Rail-DALI-DMX

Rail-DALI-DMX

This product is no longer available. It has been superseded by DALItoDMX.

Product code: Rail-DALI-DMX Category: Tags: , , , , , , ,

Detail

Rail-DALI-DMX converts one circuit of DALI to DMX; it is designed for environments that require integration between the two protocols. (For conversion of DMX into DALI, please see the sister product, Rail-DMX-DALI).

The product offers two modes of operation – ballast simulation and trigger mode. It also provides dimming curve translation so DMX fixtures can be used alongside DALI ballasts. The various options can be selected using DIP switches on the product.

Ballast Simulation Mode

There is an increasing demand for the ability to control DMX fixtures directly from a DALI controller. The two main reasons are:

  • The wide choice of DMX architectural fixtures
  • To save cost on adding an additional (DMX) controller

This is achievable with Rail-DALI-DMX in ballast mode. The product simulates a number of ballasts, all of which have the features of actual DALI ballasts. Each virtual ballast will respond to the following features of DALI:

  • Group Assignment
  • Scene Store and Recall
  • Power On Level
  • Emergency Level
  • Direct Arc Values
  • Step Up / Step Down Commands
  • Fade Time (virtual ballast mode only)

In addition, the DALI short address of each ballast can be changed, allowing integration with existing DALI installations. To integrate fully, Rail-DALI-DMX will also respond to DALI Status Commands so that monitoring software can be used to check on the efficiency of the system.

Trigger Mode

In trigger mode, Rail-DALI-DMX  serves as an interface between DALI and DMX systems by bridging the gap between the simple on/off function of a commercial lighting controller and the more sophisticated DMX control of decorative lighting effects.

For example, consider an office with lighting controlled by an existing DALI controller. The office has recently been installed with an LED pixel wall. It is not possible to control this using DALI, but installing a Rail-DALI-DMX converter makes it possible to control the wall using the existing DALI control system.

Rail-DALI-DMX will simulate a configurable number of ballasts and then monitor the commands sent to these ballasts. The values and commands are split out into channel, group and scene values and sent via DMX. In DMX there will be a block of channel values, a block of 16 channels for group values and a single channel used for scene commands. These DMX signals are then used as a trigger for the DMX controller.

DALI Bus PSU Commissioning

As with any DALI product, the Rail-DALI-DMX must be commissioned (using a tool such as Dali-Scope) to give each virtual ballast a unique short address. If the product is not commissioned, it can still control the DMX fixtures when receiving DALI broadcast commands. This can be useful during the installation phase prior to commissioning to check for system response.

Every DALI circuit must have a DALI Bus PSU for the system to work. We recommend the Rail-PSU-D4.

Please note that this is in addition to the PSU required to power the Rail-DALI-DMX. Suitable choices include PSU-9-1.5-FER, PSU-24-2.5-DR and PSU-24-2-FER (see the full range here).

Features

  • DALI to DMX512 conversion (1 circuit)
  • Ballast mode (up to 64 virtual ballasts)
  • Trigger mode (used to convert DALI to DMX values)
  • Dimming curve translation
  • Variable number of simulated ballasts
  • Responds to ‘query’ commands (ballast mode)
  • DIN rail mount
  • Surface mount
  • DMX fade time (virtual mode)

Specification

  • Input Voltage: 9-24 VDC
  • Power: 10 W
  • Protection: Internal 500 mA electronic fuse
  • Protocols: DMX512 / DALI 62389-102
  • Duty Cycle: 80%
  • Listing: CE
  • IP Rating: Indoor use
  • Height: 90mm
  • Width: 88mm
  • Depth: 58mm
  • Net Mass: 0.20 kg
  • Manufacturer: Artistic Licence
  • Country of Manufacture: UK

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