User manual AMX AXB-DMX512 DMX512 INTERFACE

instruction manual AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface AXlink Bus Controllers AMX Limited Warranty and Disclaimer AMX Corporation warrants its products to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for three (3) years from the date of purchase from AMX Corporation, with the following exceptions: · · · · · Electroluminescent and LCD Control Panels are warranted for three (3) years, except for the display and touch overlay components that are warranted for a period of one (1) year. Disk drive mechanisms, pan/tilt heads, power supplies, MX Series products, and KC Series products are warranted for a period of one (1) year. Unless otherwise specified, OEM and custom products are warranted for a period of one (1) year. Software is warranted for a period of ninety (90) days. Batteries and incandescent lamps are not covered under the warranty. This warranty extends only to products purchased directly from AMX Corporation or an Authorized AMX Dealer. AMX Corporation is not liable for any damages caused by its products or for the failure of its products to perform. This includes any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages, or consequential damages. AMX Corporation is not liable for any claim made by a third party or by an AMX Dealer for a third party. This limitation of liability applies whether damages are sought, or a claim is made, under this warranty or as a tort claim (including negligence and strict product liability), a contract claim, or any other claim. This limitation of liability cannot be waived or amended by any person. This limitation of liability will be effective even if AMX Corporation or an authorized representative of AMX Corporation has been advised of the possibility of any such damages. This limitation of liability, however, will not apply to claims for personal injury. Some states do not allow a limitation of how long an implied warranty last. Some states do not allow the limitation or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages for consumer products. In such states, the limitation or exclusion of the Limited Warranty may not apply. This Limited Warranty gives the owner specific legal rights. The owner may also have other rights that vary from state to state. The owner is advised to consult applicable state laws for full determination of rights. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY, AMX CORPORATION MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AMX CORPORATION EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES NOT STATED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY LAW ARE LIMITED TO THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. Table of Contents Table of Contents Product Information .................................................................................................1 Specifications .................................................................................................................... 1 Configuration and Installation .................................................................................3 Setting the Device DIP Switch........................................................................................... 3 Terminating the Device ..................................................................................................... 3 Wiring Devices to the AXB-DMX512 ................................................................................. 4 Preparing/connecting captive wires ......................................................................................... 4 Wiring guidelines...................................................................................................................... 4 Using AXlink communication.................................................................................................... 5 Using IN and OUT DMX512 data communication.................................................................... 5 Mounting the AXB-DMX512 in a Rack .............................................................................. 5 Replacing the Lithium Battery ........................................................................................... 6 Programming ............................................................................................................9 Buffers ............................................................................................................................... 9 Direct Control Buffer Send_Commands .......................................................................... 10 Patch Buffer Send_Commands....................................................................................... 11 Group Buffer Commands ................................................................................................ 13 Axcess Level Send_Commands ..................................................................................... 20 Miscellaneous Send_Commands.................................................................................... 