E8-E9 Explore Configuration Tool
Specifications
- Product Name: Explore Configuration Tool
- Model: E6/E7 USB DMX Configuration Interface (P/N: 019909) /
Weld-In USB Configuration Interface (P/N: 023108) - Compatibility: Explore E6/E7 & E8/E9 lights
- Interface: USB
- Operating System: Windows PC
Product Usage Instructions
1. Overview
The Explore Configuration Tool is a USB interface that enables
remote configuration of Explore E6/E7 & E8/E9 lights using a
Windows PC. It facilitates setting the base DMX address, changing
operating modes, and reading stored parameters via the Remote
Device Management (RDM) protocol over the DMX network.
2. Product Identification
There are two versions of the Explore Configuration Tool:
- Version 1: Suitable for E6 and E7 lights with an adapter loom
for optional hardwiring. - Version 2: Suitable for E8 and E9 lights with terminal blocks
for hardwiring. Both versions function identically.
3. Software Installation
3.1 System Requirements
An internet connection is needed to download the software
installer and to allow Windows to automatically install the FTDI
Virtual Com Port (VCP) USB device driver.
3.2 Software Download and Installation
- The software installation file is provided on the USB memory
stick along with the Config Tool interface. - Insert the USB memory stick into a free USB port on your PC,
open the zip file, and run the setup file to install the
software. - Once installed, find the ‘Explore Config Tool’ application in
the Windows Start menu under ‘OceanLED Marine Ltd’. - Remove the USB memory stick after installation and plug in the
Config Tool interface to a free USB port on the computer.
4. Connecting
To connect the Explore Configuration Tool:
- Turn off power to lights and DMX controller.
- Locate the first light in the DMX chain, disconnect the
controller cable, and plug in the ECT in its place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use the Explore Configuration Tool with lights other
than E6/E7 & E8/E9?
A: No, the tool is specifically designed for Explore E6/E7 &
E8/E9 lights and may not be compatible with other models.
Q: Do I need an internet connection for software
installation?
A: Yes, an internet connection is required for downloading the
software installer and allowing automatic driver installation.
OPERATION MANUAL
EXPLORE CONFIGURATION TOOL
Explore E6/E7 USB DMX Configuration Interface P/N: 019909
Explore Weld-In USB Configuration Interface P/N: 023108
LIGHT. YEARS AHEAD.
WWW.OCEANLED.COM
OceanLED MANUAL / EXPLORE SERIES / EXPLORE CONFIGURATION TOOL / REVISION 2
EXPLORE Configuration Tool
OPERATION MANUAL
Preface
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
Contents
Preface ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2 Contents ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 1 Overview……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
1.1 Description …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 1.2 Product Identification …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 2 Software Installation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 2.1 System Requirements …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 2.2 Software Download ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 2.3 Installation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 3 Connecting ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 3.1 Explore E6 / E7 Making the Connection ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 3.2 Explore E8 / E9 Making the Connection ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 4 Operation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 4.1 Discovery Process………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 4.2 Identifying the lights …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10 4.3 Setting DMX Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 4.4 Setting the Device Label………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11 4.5 Set Factory Default ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12 4.6 Restart Device ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 4.7 Read Device Info / Configure Device Modes ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13 5 Troubleshooting………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16 5.1 Com Port Not Found …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16 5.2 Discovery Issues ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17 6 Warranty ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18
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1 Overview
1.1 Description
The Explore Configuration Tool is a USB interface to allow remote configuration of the Explore E6/E7 & E8/E9 lights using a Windows PC. It allows the setting of base DMX address, change of operating modes and readback of stored parameters. Communication with the lights is achieved using the Remote Device Management (RDM) protocol over the existing DMX network.
1.2 Product Identification
There are two versions of the Explore Configuration Tool:
Version 1 Fitted with a connector suitable for the E6 and E7 versions of the Explore lights. The E6 and E7 versions also include an adapter loom, allowing the option to hardwire the tool to the controller cable.
