outputs
Status LED
The status LED (STATUS_LED) indicates the status of the Pluggy module. The LED indicator pin is an output pin capable of sourcing 5mA at the 3.3V. An appropriate current limiting resistor must be connected in series with the LED.
Receiver
- Constant off (0V): Not linked to any transmitter.
- Flashing: off (0V) 100 ms / on (3.3V) 100 ms: linked to a transmitter, but no active radio link-
- Flashing: off (0V) 100 ms / on (3.3V) 900 ms: Active radio link, no DMX present
- Constant on (3.3V): Active radio link, DMX data present
- Transmitter (FX version only)
- Flashing: off (0V) 100 ms / on (3.3V) 900 ms: Active radio link, no DMX present
- Constant on (3.3V): Active radio link, DMX data present
- Flashing: off (0V) 100 ms / on (3.3V) 100 ms: linking receivers
- Flashing: off (0V) 200 ms / on (VDD) 200 ms: unlinking receivers
RGB LED
Receiver
In the receiver mod, the RGB LED indicates the signal quality of the received signal.
| Color | Meaning | Comments |
 |
>80% | Red = 0V, Green = 3.3V, Blue = 0V |
| 60-80% | Red = 3.3V, Green = 3.3V, Blue = 0V | |
| 30-60% | Red = 3.3V, Green = 0V, Blue = 0V | |
| <30% | Red = 3.3V, Green = 0V, Blue = 0V, 1Hz blink |
Transmitter (FX version only)
In the transmitter mode, the RGB LED indicates the currently used transmission protocol.
| Color | Meaning | Comments |
 |
CRMX | Red = 3.3V, Green = 3.3V, Blue = 3.3V |
| W-DMX G3 | Red = 0V, Green = 3.3V, Blue = 0V | |
| W-DMX G4S | Red = 3.3V, Green = 0V, Blue = 3.3V |
Link switch input
The link switch input (LINK_SW) can be used to interface with a momentary (monostable) closing push button to facilitate a simple user interface. This is an alternative to using the SPI interface to integrate into a host device’s menu system. This signal internally pulled high to 3.3V. The switch input has several functions, please see the table below for details about the functions of the switch input.
| Function | Conditions |
| Link | Only for transmitters. Pull signal low (button pressed) for 0.1-1 second. |
| Unlink | Hold signal low (button pressed) for >3 seconds. |
| Change RX/TX mode | See Mode selection for more info |
| Change TX protocol | See Mode selection for more info |
| Force firmware update mode | Hold signal low (button pressed) during power on, then release the button. |
DMX Interface
- The UART DMX/RDM interface of the Pluggy module consists of 3 digital signals that can be used to interface an RS485 driver IC compliant with the ANSI E1.11 DMX512-A standard to facilitate a DMX512-A compatible interface. Please refer to the example schematic for details on how to connect an RS485 driver IC. DE and DI signals shall both be connected to the direction pin (RS485_DIR).
- The DMX interface can also be used for CMOS/TTL level directly interfacing, for instance to a host CPU.
- NOTE: Signal on RXD pin must NOT exceed 3.3V ! If 5V signal is used, a level shifting circuit must be used – for instance a voltage divider.
- DMX and RDM termination and line bias
- DMX and RDM termination and line bias circuitry are not provided as part of Pluggy (since the data is provided at the TTL level).
- This circuit is left to the device manufacturer to provide as required for each particular application and device.
- Termination and line bias circuitry requirements shall follow ”ANSI E1.20 – 2006 / Entertainment Technology-RDM-Remote Device Management over USITT DMX512 Networks” or later revisions.
- IMPORTANT: Biasing is mandatory for all RDM implementations.
DMX frame rate and size
- Pluggy will auto sense the DMX frame rate and frame size and accept all variations that are within the USITT DMX-512 (1986 & 1990) and DMX-512-A standards.
- Minimum DMX frame size is 1 slot, and maximum is 512 slots.
- Minimum DMX frame rate for normal operation is 0.8 frames per second, and maximum is 830 frames per second.
Input frame rates below 0.8 frames per second, i.e., more than 1.25s has elapsed since the start of the last frame, will be treated as a loss of DMX. Pluggy modules in receiver mode will set the RS485 driver IC to input mode until another DMX frame is detected. Pluggy in transmitter mode will keep the RS485 driver in input mode.
CRMX will propagate DMX through the system, maintaining the input frame rate and frame sizexceptof frame rates that exceed those allowed by the DMX 512-A standard. Different generations of W-DMX modes have individual behaviour about frame rate and synchronisation. Input DMX frame rates above 830 frames per second will propagate through the system at 830 frames per second to ensure that the DMX output is compliant with the DMX512-A standard.
DMX start code frames
DMX packets with start codes other than the DMX default 0x00 (also known as the Null Start Code, or NSC) and the RDM start code (0xCC) will be propagated through the system, and are subject to the same rules and limitations as the null start code packets. Such frames are called Alternate Start Code, or ASC, frames.
