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Introduction

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Introduction

Thank you for selecting the SkyLink wireless communication system from ARRI. The SkyLink is a portable, 
all-in-one wireless solution utilizing WiFi, Ethernet, or DMX to connect your mobile phone, tablet, PC, or 
console seamlessly to the SkyPanel family and many other fixtures.

SkyLink leverages the industry-leading CRMX wireless protocol by LumenRadio for robust, efficient 
communication with lighting fixtures over distances about 500 m (1.640 ft) and provides capability for 
two-way RDM communication, allowing advanced management and configuration of SkyPanels without 
ever laying a single data cable. 

Features

Versatility

SkyLink is a two-part system that allows for wireless DMX and RDM communication to SkyPanels. The 
SkyLink Receiver and the SkyLink Base Station use LumenRadio CRMX for DMX/RDM communication 
and WiFi in the SkyLink Base Station allows for direct control from a DMX control application on a mobile 
device or computer. The SkyLink system can replace DMX data cables which saves time and money on 
set.

Connectivity

The SkyLink system incorporates a full-featured WiFi/Network router which can act as a centralized hub 
for lighting data networks. An XLR port on the SkyLink Base Station provides DMX input/output. The 
DMX signal from the SkyLink Receiver can be daisy-chained to multiple fixtures and communicate with 
both DMX and RDM.

Reliability

Utilizing the popular CRMX protocol by LumenRadio, SkyLink provides an encrypted, error-corrected 
signal linking fixtures with a robust connection even in the trickiest radio environments.

Properties

Antennas

The SkyLink wireless system comes with two RP-SMA 2dBi antennas for the SkyLink Base Station, and 
one RP-SMA 2dBi antenna for each SkyLink Receiver. An optional RP-SMA Range Extender kit is 
available.

Power Supply

The SkyLink Base Station uses the included 12V power supply. The SkyLink Receiver is powered through 
the USB-A tail, which plugs into the USB port below the 

DMX IN

 port on the ARRI SkyPanel.

Swivel XLR

The SkyLink Receiver can swivel 180º to best fit your fixture. Simply turn the connector for best fit.

Control

The SkyLink can be controlled over Art-Net or sACN from any mobile phone, tablet, or computer with 
appropriate DMX control software. SkyLink is fully RDM compatible and can wirelessly relay RDM 
commands and requests to and from fixtures.

Configuration Options

The SkyLink Base Station can be configured via an easily accessible web portal. CRMX Link/Unlink actions 
can be done both remotely in the web interface or locally via a physical Link button. 

Summary of Contents for SkyLink

Page 1: ...SkyLink Base Station and Receiver L5 0019058 U S E R G U I D E ...

Page 2: ...n a data retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means without the prior written permission of ARRI If you are downloading files from our web pages for your personal use make sure to check for updated versions ARRI cannot take any liability whatso ever for downloaded files as technical data are subject to change without notice Art NetTM Designed by and Copyright Artisti...

Page 3: ...3 Dimensions Dimensions 3 Dimensions Base Station Receiver ...

Page 4: ...Content 4 Content Dimensions 3 Content 4 Safety Information 5 Introduction 6 Product Layout 7 Set Up 9 General Operation 10 Configuration 12 Troubleshooting 17 Specification 18 ...

Page 5: ...sing Avoid direct illumination by other luminaires or other heat sources Check the mains cable and connector cable prior to every operation for damage In case of visible damage to the mains cable or the housing the device must not be operated any longer Damaged components must be replaced by an ARRI service center WARNING The SkyLink system is intended for professional use and may only be operated...

Page 6: ...tworks An XLR port on the SkyLink Base Station provides DMX input output The DMX signal from the SkyLink Receiver can be daisy chained to multiple fixtures and communicate with both DMX and RDM Reliability Utilizing the popular CRMX protocol by LumenRadio SkyLink provides an encrypted error corrected signal linking fixtures with a robust connection even in the trickiest radio environments Properti...

Page 7: ...fic DMX Indicates DMX traffic DHCP The SkyLink Base Station s DHCP service is assigning IP addresses to Ethernet and WiFi devices Feature Description Link Button Links or unlinks receivers Short press to link hold 3 s to unlink all Ethernet Standard RJ 45 Ethernet connector EtherCON compatible For use with Art Net and sACN communication 12 V DC Input Power Input 2 1mm x 5 5mm Barrel Center Positiv...

