Questions
Questions and answers
Is W-DMX compatible with other systems on the market?
Today there is no standard for wireless transmission of DMX signals and there is no possibility of mixing different brands of wireless DMX solutions in a system. For example, you cannot use a Martin® Wireless DMX-512 - Pro Diversity® with Interactive Technologies® CueLink® even though they use a similar type of physical radio transmission standard. Because of this, no wireless-DMX brand today is compatible with another.
Is W-DMX built on Bluetooth®?
No. It is built on standard radio components with a GSM influenced radio system protocol. Bluetooth® lacks the range needed.
Is it plug and play?
Yes. W-DMX doesn’t need any configuration for IP address and netmask like WLAN. W-DMX is “plug and play”.
Is it made for use outdoors?
Yes. Receivers, transceivers, repeaters and boosters are all available in outdoor versions, all with an IP65 rating.
What are the differences between the indoor and outdoor models?
The outdoor units would use a different antenna. And, of course, the outdoor units are rated IP65 weatherproof.
What is IP65?
IP65 is a rating of how weather resistant an item is. IP65 means that the device is totally protected against dust and protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions.
What is the difference between the standard and the pro models?
The pro models of the W-DMX have a built in UPS that will run them for up to 2 hours if power is interrupted. In the future, the pro models will also support ACN and Art-Net, etc.
Do the transmitters and receivers have built-in power supplies?
All units have built-in universal power supplies that can operate from a supply range of 90-250VAC, 50-60Hz (except the Micro series which requires a 12-24VDC external supply). The pro models of the transmitter and receiver have a built-in UPS that will power them for up to 2 hours if power is interrupted.
Will the signal go through solid objects?
Yes, the W-DMX signal will penetrate walls, glass, metal and most objects. One thing that will interrupt the signal is people. Antennas should be above audiences to ensure reliable operation.
Will other electronics and other W-LAN users interfere with it?
No, it is not affected by cell phones. WiFi, W-LAN, bluetooth or any other devices.
How many channels of DMX does it control?
Each transmitter can control 512 channels (1 universe) of DMX, unlike some wireless systems which only have “half universe” or 256 channels. The S-2 can additionally control a second DMX universe.
What antenna should I use?
For most indoor applications the 2 dBi antennas work fine. Longer distances, outdoors or unique applications most likely will require different antennas. Please contact us with your intended application questions. Warranty is voided if using other antennas than W-DMX branded.
What is the transmission range?
With standard antennas the, maximum distance is 700 m/2300 feet (FCC version). As an option it’s possible to connect other antenna models to achieve longer distances or where there is a specific need for higher gain. (Distances valid at 300 mW FCC)
Antenna Transmitter | Antenna Receiver | Maximum Distance |
| |
2 dBi
| 2 dBi | 700 m / 2300 feet |
5 dBi
| 2 dBi | 1000 m / 3300 feet |
2 dBi
| 5 dBi | 1000 m / 3300 feet |
7 dBi
| 5 dBi | 1450 m / 4750 feet |
9 dBi
| 8 dBi | 2399 m / 7550 feet |
| |
How many receivers can be assigned per universe to the W-DMX in a DMX512, DMX512A, or RDM installation?
The only limit is the DMX512 standard itself with a maximum of 512 fixtures per universe. Most importantly, this is not done with broadcast techniques (described above). You will always get “talk back” information from the receivers like radio signal strength and much more on a real time basis. If you are using a DMX512A or a RDM network you can still use 512 receivers.
Can multiple transmitters run side by side (to support more than one universe)?
Yes, up to 8,192 receivers can be controlled from one system, and the standard configuration is with 512 DMX Channels and can easily be updated with 8,192 DMX channels (16 DMX-512 Universes).
Do the transmitters & receivers have built in power supplies?
All full size units can operate directly from 90-250VAC input or can alternatively run from 12VDC. The Pro and Micro units can run from 12-24VDC. All Pro units and most Micro units also contain battery backup systems to allow sustained operation during power outages.
Is it FCC approved?
Yes.
Is it approved for use in Japan?
Yes.
Are these products UL Listed?
UL pending.
What is the typical power consumption?
300mA average, 320mA maximum.
Is there a warranty?
All BlackBox products are covered by a standard 12 month full warranty from the purchase date when you register your products. You can register either at www.wirelessdmx.com or by sending the supplied warranty card to Wireless Solution Sweden AB at the address shown on the rear cover.
Can the antenna be mounted away from the transmitter or receiver?
Yes, there are indoor and outdoor cables available in lengths from 0,5m to 30m (1.6 to 98 feet).
Will the receivers stay logged on to the transmitter if the DMX signal is lost?
Yes, even if the DMX signal is interrupted the receiver(s) will remain logged in.
Will the units stay logged in to each other if power is cut?
The log-in information is stored in an non-volatile memory and will not be erased. No battery backup is needed. In theory, the units stay logged in forever.
In an operational system, can I log on an additional receiver without disrupting DMX transmission to other receivers?
This is not possible with the BlackBox unit. Logging on an additional receiver will make the logged-in units revert to idle mode for 10 seconds; once the new units are logged-in they will all start again together with the new unit.
What is the difference between Multicast and Point to Point?
Multi-cast transmitting to multiple receivers simultaneously. Point to Point data is a single path of data transmission.
What is FHSS?
Short for Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum - Frequency hopping techniques, in which the transmitter jumps from sub-channel to sub-channel at rapid pace, were first used by the U.S. Military.
Such techniques were developed precisely because they are difficult to disrupt and, unless you know the frequency hopping sequence, practically impossible to intercept.
Spread spectrum techniques have two main advantages: Firstly, they are more resistant to interference than conventional systems. Secondly, they can be used to provide multiple access functionality.
Does W-DMX support on-site service with technical documentation after visit?
Wireless Solution and/or its distributors offer Cell Planning Service for larger projects. Please contact your local distributor for a quote.
This is highly recommended for all larger projects to save time and money.