Small hard-wired DMX opto-splitter

[Ynot]

We have a small 6-way splitter that sits in a multi-purpose box under the stage which feeds 6 DMX outlets at strategic points under there for specials etc. However, it appears to have gotten itself fried for whatever reason, so I'm in need of a replacement.

 

The original is an Elation DD-6 WM Pro with hard-wired outputs on screw-terminals, and just the right size to fit in the case it sits in with some wiggle room etc. However, Googling for this shows this particular little box to be discontinued (we bought the original 7 years ago).

 

So - any suggestions for an alternate replacement for this?

Size is important, as it needs to fit in the space vacated. The Elation box (acc to a manual I found online, as I don't have the unit with me) is 134x126x50mm, though from memory there is a bit of leeway.

All inputs/outputs need to be wired to screw-terms.

 

Searching for DMX splitter/booster has so far only come up with the usual suspects in rack-mounts or truss mounts etc...

[ninjadingle]

Try adding LED into your search terms - I found this quite quickly, perhaps a couple of them in a project box would suit your needs?

[DrV]

The innards of such a unit aren't rocket science. Provided the individual mains transformers are ok then it's likely to be just a few 75176 chips that need replacing. If you can't find a local guy or gal with a bit of soldering skill send it to me and I'll fix it for a lot less than its original list price!

 

Dave (who hates binning things that can be repaired)

 

Edited for punctuation!

[pscandrett]

We have a small 6-way splitter that sits in a multi-purpose box under the stage which feeds 6 DMX outlets at strategic points under there for specials etc. However, it appears to have gotten itself fried for whatever reason, so I'm in need of a replacement.

So - any suggestions for an alternate replacement for this?

 

Would a DIN rail unit fit in the hole vacated by your old one?

 

eg something like this Artistic Licence one?

[Ynot]

Not sure - will have to check later this week.

Mind you that's a bit pricier than the original - twice the price at £245... :(

Still, if it's the only option...

 

 

 

[bigclive]

The innards of such a unit aren't rocket science. Provided the individual mains transformers are ok then it's likely to be just a few 75176 chips that need replacing. If you can't find a local guy or gal with a bit of soldering skill send it to me and I'll fix it for a lot less than its original list price!

 

Dave (who hates binning things that can be repaired)

 

Edited for punctuation!

 

Dr V beat me to it, including my intended references to it not being rocket science and the routine check of the power supply and RS485 receiver/transmitter chips. If the unit is showing any sign of life like a lit LED then its power supply is probably OK. If the little 8-pin driver chips are in sockets then the fix may be as simple as taking one out of an unused output position and plugging it into the input position.

 

If in doubt, then take Dr V up on his offer of a repair.

 

Can I also mention that a lot of modern cheapie-Chinese LED PAR lights have very dubious quality of mains isolation and their lack of grounding means modest leakage current (or potentially full mains) might find its way onto the DMX network and nuke-a-chip (and potentially anything else on that line.)

[Ynot]

Cheers both :)

I'll have a gander at the box for anything obvious.

[pscandrett]

Probably not entirely helpful, but in a late-night ebay search I found this:

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STAGE-LIGHTING-Pathway-4-way-DMX-Repeater-DIN-Rail-Mount-/112521810766

 

Opto isolated input, 4 way output. 91x115x38mm. Info: http://pathwayconnectivity.com/index.php/products/edin-interface-modules/47-edin-interfaces-repeaters/61-1002-opto-splitter

 

They also have a 6 way wall mounted one:

 

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STAGE-LIGHTING-Pathway-6-Way-DMX-Repeater-Wallmount-/112521810745

 

but I fear that's too big for you.

[Ynot]

Grabbed the old splitter last night and will have a look for anything obvious when time permits.

However, the available space is actually larger than I remembered, which might open the way for a slightly bigger unit if needed. The aperture through which it would need to slot is 330m x 105mm high, and depth of around 100mm or so.