Page 8: ... Signal Strength or greater ooo 60 Signal Strength or greater oo 40 Signal Strength or greater o 20 Signal Strength or greater Feature Description 5 Pin XLR Attaches to any standard 5 Pin DMX XLR port Swivels 180 to fit anywhere Unlink Button Hold to Unlink the receiver from the SkyLink Base Station Antenna 2dBi Antenna attached to RP SMA Connector USB A Tail Connects to a standard USB port for 5V...

Page 9: ...power receptacle The SkyLink power supply is compatible with voltages ranging from 100V 240VAC Plug in SkyLink Receiver Simply plug the SkyLink Receiver into the DMX IN port on your ARRI SkyPanel or other DMX capable fix ture The XLR connector can swivel 180º to provide necessary clearance Plug the USB A tail into the USB port below the DMX IN on your SkyPanel to provide power Check if the USB mod...

Page 10: ...umber of SkyLink Receivers Light Operation Now that your tablet or device is connected and your receivers are linked open your Art Net or sACN compatible DMX lighting control app In most cases use these default settings The SkyLink Base Station is capable of receiving a single DMX universe of 512 DMX channels Operating Range The SkyLink has a range of about 500 m 1 640 ft over CRMX External factor...

Page 11: ...or more than 3 seconds to unlink all receivers currently paired with the SkyLink Base Station Factory Reset Follow these steps to restore the SkyLink Base Station to factory default settings Turn the Power switch of the SkyLink Base Station to the Off position While holding the RESET in with a pen turn the SkyLink Base Station Power switch On Hold the RESET button for at least 10 seconds The RESET...

Page 12: ...mation States the model description of the device and the RDM UID Box Name Allows the user to set the name of the Base Station which will also be used as the WiFi SSID Factory Reset Allows the user to perform a factory reset which will restore all the device settings to their original facto ry defaults A factory reset can also be performed by holding the RESET button on the rear for 10 seconds whi...

Page 13: ...tting IP Settings Page The IP Settings Page allows users to configure different settings in relation to IP Internet Protocol attributes DHCP Mode Click Save after a change is made to store your new setting Minimum Outputs 5mW suitable for small sized locations Low Outputs 25 mW suitable for medium sized locations Normal Outputs 100 mW suitable for large sized locations High FCC Mode Outputs 125 mW...

Page 14: ...new setting Netmask A netmask is a method for dividing an IP address into subnets and specify the network s available hosts The netmask can be configured by the user The default netmask is 255 255 255 0 Click Save after a change is made to store your new setting Port Page The Port Page allows the user to configure which port the DMX RDM source is coming from and which protocol is used to transmit ...

Page 15: ...ted WiFi access point can be used in conjunction with wired Ethernet for multi node systems 5 Pin XLR In ARRI SkyLink can optionally be controlled directly through the 5 pin XLR DMX port Choose DMX Source XLR on Port page This will allow for a control device such as a professional lighting console to be connected directly to the SkyLink Base Station Full RDM functionality is available via DMX In 5...

Page 16: ...iFi and CRMX antennas should not be parallel but off angle from each other If WiFi signal problems such as lag or choppy DMX performance persist it may be necessary to adjust the position of the two antennas on the SkyLink Base Station Tilting the antennas perpendicular to each other or utilizing the optional Range Extender kit can enhance the distance of the WiFi signal If using other wireless tr...

Page 17: ...can also be used to elevate antenna To less power of Base Station signal Increase Base Station CRMX output power Note requires restart may affect WiFi range WiFi performance is intermittent Control device not logged in Ensure the control device is logged into SkyLink Base Station s WiFi network Distance to control device too big Move the control device closer to the SkyLink Base Station Adjustment...

Page 18: ...Device Input Voltage 12 V DC Weight 1 5 kg 3 3 lbs Housing Color Blue Silver Ambient Temperature Operation 20 to 50 C 4 to 122 F Protection Class IP Rating III IP20 Certifications CE FCC The antenna s used for this transmitter must be used to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all per sons and must not be co located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitte...

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