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Analog Chaining Using the New Maxi Controller (SW version 3.3 or later)

Posted15 december 2022
Updated16 december 2022
ByDimlux

Despite being analog, multiple channels can be controlled over a single line by using time slices. Using the same time slices, calibration values are transmitted to compensate for analog losses, guaranteeing a consistent light output along the chain. As a consequence, this protocol is somewhat slower than classic analog signals, with a delay of up to 4 seconds.

 

The advantage over Hybrid Control is that the chosen spectrum is retained between power cycles.

 

The disadvantage is that the Maxi Controller is only able to control the white and red channels separately, and not in conjunction like with the fixture’s Power and B:R sliders. Please see Appendix E for a table of the settings.

To enable this (note: this is already enabled by default):

  • Enter the menu
  • Enter Preferences ,
  • Go to Analog ctrl
  • Change the value to LED
  • Repeat for every fixture in the chain
 

To enable this on the Maxi Controller:

  1. Go to the lighting status screen (see image)
  2. Press SET, (enter settings menu)
  3. Go to Model 
  4. Press SET, (start changing the setting)
  5.  Change the value to Xtreme LED or Xtreme LED+addon   

  6. This depends on whether your fixtures are equipped with a NIR Add-on or not. (⮕ See chapter Peripheral Devices)
  7. Press SET (confirm setting change)
  8. Press ESCAPE (back to the status screen)
 

To change the White/Red ratios:

  1. Go to the lighting status screen (see image)
  2. Press SET, (enter settings menu)
  3. Go to LED RED/WHITE 
  4. Press SET
  5. Change the max brightness for White    

  6. Press SET
  7. Change the max brightness for Red     
  8. Press SET (confirm setting change)
  9. Press ESCAPE (back to the status screen)
Typically, for reasonable B:R ratios, white is left at 100% and red is dimmed.
 
When an analog signal is detected, the fixtures will be in 🟡 Analog “LED” Control mode. Fixtures with the Analog ctrl mode improperly set will do nothing, but the analog signal is passed nonetheless.
 

 

ℹ

 The supplied red ‘Dimlux Interconnect’ cables use a larger copper diameter for less analog losses. When using regular network cables (not crossover cables), only up to 100 fixtures in a line are supported.

💀

 These ports are NOT network ports, and connecting them to any network devices, such as computers, laptops, switches, routers, and modems, may cause permanent damage.

💀

 Using regular network cables may be dangerous. If the network cable is accidentally a crossover cable, the Maxi Controller will be permanently damaged.

 

ℹ

When Slave fixtures have seen an analog signal, they will lock on to that signal. When the signal is stopped or interrupted, they go into “Analog Lost” alarm. ⮕ For more details, see section Alarms.