Wireless DMX

A pair of RC4Magic-900 Series 3 DMXio units replaces a DMX data cable in lighting control applications.  Configure one device as a transmitter, and one or more devices as receivers.

Any number of DMXio receivers can be used. Thus, a multi-unit RC4Magic-900 Series 3 system can take the place of splitters, isolators, and distribution boxes, providing superior electrical isolation while eliminating unsightly wiring.

RC4Magic-900 devices work reliably to 800 feet (243m) or more outdoors, and marginally less indoors. The DMXio is easily configured as a transmitter or receiver with the push of a button, and remembers this and other settings on every power-up.

The wireless data from a DMXio transmitter can also be received by RC4Magic-900 wireless dimmers, including RC4Magic-900 Series 3 DMX2dim, DMX4dim, DMX4dim-500, and other RC4Magic-900 devices.

Data Privacy and Security

Each RC4Magic-900 Series 3 system is programmed with three unique system IDs. RC4 IDs serve as system identifiers and encryption keys, ensuring interference-free operation anywhere, anytime. Every RC4 user and project has their own IDs. Private IDs are shared only by explicit request with a written agreement between all parties involved.  (Wireless DMX systems made by others give you selectable channels or IDs, but they are the same for everyone; that is not the case with RC4Magic-900.)

RC4Magic-900 divides the 902-928MHz rf spectrum into 64 individual channels. Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) then distributes wireless DMX data over a minimum of 25 of those channels.  With the help of RC4Commander software, the end-user (you) can choose which channels will be used, providing another level of differentiation and security.  All devices must be set to the same ID and channels to successfully lock and communicate.

RC4Magic Data Security doesn’t stop there!  The hopping pattern used by the FHSS process varies for each System ID, further isolating separate systems from one another.  RC4Magic-900 is the most secure wireless DMX system available at any price.

Multiple RC4Magic-900 Series 3 systems using different IDs and channel groups can operate at the same time in the same space, and each system will provide a separate wireless DMX universe on its own private wireless network.  In a space with little or no other radio activity, there is enough bandwidth in the 902-928MHz band to support at least 3 full-speed RC4Magic-900 systems (often more than 3), each with any number of receivers and dimmers.  The ability to select channels within the spectrum also allows other critical systems in the same band to be avoided.

One wireless DMX universe with up to 512 channels uses one RC4Magic-900 system ID.  A DMXio transmitter on a separate ID is required for each different wireless DMX universe you use.  Thus, 4 System IDs provide 4 individual wireless universes, provided you have enough RC4Magic-900 hardware to make use of them.  You can add RC4Magic-900 devices to your system at any time – just tell us your System IDs when you order.

DMX Data Connections

The DMXio provides male and female 5-pin XLR connectors, compliant with USITT DMX512/1990.  Internally, these two connectors are directly wired together with no active electronics in the signal path.  They can be used for data pass-through and will not fail in the event of DMXio power failure.

DMX Termination

A DMX terminator is built into the DMXio and can be toggled on/off by pressing one button.  The state of termination (on or off) is remembered and will be restored when power is cycled.  Note, however, that termination is not engaged when the DMXio is not powered on.

DMX Auto Mode

As of firmware version 4.050, the default mode for the DMXio is Auto mode.
This mode uses the connection context of the device to automatically select Transmit or Receive mode.  More information is provided in the button functions section.

DMXio Transmitter Mode

As a transmitter, the DMXio decodes the DMX universe arriving at the DMX connector, encodes and encrypts it, and broadcasts it using Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) digital radio. Unlike wired DMX, the RC4 wireless signal includes error checking and correction codes, and is not affected by minor interruptions and interference. DMX channels that are changing are allocated more bandwidth than channels that are not changing, and all channels are broadcast with appropriate speed, redundancy and accuracy.

Channel Range Limiting

By default, the DMXio transmits the entire DMX universe arriving at the wired DMX data input.  The universe can be any number of channels from one to 512.  The maximum number of channels in a DMX universe is 512, but some controllers produce fewer (some common numbers of channels are 64, 128, and 256).

