System installation
15
To create a DMX-controlled installation that draws DC power from a generic 48 VDC PSU:
1. See Figure 8 on page 14 for an overview of this type of installation.
2. Make sure that no devices in the installation can be connected to AC mains power until all installation
work is complete.
3. Read “Safety Information” on page 4 and ”Electrostatic discharge precautions” on page 6.
4. Connect VC-Grids together in chains using Martin™ hybrid PCB-to-PCB cables (see ”VC-Grid to
VC-Grid link cables” on page 27). Connect each cable from the THRU connector on one VC-Grid to the
IN connector on the next VC-Grid.
Warning!
Check the PSU’s DC output power rating. Do not connect VC-Grids in a chain that will exceed
this rating, allowing 30 W per VC-Grid 8x8 25.
Even if the PSU’s DC output power rating would be high enough, do not connect VC-Grids in a chain
that contains more than twelve (12) VC-Grid 8x8 25 modules.
5. See Figure 9. Connect a Martin™ hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable (P/N 11840158) to the first VC-Grid of
each chain.
6. If necessary, you can extend the hybrid link cable run by connecting a Martin™ 4-pin XLR hybrid
extension cable to the Hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable. Suitable extension cables are available from
Martin™ in various lengths. See ”Extension cables” on page 27.
7. See Figure 9. If the PSU does not have constant overcurrent protection that will limit current to 8 A on
the DC output used, install an inline fuseholder with a 7.5 A or 8 A fuse on the white (+ve) power wire of
a Martin™ hybrid lead-in cable (P/N 11840171). A 30 amp automotive-type inline fuseholder with a 7.5 A
blade fuse can be used. Connect the power wires on the lead-in cable to a DC output on the PSU.
Connect the white wire to positive (+ve) and the black wire to negative (-ve).
8. Connect the 4-pin female XLR connector on the hybrid lead-in cable to the 4-pin male connector on the
hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable (or on the hybrid extension cable, if you have extended the hybrid link).
9. Connect the 5-pin male XLR connector on the hybrid lead-in cable to a DMX link that carries a DMX
signal from an RDM-compliant DMX controller such as the Martin M1™ or M-PC™.
10. Apply AC mains power to the external PSU.
11. Apply AC mains power to the DMX controller.
You can now configure the system. See ”System setup”on page 17.
Figure 9: Generic PSU and DMX connections to a VC-Grid chain
DC power from
white to +ve, black to -ve
To VC-Grid
Hybrid DC lead-in cable, P/N 11840171
chain
5-pin male XLR
4-pin female XLR
4-pin male XLR
PCB connector
Hybrid-to-PCB adapter cable, P/N 11840158
generic PSU
Insert 4-pin XLR hybrid
extension cable here if you
need to extend the cable run
Insert 7.5 A or 8 A inline
fuse here if PSU does not
have 8 A overcurrent
protection
DMX from DMX/RDM
controller
