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Planning a SHoW DMX Neo System
The Proscenium Theatre System
This is one of the most straightforward types of installation. SHoW DMX is used daily all over
the world in classic proscenium theatre systems including many Broadway and West End
theatres.
Range in a classic theatre system is usually 20-30 meters, a very short range for SHoW DMX
Neo.
Typical systems will include 5701 Neo Transceivers for transmitters and receivers, or 5701
SHoW DMX Neo Transceivers for transmitters and 5711 SHoW DMX Neo Receivers. Small
systems may use 5702 SHoW DMX SHoW Babies for both transmitter and receivers. Note that
SHoW DMX SHoW Baby only supports one SHoW ID, so multiple systems cannot be used
within range of each other.
Antennas: Proscenium theatre systems usually utilize the provided omni-directional antennas,
and may sometimes benefit from 5632 Panel antennas.
Location: Locate the transmitter(s) with good height and in clear line of sight with the receiver
targets. A good location is on a grid, balcony rail, electric, or similar structure. Receivers will
often by necessity be located on stage, sometimes in scenery, props, or even costumes. If the
receivers are out of sight, try to arrange the antennas so they are in sight of the transmitter.
Keep transmitters with omni antennas separated by 5 meters. Check received signal strength
during performance, as the actors' bodies are potential radio barriers. Don’t be overly concerned
about some radio barriers or limited line of sight, as SHoW DMX will make it through many radio
barriers, and the range in these settings is usually short. If signal strength is weak or varies
significantly, consider switching to an 8 dBi Panel antenna for the transmitter(s). Remember that
the 8 dBi Panel has a 60° beam angle so at a moderate distance can usually hit anywhere on
stage. Be careful to polarize antennas correctly, and test horizontal as well as vertical polarity if
interference is significant.
System settings: This may be a good application for limited bandwidth configuration, as many
theatres have significant Wi-Fi activity. If the wireless slot count is low enough, consider Limited
Burst as well, as it will reduce inbound and outbound interference further. Consider lower power
settings, as range is usually short and the lower power settings will reduce the potential for
multipath, as well as further improving co-existence.
