Understanding TPAuto and TPDMX for Sensor ThruPower Modules

Question

What do the TPAuto and TPDMX control options for the Sensor ThruPower module mean?

Explanation

Per the CEM3 User Manual, you can assign the following control options to circuits in the rack:

Most commonly you will see ThruPower module circuits assigned as a simple option like Switched or Dimmable.

TPAuto and TPDMX create more specific DMX dimming and switching control environments.

 

 

TPAuto uses 1 DMX address per circuit and allows for a mix of dimmable and switched control of each circuit in the module.

If the circuit is sent to 100% via DMX, its relay in the module gets flipped on. 99% flips the relay off and lets the circuit dim via its choke.

• TPAuto Example:
  • ThruPower module controls circuits 1 and 2
  • Circuit 1 is assigned to TPAuto control and DMX address 1
  • Circuit 2 is assigned to Dimmable control and DMX address 2
  • If you set DMX 1 and 2 to full:
    • Circuit 1's relay will close to act as if switched and the load will output at full
    • Circuit 2's relay will remain open but its load will still output at full via dimming level

 

 

TPDMX uses 2 DMX addresses per circuit and allows for a mix of dimmable and switched control of each circuit in the module.

Each circuit will listen to a CONTROL DMX address and MODE DMX address.

Control lets you send regular levels from 0 to full, while Mode lets you tell the circuit whether to act as switched (DMX level 0-127) or dimmed (DMX level 128-255).

You only assign the first address, Control, when you put the circuit into TPDMX control. The Mode address is automatically one number higher than the Control address and you will not see it visually listed in your configuration. You will have to keep this in mind when patching subsequent circuits to avoid DMX patch overlap.

• TPDMX Example:
  • ThruPower module controls circuits 1 and 2
  • Circuit 1 is assigned to TPDMX control and DMX address 1
  • Circuit 2 is assigned to Dimmable control and DMX address 3 (remember, address 2 is automatically taken due to TPDMX requiring 2 addresses)
  • If you set DMX 1 to 191 (roughly 75%) and DMX 2 to 100
    • Circuit 1's relay will close and it will go to full since the Mode address is in the switched range
  • If you set DMX 1 to 191 (roughly 75%) and DMX 2 to 200
    • Circuit 1's relay will remain open and the circuit will dim to roughly 75% since the Mode address is in the dimmed range