Harman Martin VC-Strip 90357290, User Manual

Page: 9 / 32

Physical installation 9
Shortening 16x1 modules
It is possible to shorten a VC-Strip 16x1 module by cutting it at one of four possible cutting points (see D in
Figure 1), leaving the module with 8, 10, 12 or 14 LEDs. Modules shortened in this way will communicate
their length when they identify themselves to a P3 or RDM controller.
To cut a VC-Strip 16x1 module:
1. Ensure that the VC-Strip is isolated from
power and data.
2. Read “Electrostatic discharge
precautions” on page 6. Do not damage
components or printed circuits.
3. See Figure 4. Using a small rotary
cutting tool (Dremel or similar) with a
fine-tooth cutting wheel, cut the
VC-Strip along the dotted line at a
cutting point.
4. The end of the VC-Strip without
connectors cannot be re-used. Send it
for electronic waste recycling.
5. Clean up the cut edge with fine-grit sandpaper.
VC-Strip 8x1 modules cannot be shortened.
If you mix full-length and shortened modules in a chain, do not exceed the maximum limit of 45
interconnected 16x1 VC-Strip modules. However, if you create a chain of VC-Strip 16x1 modules in which
ALL the modules in the chain
have been shortened, you can increase the maximum permitted number of
modules slightly from the limit of 45 for standard 16x1 modules. The new limits are shown in Table 2:
Warning! Table 2 gives the absolute maximum limit for the number of VC-Strip modules that can be
linked in a chain and connected to one output of a Martin PowerPort 1500. Lower limits may apply if
the chain of VC-Strip modules is connected to an external PSU:
• If the Martin Tripix Power IP66™ is used, a maximum of 30 VC-Strip 16x1 modules can be
connected in a chain.
• If any other type of external PSU is used, the total power consumption of the VC-Strip 16x1
modules in the chain – allowing 8 W per module – must not exceed the PSU’s DC power output
rating.
See the sections on DMX-controlled installations later in this manual for full details.
Number of LEDs on all the VC-Strip
modules in the chain
Maximum number of modules in the chain
provided that the PSU’s DC power output
rating is not exceeded
16 (full-length) 45
14 50
12 57
10 60
8 60
Table 2: Maximum length of VC-Strip chains
Figure 4: Cutting a VC-Strip