To reduce wireless bandwidth consumption, it is sometimes desirable to limit the number of DMX channels actually being transmitted.  For example, if you are using RC4Magic-900 to wirelessly control two DMX4dim wireless dimmers, with a separate DMX channel assigned to each dimmer, you only need to transmit data for eight channels.  If they are contiguous channels (say, 400 – 407), then limiting the transmitter to just that range reduces the required wireless bandwidth by as much as 99.98%!

If you’re not sure how many channels you are using, or if you are using DMXio units for full-universe cable replacement, stay with the default settings and transmit the entire universe.

DMXio Receiver Mode

As a receiver, the DMXio decodes the wireless signal from the transmitter, rebuilds the DMX universe, and regenerates a standard DMX signal with the same number of channels and the same packet rate as the data going into the transmitter. DMX in and out are compliant with USITT DMX512/1990.

When Channel Range Limiting is used at the transmitter, channels that are not being sent are output by the receiver with a value of zero.

Power Requirements

Power can come from the supplied wall transformer, from external batteries, or (optionally via internal jumpers) from XLR pins 4 and 5. A pack of five (or more) AA or AAA batteries can be used for portable operation with, for example, a Goddard Design DMXter, a BCI Pocket Console DMX, a Fleenor Gizmo, or any other DMX signal source.  The input voltage range is 5V – 35VDC, and the RC4Magic-900 DMXio consumes approximately 1W of power when transmitting with maximum RF power (250mW).

Signal Range and Antenna Options

In many cases, the DMXio can be connected right at your lighting console or other controller, before your DMX signal continues to other devices in your system. The distance from console to indoor stage is rarely more than 100 feet, well within the 500 foot range of RC4Magic-900.

When operating outdoors, place the transmitter (or the transmitter antenna) above people’s heads and other obstructions for reliable range exceeding 800 feet.

Line-of-sight is not required for RC4Magic-900, but dense objects between devices — like concrete walls — will attenuate the radio signal and reduce the available range.

The standard model RC4Magic-900 DMXio uses an RP-SMA antenna connector.
A simple 3 dBi “rubber duck” antenna is provided.

For longest possible range, use high-gain and/or directional 50-ohm antennas tuned for the 902-928MHz band.

Restore Defaults

If user settings for System ID, DMX termination, or channel limiting have been changed, you might want to restore everything back to defaults when setting up for a new project.  This is easily done by pressing two buttons together:  hold Func, Tap ID3, release Func.

Further details about this and other functions are described later in this manual, in the section Func/Shift Two-Button Functions.

DMXio User Interface

The DMXio user interface consists of six LEDs and five recessed buttons.  The LEDs are behind small round holes; the buttons are behind small slotted openings.  DMXio settings rarely need to be changed, and keeping the buttons recessed ensures settings will not be accidentally changed while handling the device.  It also reduces the likelihood of tampering.

Buttons should be operated by inserting a small tool – like a bent paperclip – into the slotted openings.

Do not insert anything into the round LED holes.  Doing so could damage the device and may not be covered by the RC4Magic-900 Warranty.

Selecting an RC4Magic-900 System ID is done by holding a button while powering up the unit.  These are “power-up” or “hidden” functions.

The most commonly used features and functions are accessed by pressing one button while the unit is powered on and operating.  For example, the RX/TX button toggles between Auto, Receiver, and Transmitter mode (Auto chooses Receiver or Transmitter for you automatically.)

A few additional features are accessed using the Func/Shift button: Hold the Func button, tap another button, then release the Func button.

The label on the bottom of the DMXio provides a legend for the LEDs and buttons.  All settings are saved in non-volatile memory and are restored on each subsequent power-up.

