STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII User Manual

June 5, 2024
STAIRVILLE

STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII logo

STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII

STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII product

General information

This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device. Read and follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure that they also receive this manual.
Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development. We there‐fore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the user manual which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.
Further information
On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the following points:

Download This manual is also available as PDF file for you to download.
Keyword search Use the search function in the electronic version to find the

topics of interest for you quickly.
Online guides| Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics and terms.
Personal consultation| For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.
Service| If you have any problems with the device the customer service will gladly assist you.

Notational conventions

This manual uses the following notational conventions:
Letterings
The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics. Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.
Displays
Texts and values displayed on the device are marked by quotation marks and italics. Examples: ‘24ch’ , ‘OFF’ .

 Symbols and signal words

In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this manual.

Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an

immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
|
Warning signs| Type of danger
| Warning – high-voltage.
| Warning – danger zone.

Safety instructions

Intended use
This device is used to control Pixel Rail Strips (item no.: 449739). Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use. This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
Safety
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard! Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke! Never let children unattended use electrical devices.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never remove any covers. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not use the device if covers, protectors or optical components are missing or damaged.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit
Always use proper ready-made insulated mains cabling (power cord) with a protective contact plug. Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. Failure to do so could result in electric shock/death or fire. If in doubt, seek advice from a registered electrician.
NOTICE!
Risk of fire
Do not block areas of ventilation. Do not install the device near any direct heat source. Keep the device away from naked flames.
NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and strong vibrations. Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specified in the chapter ‘Technical specifications’ of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature fluctuations and do not switch the device on immediately after it was exposed to temperature fluctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures). Dust and dirt inside can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be maintained by qualified service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other malfunction.
NOTICE!
Power supply
Before connecting the device, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and possibly injure the user. Unplug the device before electrical storms occur and when it is unused for long periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
NOTICE!
Fire hazard due to exceedance of the maximum current
The device can power other devices of identical construction. The current consumption of all other devices connected in series must not exceed the values indicated in the technical specifications. Otherwise you risk injuries and irreparable damages to the device. Only connect so many identical devices that the maximum current consumption is not exceeded. Ensure the sufficient dimensioning (wire cross section) of the power cables used for all devices connected in series.
NOTICE!
Possible damage due to installation of a wrong fuse
The use of different types of fuses can cause serious damage to the unit. Fire hazard! Only fuses of the same type may be used.
NOTICE!
Possible staining
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may possibly react with the coating of your surface and after some time cause permanent dark stains. In case of doubt, do not put the rubber feet directly on the surface and use a suitable underlay if necessary, i.e. felt-pad floor protectors or similar.
NOTICE!
Wiring
Follow the wiring instructions in the user manual.
NOTICE!
Compatible devices
This device may only be operated with the Stairville Pixel Rail 40 RGB MKII LED-strip (item no. 449739).

Features

  • Controller for up to 16 pixel rail strips (maximum four per output) of the type Stairville LED Pixel Rail 40 RGB MKII (Item no.: 449739)
  • Control protocols: DMX (10/55 channels), ArtNet (4×480 channels), RDM
  • Operating modes: Stand Alone (30 programmes), Master / slave
  • In and outputs: DMX, RJ45 (ArtNet)
  • Operating via buttons and display on the unit
  • Lockable connections (Power Twist) for self-supply and to supply further devices
  • Convection cooling
  • Robust die-cast aluminium housing, black

Installation and starting up

Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively. The device has two lateral attachment lugs each with two slots for wall or ceiling mounting (mounting hardware not included). Make sure that the installation complies with the standards and rules that apply in your country. Connect the units to be controlled via suitable DMX or RJ45 data cable to the device. A maximum of 30 additional DMX devices may be serially connected to each serial port. Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.
controller
Connection examples
The following figures show the connection configuration of the pixel strips in the various operating modes.
Master / Slave operation

STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII 01
Control via ArtNet

STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII 01
Control via DMX
STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII 01
NOTICE!
Possible data transmission errors
For error-free operation make use of dedicated DMX cables and do not use ordinary microphone cables. Never connect the DMX input or output to audio devices such as mixers or amplifiers.
Notes on wiring
A maximum of four Stairville LED Pixel Rail 40 RGB MKII may be connected per output. The maximum permissible total cable length of 80 m must not be exceeded. Keep cable runs as short as possible to ensure trouble-free operation.
STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII 01

Connections and controls

Front panel
STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII 01

1|

[POWER IN]

Lockable input socket (Power Twist) for power supply

---|---
2|

[POWER OUT]

Lockable output socket (Power Twist) for the power supply of further units.

