ultraDMX2 PRO Interface User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a DMXking.com product. Our aim is to provide high-quality products with great features. We ship only what is required, which is why there is no CD or printed manual in the box, reflecting our commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

This user manual covers features up to v3.13 firmware. Some functionality may not be available with earlier firmware versions.

Hardware and Firmware Versions

Minor hardware changes occur periodically, typically involving small feature additions or optimizations. The table below lists ultraDMX2 PRO product variants. Check the product label for P/N details.

Firmware updates are released on a semi-regular basis. It is recommended to update to the latest available firmware version to access all product features. Please note that this user manual reflects the latest firmware version features unless otherwise noted.

Main Features

• Static IP or DHCP network addressing.
• Supported operating systems: Any with Ethernet networking support. Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android.
• Compatible with software suitable for ENTTEC USB DMX Pro. Drivers for Windows, OS X, Linux.
• eDMX2 PRO - 2x DMX512 Out or DMX512 In with Art-Net, sACN E1.31 and E1.20 RDM support.
• Art-Net broadcast, Art-Net II,3 & 4 unicast, sACN/E1.31 Multicast and sACN Unicast support
• Merge 2 incoming Art-Net/sACN streams per output channel with both HTP and LTP options
• Merge Art-Net/sACN + DMX input -> DMX output
• Merge DMX input + USB DMX source -> DMX output
• USB DMX enhanced mode for 2 Universe Out
• sACN Priority takeover for multi-tier controller arrangements
• Mix and match ArtNet with sACN merge/priority sources
• DMX-IN and DMX-OUT channel offset re-mapping
• User configuration of Art-Net Node short and long names
• 1500V Isolation between every port
• Tough metal enclosure
• Available with 3 pin or 5 pin XLR sockets
• Power 5Vdc from computer or USB charger
• Fully compatible with all software and hardware that supports Art-Net I, II, 3 & 4 and sACN protocols
• Works with your existing console if Art-Net or sACN external nodes are supported
• Universe Sync Art-Net, sACN and Madrix Post Sync
• Recording and playback to microSD card (not included). See eDMX PRO Record / Playback manual
• Standalone show playback without computer or network connection
• Internal clock with NTP time sync for timed playback
• Configuration utility with basic Art-Net output/input test functionality
• Accessory port for external show triggering and future add on devices
• Firmware updates can be performed by end user

ultraDMX2 PRO products consider Art-Net 00:0:0 to be Universe 1 (i.e. offset by 1), facilitating an easy mapping between sACN/E1.31 and Art-Net.

2. Exterior View

Front & REAR View

The ultraDMX2 PRO features two female 3-pin or 5-pin XLR connectors for DMX512-A input or output on each port. Port A is on the left, and Port B is on the right. Port A has its indicator at the top, and Port B has its indicator at the bottom. A USB B socket is provided for direct 5V power input and/or connection to a host computer for USB DMX functionality. An RJ45 Ethernet socket is included for network connectivity, and an RJ12 socket is available for accessory connection. The upper indicator on each port shows Protocol/Activity, while the lower indicator shows network link/activity.

Status LED Table

3. Installing the FTDI Driver

To utilize the USB DMX interface, the FTDI driver must be installed. Modern versions of Windows and OS X typically handle this automatically. The FTDI driver is not required for pure Art-Net or sACN operations. The ultraDMX2 PRO is designed for maximum compatibility with existing software by using an FTDI FT245RL device, which provides USB 2.0 Full Speed interfacing. Drivers are available directly from FTDI. In most cases, the VCP (Virtual COM Port) driver should be used, although both D2XX and VCP drivers are installed by default on Windows 10. The latest drivers can be found at www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm.

Refer to the installation guides at www.ftdichip.com/Documents/InstallGuides.htm for detailed instructions. The installation process typically involves two devices: a USB serial device and a USB virtual COM port. All necessary files are included in the driver installation package.

For Mac OS X users: Installation is generally not required unless you are using a very old OS version, as Apple includes its own FTDI driver with the OS X distribution.

Occasionally, you may need to change the COM port number assigned to an ultraDMX2 PRO unit by Windows. This can be done via the Device Manager. Right-click on the relevant USB Serial Port, select 'Properties', navigate to the 'Port Settings' tab, click the 'Advanced' button, and then choose the desired COM Port Number.

4. Default Configuration

All ultraDMX2 PRO units are shipped with DHCP network mode enabled. It is recommended to reconfigure network settings as needed before use.

Network Settings

DMX512 Port Configuration Defaults

Note: sACN Universe 1 = Art-Net 00:0:0

*Global threshold for all DMX-IN ports, configured in Port A settings tab.

USB DMX Modes

In USB DMX mode, the ultraDMX2 PRO operates with either standard or enhanced functionality, depending on your software. Compatible software is required for enhanced mode.

ultraDMX2 PRO Operating Modes:

Switching between Standard and Enhanced modes is automatic, determined by your lighting control software. If enhanced mode DMX output commands are sent, the ultraDMX2 PRO enters enhanced mode, and vice versa for standard mode commands.

Firmware v3.3 and below: USB DMX functionality requires Port A and Port B to be configured to the appropriate Universes. Only Universe 1 and Universe 2 are used for USB DMX.

Firmware v3.5+: Port A and Port B universe assignments are used for USB DMX. While there's no explicit setting for USB DMX universe, controlling the underlying universe can be useful for merging other Art-Net and sACN sources with USB.

5. Configuration Utility

The eDMX Configuration utility offers a straightforward interface for all device parameters. These are typically set once during initial configuration and left unchanged. If you are uncertain about network IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway settings, consult your distributor. DHCP is supported from firmware v2.14 onwards.

With firmware v3.12+ and eDMX Configuration v1.23+, primary Art-Net UDP 6454 and an alternate UDP 16454 port can be used for device configuration. This is beneficial when running eDMX Configuration and a lighting control application simultaneously. The utility automatically selects the alternate port if the primary Art-Net port is unavailable. You can also lock eDMX Configuration to the alternate port via the Advanced menu. DMXking nodes continuously listen on both primary and alternate ports, requiring no additional configuration changes.

IMPORTANT: For firmware v3.11 and older, close the configuration utility before starting your lighting control application if it runs on the same computer.

From eDMX Configuration v1.24+, eDMX Node configurations can be saved/loaded using a simple Key:Value YML file via the File menu. Firmware v3.12+ can load configurations from a file named "conf.yml" on the SD card.

Network Tab

Before using the eDMX Configuration utility, ensure your computer has appropriate IPv4 network settings (e.g., IP 192.168.0.100, Subnet 255.255.255.0, Gateway 192.168.0.254).

Upon startup, eDMX nodes are automatically detected and displayed by IP address. Clicking 'Search' polls for new devices or checks existing communications. From v1.16, polling is automatic every 8 seconds but can be disabled via the Advanced | Auto Device Poll menu. The 'Mute Responses' option prevents new nodes from appearing, useful for large installations.

Selecting a node entry retrieves its settings. If no response is received, settings will be greyed out, and additional tabs will not be visible. An activity box displays transmitted and received messages for diagnosing communication issues. If your network has multiple adapters, select the one matching the eDMX's network range and ensure the subnet mask is correct.

Utility v1.20 uses Settings Broadcast by default, updating node settings regardless of the network adapter's subnet range (requires firmware v3.0+). Unicast discovery and configuration is possible via Advanced | Unicast Poll, requiring the destination IPv4 address.

All eDMX/LeDMX/ultraDMX PRO nodes support IGMPv2 Reports for multicast environments, essential for sACN/E1.31 protocol. If an IGMP querier is absent due to network issues, nodes can generate unsolicited IGMPv2 Reports.

To change node Network Settings, make changes and click 'Update Network Settings'. The 'Firmware Update' option prompts for a firmware file for upload via a built-in boot loader. Only signed, encrypted firmware files from DMXking.com are supported to prevent device damage. Future firmware releases will follow the format 0113-500-VersionMajor.VersionMinor.enc.

Port Tab

The Port Tab allows configuration of DMX ports. The 'Port Operation Mode' can be set to DMX-OUT, or DMX-IN (supporting both sACN/Art-Net or manually selected sACN/Art-Net protocols). For DMX-IN, a single Unicast IP destination can be specified; 0.0.0.0 is appropriate for most applications.

'Timeout all sources' overrides default Art-Net behavior for holding frames. In DMX-OUT mode, if two sources are merged and one stops, the second will timeout. If 'Timeout all sources' is unchecked and 'Hold Last' is selected, the output holds the last frame indefinitely. If 'Timeout all sources' is checked and 'Failsafe Mode' is not 'Hold Last', the output defaults to Zero, Full, or Snapshot Scene.

In DMX-IN mode, 'Timeout all sources' checked will end the Art-Net or sACN stream a few seconds after the DMX512 signal stops.

'Channel Offset' allows re-mapping for DMX-OUT and DMX-IN ports. Setting it to 0 means no re-mapping. In DMX-OUT, incoming streams are re-mapped, shifting channel 1 to 1+N. If 1+N exceeds 512, channels are lost. In DMX-IN, incoming DMX512 is re-mapped to outgoing Art-Net/sACN streams.