 

 

 

 

 

LED Indicators

With the DMXio mounting flanges down and the connectors facing you, the LEDs left-to-right are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DMX/RF Data – Yellow

Transmitter Mode

When transmitting, this indicator is on when valid DMX data is present at the wired DMX data connector.  If DMX data is discontinued, this indicator will remain on for the data time-out period, usually 1 second.  This is because the DMX specification allows data packets to be spaced up to 1 second apart.

Receiver Mode

When receiving, this indicator blinks on receipt of RF data packets.  When many DMX channels are changing rapidly, blinking is fast and flickery; when channels are in a steady state, blinking is somewhat slower.  Irregular or inconsistent blinking often indicates drop-outs caused by a poor RF connection when, for example, devices are too far apart.

On power-up, this is one of two LEDs that indicate the selected RC4 System ID.
See Selected ID Indication at the end of this section.

 

COP/RX/TX – Green

COP means computer operating properly and is indicated with a slow cyclical blink.

Auto Mode

When the COP indicator is steadily blinking at power-up  with equal time on and off (a 50% duty cycle), Auto mode is looking for DMX or RF data to determine whether it should proceed automatically to transmitter or receiver mode.  If it detects valid RF data packets on the correct System ID, Receiver mode is used.  If a DMX data source is detected at the XLR inputs, Transmitter mode is used.  To avoid wireless data collision and corruption, Receiver mode takes precedence.

Transmitter Mode

When the COP indicator is primarily on (illuminated) then the DMXio is in transmitter mode.  The COP feature causes it to blink off briefly but regularly.

Receiver Mode

When the COP indicator is primarily off (dark) then the DMXio is in receiver mode.  The COP feature causes it to blink on briefly but regularly.

CodeLoader Mode

If the RC4 CodeLoader feature is enabled on power-up, this indicator will remain solidly on for 5 seconds.  If CodeLoading does not commence within those 5 seconds, normal device operation resumes.

On power-up, this is one of two LEDs that indicate the selected RC4 System ID.
See Selected ID Indication at the end of this section.

RF Power/RSSI – Red

Transmitter Mode

When transmitting, this LED indicates the strength of the RF signal.  It blinks faster with higher power levels.  Power levels are user selectable.

Receiver Mode

When receiving, this LED is a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI).  Faster blinking indicates a stronger more robust signal.

Early firmware versions do not yet have the RSSI display feature implemented.
CodeLoader updates will provide this when available.

DMX Channel Range Limit – Yellow

If the range of transmit channels has been reduced (Transmit Low Channel is higher than 1, or Transmit High Channel is lower than 512) then this indicator is on.  This is a warning that not all channels are being transmitted.

DMX Termination – Green

If DMX termination is enabled, this indicator is on and an internal terminator is applied to the XLR connections.

RF Connect – Blue

For normal transmit and receive operation, this indicator steadily blinks.  When radio functions are being reconfigured internally, slight stutters of the blink are visible and are normal.

 

 

Selected ID Indication

On power-up, the DMXio indicates which RC4Magic-900 System ID is active with a series of blinks on the two left-most LEDs.  A blink-pattern legend is provided on the bottom device label.

If the DMX/RF Data LED (yellow) blinks several times, then ID0 (zero) is selected.

If the COP/RX/TX LED (green) blinks several times, then ID1 is selected.

If both of the above LEDs blink together, simultaneously, then ID2 is selected.

If those same two LEDs toggle back and forth, then ID3, the RC4 Public ID, is selected.

To ensure any device can always be accessed for reconfiguration, the Public ID3 always enables and uses the first 25 rf channels and a default hopping pattern.  Thus, the Public ID does not offer the same high level of data security provided by Private IDs 0, 1, and 2.

Power-Up Button Functions

If a button is held down during DMXio power-up, then a power-up “hidden” function is invoked.  These are for selecting an RC4Magic-900 System ID, or enabling the RC4 CodeLoader for firmware installation.

All RC4 users and projects are assigned three unique private system IDs.  The digital IDs programmed into your units belong only to you.  Most RC4Magic-900 systems operate on ID0 (zero), the default setting when shipped.  There is no need to change this setting unless multiple wireless DMX universes are being used.  Each separate ID supports a separate and unique wireless DMX universe, independent of every other RC4Magic-900 user.

ID0 (zero)

Private and Unique RC4 System ID0 (zero) is selected if the ID0 button is held during power-up.  This is the default ID selection for new devices, and after Restore Defaults has been executed.

ID1

Private and Unique RC4 System ID1 is selected if the ID1 button is held during power-up.

ID2

Private and Unique RC4 System ID2 is selected if the ID2 button is held during power-up.

ID3 Public

The non-private common ID3 is selected if the ID3 button is held during power-up.  ID3 is the Public ID and is the same on all RC4Magic-900 Series 3 devices ever built.  This allows devices from different systems, owned by different people, to be used together.  It also ensures that when set to this ID any RC4Magic-900 device can be accessed for configuration, even if numerous parameters have been changed.

The Public ID is also used when initially setting up RC4Commanderwith a remote control dongle or with a DMXio in Dongle Mode.  Until your computer has either loaded an encrypted RC4 System ID file, or connected to one of your devices on the Public ID and learned your unique IDs, it does not know what they are.  After learning, RC4Commander software securely stores them on your PC.

RC4 CodeLoader Enable

The RC4 CodeLoader is resident in every RC4 Series 3 device and is carefully protected.  It is enabled by holding the Func button during power-up.  Then, if CodeLoading does not commence within 5 seconds, the DMXio reverts to normal operation.

RC4 firmware files are encrypted before release, and decrypted by the CodeLoader, inside the DMXio.  The RC4 CodeLoader also guards the device’s unique serial number and RDM address.  Updating firmware in your DMXio will never corrupt this information.

The RC4 CodeLoader facilitates firmware updating without corrupting user settings and configurations, provided the new firmware does not substantially change the list of available settings and their ranges. A firmware maintenance release can usually be installed without affecting DMX channels, curves, and other user or application settings.  (Major version updates may require restoring factory defaults.)

Connection to a host PC for CodeLoading is done with an RC4 Series 3 USB CodeLoader Cable.  One end plugs into the DMX miniplug port on the Series 3 device, the other end plugs into a USB port on the PC.

The RC4 CodeLoader application runs natively on Microsoft Windows.  All you need is a working PC, an Internet connection (to retrieve new RC4 code files), a USB port, and the RC4 CodeLoader Cable.

Single-Button Functions

The most commonly used DMXio functions are accessed with a single press of a single button.  All settings (except Dongle Mode) are saved in non-volatile memory and restored on subsequent power-ups.

 

 

Auto/RX/TX (Receive/Transmit Mode)

As of firmware version 4.050 (released in October 2015), the DMXio is by default in Auto mode, which automatically selects transmit or receive mode depending on the context of operation:

• If RC4Magic wireless DMX traffic is detected on the currently selected system ID, the DMXio will operate in Receive mode.
  Otherwise,
• If wired DMX data from a console or other DMX controller is detected at any 5-pin XLR connector, the DMXio will operate in Transmit mode.
• If neither are present, it will continue monitoring until one of the above conditions occurs.

For most users there is no reason to not leave the DMXio in Auto mode.  Some operators may prefer to force either transmit or receive mode.  Press the RX/TX/Auto button to rotate through receive, transmit, and Automode, restarting the DMXio in each new mode.  The blink pattern of the COP LED indicates the current mode.

TX Low Channel

This feature uses RC4 OneTouch^TM, the same process used to assign channels and curves on RC4 wireless dimmers.  You need a DMX controller capable of clearing all DMX channels to numeric zero and bringing up a single channel to a level above 20%.

To set the TX Low Channel:

1. Connect a DMX console or other controller.
2. Clear all DMX channels to zero. Beware of fixture profiles that clear, for example, moving-light pan/tilt channels to a central level, rather than true zero.  All DMX channels must be at actual zero.
3. Bring up the lowest DMX channel you want to transmit wirelessly. Set it to any level that is higher than 20%.  It should be the only non-zero DMX channel.
4. Press and release the TX Low Channel button.