3| Fuse holder
4|

[Switch]

Main switch to turn the device on and off.

5| Safety cable eyelet.
6|

[MODE]

Activates the main menu and toggles between menu items. Closes an opened sub menu.

7|

[ENTER]

Selects an option of the respective operating mode, confirms the set value.

8| Display
9| [UP]

Increases the displayed value by one.

---|---
10|

[DOWN]

Decreases the displayed value by one.

11|

[SIGNAL]

Indicator LED. This LED lights up on incoming signal.

Rear panel
STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII 06 Connections and controls

12| [DMX IN]

DMX input (3 and 5-pin) to control the device via DMX.

---|---
13|

[ARTNET IN]

RJ45 input to control the device via ArtNet.

14| [ARTNET OUT]

RJ45 output to control other devices via ArtNet.

15|

[DMX OUT]

DMX output (3 and 5-pin) for connecting additional DMX devices in a DMX universe.

16|

[Outputs]

RJ45 outputs for controlling the pixel strips via LAN cable. A maximum of four Stairville LED Pixel Rail 40 RGB MKII can be connected per output.

Operating

Operating mode Auto
Connect the device to the mains and switch it on with the main switch [Switch]. Automatic operation can only be activated when the unit is operating alone or as master in a master / slave combination. This setting is only relevant if the device is not controlled via DMX or ArtNet. Press [MODE] and use the buttons [UP] and [DOWN] to select the ‘Auto Mode’ option. Confirm with [ENTER], to open the ‘Auto Mode’ menu. Here you can activate one of 30 available show programmes and set the programme speed.
Use the buttons [UP] and [DOWN] to select the desired option and confirm with [ENTER]. Adjust the displayed value with [UP] and [DOWN] and press [ENTER] to confirm each new setting. With [MODE] you return to the previous menu level.

Parameter Function
Speed Programme speed, value range ‘1’‘9’ (slow … fast).
Program Programme selection, value range ‘01’‘29’ , ‘Mix’.

DMX address
This setting is only relevant when the device is controlled via DMX.  Press [MODE] and use the buttons [UP] and [DOWN] to select the ‘DMX Address’ option. Con‐firm with [ENTER], to open the ‘DMX Address’ menu. Use [UP] and [DOWN] to set the desired DMX address in a range from ‘001’ … ‘512’ and press [ENTER] to confirm the new setting. If more than one Pixel Rail driver are used, each device uses 8 DMX channels. The first controller, for example, occupies address 1 to 8. The second controller must be set accordingly to address 9, the third controller to address 18, etc. In 8-channel operation, the address 009 must be assigned to the first controller, the address 018 to the second, etc. With [MODE] you return to the previous menu level.
Software info
This menu offers you the option to display the currently installed software version. Press [MODE] and use the buttons [UP] and [DOWN] to select the ‘Software Version’ option. Confirm with [ENTER] to display the version information. With [MODE] you return to the previous menu level.
Length and number of the pixel strips
In this menu you determine the length and thus the number of possible pixel strips per output. Press [MODE] and use the buttons [UP] and [DOWN] to select the ‘Length’ option. Confirm with [ENTER], to open the ‘Length’ menu. Use [UP] or [DOWN] to specify the desired length in a range from ‘1M’ … ‘4M’ (1 metre / one strip per output … 4 metres / four strips per output) and confirm with [ENTER] to accept the new setting. With [MODE] you return to the previous menu level.
Network settings
In this menu you determine the network settings.  Press [MODE] and use the buttons [UP] and [DOWN] to select the ‘Network Settings’ option. Confirm with [ENTER], to open the ‘Network Settings’ menu. Use the buttons [UP] and [DOWN] to select the desired option and confirm with [ENTER]. Adjust the displayed value with [UP] and [DOWN] and press [ENTER] to confirm each new setting.

Parameter Function
IP Address IP address
Subnet Mask Subnet mask
Net SubNet Unive DMX universe

Operating mode Slave
This setting is only relevant if the device is controlled via DMX and working as slave in a master / slave configuration.  Press [MODE] and use the buttons [UP] and [DOWN] to select the ‘Slave Mode’ option. Confirm with [ENTER] and use [UP] and [DOWN] to select the ‘YES’ option. Then the device operates in Slave mode. With [MODE] you return to the previous menu level.

