MiniDMXter
The Lil'DMXter and LESS
Goddard Design's Lil'DMXter has become the
standard
test instrument for DMX512. But we have gotten numerous requests for a
tester that can send
and
receive DMX512 that is simpler and less
expensive.
Hence the MiniDMXter. The essential features of the Lil'DMXter at a
fraction
of the weight, a quarter the size, and about half the price.
- MiniDMXter GENERATES a DMX512 control
Signal. It allows
you to bring up any one or up to 64 dimmers at one time to any level.
It
also lets you bump through a system one dimmer at a time, to check
lamps,
patches and dimmers.
- MiniDMXter RECEIVES a DMX512 signal.
It allows you to examine a controller's output displaying three dimmers
at one time. You can easily search out which dimmers are being sent.
Also
it checks the DMX512's signal integrity.
- MiniDMXter Supports The COLORTRAN
Protocol.
There
is no need for a separate test unit.
- MiniDMXter CHECKS DMX512 cables.
It tests cables for DC continuity and with actual data. Pins four and
five may also be tested with DC.
The Mini's transmitter and receiver are ESD
resistant.
The unit is packaged in a small rugged aluminum case.
(3-3/4"x6"x1-3/4")
It is powered by 2 AA batteries (battery eliminator optional). The
MiniDMXter
is extremely easy to use - it requires only 5 buttons to navigate its
menu
driven software. It provides clear prompts on a 32 character LCD
display.
Unlike testers without a display, with the MiniDMXter you are always
sure
of which dimmer and what level you are sending or receiving.
The Lil'DMXter's full timing verification tests and
full
"flavor" settings capabilities are not supported. The MiniDMXter does
not
support ShowSaver, Flicker Finder, "snapshots", or alternate start
codes.
TRANSMIT
The MiniDMXter offers you four transmit modes. It
allows
you to ADJUST ONE DIMMER. It allows you to ADJUST ALL
DIMMERS
to the same level. The MiniDMXter can AUTOFADE thru a dimmer
system,
bringing each successive dimmer up to full and down. In ADJUST SOME
it functions as a "one cue" lighting console, allowing you to send up
to
64 dimmers each to its own level. We provide two different transmit
flavors.
The standard flavor (SLOW) sends DMX512 or CMX at 8 updates a second;
the
alternate flavor (FAST) sends DMX512 at about 38 updates a second or
CMX
at 23 updates per second.
RECEIVE
In RECEIVE the MiniDMXter displays the received levels
for
3 sequential dimmers at once. If the unit detects a reception error, it
warns the user. In addition to stepping from dimmer to dimmer, the
MiniDMXter
allows the user to jump to the next dimmer with a level. If an error is
detected it can be viewed on an error screen. The errors detected and
displayed
are: parity, framing errors, break too short, mark after break too
short,
overflow (reception of more than 512 dimmers) and broken line
detection.
Broken line detection is a proprietary Goddard Design Co. feature that
detects if either of the two data lines is open during reception.
The MiniDMXter's receive input is properly
terminated
at all times. If the user wishes the Transmitter can be turned on
during
reception to allow for a loop thru mode. Note that pins 4 and 5 do not
loop thru.
CABLE TEST
A double ended cable tester similar to the Lil'DMXter
is
provided. This test allows the user to select whether the first three
pins
or all five pins of the DMX cable are tested.
THREE DISPLAY FORMATS
The MiniDMXter supports 3 display formats for dimmer
levels.
Two of them, decimal and hexadecimal, display the full 256 step
resolution.
The third, percent, provides a 0-100 step scale similar to that used on
most lighting consoles. If you would like details on our binary to
percentage
conversion routines they
are posted on this Web page.
The MiniDMXter's small size and light weight make it
the
choice for certain users. The Mini is perfect for applications where
the
Lil'DMXter's extended hardware and software are not justified, but
where
you cannot afford to trust a toy. The MiniDMXter will be a perfect
second
tester for Lil'DMXter owners since their user interfaces are extremely
similar. A user should be able to switch between the two instruments
readily.
It's meant to fit in your hand .. or your toolkit or briefcase. It
is
the low cost insurance policy you shouldn't be without.
The MiniMXter is now CE certified
The
European
Union has established certain requirements that most electronic
equipment
must conform to when used within the EU. It has established testing
methods
to determine that a unit does conform. Units that do conform may carry
the "CE mark". Tne MiniDMXter is now CE certified.
A Real DMX512 Tester for the Masses
You may a download
the print version of this data sheet. (272K)
This
file is in PDF format. You will need a PDF viewer to read and print it.
If you do not have one it may be downloaded for free from
Adobe.
GODDARD
DESIGN CO.
51
NASSAU AVENUE - BROOKLYN - NEW YORK 11222
718
599-0170 FAX 718 599-0172
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page last update: Nov. 10, 2005
© copyright Goddard Design Co. 1996
