10
VC-Dots™ user manual
Modifying Dot pitch and splicing VC-Dot strings
You can increase or reduce the pitch of standard VC-Dot strings by cutting the ribbon cable between Dots
and extending or shortening the cable. To extend the cable, insert lengths of the ribbon cable available as an
accessory from Martin™. To connect cuts in cables, use the IP65-rated quick splice connectors available as
accessories from Martin™ (see “Accessories” on page 22). Connectors can be installed once only. Do not
try to re-use them.
If you
increase
Dot pitch, respect the safety limits given in Table 2 on page 9.
If you
reduce
Dot pitch, you do not need to respect a minimum pitch limit and the maximum number of Dots
per string is the same as for a standard VC-Dot string:
• VC-Dot 1: 100 Dots
• VC-Dot 4: 64 Dots
• VC-Dot 9: 36 Dots
To cut ribbon cable:
1. Check that the cable is not connected to power.
2. Make a clean, square cut across the ribbon cable using sharp good-quality cutting pliers.
To splice ribbon cable:
1. Check that the cable is not connected to power.
2. The ribbon cable consists of six wires. Separate the wires from each other for the last few centimeters
(couple of inches) at the ends of the ribbon cable.
3. Place the cut cables end-to-end on a flat surface. The Dots on either side of the cut ends must face the
same way and the ribbon cable must not be twisted. Organize the wire ends into pairs, with each wire in
one cable lined up end-to-end with the same wire in the other cable.
4. See Figure 1. Do not strip insulation from wire ends. Push two matching pairs of wire ends into a splice
connector until the ends touch the center wall inside the connector (
A
). Holding the wires in position, use
water-pump pliers to press the terminal clamps into the connector (
B
) until the tops of the clamps are
level with the transparent connector body (
C
).
5. Check that wires are still pressed fully into the connector (
D
). If there is a gap between wire ends (
E
), cut
off the end of the ribbon cable and the connector, scrap them and start again with a new connector.
6. Finally, make a visual check that the connector is not damaged in any way. Check that the terminals
inside the connector are not bent or misaligned and that no loose strands of copper are visible. If a
connector is not correctly installed and in perfect condition, cut off the end of the ribbon cable and the
connector, scrap them and start again with a new connector.
7. Continue splicing the ribbon cable as described above until each wire in one ribbon cable is safely
connected to the same wire in the other ribbon cable.
Figure 1: Splicing ribbon cable
A
B
C
E
D
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Summary of Contents for Martin VC-Dot Series
Page 1: ...VC Dots User Manual www audiovias com ...
Page 25: ...Notes www audiovias com ...
Page 26: ...Notes www audiovias com ...
Page 27: ...www audiovias com ...