RDM start code frames
Frames with RDM start code (0xCC) are handled separately by transmitters in CRMX systems, as part of the proxy functionality. Transmitters manage the interleaving of RDM frames with null start code packets across the AI and may interleave other RDM frames that are needed to manage the proxy functionality.
This may result in RDM frames appearing on the DMX/RDM interface in a different order than on the input of the transmitter. All RDM frames are handled in compliance with the PLASA E1.20 standard. Pluggy FX in transmitter nodes discards all frames with RDM start code (0xCC) and RDM draft start code (0xF0).
Firmware update
The firmware in Pluggy can be updated. All manufacturers must consider the firmware update options to provide future-proof integrations to the end-user.
DMX interface
The preferred way to update firmware in Pluggy RX and Pluggy FX is via the DMX interface and the CRXM Upgrade cable. This requires the DMX interface to be accessible from outside the fixture. See the link switch section for information on how to set Pluggy into firmware update mode. Use the CRMX Update utility to update the firmware.
Over-the-air (OTA)
Pluggy FX and RX can be updated over the air by utilizing a special software tool that can be obtained from LumenRadio together with the CRXM Upgrade cable. For details about updates or for recommendations, please contact support.
Mode selection (FX version only)
This chapter describes the different methods of selecting between the different flex modes, also known as modes of operation. This only applies to Pluggy FX. Pluggy RX can not be configured for this, as it is only a receiver module.
Flex mode (RX/TX)
The Pluggy FX can act either as receiver or a transmitter of wireless DMX. The mode must be selected for the device to operate in the right way.
Selecting via the input signal
Pin 11 on the module controls the flex mode selection behaviour. Note: Voltage on Pin 11 may not exceed 3.3V.
| Voltage | Description |
| < 0.5V | Transmitter mode |
| 1.5-1.8V | Software controlled |
| > 2.8V | Receiver mode |
Software-controlled mode selection
At power up, holding the link switch input low while powering up the device, and then releasing the input to go high within 3 seconds will toggle the RX/TX mode. During operation By pressing the link switch shortly 5 times, and then pressing and holding the button for at least 3 seconds, enters TX/RX mode selection. The Status LED will blink to indicate the currently selected mode. Pressthe link switch momentarily to toggle mode, press and hold the link switch for at least 3 seconds to store the selection.
| Color | Meaning | Comments |
 |
CRMX | Red = 3.3V, Green = 3.3V, Blue = 3.3V |
| W-DMX G3 | Red = 0V, Green = 3.3V, Blue = 0V | |
| W-DMX G4S | Red = 3.3V, Green = 0V, Blue = 3.3V |
- 2 Hz blink: TX mode selected
- 5 Hz blink: RX mode selected
TX protocol selection
By pressing the link switch shortly 3 times, and then press-and-hold the button for at least 3 seconds enters TX protocol selection. The RGB LED will blink fast in different colors to indicate the currently selected protocol. Press link switch momentarily to toggle mode, press-and-hold the link switch for at least 3 seconds to store the selection.
Specifications
Electrical
| Symbol | Parameter | Min. | Typ. | Max. | Unit |
| VDD | Supply voltage | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | V |
| IDD_TX | Supply the current TX mode | 150 | 250 | mA | |
| IDD_RX | Supply the current RX mode | 50 | 100 | mA | |
| TA | Operating temperature | -20 | 75 | °C | |
| VIL | Input voltage logic low | 0 | 0.9 | V | |
| VIH | Input voltage logic high | 2.5 | 3.3 | V | |
| ILED | Max current drive on LED pins | 5 | mA | ||
| frange | Operating frequency range | 2402 | 2480 | MHz | |
| RXsens | Receiver sensitivity (0.1% BER) | -88 | MHz | ||
| TXpout | TX output power1 | 16 | dBm | ||
| DMXsize | DMX frame size (excluding start code) | 0 | 512 | ||
| DMXrate | DMX frame rate | 0.8 | 830 | fps |
1From 2.15dBi antenna
Mechanical
Product marking
Products containing a Pluggy module shall be marked such that it is easy to identify the presence of LumenRadio’s CRMX technology within the product. LumenRadio artwork is available by contacting us at help@lumenradio.com
In marketing materials, the radio link shall be referred to as either a “wireless link”, “LumenRadio wireless DMX”, “CRMX wireless DMX”, “LumenRadio inside”, “Powered by LumenRadio,” or similar. Additional body text is acceptable to explain that this is a DMX receiver.