23 Channel Commands........................................................................................................ 25 Channel Trigger Send_Commands................................................................................. 26 Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................27 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface i Table of Contents ii AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface Product Information Product Information The AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface creates a bi-directional DMX512 AXlink connection, transmitting and receiving up to 512 DMX channels for lighting dimmers, spotlights, and other DMX control applications. Onboard processing and memory can create and store channel groups, faders, patches, and up to 72 presets. A DMX lighting board can operate in tandem with the AXB-DMX512, generate levels for storing presets, or pass through the AXB-DMX512 for direct control of channels. Specifications AXB-DMX512 Specifications Power consumption Power supply Front panel components: LED Indicators · AXlink LED (green and blinks to indicate AXlink communication activity and power: Full-Off indicates no power is being received or the controller is not functioning properly. One blink per second indicates power is active and AXlink communication is functioning. Full-On indicates there is no AXlink control or activity, but power is On. · RX LED (red) indicates the AXB-DMX512 is receiving DMX512 data. Corresponds to the IN and OUT ports on the rear panel. · TX LED (red) indicates the AXB-DMX512 is transmitting DMX512 data. Corresponds to the IN and OUT ports on the rear panel. DEVICE DIP switches Rear panel components: DMXIN port DMXOUT port AXlink Dimensions (HWD) Enclosure Mounting Weight 5-wire, captive-wire connector for receiving data. 5-wire, captive-wire connector for transmitting data. 4-wire, captive-wire connector for data and power. 1.5" x 5.5" x 5.5" (38 mm x 140 mm x 140 mm) Metal with black matte finish Rack mounting with the optional AC-RK Accessory Rack Kit 1.1 lb (0.5 kg) 8-position DIP switch sets the AXlink address for the DMX512. 160 mA @ 12 VDC 12 VDC (part number SA002) AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface 1 Product Information 2 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface Configuration and Installation Configuration and Installation Setting the Device DIP Switch The 8-position DEVICE DIP switch on the front panel (FIG. 1) sets the AXlink identification number for the AXB-DMX512. Make sure the device number matches the number assigned in the Axcess software program. AXlink DEVICE ON TX RX FIG. 1 AXB-DMX512 (front view) The following table describes the values on the DEVICE DIP switch. Device DIP Switch Settings Position Value 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 8 5 16 6 32 7 64 8 128 Terminating the Device When using the DMX input and if this device is the last device in a chain of DMX512 devices, you must terminate the line. To terminate the device, position jumpers on jumper pin trios JP4 and JP5 (FIG. 2): JP2 JP5 Lithium Batteries JP3 JP4 JP1 COR front FIG. 2 Location of termination jumpers pins (JP1-JP5) and lithium batteries 1. Remove the jumper that is on pins 1 and 2 of jumper trios JP4 and JP5. (Pins 1 and 2 are marked HIZ - see FIG. 3). AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface 3 Configuration and Installation 2. Place the jumper on pins 2 and 3 of jumper trios JP4 and JP5. (Pins 2 and 3 are marked TERM -see FIG. 3). This terminates the incoming DMX input with a 120 ohm resistor. TERM HIZ FIG. 3 Termination jumper pin settings for JP4 and JP5 Wiring Devices to the AXB-DMX512 The AXB-DMX512 has three captive-wire connectors on the rear panel (FIG. 4) for DMX512 transmit and receive, and AXlink. DATA 2 DATA 2 DATA 2 DATA 2 DATA 1 DATA 1 DATA 1 DATA 1 NC IN OUT NC AXlink FIG. 4 AXB-DMX512 (rear view) Preparing/connecting captive wires 1. Strip 0.25 inch of wire insulation off all wires. 2. Insert each wire into the appropriate opening on the connector according to the wiring diagrams and connector types described in this section. Do not tighten the screws excessively; doing so may strip the threads and damage the connector. Wiring guidelines The interface requires a 12 VDC power to operate properly. The interface uses a PSN2.8 power supply. The Central Controller supplies power via the AXlink cable or external 12 VDC power supply. The maximum wiring distance between the Central Controller and interface is determined by power consumption, supplied voltage, and the wire gauge used for the cable. The table below lists wire sizes and maximum lengths allowable between the AXB-DMX512 and Central Controller. The maximum wiring lengths for using AXlink power are based on a minimum of 13.5 volts available at the Central Controller's power supply. Wiring Guidelines at 160 mA Wire Size Maximum Wiring Length 18 AWG 20 AWG 22 AWG 24 AWG 733.57 feet (223.59 m) 464.11 feet (141.46 m) 289.35 feet (88.19 m) 182.39 feet (55.59 m) 4 PWR GND GND GND AXM AXP AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface Configuration and Installation Using AXlink communication Connect the AXlink wiring to the connector on the AXB-DMX512, as shown in FIG. 5. PWR AXlink connector on AXB-DMX512 AXP AXM GND FIG. 5 AXlink wiring PWR AXP AXM GND Device Using IN and OUT DMX512 data communication Some DMX devices only use DATA+ and DATA-. Connect these to DATA1+ and DATA1-, leaving DATA2+ and DATA- unconnected. The DATA2 In and Out ports are not Currently supported. 