Version 2
Fitted with a connector suitable for the E8 and E9 versions of the Explore lights, supplied with 3-way terminal blocks suitable for hard wiring to the existing controller cable. Functionally both units are identical.
E6 / E7 Version – Suppled fitted with light cable connector adaptor Loom
E8 / E9 Version – Supplied fitted with 3-way Terminal Screw Connector
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2 Software Installation
2.1 System Requirements
· Processor: o 1GHz or faster processor o 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x86) processor
· Supported Operating Systems: o Windows 7 o Windows 8 o Windows 10
· RAM: o 1GB (2GB for x64) minimum
· Privileges: o Administrative rights required during installation only
· Ports: o 1 unused USB 2.0 port minimum
Note: An internet connection will be required to download the software installer. It will also be required to allow Windows to automatically install the FTDI Virtual Com Port (VCP) USB device driver.
2.2 Software Download
Please use the download link provided when you purchased the Configuration Tool to download the installer. The interface uses a FTDI USB to serial chipset. For Windows 7, 8 & 10, the required Virtual Com Port (VCP) drivers will be automatically installed once the USB device is plugged into the computer provided the computer is connected to the internet. However, if required the drivers can be downloaded and installed manually. The required drivers are available from the FTDI website: https://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/CDM/CDM21228_Setup.zip
2.3 Installation
1. The Explore Config Tool application installation file is provided on the USB memory stick along with the Config Tool interface.
2. To install the software, insert the USB memory stick into a free USB port on your laptop or PC, open the `Explore_Configurator V1.X.zip’ file, and start the installation by running `setup.exe’.
3. Follow the installation process. 4. Once installed, the `Explore Config Tool’ application should be available in the Windows `Start’ menu under
`OceanLED Marine Ltd’. 5. Remove the USB memory stick containing the `Explore Config Tool’ installation file, as it is no longer needed. 6. Plug the Config Tool interface into a free USB port on the computer. 7. The device drivers should install automatically (an internet connection may be required for this step).
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3 Connecting
Please follow the directions given below to connect the Explore Configuration Tool (ECT) depending on the Explore Tool install type.
3.1 Explore E6 / E7 Making the Connection
The interface tool is connected to the lighting system via the DMX network. To connect, please follow the procedure below.
1. Turn off the power to the lights and the DMX controller. 2. Locate the first light in the DMX chain (the light the DMX controller will be plugged into) disconnect the controller
cable on the rear of the light, and then plug in the ECT in its place (remove adaptor loom from ECT if attached before connecting):
3. Alternatively, depending on access, the ECT can be connected at the location of the DMX controller. Disconnect the existing DMX controller, and using the supplied loom, connect directly to the control cable, ensuring the wires are connected correctly:
Wire Colour Yellow Brown Black
Signal DMX + DMX DMX Ground
4. Connect the USB connector of the ECT to the PC/Laptop that will be used (Ensuring that the software has been installed before-hand).
5. The connection setup is complete.
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3.2 Explore E8 / E9 Making the Connection
1. Ensure that the power to the lights/junction boxes and the DMX controller is off.
2. Depending on the network configuration, and location and/or access to wiring, the connection can be made in a number of ways:
· If the system does not contain any DMX splitters the ECT needs to be connected to the start of the DMX network in place of the existing DMX controller. Disconnect the existing DMX controller, and hard wire the ECT to the network, using the screw terminal connector provided. The signals on the cable are as follows:
Wire Colour Yellow Brown Black
Signal
DMX + DMX DMX Ground
· For systems where DMX Splitters are used, it is recommended to connect the ECT to each of the subnets in turn, working on each separately one at a time. To do this, disconnect the output(s) from the splitter, and connect the ECT to the sub-net using the supplied terminal connector (connections as above).
3. Connect the USB connector of the ECT to the PC/Laptop that will be used (Ensuring that the software has been installed before-hand).