 Menu overview

STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII 06

Functions in 10-channel DMX mode
Channel Value Function
1 0 … 255 Dimmer function (0 % … 100 %)
2 0 … 255 Strobe effect (slow … fast)
3 0 … 255 Intensity red LED (0 % … 100 %)
4 0 … 255 Intensity green LED (0 % … 100 %)
5 0 … 255 Intensity blue LED (0 % … 100 %)
6 0 … 255 Automatic programme 1 (multi colour effect. The last effect will

be played automatically.)
7| 0 … 255| Automatic programme 2 (colour effect. The colour can be selected with CH9. The last effect will be played automatically.)
8| 0 … 255| Programme speed (slow … fast)
Channel| Value| Function
---|---|---
9| 0 … 255| Colour selection for colour effect in the automatic programme
10| 0 … 255| Microphone sensitivity for sound control (low to high)

Functions in 55-channel DMX mode
Channel Value Function
1 0 … 255 Dimmer function (0 % … 100 %)
2 0 … 255 Strobe effect (slow … fast)
3 0 … 255 Automatic programme 1 (multi colour effect. The last effect will

be played automatically.)
4| 0 … 255| Automatic programme 2 (colour effect. The colour can be selected with CH9. The last effect will be played automatically.)
5| 0 … 255| Programme speed (slow … fast)
6| 0 … 255| Colour selection for colour effect in the automatic programme
Channel| Value| Function
---|---|---
7| 0 … 255| Microphone sensitivity for sound control (low to high)
8| 0 … 255| Intensity red, first spotlight at the first output
9| 0 … 255| Intensity green, first spotlight at the first output
10| 0 … 255| Intensity blue, first spotlight at the first output
…| |
55| 0 … 255| Intensity blue, fourth spotlight at the fourth output

Network connection

ArtNet
For operation via ArtNet, first Install the necessary software on your PC (Windows or Mac with fixed IP address). Connect the pixel rail strips to the controller and switch it on. Give the controller an IP address corresponding to the ArtNet settings. Set the subnet mask of the controller and the software to ‘255.0.0.0’. Connect the controller to your PC. The software automatically recognizes all connected devices.

Technical specifications

Control protocols|

DMX (10/55 channels) ArtNet (4×480 channels)

RDM

---|---
Number of DMX channels| 10 or 55
Input connections| DMX control| XLR chassis plug, 3- and 5-pin
ArtNet control| RJ45
Power supply| Lockable input socket (Power Twist)
Output connections| DMX control| XLR chassis socket, 3- and 5-pin
ArtNet control| RJ45
Control of further pixel strips| RJ45
Power supply for further controllers| Lockable output socket (Power Twist)
Dimmer| 0 … 100 %
Strobe effect| 0 … 25 Hz
---|---
Cable length| max. 80 m (CAT6 cable)
Power consumption| max. 400 W
Supply voltage| 100 – 240 V    50/60 Hz
Fuse| 5 mm × 20 mm, 5 A, 250 V, fast-acting
Degree of protection| IP20
Dimensions (W × H × D)| 305 mm × 230 mm × 65 mm
Weight| 2.5 kg
Ambient conditions| Temperature range| 0 °C…40 °C
Relative humidity| 20 %…80 % (non-condensing)

Plug and connection assignment

Introduction
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equip‐ment so that a perfect light experience is guaranteed.
Please take our tips, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into a socket, the result of an incorrect connection may be a destroyed DMX controller, a short circuit or ‘just’ a not working light show!
DMX connections The unit offers a 3-pin XLR socket for DMX output and a 3-pin XLR plug for DMX input. Please refer to the drawing and table below for the pin assignment of a suitable XLR plug.

Pin Configuration
1 Ground, shielding
2 Signal inverted (DMX–, ‘cold signal’)
3 Signal (DMX+, ‘hot signal’)

DMX connections
STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII 09 A five-pin XLR socket serves as DMX output, a five-pin XLR plug serves as DMX input. The drawing below and the table show the pin assignment of a matching coupling.

Pin Assignment

1

2

|

Ground (shielding)

Signal inverted (DMX–, ‘cold’)

3| Signal (DMX+, ‘hot’)
4| unused / second connection (DMX–)
5| unused / second connection (DMX+)

Cleaning

Device components
Clean the device components that are accessible from the outside regularly. The cleaning frequency depends on the operating environment: damp, smoky or particularly dirty environments can cause greater accumulation of dirt on the device components.

  •  Clean with a dry soft cloth.
  •  Stubborn dirt can be removed with a slightly dampened cloth.
  •  Never use solvents or alcohol for cleaning.

Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging material
For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling. Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of. Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.
Disposal of your old device
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose with your normal household waste. Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.

References

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