1. For transmit wiring, connect the DMX512 wiring to the OUT connector, as shown in FIG. 6. GND DATA1DMX 512 OUT connector on AXB-DMX512 DATA1+ DATA2DATA2+ NC FIG. 6 DMX512 transmit wiring GND DATA1DATA1+ DATA2DATA2+ Device 2. For receive wiring, connect the DMX512 wiring to the IN connector, as shown in FIG. 7. GND DATA1DMX 512 IN connector on AXB-DMX512 DATA1+ DATA2DATA2+ NC FIG. 7 DMX512 receive wiring GND DATA1DATA1+ DATA2DATA2+ Device Mounting the AXB-DMX512 in a Rack To mount the AXB-DMX512 in an equipment rack, you will need an AC-RK rack mounting kit. 1. Remove the two screws on the front panel of the AXB-DMX512. 2. Remove the front panel and the space bracket behind the panel. 3. Remove the rubber feet on the bottom of the unit, if necessary. Insert a scissors blade or other sharp object into the side of one of the rubber feet and pull it off. Do the same to remove the other three rubber feet. 4. Place the unit in the appropriate opening in the AC-RK. 5. Place the front panel of the AXB-DMX512 on the front of the rack over the unit and secure the screws. AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface 5 Configuration and Installation Replacing the Lithium Battery A lithium battery (FIG. 8) with a life of approximately 5 years, protects stored presets if a power loss occurs. The battery is not used when DC power is supplied to the AXB-DMX512. Write down the replacement date on a sticker or label by adding 5 years to the date of installation, and then attach it to the bottom of the AXB-DMX512. Battery (CR2032 type - 20mm coin cell) socket FIG. 8 Lithium battery and socket All control commands in AXB-DMX512 memory are lost when the lithium battery is replaced Contact your AMX dealer before you replace the lithium battery and verify that they have a current copy of the Axcess program for your AXB-DMX512. This will avoid any inadvertent loss of data or a service outage. You will need a flat-blade tool (non-conducting) that can be slipped under the lithium battery to pry it up and out of the socket. Static electricity can damage electronic circuitry. Before removing the lithium battery from the enclosure, discharge any accumulated static electricity from your body by touching a grounded metal object. 1. Discharge the static electricity from your body. 2. Unplug all cables from the AXB-DMX512. 3. Remove the AC-RK and AXB-DMX512 from the mounting rack. Otherwise, go to step 4. 4. Remove the five pan-head screws on the top of the AXB-DMX512 enclosure. 5. Pull the two enclosure halves apart and set the bottom portion of the enclosure on a flat surface. 6. Locate the battery on the circuit card. 7. Carefully pry the battery out of its socket and insert the new battery. Write down the next replacement date on a sticker or label by adding 5 years to the replacement date, and then attach it to the bottom of the AXB-DMX512. 8. Plug all cables back into the AXB-DMX512. 9. Place the top portion of the enclosure back onto the bottom portion. Then, refasten the five pan-head screws. 10. Reconnect the cables removed for battery replacement. There is a danger of explosion if you replace the battery incorrectly. Replace the battery with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used battery according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never recharge, disassemble, or heat the battery above 212 °F (100 °C). Never solder directly to the battery or expose the contents of the battery to water. 6 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface Configuration and Installation AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface 7 Configuration and Installation 8 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface Programming Programming The AXB-DMX512 is controlled with Axcess Send_Commands. Use the programming information in this section along with the Axcess Programming Language Instruction Manual to program the AXB-DMX512. All Send Commands are limited to 64 characters. Buffers The AXB-DMX512 uses a "highest value takes precedence" to determine which DMX value is actually output (see FIG. 9). There are three output buffers: patch, group, and direct control. Each buffer represents all 512 DMX outputs. The highest value in any buffer is the value transmitted from the output port. The actual DMX output refers to the value being transmitted. DMX Input Patch Buffer Group Buffer Actual DMX Output The highest value of any buffer Direct Control Buffer FIG. 9 DMX Flow Chart The levels in the patch buffer are modified by DMX Input. The patch buffer commands determine which, if