Converting Cat 5 in order to plug into an element console

Hello

I have a new theatre set up and I would like to replace the existing chamsys magicq desk with an element.

My difficulty is that my feed from the Chilli dimmers comes in as Cat 5. - I also have a xlr dmx feed from my led lights.

Can you please advise as to what do-hicky/device I need in order for both connections to feed into my element and correctly talk to the dimmers/led's. I have tried plugging them both directly into the element console but only the xlr/led's worked.

many thanks

0 ueliriegg over 7 years ago

you need to find out which protocols can be used through the chilli's network connection. Element can output sACN, ArtNet, ETC Net2 (aka EDMX) and AVAB/UDP. sACN and ArtNet are the most common. but proprietary (one manufacturer's) protocols are not supported.
so if your dimmers support one of the four protocols mentioned then it basically works and it's about the config. if it only supports something else then you need to find a box that converts from one the chilli's protocols to one of Element's possible output protocols.

if the chillis do feedback that would only work through RDM and as such through XLR of some sort.
0 Jkar Gorostiza over 7 years ago

Hola:

Chilli usa el conector RJ45 (Cat 5) para su network específica, Chilli net que utiliza protocolo Can Bus...

Tendrás que sacar el DMX de la placa de interfaz: http://zero88.com/manuals/chilli_manual_issue_8.pdf

Pag. 14......

Espero te sirva.

Saludos.
0 corey cascio over 7 years ago

Hi A -

reading thru the Chili dimmer Manual - that cat5 cable could be Chili net which Element won't speak. Though, that Cat 5 cable could also just be how DMX is transmitted, then you just need a mechanical RJ45 to XLR Adapter and plug into your console, or another DMX Point in your System.

Check in the Chili Dimmer System, where that Cat5 cable lands. If it lands to a 5-screw terminal with CAN-H, CAN-L listed on two of the screws, then that cable is for Chili Net and you can't use that cable for Element. You would need to get a new dmx cable connect to the DMX Terminal on the dimmer, and then connect that to Element.

If the Cat5 cable lands to a 3-Screw terminal with hopefully DMX listed, then you just need a mechanical RJ45 Adapter to XLR on the otherside to connect into your console.

If you are unsure, post a photo of the terminal block where that Cat5 cable Ends in the Dimmer and we can try and help.

Good Luck!
0 AstarA over 7 years ago

Thanks All for the replies, there is a new learning curve for me as I have never used DMX from a cat5 - it's normally plug in the xlr and boom have some lights.

I will take a look at this and get back to you, protocols are new to me and I need to digest your information.

I have had a look at my chili dimmers - They are hardwired into the wall and I cannot see any connectors (I'll contact our IT dept and see if they can help.)

I will reply further once I have had a chance to take this to the next level of question!

thank you

A*
0 AstarA over 7 years ago

Hi,

I'm picking this back up - finally had a chance to look inside my chilli dimmers today.

I have a 4 screw terminal that has a cable into it, and two 5 screw ones that have nothing connected to/in them.

I think from reading the manual the 4 screw terminal is the 3 screw one Corey was referring to only the bottom/fourth terminal is for an alarm.

So I have a cable connected to RS485- RS485+ & OV

This feels hopeful based on the previous helpful replies - So how do I sort this now in order to allow me to connect an ETC element into the dimmers - When I previously plugged in the element console using the cat5 cable from the wall (it's all hardwired through the room) I got no response from the generic lanterns, only from the LED's which were connected via 3 pin DMX.

Do I need to add an adaptor? If so how do I add that?

Thank you in advance and sorry to seem so clueless!

A*
0 AstarA over 7 years ago in reply to AstarA

Is it as simple as putting one of these between the cat5 cable and my element console?

www.amazon.co.uk/.../B00R2KZZ7O

that seems too easy.....
0 Mike A over 7 years ago in reply to AstarA

Its slightly weird that they have labeled the connections as RS485 as whilst nornal DMX is in fact at the electrical level RS485 its strange not to label it DMX.

If it is indeed the DMX input then normal 3 pin DMX is just pin 1 ground (the 0V one), pin 2 -ve and pin 3 +ve

So you could wire a normal 3pin XLR onto it like that.

-- EDIT --

Downloaed the chilli manual and it says

DMX Connection

DMX input is connected through a 4-way screw terminal block located on the control PCB (Figure 2-12).

To loop through to another dimmer, simply connect both sets of wires into the same terminal block.

The terminals to be used are labelled RS485-, RS485+ and 0V.

So those are the DMX inputs, so just wiring a 3 pin XLR onto that will work