4. The connection setup is complete.
E8 / E9 Explore Config Toll connection at the start of the DMX Network
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E8 / E9 Explore Config Tool connection directly inside the junction box
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4 Operation
To start the configuration operation, the devices must first be `discovered’ by the program. The program will carry out a binary search across the network to detect all the available devices connected. Once completed a list of all the identified devices is displayed. This process is shown in section 4.1 below. Once the lights are discovered, the identify function can then be used if required to determine the position of each light. This is described in Section 4.2. Once the positions of the lights have been identified, then the required DMX addresses and/or other settings can be modified as required. These processes are shown in sections 4.3 to 4.7. All settings are stored inside the lights in non-volatile memory, so will remain set even when power is disconnected.
4.1 Discovery Process
1. Ensure the ECT is plugged into the computer before starting up the Light Configurator application. Once started you should see the following screen:
2. Select the Com Port of the ECT from the dropdown list circled above. With the ECT plugged into the computer there should be at least one Com Port available in the box. The `Output Log’ info box should show that at least 1 FTDI USB Com Port has been detected on start-up. If not then close the application, ensure that the ECT is connected properly to a USB port on the computer and that Windows has had enough time to automatically install the drivers. If problems persist then see the troubleshooting section for more information.
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3. After the Com Port has been successfully selected, turn on power to the lights. Click on the `Discover Devices’ button as circled above. There will then be a pop-up dialogue displayed asking if you would wish to keep the lights on after discovery:
By default, E6/E7 lights illuminate as soon as power is applied, E8 & E9 lights only illuminate when controlled via DMX. If the vessel and/or lights are out of water, to prevent possible damage please choose NO in the dialog box to ensure the lights are turned off while configuring them. Lights that are out of water should not be illuminated for longer than 5 minutes and then given at least an hour to cool. Also ensure that the front lens of the light is not covered. Damage caused due to these reasons are not covered by warranty.
4. Once the above preference has been selected, the application will then search the network to attempt to discover all the connected lights. These should then be displayed within the central `Device Summary’ table. Each row within the table represents one of the detected light units (the below example shows 3 lights discovered).
The information fields displayed for each light are as follows: · UID – the Unique Identifier number of each light. This is unique to the lights, and there cannot be two lights with the same identifier on the network. · Device label this contains an editable text field where info for each light can be added. This will be stored inside the light for later reference. · Model the descriptive model of the light · BL Version is the Bootloader Version Number installed in the light. · HW Version is the hardware version of the driver PCB within the light. · SW version is the current version number of the firmware stored in the light. · DMX Address is the base address of the light. · Light On/Off This shows if the light is enabled or disabled. Note that on DMX only controlled lights, even if it is enabled the light will not come on without a DMX signal (which the light will not have when the ECT is in use). · ID Mode – This shows if the light is in identify mode. When in identify mode the indicator on the back of the light will flash continually approximately 3 times a second as well as the light itself if the light is enabled (i.e. Light On/Off is ON).
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5. The discovery process is now complete. If no lights are discovered: a. Check that the selected Com Port is correct, that the connections to the DMX network are correct, and that the lights have power. b. Click on the `Discover Devices’ button again to repeat the search. c. The led indicators within the USB connector on the ECT should flicker while the network is being searched:
ECT Indicator LEDs
d. If still no lights are discovered, or there are some missing, then please look at the troubleshooting section for a solution.
4.2 Identifying the lights
Once the discovery process has been completed a list of all the detected lights is shown in the `Device Summary’ table. Note that the lights are shown in no particular order in the list. To help identify the position of each of these lights on the vessel, the identify mode can be used. Once a light is put into identify mode then both the LED indicator on the back of the light and the light itself will flash approximately once per second. To put a light into identify mode, first select the required light in the `Device Summary’ list, by clicking on the relevant row. The row should then be highlighted. If required, it is possible to select more than one light in the table by either clicking the `Select All’ checkbox or by holding down the `Ctrl’ key while selecting the rows. Click on the `Identify On’ button. The light should then be put into identify mode and flash. Note that if the light is turned off (usually after the discovery process when the option to turn lights off is selected) then a warning to remind you to turn the light on will be displayed. If this occurs, then to turn the light on, ensure the correct row in the table is highlighted and click the `Light(s) On’ button.
