Pathway System Design/Layout Guide - Manual (Page 7)

Pathports arrive from the factory with a unique IP address in the 10.x.x.x domain
with a class A subnet mask. By default, Port A is set to universe one, Port B is set
to universe two and so on. Signal path testing is as simple as plugging a DMX
source into an input port, and checking that the corresponding output ports
become active, as reported on each LCD display. Commissioning is that simple.
More sophisticated or detailed configuration is readily done by connecting a
computer to the network, setting the IP address of its network interface card to
the 10.x.x.x domain (and subnet 255.0.0.0) and running Pathport Manager 5.
Because configuration is retained by the nodes, Pathports can easily be pre-
configured in the shop prior to shipping and installation on-site. A great deal of
time and expense can be saved this way.
SYSTEM
COMMISSIONING
CONFIGURATION
(cont’d)
SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM
DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN GUIDE DESIGN GUIDE
7
#103 - 1439 17 Avenue SE Calgary AB T2G 1J9 (403) 243-8110 Fax (403) 287-1281 www.pathwayconnect.com
location or use. Showfiles, including all node configuration and channel
patches ,can be saved and edited off-line as CSV files. Patches can be written and
saved independent of the nodes, simplifying system management and changeovers
between show-specific patches. DMX Console and Monitor tools facilitate signal
trouble-shooting, while IP reporting and error logging help resolve network issues.
Pathport Manager also manages firmware upgrades and boot-up behavior and
provides configuration support to some Strand and Entertainment Technology
products incorporating Pathport Ethernet technology.
The latest version, version 5, is now available on the website. Version 3 is still
required to update nodes running some older firmware versions.
FIRMWARE
FEATURES
A Pathport system is a DMX distribution network. Once commissioned, most
problems that arise are with the signal source and its show programming or with
failures of the end gear. Because DMX does not have error reporting capabilities,
trouble shooting is typically based on error isolation.
Most modern lighting consoles can connect directly to the nodes via the Ethernet
switch, and must share the correct IP address and subnet mask configuration
with the nodes in order to function correctly.
PERIPHERALS
•
Customize each output universe using up to eight input streams
•
Automatically merge different Ethernet protocols
•
Crossfade between prioritized sources on loss or gain of signal, and on a
user-specified time
•
Streaming ACN “magic channel” allows operator to choose which source is
active
•
Streaming ACN input priority scheme fully supported
•
Set DMX output speed on a per-port basis
•
Signal loss behaviour can be set port-by-port
•
Each port is able to act as RDM proxy—or disable RDM port-by-port
•
Nodes accept any valid IPv4 address and subnet mask arrangement