ETC Ion DMX input query

Question

Hi all 
 
 I have searched through some of the discussions and have found some posts that have helped and confused me with regard to my query but I have not found a definite answer to what I seek. 
 Background: 
 I have recently bought an ETC Ion c/w 2 x 20 sub wing, 2 x DVI screens and 1 x 4 port gateway. 
 The gateway phsyical hardware is configured as 3no. DMX output ports and 1no. DMX input ports. 
 
 Desire & current setup: 
 The idea behind the input port was to enable touring consoles to be slaved off the house desk and give me flexibility with focusing, fault finding. I can use my desk/DMX control while they are doing other work. 
 in the GCE, my gateway is configured for Port 4 to be an input. I am wondering what else I need to do to enable this function. It is something I have done with the previous console (520i) and I find it an invaluable tool especially if people are not touring a remote for their desk. I have linked a desk off the node and was not able to control the range of dimmers etc. 
 
 I am assuming this is possible but I may not have this set up properly. 
 
 I have searched the current version of the ion/eos manual and have not found any reference or instructions or actually if this is possible..... 
 
 can anyone shed light on this? 
 
 many thanks in advance. 
 
 
 eamon

Steve Bailey · Answer

The intent of DMX input for Net3 gateways and legacy Net2 nodes was to get a port(s) where you could allow any console to input DMX into a system whose dimmers and other devices were on a networked system, CEM+ and CEM3 dimmer racks as example, or into a network large enough to have multiple locations where you need to be able to route universes, as well as pulling off DMX from a gateway/node at assorted locations for devices. It was never intended that DMX input to the network be acted upon by the consoles. 
 Probably the easiest setup for you would be to add a small and simple Cat5 Ethernet switch, connect the Ion and the Net3 gateway to the switch, essentially creating a mini Net 3 environment, then any visiting console into a DMX input port on the gateway, then send DMX out of the gateway to your house dimmers. 
 This would allow the Ion to act upon the dimming system alongside a visiting console in an HTP manner - I/E., whatever address value is highest from either console. No priorities to deal with, the Net3 system deals with HTP. Remember as well to enable Net3 in the Ion shell. 
 See attached. 
 
 A