any, DMX inputs modify the level of the patch buffer. A patch disconnect automatically clears the value in the patch buffer to zero. If there is no DMX Input for 5 seconds, all values in DMX Input buffer are set to zero. Any outputs tied those DMX Inputs will then be zero. The group buffer is modified by changing group commands. Groups can ramp over time. Groups can be tied to Axcess levels or DMX Inputs. The groups can be absolute or proportional. For groups that are absolute, the value of all outputs are the same as the group level. Proportional group outputs depend on a specified value or the Actual DMX output at the time the output is added to the group. That value sets the maximum value the outputs can reach when controlled by group 55. The direct control buffer is modified by individual output ramps or by preset recalls. Presets are also called snapshots or scenes. AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface 9 Programming Direct Control Buffer Send_Commands The direct control buffer is modified by individual output ramps or by preset recalls. The following table lists the Direct Control Buffer Send_Commands. Direct Control Buffer Send_Commands Command DL Recalls a snapshot of all DMX output channel in T tenths of seconds. Description Time is required here. This affects all DMX512 channels. Syntax: "'DLT'" If a Direct Ramp is in progress the last command sent will win for each output. Variables: preset number =1-72 time = 0-65535 (time is in tenths of seconds, except where noted). Examples: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DL1T0' Recalls preset 1 instantly (in zero seconds). SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DL72T15' Recalls preset 72 in 1.5 seconds. Use the groups and group ramp (`GR') command to store and recall scenes with specific channels. Any other snapshot recall or direct ramp in progress is halted and the ramp to the new level starts from the current level. The list can be single outputs and/or ranges of outputs separated by Ramps the DMX output to the L level in commas. If a Snapshot Preset is in progress then the last command T tenths of seconds. Time is required. sent will win for each output. Sends all specified DMX outputs to the Do not put more 64 characters total in this command. same level. Syntax: DR "'DRLT'" Variables: List of DMS Output = 1,2,3,5-10 is a list of single DMX channels with ranges of DMX channels. level = 0-255 or 0%-100%. The value can be given in actual steps 0-255 or given as a percentage 0%-100%. time = 0-65535. Time is in tenths of seconds. Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DR1L100%T10' Ramps DMX Output channel 1 to 100% (full) in 1 second. Any other snapshot recall or direct ramp in progress for the specified channels is halted and the ramp to the new level starts from the current level. Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DR-512L50%T10' Sends all channels to 50% in 1 second. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DR-512L127T25' Sends all channels to 50% in 2.5 seconds. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DR10,20-30,35L0T0' Sends channels 10,20 through 30, and 35 to 0%. 10 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface Programming Direct Control Buffer Send_Commands Command DS Stores a snapshot of all DMX output channels. Description This is the final output of the DMX512 box and is also affected by the values in the Patch and Group Buffers. Note that this command stores all DMX512 channels, even channels that are not currently being transmitted through the use of the `ML' command (refer to the Miscellaneous Send_Commands section on page 23). Syntax: "'DS'" Variable: preset number = 1-72 Examples: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DS1' Stores preset 1. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DS72' Stores preset 72 (there is a max of 72 presets with standard memory). To exclude (undefine) channels, the Group Buffer Commands must be used, NOT the Direct Buffer Commands. DZ Sends all outputs in the Direct Control buffer immediately to zero. Clears all values in the Direct Control Buffer to zero. Syntax: "'DZ'" Stops all 'DR' ramps. Patch Buffer Send_Commands The patch buffer Send_Commands determine which if any DMX inputs modify the patch buffer. The following table lists the Patch Buffer Send_Commands. Patch Buffer Send_Commands Command PA Patches inputs 1-512 in a one-to-one relationship with outputs 1-512. Description This is typically the second step (after clearing the memory), when setting up the DMX512 box to sit between a lighting console and its dimmers. The outputs immediately change to reflect the inputs and will track any input changes. Syntax: "'PA'" Globally connects all DMX inputs to DMX outputs in a 1 to 1 relationship. AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface 11 Programming Patch Buffer Send_Commands (Cont.) Command PC Patches an input to one or more outputs. Description The list can be single outputs and/or ranges of outputs separated by commas. If the output is currently already patched to another input, then it is automatically disconnected from that input. Syntax: "'PCD'" Variables: DMX Input = 1-512. The actual DMX inbound data is stored in the DMX Input Buffer DMX Output = 1-512 Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'PC1D1,3,5-7' Connects DMX Input 1 to DMX Outputs 1,3,4,6. