STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- STAIRVILLE
Table of Contents
- STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII
- General information
- Safety instructions
- Features
- Installation and starting up
- Connections and controls
- Operating
- Menu overview
- Technical specifications
- Plug and connection assignment
- Cleaning
- Protecting the environment
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
STAIRVILLE LED Pixel Rail Drive 640 MKII
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
Control via ArtNet
Control via DMX
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.
Connections and controls
Front panel
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
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
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
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.