That’s it!  If you have selected a channel that is higher than 1, or if the TX High Channel is already set to a value lower than 512, the DMX Channel Range Limit LED will be on.

You can disable this feature by either setting TX Low Channel to 1 using the process above, or using the Restore Defaults function.

TX High Channel

To set the TX High Channel:

1. Connect a DMX console or other controller.
2. Clear all DMX channels to zero. Bring up the highest DMX channel you want to transmit wirelessly.  Set it to any level that is higher than 20%.  It should be the only non-zero channel.
3. Press and release the TX High Channel button.

That’s it!  If you have selected a channel that is lower than 512, or if the TX Low Channel is already set to a value higher than 1, the DMX Channel Range Limit LED will be on.

You can disable this feature by either setting TX High Channel to 512 using the process above, or using the Restore Defaults function.

Dongle Mode

An RC4Magic DMXio can be used as a wireless RF interface for RC4Commander software.  This is an alternative to using a dedicated USB Dongle. To put the DMXio in Dongle Mode:

• Power up the DMXio and wait for it to complete the start-up sequence
  (ID indication, followed by running as a transmitter or receiver).
• Press the Dongle Mode button¹ (which is also the ID3 button). The LEDs on the DMXio will begin chasing left-to-right, indicating that Dongle Mode is active and ready to send data wirelessly.  Occasionally these LEDs will chase right-to-left to indicate that data has been received wirelessly.
• Connect the DMXio to your PC using the RC4 CodeLoader cable. This delivers control data from RC4Commander software to the radio circuitry inside the DMXio.
• Launch RC4Commander software and select the COM port for the CodeLoader cable. Select the System ID to be used. Click any other Tab in the software to commence connection with the DMXio Dongle.  These steps are identical for using a dedicated USB Dongle.

 

The DMXio must be in dongle mode and connected with the CodeLoader cable before running RC4Commander.  Otherwise, the software will not be able to properly configure the rf circuitry for dongle operation.

 

1. As of firmware v4.050, almost all RC4Magic Series 3 and RC4Magic-900 devices can be used in Dongle Mode. Because some devices do not have an ID3 button, Dongle Mode is invoked by holding the Func button for several seconds (a “long press”).  For the sake of consistency, this method is also supported in DMXio devices running v4.050 or later.

 

 

Func/Shift Two-Button Functions

Lesser used DMXio features and functions are accessed by pressing and holding the Func/Shift button and then briefly pressing (tapping) one other button.

RF Power

Hold Shift/Func and tap the ID0 button to increment to the next RF power level.  If the level is at maximum, it rolls over to the minimum on the next button press.  Higher power levels are indicated by faster blinking of the RF Power LED.

DMX Termination

Hold Shift/Func and press the ID1 button to toggle DMX termination on/off.  The current state is indicated by the DMX Termination LED.  When the LED is on, termination is active.

Set Defaults

Hold Shift/Func and press ID3 to restore all internal DMXio settings to defaults.  This includes:

• Select ID0 (zero)
• TX Low Channel is 1
• TX High Channel is 512
• DMX termination is off
• RF power is at maximum (250mW)

Manufacturer’s Warranty

The RC4Magic Lifetime Warranty is the best in the business and almost unlimited.  If you have not misused or abused the device, we will fix it for free, forever.  When timing is critical, we can often ship a refurbished replacement unit the same day you contact us, along with materials for returning your old unit. We may ask that you pay the cost of overnight shipping to get it there faster.  Otherwise, we’ll ship regular mail/post at our cost.

