The dmXLAN NodeGBx 8 DMX / Ethernet Node¶

The dmXLAN NodeGBx 8 DMX / Ethernet Node comes with an integrated dual GBit ports and colour sensitive display. It offers 8 bi-directional, optically isolated, 5-pin XLR female connectors on the front panel, which can be used as DMX outputs, DMX inputs or DMX outputs with RDM. The two Gigabit Ethercon ports are located on the rear of the unit.

All 5pin XLR outputs now provide active DMX signal monitoring and have an RGB status LED that quickly and easily informs the user about the current status of each port. In addition, errors or changes in the DMX signal are displayed on the integrated display or in the dmXLAN software. The dmXLAN NodeGBx 8 is fully compatible with the free dmXLAN software. This allows, as an example merging into HTP or Priority, as well as a softpatch function. Device parameters can also be operated remotely from here. Visualisation solutions such as e.g. WYSIWYG, ESP Vision, or Capture are also supported.

The dmXLAN NodeGBx 8 comes in two variations:

• DLN8GBX - 8 fully programmable DMX ports and a dual Gigabit port switch with user interface.
• DLN8GBXSL - 8 fully programmable DMX ports and a dual Gigabit port switch for slave operation to dmXLAN switch GBx.

Both nodes offers data splitting, merging, softpatching and backup when programmed using ELC’s dmXLAN software. All DMX ports are fully-isolated.

Every DMX port has a programmable RGB LED indicator which can be programmed via the dmXLAN software. The output of the DMX ports is measured continuously and detected changes and errors are appearing on the node’s display and in dmXLAN.

The DLN8GBXSL can only be used as a slave to the dmXLAN SwitchGBx 10 or dmXLAN SwitchGBx 18. The DMX ports can be configured via the user interface of the switch or with the dmXLAN software. Up to 15 of these slave units can be connected to the switch, giving you a system rack with 120 fully programmable DMX/RDM ports.

DMX Backup The ELC lighting dmXLAN NodeGBx system enables you to make your DMX system entirely redundant simply by feeding the end of your DMX run back into a NodeGBx. Simply by setting this port up as a DMX backup port ensures a smooth take-over in case of any failure in the DMX run.

The NodeGBx system is capable of extremely quick takeovers in case of failure. Virtually no glitches are seen on the lighting rig. In case of a DMX cable breakage or unplugging, the backup port will take over.

What's in the Box?¶

The ELC Lighting dmXLAN NodeGBx 8 DMX / Ethernet Node comes with the following package contents:

• 1 x ELC Lighting dmXLAN NodeGBx 8 DMX / Ethernet Node
• 1 x Neutrik powerCON True1 connector
• 1 x Printed quickstart guide

NodeGBx 8 Slave configuration¶

The DLN8GBXSL can only be used as a slave to the dmXLAN switchGBx 10 or dmXLAN switchGBx 18.

Connect the slave as follows:

• dmXLAN switchGBx 10: connect switch port 5 to the X1 port of the DLN8GBXSL
• dmXLAN switchGBx 18: connect switch port 9 to the X1 port of the DLN8GBXSL

To connect more slave units, connect the X2 port of the first slave to the X1 port of the next slave. Repeat this for each additional DLN8GBXSL. A maximum of 15 slave units can be connected in this way.

The User Interface¶

Menu¶

Setup Menu
├──> View DMX
│    └──> Ports
├──> RDM Control
│    └──> Ports
├──> Quick DMX Setup
│    ├──> First Port
│    ├──> Last Port
│    └──> Mode
│         ├──> Output Same
│         ├──> Output Single
│         ├──> Output Double
│         ├──> Output Triple
│         ├──> Output Quad
│         ├──> Input
│         └──> Disabled
├──> Load/Save Setup
│    ├──> Mode: Local
│    └──> Store Config
│         ├──> Configuration
│         │    └──> Load Config
│         ├──> Select Config
│         └──> Store Config
├──> DMX port
│    ├──> Port Mode
│    │    ├──> Disabled
│    │    ├──> Input
│    │    ├──> Output
│    │    └──> LedString
│    ├──> Type
│    │    ├──> WS2811/WS2812
│    │    ├──> WS2813
│    │    ├──> SK6822
│    │    └──> UCS1903
│    ├──> Order
│    │    ├──> RGB
│    │    ├──> RBG
│    │    ├──> GRB
│    │    ├──> GBR
│    │    ├──> BRG
│    │    └──> BGR
│    ├──> Mode
│    │    ├──> Disabled
│    │    ├──> 3 Universe
│    │    ├──> Single
│    │    ├──> HTP
│    │    ├──> Priority
│    │    └──> FlexPatch
│    ├──> LED
│    │    ├──> Mode
│    │    │    ├──> Fixed Color
│    │    │    ├──> DMX RGB
│    │    │    └──> Universe Color
│    │    ├──> Color
│    │    └──> DMX address
│    ├──> Primary
│    ├──> Secondary
│    ├──> Tertiary
│    ├──> Hold
│    │    ├──> always
│    │    ├──> 10 sec
│    │    ├──> 30 sec
│    │    ├──> 1 min
│    │    ├──> 10 min
│    │    ├──> 30 min
│    │    └──> 1 hour
│    └──> Rate
│         ├──> sync
│         ├──> 40 fps
│         ├──> 33 fps
│         ├──> 25 fps
│         └──> safe mode  
├──> Set ID
├──> Device Name
├──> BlackTrax
│    ├──> Mode
│    │    ├──> Disabled
│    │    ├──> Always On
│    │    └──> Controlled
│    ├──> Universe
│    ├──> Channel
│    └──> Server
├──> Network Settings
│    ├──> Dynamic
│    │    ├──> OFF
│    │    └──> ON
│    ├──> IP address
│    └──> Netmask
├──> Display Settings
│    ├──> Backlight
│    │    ├──> Always On
│    │    ├──> 5 sec
│    │    ├──> 10 sec
│    │    ├──> 30 sec
│    │    ├──> 1 min
│    │    └──> 5 min
│    ├──> Screen Bright
│    └──> LED Bright
├──> UDP Control Port
├──> Info
│    ├──> Model Name
│    ├──> SN
│    ├──> Firmware Version
│    ├──> IP Address
│    ├──> MAC Address
│    └──> Uptime
└──> Factory Defaults
     ├──> Oops, No way
     └──> Yes, Clear all !

Default LED behavior¶

• Slow Blink: The LED blinks slowly when no incoming universe or DMX signal is detected on the port. This indicates that the port is active but not currently sending or receiving DMX data.
• Rapid Blink: The LED blinks rapidly when the port is under control by dmXLAN software or FixtureTester (dmXLAN Take-Over). This means the port output is being overridden remotely.
• Solid Light: The LED remains solid in the assigned universe color when a valid DMX universe is detected or a DMX signal is received, and the port is operating normally. This indicates that the port is actively transmitting or receiving data without errors.

Custom LED behavior¶

You can also customize LED indicators per port:

Configuring network settings¶

To modify the network settings, go to the Settings Menu and select Network Settings. In this menu, the NodeGBx 8 can be configured to use either a dynamic IP or a static IP. To do this, highlight the Dynamic setting and press the Encoder to turn dynamic IP ON or OFF.

Furthermore, the Network Settings menu lets you specify the IP address and Netmask for the switch. To alter these settings, highlight them and press the Encoder to edit the values. Rotate the Encoder to change the IP address or netmask values and press the Encoder to confirm the entries. Once the network settings have been modified to your liking, select Save to store the settings.

Setting the device ID¶

Changing the device's ID is easily done by selecting the Set ID option and then alternately rotating and pressing the Encoder to set the 3-digit ID for the NodeGBx 8.

Renaming the configuration¶

The Rename Config option lets you pick a name for the node configuration. To enter a new name, select Rename Config and alternately rotate and press the Encoder to set the new name.

Setting up DMX ports¶

Quick DMX setup¶

To configure DMX settings for multiple ports on the NodeGBx 8 efficiently, use the Quick DMX Setup menu. This feature allows you to configure a range of ports simultaneously, rather than adjusting each port individually. When you enter the Quick DMX Setup submenu:

The front port LED indicators will turn light blue, indicating that DMX setup mode is active. First Port and Last Port define the range of ports to configure. Select these options and rotate the encoder to set the first and last port. Ports within the selected range will display light blue LEDs, while ports outside the range remain dark.

Under Mode, choose the desired configuration:

• Output (single, double, triple, or quad)
• Input
• Disabled

The following universes protocols can be set:

Next, set the starting address.

You can also customize LED indicators for the selected port range:

After configuring all options, select Save and Exit to apply the settings. The chosen port range will now operate with the specified configuration.

Individual port setup¶

By selecting the menu options DMX Port 1 through DMX Port 8, each DMX port can be set up individually and specifically. In the port menu, first select the Port Mode.

Each port can be set to either Disabled, Input, Output or LedString. When all the port setup options are set to your liking, choose Save and Exit at the bottom of the port setup menu to store the settings for this DMX port.

DMX port as output¶

When a port is set up as a DMX input it can operate in the following modes;

The following universes protocols can be set:

You can also customize LED indicators for the selected port:

DMX port as input¶

When a port is set up as a DMX input it can operate in the following modes:

The following universes protocols can be set:

You can also customize LED indicators for the selected port:

DMX port as LedString (SPI)¶

The NodeGBx8 can interact with serial LED strips (WS2811/WS2812 chips), thereby eliminating the need for an additional interface. When a port is set up as LedString it can operate in the following modes:

• Disabled - the DMX output is disabled
• 3 Universe
• Single - the output sends out the DMX values of the selected (primary) Art-Net universe. The DMX output is enabled the first time it detects the DMX universe on the network (or internal DMX inputs). If the universe on the network fails, the DMX output will go into DMX hold.
• HTP - highest takes precedence
• Priority - as long as the primary universe is active, it will be on the output – otherwise the secondary universe is sent on the output
• Flexpatch - setting used when programmed via dmXLAN software

The primary / secondary / tertiary universe settings and Resend / Rate / Hold options are similar to the output port mode.