Product documentation and menu systems
When referring to the Pluggy module and related behaviors within documentation and menu systems, the system should be referred to as a “wireless link” and/or “CRMX” (or derivations thereof). Suggested terms and definitions are contained in the table below:
| Term | Definition |
| CRMX Wireless link | The top-level term used to describe the CRMX radio system. |
| Linked | The CRMX radio system has been linked with a compatible transmitter. |
| Unlinked | The CRMX radio system is awaiting linking from a compatible transmitter. |
Logo Syndication
By using CRMX modules in your product, you become one of LumenRadio’s valued partners. Our website and catalog carry an array of partner logos and it is expected that your logo will be included alongside these. Marketing information, logos and case studies can be sent to the marketing contacts for inclusion in future marketing efforts.
Production Testing
All CRMX modules are factory tested before being shipped. However, it is advised to perform some level of testing as part of your products overall test process. LumenRadio would be happy to advise on production testing – please contact LumenRadio for advice.
Compliance information
- FCCID: XRSPLUGGY101
- IC: 8879A-CRMXPLUGGY
- Model: CRMX Pluggy FX
CE
Pluggy FX and Pluggy RX comply with the Essential Requirements of RED (Radio Equipment Directive) of the European Union (2014/53/EU). Pluggy FX and Pluggy RX meet the ETSI EN 300 328 V2.2.2 conformance standards for radio performance.
FCC information
- This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
The modular can be installed or integrated in mobile or fixed devices only. This modular cannot be installed in any portable device; for example, USB dongle-like transmitters are forbidden. This modular complies with the FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This modular must be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and the user’s body.
If the FCC identification number is not visible when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed module. This exterior label can use wording such as the following: “Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: XRSPLUGGY101 or Contains FCC ID: XRSPLUGGY101.”
When the module is installed inside another device, the user manual of this device must contain below warning statements:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The devices must be installed and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions as described in the user documentation that comes with the product.
The host product manufacturer is responsible for compliance with any other FCC rules that apply to the host, not covered by the modular transmitter grant of certification. The final host product still requires Part 15 Subpart B compliance testing with the modular transmitter installed.
The end user manual shall include all required regulatory informationwarningsg as shown in this manual, including: This product must be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and the user’s body. Requirement per KDB996369 D03
List of applicable FCC rules
CFR 47 FCC PART 15 SUBPART C has been investigated. It applies to the modular transmitter.
Specific operational use conditions
This module is a stand-alone module. If the end product involves Multiple simultaneously transmitting conditions or different operational conditions for a stand-alone modular transmitter in a host, the host manufacturer has to consult with the module manufacturer for the installation method in the end system.
Limited module procedures
The module is a single module, not applicable.
2025-05-23
Trace antenna designs
Not applicable.
RF exposure considerations
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.
Antennas
This radio transmitter has been approved by the Federal Communications Commission to operate with the antenna types listed below, with the maximum permissible gain indicated. FCC ID: XRSPLUGGY101
Antenna types not included in this list that have a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
| Antenna No. | Type of antenna | Gain of antenna | Frequency range |
| 104-1001 | Dipole | 2.15 dBi | 2400-2500 MHz |
Label and compliance information
The end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following: “Contains FCC ID: XRSPLUGGY101”. Information on test modes and additional testing requirements host manufacturer is strongly recommended to confirm compliance with FCC requirements for the transmitter when the module is installed in the host.
Additional testing, Part 15 Subpart B disclaimer
Host manufacturer is responsible for compliance of the host system with module installed with all other applicable requirements for the system such as Part 15 B.
Note EMI considerations
The host manufacturer is recommended to use D04 Module Integration Guide recommending as “best practice” RF design engineering testing and evaluation in case non-linear interactions generate additional non-compliant limits due to module placement to host components or properties.
How to make changes
This module is a stand-alone module. If the end product involves Multiple simultaneously transmitting conditions or different operational conditions for a stand-alone modular transmitter in a host, the host manufacturer has to consult with the module
manufacturer for the installation method in the end system. According to the KDB 996369 D02 Q&A Q12, a host manufacturer only needs to do an evaluation (i.e., no C2PC required when no emission exceeds the limit of any individual device (including unintentional radiators) as a composite. The host manufacturer must fix any failure.
Industry Canada statement
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause interference. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Radiation Exposure Statement
The device meets the exemption from the routine evaluation limits in section 2.5 of RSS 102 and compliance with RSS-102 RF exposure, users can obtain Canadian information on RF exposure and compliance.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 centimeters between the radiator and your body.
This device complies with RSS 247 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations. The end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following: “Contains IC: 8879A-CRMXPLUGGY”.
Other Compliances
For other local compliance regulations (CE, UL, CSA, SRRC, C-Tick, etc.) you are responsible as the product manufacturer to ensure all required compliance testing is completed. LumenRadio are happy to advise on compliance testing – please contact LumenRadio for details.
Documents / Resources
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lumenradio CRMX Pluggy Radio Module [pdf] Instruction Manual CRMX Pluggy Radio Module, Pluggy Radio Module, Radio Module, Module |