Turn the selected light ON / OFF here
Turn identify mode ON / OFF here
Once the light has been identified, the required DMX address can be set and/or the Device Label changes as required. See the relevant section below.
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OPERATION MANUAL 4.3 Setting DMX Address
As default each light will have a DMX base address of 1. Colours lights use 4 DMX address spaces, the first for the red, one for the green, one for the blue and the fourth for the white channel. Dual colour lights use 2 DMX addresses, the first for blue, and the second for the white channel. This function is used to assign a light (or group of lights) a separate DMX address. To change the DMX address of a device, click on the `DMX Address’ field box of the required light within the Device Summary table. You can then edit the DMX value. The DMX value can range from 1, to 252 for Colours lights (four DMX addresses per light), and 254 for Dual colour lights (two DMX addresses per light):
Note that if an OceanLED DMX Touch Panel Controller, Wifi DMX Touch Panel Controller, or OceanDMX controller is being used these will only control the lights set to DMX address 1. If individual or zone control is required, then please contact OceanLED for advice.
4.4 Setting the Device Label
The device label is a user editable field, this is as default usually blank, except for custom projects where it may be preconfigured with information about the light, such as light type and angle. This can be used to add a note about the light location / number etc. To change the Device Label, click in the `Device Label’ field box of the required light within the Device Summary table the row of the light you wish to change. A cursor should then be displayed, then enter the text you require (32 characters maximum) and press return. The Device Label should then be stored, and `Label Set’ displayed in the `Status’ column:
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4.5 Set Factory Default
This resets the light unit back to the factory default. It will reset the DMX address back to address 1, and remove any stored data in the Device Label field, unless the option to retain this is taken. It will also set the start colour, and control mode back to the original settings as shipped. After a firmware update it is recommended to set the light(s) back to their factory default. Note that the UID number of the light will be unaffected, so can be used as a reference when reconfiguring the lights after a factory reset. To set the light to factory default select the required light(s) from the device list, then click on the `Set factory Default’ button. You will then be asked to confirm:
If you are sure you wish to proceed, then click on `Yes’. You will then be asked if you want the lights ON after reset (there is also an option to cancel the reset operation):
Click on the required preference. You will then be prompted if you wish to retain the Device Label and DMX addressing information. This is useful to preserve this data, otherwise they will be set back to default:
Once your answer is selected, the selected light(s) will be re-set back to factory settings and re-started automatically.
4.6 Restart Device
This function reboots the microcontroller inside the light unit(s). This is recommended after changing some options such as Control modes, Strobe Modes, or Start Colour. This is done automatically after setting the lights to factory default. To restart the lights select the lights required to be restarted, then click on the `Restart Devices’ button. The selected lights will then be sent a command to re-boot.
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4.7 Read Device Info / Configure Device Modes
This function provides more information about the selected device than that shown in the Device Summary table. It also allows the control mode to be changed, enabling/disabling strobe mode, and setting the default start up colour (for non-DMX systems).
To read the Device Info, select one of the lights (this function will only work on a single light at a time), by clicking on the required UID to select the row. Then either click on `Read Device Info’ button, or alternatively, double click on the required UID row.
Alternatively, double click on the required UID.
Select the required light, then click here
The light will then be interrogated, and once complete, the Device Information table should then be populated:
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The information shown is as follows:
· UID the light unique identifier number this information relates to. · Control Modes – The following options are available:
o SWITCH/DMX (default for E6 & E7) The light will auto-switch between normal switch control mode and DMX mode (if a DMX signal is detected this will override the switch control mode functionality of the light).
o DMX (default for E8 & E9) The light will only respond to DMX signals (i.e. it will be off if there is no DMX signal present).
o SWITCH The light will only work in switch control mode only the light will ignore any DMX signals.
o FIXED COLOUR There is no control enabled for the light. The light will ignore both switch control and DMX control. This can be used to create a single colour light.
· Strobe Mode (Does not apply when being controlled via DMX): o STROBE (default) Strobe mode is enabled o NO STROBE Strobe mode is disabled.