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'PC1D1-512' Connects input 1 to all outputs. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'PC1D10-20,25' Patches input 2 to outputs 10 through 20 and 25. PX Disconnects a DMX output from any DMX input by unpatching one or more DMX outputs. The list can be single outputs and/or ranges of outputs separated by commas. These outputs immediately go to zero in the Patch buffer. Syntax: "'PX'" Do not put more 64 characters total in this command. A Disconnect will clear the Patch Buffer for that output to 0. Variable: list of DMX outputs Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'PX512' Unpatches all DMX outputs (the same as the 'PZ' command). SEND_COMMAND DMX,'PX15,20-25' Unpatches DMX outputs 15 and 20 through 25. PZ Unpatches all DMX inputs from all DMX outputs. Global delete all DMX outputs from any DMX input. Syntax: "'PZ'" All DMX outputs in the Patch Buffer immediately go to zero. 12 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface Programming Group Buffer Commands The group buffer is modified by changing group commands. There is a maximum of 96 groups in software version 1.10. Adding outputs to a group while the group is still connected to an Axcess level DMX output can cause the value of outputs, which are already a member of the group, to change. The following table lists the Group Buffer Send_Commands. Group Buffer Commands Command GA Adds one or more DMX outputs to a group. Description The list can be single outputs and/or ranges of outputs separated by commas. A DMX output can only belong to one group at a time. Any of these outputs, that are currently members of another group, are automatically removed from that group. Adding an output to the group does not change the current DMX value for that output in the Group Buffer. This means that its possible to have different DMX values for the channels in this group at the time the channels are added, but this command is intended for the control of a group of outputs that will have the same value at all times. Syntax: "'GAD'" Variables: group = 1-96 list of DMX output = 1,2,3,5 - 10 If this group is direct ramped (`GR') to a level, then the offset between channels will be lost. If this group is ramped up (`GU') or down (`GD'), then the channels maintain their relative values until these channels hit zero or full. This effectively `clips' the channels and eliminates the offsets between the values. Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GA1D1,3,5-7' Adds DMX Output Channels 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 to Group 1. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GA1D-5' Adds DMX outputs 1 through 5 to Group 1. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GA96D6,10' Adds DMX Outputs 6 and 10 to Group 96. AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface 13 Programming Group Buffer Commands (Cont.) Command GC Connects one or more groups to an Axcess level or to a DMX input. Description A group can only be tied to one or the other not both. The list can be single groups and/or ranges of groups separated by commas. Syntax: "'GC'" Variables: Axcess level = 1-8 DMX input = 1-512 If a single group is connected to an unconnected Axcess level, then the Axcess level value will change to the group value. Otherwise, the group value will change to the Axcess level. There are 4 possible scenarios with this command: Connecting a single group to an Axcess level: The Axcess level changes immediately to reflect the current level of the group for normal groups. The group level immediately changes to reflect the Axcess level for proportional groups and fixed groups. The group can now be ramped up and down via the Axcess level ramp commands (`AU', `AD', and `AS'). It is no longer possible to use the group ramp up (`GU') or down (`GD') commands, but the direct ramp command (`GR') and Axcess channels still work, and also affects the Axcess level. If the group is disconnected using the `GX' command, the group ramp up and down will work again. Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GC1L2' Connects Group 1 to Axcess level 2. Connecting multiple groups to an Axcess level: The group levels change immediately to reflect the current Axcess level. The group can now be ramped up and down via the Axcess level. It is no longer possible to use the group ramp up (`GU') or down (`GD') commands. The direct ramp command (`GR') and Axcess channels still work but now controls all groups connected to this Axcess level, as well as the Axcess level itself. Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GC1,2L3' Connects Groups 1 and 2 to Axcess level 3. Connecting a single group to a DMX level: The group level changes immediately to reflect the current DMX input level. The group can now be ramped up and down by the DMX input level. There are no other means of affecting the group output. Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GC4D5' Connects Group 4 to DMX input 5. Connecting multiple groups to a DMX level: The group levels change immediately to reflect the current DMX input level and behave the same as connecting a single group to the DMX input. Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GC1-3,5D8' Connects Groups 1 through 3 and 5 to DMX input 8. 14 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface Programming Group Buffer Commands (Cont.) Command GD Ramps down one or more groups at the current ramp rate set by the `GT' command. Description The group stop (`GS'), group ramp down (`GD'), or group direct ramp command (`GR') will interrupt this command. It is not possible to use this command on groups that are connected to an Axcess level or to a DMX input. Syntax: "'GD'" The list can be single groups and/or ranges of groups separated by commas. If this command is sent for multiple groups, only those that are connected to an Axcess level or DMX input will ramp. Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GD1,3-4' Starts a ramp down on groups 1, 3, and 4. GE Erases groups. Removes all output channels from one or more groups. These outputs go immediately to 0% in the Group buffer and do not disconnect an Axcess level or DMX input from the group, if it is currently connected. If a programmer later adds channels back to the groups, they will be immediately be connected to the Axcess level or the DMX input. The list can be single groups and/or ranges of groups separated by commas. Syntax: "'GE'" Removes all DMX outputs from the groups. Sets all levels in the group buffer to zero. Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GE1' Removes all output channels from Group 1. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GE5,8-10' Removes all output channels from Groups 5 and 8 through 10. GF This is useful for creating "blind" presets, meaning that its not necessary to drive the actual DMX outputs to these levels in order to store Functions like the `GP' command, except the Max value for each output is the preset. All other rules for use are identical to those of the `GP' command. specified in the Send Command. Syntax: "'GFD'" Variables: group = 1-96 special list of DMX outputs with maximum value = 1-512 Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GF1D1@100%,2@50%,8@75%' Adds channels 1,2, and 8 to Group 1 at levels of 100%, 50%, and 75% respectively. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GF10D5-10@255,20@50%' Adds channels 5 through 10 at 100% (255) and channel 20 at 50% to Group 10. After the output there is an ampersand (@), then the maximum value for that output. That means the highest the DMX output can ever be is the value given at the time of the add. Ranges are allowed but can only have one maximum value for whole range. AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface 15 Programming Group Buffer Commands (Cont.) Command GL Deletes DMX outputs from any group. Description This command removes one or more output channels from the group that they are connected to. These outputs go immediately to 0% in the Group buffer. DO NOT specify which group these are to be removed from, because a channel can only be a member of one group at a time. The list can be single outputs and/or ranges of outputs separated by commas. Syntax: "'GL'" Variable: list of DMX outputs = 1-512 Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GL1-50' Removes DMX channels 1 through 50 from any group. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GL5,10,20-25' Removes DMX channels 5, 10, and 20 through 25 from any group. GO Sets the current output values in the Groups to the same value as the current actual DMX output. This command copies the actual output levels for the AXB-DMX512 box to the Group buffer for one or more groups. Syntax: "'GO'" This has the effect of copying the highest value from the patch or direct control buffer into the group buffer if they are higher than the value in the Group buffer. This is useful in the event a programmer wishes to add a group and then ramp it down from its current level. To do this: Use the Direct or Patch buffer to set the DMX outputs as needed. Add one or more groups using the `GP' command. Use group copy (`GO') to copy the box outputs to the group buffer for these groups. Disconnect the Patch buffer (`PZ') or send the Direct buffer (`DZ') to 0%. Example: SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GO1' Copies outputs for all channels in Group 1 to the Group buffer. SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GO5-8' Copies outputs for all channels in Groups 5 through 8 to the Group buffer. Warning: The `GO' command only works normal (non-proportional) groups. To work around this, use the direct ramp (`DR') command to set each group to full, instead of using the `GO' command. 16 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface