MedeaWiz SS-38 Serial Splitter Owner’s Manual
- August 31, 2024
- MedeaWiz
Table of Contents
MedeaWiz SS-38 Serial Splitter
Specifications
- Model: SS-38 Serial Splitter
- Manual Version: 1.00
- Input Options : RS232 or RS485 (optional)
- Power Supply: 5V DC, up to 100 mA from Sprite 1
- Connector Type: 3.5mm 4-pole plug
Product Usage Instructions
Operation:
- The SS-38 Serial Splitter has provisions for optional RS232 or RS485 input. Note that these components are not pre-installed but can be provided at an additional cost by your dealer.
- To power the SS-38 and controller input port, a Sprite must be connected to the port marked Sprite 1. This Sprite will also transmit serial reports back to the controller.
- Ports marked Sprite 2 to Sprite 8 can be utilized for additional Sprites, each requiring its own power supply. These ports can also be used to chain to other SS-38 serial splitters with at least one Sprite connected to the Sprite 1 port for power.
- For syncing videos from multiple Sprites, ensure consistent encoding for all files and use USB drives or SD memory cards with the same specifications. The DV-S4 model is recommended for seamless syncing.
Wiring
- Push Button Wiring to the 5V / Serial Port: Utilize a pushbutton or dry contacts for wiring.
- Serial Communications Wiring to the 5V / Serial
Port: The SS-38 can pass serial commands from various controllers using serial communications at 3.3V or 5V levels. Ensure that RS232 levels from a PC or PLC serial port to the Controller 5V / Serial port are appropriately translated using a level translator like the MAX3232 series.
Introduction
The MedeaWiz® SS-38 serial splitter is a serial control / trigger splitter and buffer to control 8 or more Sprite® or Sprite® 4K video players from a single serial port, push button or motion sensor. If you plan to connect more than 3 or 4 Sprites on one TTL serial bus, push button or motion sensor, you will need this to get a strong serial or trigger signal to all Sprites. Two or more SS-38 may be chained to drive additional Sprites from each SS-38, all from a single serial port or trigger. In addition, there are available add-on options to use RS232 control, with TTL level translation, or RS485 control.
Operation
- The SS-38 input area, marked “Controller”, has our standard 3.5mm 4-pole jack and can connect directly to our Hydra® input / output expander, our MSA-B motion sensor, or a push button, etc. This input port can supply 5 volts at 100 mA to power the
- Hydra or MSA-B. You can use any micro-controller with a 3.3 to 5 volt serial port.
- There are provisions for optional RS232 or RS485 input. Note the connector and other components are not installed for RS232 or RS 485, but may be provided as an option from your dealer at additional expense.
- The port marked “Sprite 1” must have a Sprite connected. This Sprite will supply power to the SS-38 and the controller input port. Sprite 1 will also transmit serial reports back to the Hydra or other controller.
- The ports marked “Sprite 2” to “Sprite 8” can be used for additional Sprites, each with its own power supply, or to chain to other SS-38 serial splitters, each with at least a Sprite connected to the Sprite 1 port for power. Ports 2- 8 are not connected to power and do not transmit serial reports. Use cables with 3.5mm 4-pole plug at each end to connect Sprites or a Hydra. Since every installation may be different, we only supply one, 1M long cable, with the SS-38.
- If you are syncing videos from 2 or more Sprites, it is best to use the same encoding for all files and the exact same make and specifications USB drives or SD memory cards. The Sprite 4K model DV-S4 syncs very well together.
Wiring
Controller Input
A Hydra® or MSA-B motion sensor may be plugged into the 3.5mm 4-pole
controller input jack, marked “5V / Serial”. Please refer to the Sprite®
manual to set the Control Mode to “Serial Control” at 9600 baud for the Hydra,
Trigger High No Interrupt for the MSA-B motion sensor, Trigger Low for a push
button. This input is rated for 0 to 5 volts, or 3.3 to 5 volt TTL serial
input. A negative voltage, or over 5.5 volts, will cause damage to the SS-38.
Note you must cut the jumper wire near the LED, between the Sprite 1 port and the Controller port, if you wish to power some other controller using a separate power supply. See picture on.
There are provisions on the Controller input area for screw-terminals and termination resistor, if needed, for RS232 and RS485 inputs. These are not installed but may be available as an option from your dealer. The RS232 option will provide serial reports back to the controller from Sprite 1 only. The RS485 port will not provide any serial reports as it can only receive.
Sprite® 1 – 8 Outputs
A Sprite must be connected to the Sprite 1 port to provide power to the SS-38
serial splitter. Sprite 1 will provide serial reports back to the controller.
Sprite 2 to Sprite 8 outputs may be connected to other Sprites or to other
SS-38 for expansion. All use our standard cables with 3.5mm 4-pole plug at
each end. All Sprites will require their own power supply. All SS 38 will
require Sprite 1 to supply power.
Push Button Wiring to the 5V / Serial Port
Using a pushbutton or other dry contacts
- The Control Mode should be set to Trigger Low No Interrupt or Trigger Low with Interrupt or Trigger Low Delayed. No Interrupt and Delayed will queue from the end-of-file on Sprite 1 only.
- The screw terminal adaptor shown above on the right is included with the Sprite®. Note that the numbers near the screws match to the numbers on the plug at the left.
Serial Communications Wiring to the 5V / Serial Port
The SS-38 can pass serial commands from a Show Control or micro controller
like a Basic Stamp, PIC, Atmel, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or etc. using serial
communications at 3.3V or 5V levels.
Note that RS232 levels from a PC or PLC serial port to the Controller 5V / Serial port will require a level translator like the MAX3232 series. Do not allow negative voltage below ground, or over 5.5 volts, to be applied to this port.
The SS-38 can supply 5V DC at up to 100 mA, from Sprite 1, to power your micro
controller.
Note you should cut / remove the jumper wire near the LED, between the Sprite
1 port and the Controller port, if you wish to power some other brand
controller using a separate power supply.
Support
FAQ
- Q: Can I connect multiple Sprites to the SS-38?
- A: Yes, you can connect Sprites to ports marked Sprite 2 to Sprite 8, each needing its own power supply.
- Q: What is the recommended model for syncing videos from multiple Sprites?
- A: The DV-S4 model is recommended for syncing videos effectively.
- Q: How can I power my micro controller using the SS-38?
- A: The SS-38 can supply 5V DC at up to 100 mA from Sprite 1 to power your micro controller.