· Start Colour (Does not apply when being controlled via DMX): o For Dual Colours lights: WHITE (Default) BLUE o For Colours Lights: DEFAULT (i.e. the colour previously selected via the mode change function) CUSTOM
· Device Hours o Shows the number of hours the light has been powered on (i.e. total hours including the time when the light is powered, but tuned off via DMX control)
· Lamp Hours o Shows the number of hours the light has been illuminated.
· Input Voltage o The input voltage to the light
· Driver Temperature o Temperature of the driver PCB inside the light unit
· LED Temperature o Temperature of the LED PCB inside the light unit
To change the Control Mode, Strobe Mode, or Start Colour, simply select the required one from the dropdown boxes. For colours lights, where CUSTOM colour is selected, a `Set Custom Colour’ button will appear below the Device Information. Click this to set the desired fixed colour:
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· An option will then be displayed if you wish to set this same selected colour to all the lights: · If `Yes’ is selected all the lights will be set to the same `CUSTOM’ mode and selected colour. The colour
selector will then be displayed: · Click on the required colour. The light(s) will then be set to the selected colour.
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5 Troubleshooting
5.1 Com Port Not Found
· Ensure that the USB device is plugged in fully, and that the drivers are installed and working correctly. To do this: o Open the Device Manager in windows (go to the search bar any type in Device Manager). Click on Universal Serial Bus controllers, and confirm that `USB Serial Converter’ is present, also click on `Ports’ to confirm that the USB serial port is available:
· If the above is not found, first try plugging in the USB device to a different USB port, and allow windows to install drivers as required.
· If there are still problems, please follow the relevant driver installation guides on the FTDI website (Note that the drivers that are required are the Virtual Com port (VCP) drivers): https://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/InstallGuides.htm
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5.2 Discovery Issues
If some, or all of the lights are not found during the discovery procedure, please check the following: · Check that the lights are powered during the discovery procedure. · Check that the light(s) that can’t be discovered are working correctly. · Check that the DMX network is wired correctly (as per the install manual): o That there is a terminator present on the last light (inside junction box for E8 & E9) o The lights are all wired in a daisy chain system as per the installation manual o The ECT is connected at the start of the DMX chain (in place of the DMX controller or DMX splitter) o The total DMX network length is less than 300m Note that on the E8 this includes twice the length of the cables to the light from the junction boxes as well as the DMX cabling between the junction boxes. o There are 32 lights maximum on each DMX segment.
If the above are all correct, try reducing the length of the network: · If possible, start by locating the last light in the network, and plugging into that light / junction box directly: o Ensure all power to the lights is off. o Remove the DMX input cable and plug in the interface. o Attempt again to discover the light. o If this works, then unplug the ECT, plug back in the existing wiring, and move back to the previous light in the chain. o Continue back along the chain in this manner. o If all lights are still not discovered, you may find that it is required to break up the chain of lights into manageable sections and work on these separately, rather than the whole system at once.
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6 Warranty
For technical assistance: Europe: service@oceanled.com
The Americas: warranty@oceanledusa.com Warranty Serial Code(s):
EXPLORE Configuration Tool
OPERATION MANUAL
2020 Ocean LED Marine LTD All Rights Reserved Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Trademarks are the property of Ocean LED Marine LTD
Ocean LED Marine LTD
Unit 1 Jacknell Road Dodwells Bridge Industrial Hinckley,
Leicestershire LE10 3BS United Kingdom
Estate
Tel: +44 (0) 1455 637505
Fax: +44 (0) 1455 238553 sales@oceanled.com
Ocean LED USA LLC 778 South Military Trail Deerfield Beach Florida FL 33442-3025 USA
Tel: +1 954.523.2250 Fax: +1 954.523.2249 sales@oceanledusa.com
www.oceanled.com
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Documents / Resources
 |
OceanLED E8-E9 Explore Configuration Tool [pdf] Instruction Manual E6-E7, E8-E9, E8-E9 Explore Configuration Tool, Explore Configuration Tool, Configuration Tool |