Data links
5
Data links
Warning! Before installing the MAC Aura XIP, read the latest version of the fixture’s Safety and
Installation Manual that is attached to this User Manual, paying particular attention to the Safety
Precautions section.
The MAC Aura XIP has two pairs of connectors for control data In/Out:
• one pair of locking 5-pin XLR sockets that accept Neutrik TOP connectors, and
• one pair of etherCON sockets that accept Neutrik TOP connectors.
All sockets are protected by rubber caps. Keep the rubber caps in place at all times on unused sockets.
Data via DMX cable
The MAC Aura XIP has 5-pin locking XLR sockets (see
C
and
D
in Figure 2 on page 10) for DMX and RDM
input and output via DMX cable. The pin-out on both sockets is:
• pin 1 to shield
• pin 2 to data 1 cold (-)
• pin 3 to data 1 hot (+).
Pins 4 and 5 are not used by the fixture but are bridged between input and output sockets. These pins can
therefore be used as a pass-through connection for an additional data signal if required.
Tips for reliable data transmission via DMX cable
• Use shielded twisted-pair high-quality DMX cable.
• 24 AWG cable is suitable for runs up to 300 meters (1000 ft). Heavier gauge cable and/or an amplifier is
recommended for longer runs.
• Do not use microphone cable, as standard microphone cable does not have the correct impedance and
cannot transmit control data reliably over long runs.
• To split the data link into branches, use an optically isolated splitter-amplifier.
• Do not overload the DMX data link. You can connect up to a maximum of 32 devices on a serial DMX link.
• Install a DMX termination plug at the end of the DMX link.
Connecting to data via DMX cable
To connect the MAC Aura XIP to DMX and/or RDM data carried over DMX cable:
1. Connect the DMX data output from the controller to the MAC Aura XIP’s data input (male XLR) socket
using good-quality DMX cable.
2. Run DMX cable from the MAC Aura XIP’s data output (female XLR) socket to the data input of the next
fixture and continue until the link is complete.
3. Terminate the data link by connecting a 120 Ohm, 0.25 Watt resistor between the data 1 hot (+) and cold
(-) conductors at the end of the link. If the link is divided into branches using a DMX splitter, terminate
each branch of the link.
Data via Ethernet cable
The MAC Aura XIP has Neutrik etherCON data sockets (see
E
and
F
in Figure 2 on page 10) that support
DMX and RDM over Art-Net and sACN as well as Martin P3. Either socket can be used for input and the
other socket used for throughput.
The etherCON data sockets have a fail-safe bypass feature. This means that the fixture will relay a data
signal from the socket used for input to the socket used for throughput even if power to the fixture is shut
down or lost.