When a port is set up as a DMX input it can operate in the following modes;

DMX port as Vision.Net¶

RTTrPL (BlackTrax)¶

The dmXLAN NodeGBx 8 also supports Blacktrax light tracking equipment utilizing the RTTrPL protocol. To set up Blacktrax options, choose the Blacktrax option from the Setup menu.

There are three different modes to choose from, namely Disabled, Always On and Controlled. On choosing the Controlled mode, further options concerning the Universe and Channel will be revealed to finetune your Blacktrax configuration. The bottom of the Blacktrax menu will show what server you are connected to.

On-screen Functions¶

Viewing DMX values¶

To get an in-depth look at the values of the DMX channels of your configuration, select the View DMX option. Next, choose which port's values you want to view. Once the port has been selected, the screen will show an overview of the bars for the first 120 channels. Rotating the Encoder will scroll through the higher channels.

For a different representation of the DMX channels, press and hold the Encoder while rotating it to switch to a different view. In this manner, the screen can be made to show 120 bars, 40 bars, decimal values, percentages and 120 bars RGB.

Pressing the Encoder will return you to the View DMX port selection menu.

RDM Control¶

The Remote Device Management submenu allows communication between the NodeGBx 8 and RDM compliant devices through the 8 bi-directional RDM front ports.

From the RDM Control menu, configuration, status monitoring and management of connected RDM devices is possible for each port separately.

To use Remote Device Management, simply scroll through the port list and select any port that has an RDM device connected to it by pressing the Encoder.

Info screen¶

Choosing the Info menu option will open a screen with information on the NodeGBx 8.

This screen shows the device name, serial number, firmware version and the IP address and MAC address of the node.

Backlight settings¶

The backlight of the node can be set to fade out after a set time. By choosing the Backlight menu option, you can adjust this time from a minimum of 5 seconds to a maximum of 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt to always leave the backlight on.

Select ME¶

Quickly select your node in the dmXLAN software by pressing and holding the Encoder until the “Select ME” popup appears. If a proper network connection between dmXLAN and the node is established, the node will be automatically selected in dmXLAN.

Factory default¶

Resetting the device to factory default will restore all settings to their original configuration and will cancel any changes you have made to the settings.

To proceed with returning the device to its default settings, select the Factory default option from the Settings menu and press down on the Encoder. The device will then ask for confirmation as an extra precaution as this choice is irreversible.

Reset the memory cache¶

While it is not necessary to reset a device's memory cache, it may help to resolve issues after an update process has been completed. Resetting a device's memory cache is done in the forced Boot Mode:

Maintenance & Safety¶

Before operating the product, read the user manual thoroughly and pay special attention to all safety requirements.

Cleaning¶

Disconnect all connected supply and signal cables before cleaning the unit. Clean with a dry cloth. Do not use any liquids or aerosols on the unit

Usage¶

• Do not use the unit near water or in areas with high moisture.
• Keep all ventilation openings unobstructed; they are essential for proper airflow and prevent overheating.
• Install the unit strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never insert objects into ventilation slots; this may contact live components or cause short circuits, leading to electric shock or fire.
• Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or other equipment (including amplifiers) that generate heat.
• Unplug the unit during lightning storms or when not in use for extended periods.
• Place the unit only on stable surfaces.
• Do not place objects on the power cord. Protect the cord from being walked on or pinched, especially near plugs and where it exits the device.
• If the power cord or mains plug is damaged, have it replaced immediately by a qualified technician.
• Never defeat the safety function of the grounding plug. The grounding connection is provided for your protection. If the supplied plug does not fit your outlet, consult a licensed electrician to replace the obsolete outlet.

Servicing¶

All servicing must be performed by qualified service personnel. Servicing is required if the apparatus has been damaged in any way, including:

• Damage to the power supply cord or plug
• Liquid spillage
• Objects falling into the apparatus
• Exposure to rain or moisture
• Abnormal operation
• Impact or fall damage

In any of these situations, disconnect the mains plug immediately and contact your distributor or technical support.

Technical specifications¶

Stand-alone version¶

Connectors (Neutrik):8 x XLR5F, 2 x RJ45 etherCON (10/100/1000 Mbps), 1 x powerCON True1 in-outlet

User controls:1 x Encoder

Displays:1 x 2,2" TFT-screen (color)

Displays resolution:240 x 320 pixel, 33 x 44 mm (H/W)

Power:100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz, switched PSU on powerCON True1

Power usage:5 Watt typical, 13 Watt max.

Dimensions (H/W/D):44 x 483 x 150 mm

Weight:2 kg

Environmental:Ambient temperature: 0° ‒ +55° C

Slave version¶

Connectors (Neutrik):8 x XLR5F, 2 x RJ45 etherCON (10/100/1000 Mbps), 1 x powerCON True1 in-outlet

User controls:1 x ++button++

Power:100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz, switched PSU on powerCON True1

Power usage:5 Watt typical, 13 Watt max.

Dimensions (H/W/D):44 x 483 x 150 mm

Weight:2 kg

Environmental:Ambient temperature: 0° ‒ +55° C

Downloads¶

Firmware¶

• Latest firmware

Software¶

• dmXLAN
• dmXLAN Firmware Updater