KENTON LNDx MIDI Line Driver Pro Instruction Manual

: July 3, 2024
: KENTON

Table of Contents

KENTON LNDx MIDI Line Driver Pro
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
FCC STATEMENT
Introduction
Connecting
Troubleshooting
Specification
Warranty
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KENTON LNDx MIDI Line Driver Pro

KENTON-LNDx-MIDI-Line-Driver-Pro-Product

Product Information

Product Name: LNDX MIDI Line Driver Pro
Units: Main & Secondary pair
Connectors: MIDI Input and MIDI Output at both ends
Cable Compatibility: CAT5 cable with etherCON or RJ45 connectors
Power Source: Mains adaptor (supplied)

Product Usage Instructions

Introduction:
The LNDX MIDI Line Driver Pro is designed to connect MIDI devices over long distances using CAT5 cables with etherCON or RJ45 connectors. The main and secondary units function bidirectionally, allowing MIDI signals to pass through both ends simultaneously.

Connecting:

Use MIDI cables no longer than 5 meters for the MIDI INs of the LNDX.
Directly connect the MIDI INs to the signal source without using through chains whenever possible.
If needed, utilize a thru box like the THRU-5.

Important Note:
The LNDX system is not Ethernet compatible. Only connect the CAT5 cable from a main unit to a secondary unit, not to another main unit. Avoid connecting the units to any other device except LNDR.

LED Indicators:
Each MIDI port on the main and secondary units features a green LED. The LED indicates power to the unit and flashes when MIDI data is received at the port.

CAT5 Cable Information:
While we recommend wiring to the EIA-568B standard, you can alternatively wire the CAT5 cable to the EIA-568A standard. Ensure both ends are wired to the same standard for proper functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can I use standard MIDI cables with the LNDX?
A: It is recommended to use CAT5 cables with etherCON or RJ45 connectors for optimal performance. Standard MIDI cables can be used with limitations on length.
Q: How do I power the LNDX system?
A: The LNDX system is powered by a mains adaptor that comes with the product, eliminating the need for battery changes.

FCC STATEMENT

FCC STATEMENT FOR LNDX MIDI Line Driver Pro:

NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used by the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WEEE DIRECTIVE
(applies to the European Union & other European countries with separate collection systems)

The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol affixed to this product indicates that it should not be disposed of with other household wastes at the end of its working life. To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, please separate this from other types of waste and recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources. Household users should contact either the retailer where they purchased the product, or their local government office for details of where and how they can take this item for environmentally safe recycling. Business users should contact their supplier and check the terms and conditions of the purchase contract. This product should not be mixed with other commercial wastes for disposal.

For disposal in countries outside of the European Union
This symbol is only valid in the European Union (EU). If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.

Introduction

The LNDX MIDI Line Driver Pro is supplied as a pair of units with a MIDI Input and a MIDI Output at both ends to enable you to connect MIDI devices over much greater distances than is usually possible using standard MIDI cables. The main and secondary units are connected via CAT5 cable using either etherCON or RJ45 connectors. etherCON is a ruggedised and lockable RJ45 connector system, though RJ45 cables can also be used with the LNDX MIDI Line Driver Pro.
A MIDI signal applied to the MIDI IN of the main unit will appear at the MIDI out of the secondary unit. Similarly, a MIDI signal applied to the MIDI IN of the secondary unit will appear at the MIDI out of the main unit. You can send signals in both directions at the same time.
The main and secondary units are very similar, however, the main unit supplies power for both units – the secondary unit does not have a power input socket.
The LNDX system is powered by a mains adaptor (supplied), so it doesn’t need periodic battery changes to keep it working, enabling you to “fit and forget”.

Connecting

Ensure that the power adaptor is plugged into the main unit and that the ACTIVE LEDs on both the LNDX main & secondary units are all on. Ensure you have a CAT5 or CAT5e cable connecting the main unit to the secondary unit. Connect the MIDI out of your keyboard or computer to the MIDI IN of the LNDX main unit and connect the MIDI OUT of the LNDX secondary unit to the MIDI input of the device you want to control. Alternatively, connect the MIDI out of your keyboard or computer to the MIDI IN of the LNDX secondary unit and connect the MIDI OUT of the LNDX main unit to the MIDI input of the device you want to control.
If possible, use MIDI cables no greater than 5 metres in length for the MIDI INs of the LNDX. The MIDI INs should ideally be driven directly from the signal source, not at the end of a daisy chain of THRUs.
If necessary, use a thru box such as the THRU-5.
Please note that LNDX is not an Ethernet device. The CAT5 or CAT5e cable from an LNDX main unit should only be connected to an LNDX or LNDR secondary unit, not to another main unit, and neither the main nor secondary units should EVER be connected to any other device (except LNDR), even if it has a similar connector. (e.g. Ethernet router, switch or hub).

LEDs

There is a green LED by each of the MIDI ports on the LNDX main and secondary units. The LED will be lit if there is power to the unit. When MIDI data is presented to each port, that port’s LED will flash.

CAT5 cable info
You should use good quality CAT5 cable. For distances greater than 100 metres, you should use CAT5e cable. Ideally use ready-made CAT5e cables which are available in many lengths, however, if you wish to make your own, the cable pairs must be connected to the correct pins. It is not sufficient that pin 1 connects to pin 1 (2-2, 3-3 etc.), it is also essential that pin 1 is paired with 2, 3 with 6, 4 with 5, and 7 with 8. You will find that the twisted pairs have complementary colours, white/orange with orange/white etc. Cables should be wired to the EIA-568B standard at both ends. Don’t use crossover cables. You can find out more about CAT5 wiring on the internet. Search for “straight through RJ45”.

Although we recommend wiring to the EIA-568B standard, the CAT5 cable can alternatively be wired to the EIA-568A standard. However, both ends must be wired to the same standard.

etherCON connectors
etherCON is a ruggedised and lockable RJ45 connector system, optimised for pro audio, video and lighting network applications. CAT5e Cables are available with etherCON connectors already fitted. Connector shells are also available that can be used to convert existing RJ45 CAT5 cables to etherCON.

Troubleshooting

Check that you are using a properly wired CAT5 or CAT5e cable – see above.
Check that you are using a “straight through” cable, not a “crossover” cable.
Check that the “active” LEDs are lit.

If you encounter problems at very long distances, it could be the result of a volt-drop in the CAT5 cable, in which case substituting the power supply for a 12-volt regulated unit will help. Note that we have tested the LNDX system to over 750 metres using the supplied 9V PSU without problems.

Specification

Power Input 9V to 12V DC (12V regulated, 9V regulated or unregulated)
Power 85mA, 2.1mm plug (centre positive)
MIDI 1 x In, 1 x Out on each unit (standard 5-pin DIN connectors)
Interconnect CAT5 cable required with etherCON or RJ45 connectors
Protocols MIDI and RS485 full duplex
Range 500 metres between main & secondary units over CAT5e cable
Weight 96g (each unit, excluding power supply)
Dimensions 98 x 54 x 43 mm (each unit)
Power supply Supplied with a 9v regulated multi-region power supply which is suitable for use in the UK, EU, US/Canada and AUS/NZ.

Warranty

The LNDX MIDI Line Driver Pro comes with a 12-month (from purchase date) back- to-base warranty, (i.e. customer must arrange and pay for carriage to and from Kenton Electronics Ltd). In the unlikely event of a problem, contact us by email through our website or by telephone.