Examples of misuse or abuse not covered under warranty include, but are not limited to:

• Dimmer outputs ganged without ensuring they are configured identically
• Overvoltage (more than 35VDC applied)
• AC mains voltage applied
• Device operated underwater or while saturated with water
• Device crushed by a car, forklift, sledgehammer, etc.
• Device set on fire (not as a result of component failure under normal operating conditions)

Very few RC4Magic-900 devices are returned for repair.  Treat your RC4 devices with care and you’re set for life!

RC4Magic-900 Series 3
DMXio Device Specifications

• Dimensions: 3.4” x 2.3” x 1.55” nominal (approx. 86mm x 59mm x 40mm)
  Mounting flanges extend an additional 0.5″ (13mm),
  for a bottom footprint of 4.4″ x 2.3″ (112mm x 59mm)
• DMX Connections: 5-pin male and female XLRs for DMX in and out, and an RC4 DMX miniplug, all of which are internally wired in parallel
• Power Input: 6VDC – 35VDC, 1W
  Standard 2.1mm power receptacle, center positive
  Internal jumper option to take power from XLR pins 4 and 5
• 3 user-selectable RC4 Private System IDs, plus the RC4Magic-900 Public ID
  (each ID supports one independent DMX universe)
• User selectable Transmit or Receive modes (press one button to toggle).
• User selectable internal DMX termination (press two buttons to toggle on/off).

Auto Mode

• If RC4Magic wireless DMX traffic is detected on the currently selected system ID, the DMXio will operate in Receive mode.
  Otherwise,
• If wired DMX data from a console or other DMX controller is detected at any 5-pin XLR connector, the DMXio will operate in Transmit mode.
• If neither is present, the device will continue monitoring until one of the above conditions occurs.

This process is very convenient for system setup, and reduces the likelihood of multiple transmitters being operated simultaneously.

Transmitter Mode

• Only 1 transmitter device should be operated on any single RC4Magic-900 System ID.
• DMX Input: meets USITT DMX512/1990(4us) with 1-second data hold after dropout. Straight-thru hardware connection from DMX input to output
  for easy pass-through to additional DMX devices.
• DMX Channel Limiting: Set lowest and highest DMX channel
  using RC4 OneTouch (default is full 512-channel universe)
• RC4Magic-900 does not provide wireless RDM, but the devices do function as wired RDM responders and a subset of available features and functions can be configured using an RDM controller.

Receiver Mode

• Any number of DMXio receivers may be used in a system.
• DMX Output: meets USITT DMX512/1990.
• The DMX specification allows up to 32 devices on a DMX output.  The DMXio data output exceeds this requirement and is capable of driving additional devices.
• Internally protected against static discharge and excessive line loading.

RC4Magic-900 DMX Protocol Compliance

• DMX inputs and outputs comply with USITT DMX512/1990(4us).
• Packets with non-zero start codes are not transmitted.
  RC4Magic-900 cannot transfer proprietary data or RDM packets.
• DMXio receiver output replicates DMXio transmitter input, providing the same number of DMX channels and the same number of packets per second (pps).
• Minimum number of DMX channels per packet: 1
• Maximum number of DMX channels per packet: 512
• Maximum packet-per-second rate:
  1 pps with 512 DMX channels, 10000ps with 1 DMX channel

RC4Magic-900 RF Specifications

• Indoor/Urban Range: Up to 800’ (244 m), 600’ (183 m) typical
• Outdoor Range: Up to 1 mile (1.6 km), 1000+ feet (304+ m) typical
• Transmit Power Output: Up to 250 mW (24 dBm) EIRP ¹
• Receiver Sensitivity: -101 dBm
• Operating Frequency: 902-928MHz ISM band,
  FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum)

RF Agency Approvals

United States FCC:  MCQ-XBPS3B
902 MHz to 928MHz ISM band

Canada IC: 1846A-XBPS3B
902 MHz to 928MHz ISM band

Singapore IDA:  DA105737
920 MHz to 925 MHz ¹

1. To meet compliance requirements in Singapore, RF Configuration MUST disallow use of channels/frequencies outside the stated ranges.  RF channels are easily enabled/disabled using RC4Commander configuration software.