Changes made in any port tab require clicking 'Update' to apply them across all tabs.

Recorder Tab

Refer to the eDMX PRO Recorder manual for detailed information. This functionality is common to all eDMX PRO, LeDMX PRO, and ultraDMX2 PRO devices, excluding the eDMX1 PRO which lacks an SD card socket.

DMX Display Function

Use 'View | DMX Display' for a DMX512 test utility. To generate an Art-Net output stream, click 'Transmit', select one of the 6 Transmit Options, and set the Art-Net Universe. In Manual mode, channels can be set to ON or zero by clicking. The mouse scroll wheel adjusts channel values. Channel numbers increase left-to-right, top-to-bottom, with tooltips providing channel information.

ON level and mouse wheel step can be adjusted by right-clicking in the display area. Transmitted channels and refresh rate are controlled by adjacent sliders.

Switching to Receive mode displays the selected Art-Net universe number with merged streams. Note: Art-Net II unicast is not supported; only Art-Net broadcast streams are displayed.

The DMX Display utility is compatible with various Art-Net hardware and is useful for diagnostics and testing DMX512 fixtures.

Node Report

From firmware v3.3+, each node provides a status report including DMX frame rates, SYNC status, SHOW playback selection, and RECorder status.

Example: A Node Report like "#0001 [11]DMX:40,40,40,40 SYNC:Async SHOW:000 REC:Idle" indicates an eDMX4 PRO reporting Port A,B,C,D at 40fps with no synchronization (Async mode) and the recorder in an Idle state.

A report like "#0001[7]DMX:0,0,0,0 SYNC: Async SHOW:000 REC:No SD" indicates no SD card is present.

Art-Net Node Name

The Art-Net protocol supports device naming for easier installation management. Both Short Name (17 characters) and Long Name (63 characters) for an eDMX Device can be edited in the Node Information box.

Factory Reset

This is a last resort for resetting device network settings if they become unusable. Warning: This function factory resets *ALL* eDMX devices on the network. It is crucial to isolate the device requiring reset. Direct connection via a network cable between a computer and the eDMX device is recommended to prevent accidental resets of other devices. Several warnings precede the command. This function is not intended for use with eDMX/LeDMX PRO and ultraDMX2 PRO devices and has no effect in firmware 3.0+.

Summary of Settings

6. Ports, Merging, Priority And DMX Input

Ports and Merging

Each DMX Port is fully independent, allowing configurations for multiple ports to the same universe. A common setup for the ultraDMX2 PRO is 2x isolated DMX512 outputs on the same universe, effectively turning it into a 1-universe Art-Net/sACN node with a 2-port isolated splitter.

eDMX PRO nodes offer advanced merging and stream selection functions. They support HTP (Highest Takes Precedence) and LTP (Latest Takes Precedence) merging of two sources for a single DMX512 output, enabling simultaneous operation from two controllers. To merge DMX streams, send two Art-Net or sACN streams on the same universe and configure the DMX OUT port's merge scheme to HTP or LTP. If more than two sources are present, only the first two are processed; subsequent streams are dropped.

Possible Merging Sources:

Supported Merging Combinations:

sACN / E1.31 Priority

If a higher priority sACN stream is received on the same universe, it will take control of a DMX-OUT port, overriding other streams or merges. When an sACN stream stops gracefully via a termination message, the eDMX port reverts to other present sources; otherwise, a default 3-second timeout applies. For HTP/LTP merging of two sACN streams, they must share the same priority.

sACN / E1.31 Priority – DMX Receive

When a port is configured for DMX-IN sACN, the sACN Priority can be set, allowing DMX Inputs to generate sACN multicast or unicast streams with a specific priority.

DMX512 IN – Unicast / Broadcast / Multicast

When a DMX512 signal is fed into an eDMX Port configured as DMX-IN Art-Net, the following determines Art-Net unicast or broadcast:

1. If Broadcast Threshold = 0, the frame is always broadcast on the IP subnet.
2. If Broadcast Threshold > 0 and the number of detected Art-Net II/3/4 devices "subscribed" to that universe is less than the threshold, the frame is unicast to each device.
3. If Broadcast Threshold > 0 and the number of detected Art-Net II/3/4 devices "subscribed" to that universe is greater than the threshold, the frame is broadcast on the subnet.
4. If Broadcast Threshold > 0 and zero Art-Net II/3/4 devices are "subscribed" to that universe, the frame is broadcast on the subnet.
5. If Fixed IP is not 0.0.0.0, the frame is only unicast to the specified IPv4 address.

