Aria Lights Forte DMX Transmitter User Guide Model FDMX1, Revision D Copyright © 2020, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Aria Lights Forte DMX Transmitter User Guide Revision D Introduction The Aria Lights Forte DMX Transmitter is designed to allow an unlimited number of Aria Forte Orchestra music stand lights to be dimmed wirelessly from a central lighting console. It serves as both a DMX decoder and a 900MHz wireless transmitter. Lights can be dimmed in up to eight separate banks, and eight channels are available to prevent cross-talk from other nearby transmitters.
Overview The Forte DMX Transmitter provides wireless dimming of your music stand lights on a stage, in a pit or even outdoors (in dry conditions). It can be used to reduce the light intensity on stage during movie presentations, to darken one section of the orchestra while another is performing, or provide pit blackouts in theatrical productions.
Operation The Forte DMX Transmitter operates in three modes: • DMX control mode • Manual control mode • Diagnostics mode DMX Control Mode When the dimmer switch is OFF, the transmitter is in DMX control mode. It receives DMX dimming information from the DMX In port, and adjusts the music stand light intensity appropriately from 0 (off) to 255 (full on). The base DMX address is set on the DIP switches.
For extra flexibility, a USB power bank can be used with the transmitter so that no wall power is required. The transmitter’s USB cable is simply plugged into the power bank. The Forte DMX Transmitter draws at most 140mA of power, so a 1400mAh power bank can power the transmitter for up to 10 hours. Diagnostics mode Diagnostics mode is enabled when the “FUN” DIP switch is turned on. Diagnostics mode is can be used to test that all of the music stand lights are receiving the signal from the transmitter.
Note that each group uses a different DMX address. Group 1 uses the base DMX address (set by the DIP switches), group 2 uses the base DMX address plus one, and so forth until group 8 which uses the base DMX address plus 7. The easiest arrangement is to leave all the lights assigned to a single group. But if several groups are required, be sure to label which lights are in which group so they can be properly arranged the next time the stage is set. See Changing Group Assignments on page 9.
Inputs and Controls The DMX In and DMX Out ports accept 5-pin DMX512 XLR connectors. Use an appropriate 3 to 5-pin adapter, if needed. Connect power from the provided 5 volt USB adapter to the DC power jack. Although the Forte DMX Transmitter uses only 140mA, we recommend using the 2A USB adapter provided. The DIP switch sets the base DMX address for the transmitter (1 to 512) when the FUN switch is set to off. The DIP switch determines the diagnostic mode with the FUN switch is set to on.
Setting up the Transmitter Attaching the Antenna Securely attached the antenna to the antenna connector and finger-tighten it. Do not over tighten the antenna, or damage could result. Locating and Orienting the Transmitter The transmitter should be located within 100 feet of the most distant Aria Forte Orchestra music stand light and have an unobstructed view of all the lights if possible.
Selecting a DMX address The Forte DMX Transmitter can be assigned any DMX512 base address from 1 to 512. (Note that addresses above 504 will limit the number of groups which can be used, as each of the eight groups is assigned a separate DMX address starting at the base address.) DMX address zero is never used. The diagram to the right shows the setting for DMX base address 1. The numbers below the DIP switches are added together to form the base address.
Changing the Channel You should not need to change the channel unless there is another nearby venue also using the Forte DMX Transmitter. (See About Channels and Groups on page 5.) With the built-in error checking in the communication protocol, a broadcast from another kind of radio affecting the light levels is nearly impossible. Changing the channel does not change the radio frequencies at all. It simply sets a different code sent to each light.
Testing the Lights To test that the music stand lights will dim properly or to identify which lights will be controlled in a single bank, diagnostic mode may be used. Diagnostic mode turns on and off all of the lights (in all eight groups) on the current channel. Two styles of transmission can be used: blinking the lights on and off or a ramp up and down of intensity. The DIP switch determines the diagnostic mode with the FUN switch is set to on.
Troubleshooting If you are having difficulty with the Forte DMX Transmitter, check the troubleshooting table below. If you cannot resolve the issue, contact Aria Lights at support@arialights.com. Problem Troubleshooting Tips Lights will not turn on • through DMX commands Ensure that the DMX decoder is plugged in to a working 120VAC outlet which is not controlled by a lighting system. • Ensure that the DIP switches are set to the correct DMX address and switch 10 is OFF (down).
Some lights never respond • to the transmitted signal, regardless of how close and group which you are using. • they are to the transmitter Lights mysteriously turn on Make sure that those lights are on the same channel Make sure that the music stand lights are all switched on and fully charged. • There may be another nearby venue using a Forte DMX (or off) without any changes Transmitter as well. Change to another channel to at the lighting console. prevent the overlap.
FCC (U.S.A.) Radio Compliance FCC ID: 2AV7F-FDMX1 NOTE: 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.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