This implementation ensures compatibility with mixed Art-Net I/II/3/4 device networks while allowing unicast when Art-Net II/3/4 devices are used exclusively.

For DMX-IN sACN, multicast frames are generated when Fixed IP is 0.0.0.0; otherwise, frames are unicast to the specified destination.

7. Compatible Software

Art-Net/sACN and DMX512 are widely used lighting control protocols. Modern lighting and stage effects equipment can be controlled using DMX512, including moving lights, LED screens, fog machines, and laser displays.

The DMXking.com ultraDMX2 PRO is a 2-universe USB/Art-Net/sACN device for computer-based show control. It enables sophisticated shows with minimal hardware. Many free and commercial software packages are available, and compatibility is guaranteed by selecting Art-Net or sACN. For general USB DMX operation, select Enttec USB Pro.

A list of compatible software can be found at: http://dmxking.com/control-software

8. USB Communications Protocol

The ultraDMX2 PRO utilizes ENTTEC's DMX USB Pro Widget API Specification 1.44. DMXking has added extensions for additional output universes and product identification data.

Enhanced Mode

Label = 100: Output Only Send DMX Packet Request Universe 1 on output(s) configured as Universe 1.

Label = 101: Output Only Send DMX Packet Request Universe 2 on output(s) configured as Universe 2.

In Enhanced Mode, Port B can be configured as DMX In Art-Net/sACN for simultaneous DMX Out and DMX In functionality. If both Port A and Port B are configured as Universe 1, Port B will merge with the USB DMX source.

Compatibility Mode

When Label 6 data is received, the ultraDMX2 PRO reverts to standard mode, outputting only 1 universe on output(s) configured as Universe 1.

Manufacturer and Device Name Extensions

DMXking.com USB DMX units support Device Manufacture and Device Name extensions, detailed at: http://www.opendmx.net/index.php/USB_Protocol_Extensions

Device Configuration - Basic

eDMX2 PRO and ultraDMX2 PRO devices with firmware v3.5+ support basic configuration via USB using extension labels. The protocol format is consistent with other USB DMX commands.

GetDeviceSettingsBasic, Label = 245, no data: Requests basic device settings. The response format includes:

SetDeviceSettingsBasic, Label = 244, data payload 33 bytes: Configures device settings. No response is generated.

9. Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 75x36x104mm (WxHxD)
• Weight: 0.27kg
• DMX512 connector: 3 or 5 pin XLR Female per port
• Internal DMX512-A line biasing termination as per ANSI E1.20 RDM requirements.
• 1500V isolation on each port.
• Ethernet 10/100Mbps Auto MDI-X port.
• Power input: USB-B socket 5Vdc 400mA.
• Art-Net, Art-Net II, Art-Net III, Art-Net 4 and sACN/E1.31 support.
• ANSI E1.20 RDM compliant with RDM over Art-Net.
• Universe Sync Art-Net, sACN and Madrix Post Sync.
• Both HTP and LTP merging of 2 Art-Net/sACN streams per port
• sACN Priority
• Internal merging capability with DMX In and DMX Out ports on same Universe.
• IPv4 Addressing
• IGMPv2 for multicast network management
• DMX512 Frame Rate: Adjustable per port

10. Warranty

DMXKING.COM HARDWARE LIMITED WARRANTY

What is covered

This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, with the exceptions stated below.

How long coverage lasts

This warranty runs for one year from the date of shipment from an authorized DMXking.com distributor.

What is not covered

Failure due to operator error or incorrect application of product. Opening the unit voids the warranty.

What DMXking.com will do

DMXking.com will repair or replace, at its sole discretion, the defective hardware. Return shipping costs from its service facility in New Zealand shall be free of charge.

How to obtain service

Contact DMXking.com directly by email: sales@dmxking.com

11. Declarations (FCC & CE)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Declaration of Conformity

Responsible Party: JPK Systems Limited, PO Box 493, Pukekohe 2340, New Zealand

JPK Systems Limited declares that the product ultraDMX2 PRO 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.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

EEC Declaration

We, JPK Systems Limited, PO Box 493, Pukekohe 2340, New Zealand, declare under our sole responsibility that our product ultraDMX2 PRO conforms to the requirements of Council Directives 89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC and therefore complies with the requirements of Council Directive 73/23/EEC (The Low Voltage Directive) on the harmonisation of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits, as amended by Article 13 of Council Directive 93/68/EEC.

• EN 55103-1
• EN 55103-2
• EN 60065

Signatures

Signed: Jason Kyle

Date: 21 June 2017

Position: Managing Director