L86 Control Module Overview

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L86 Control Module Descriptions

There are a number of L86 modules with various uses. This article discusses the purpose and functionality of each. Note that while some documentation indicates modules can be hot or live swapped, ETC does not recommend this practice due to the risk of arc flash.

ETC always recommends power off and fully de-energizing any power product prior to servicing.

Module Type	Purpose	Supported Racks	User manual (Configurations, Test Modes, etc. as applicable)	Image
EMRF (1086A1142)	EMRF recieves DMX control signal and sends it to EM64's/EM264's without processing. Used in systems not configured for AMX. Acts a passthrough for DMX. Typically installed in top left slot in systems without an EMI3M, and installed in top center slot in systems with an EMI3M.	Installation or Touring Rack	L86-EMRF Signal Flow - Electronic Theatre Controls Inc (etcconnect.com)
EMR (1086A1137)	Same functionality as EMAR, except EMR can ONLY recieve DMX on both of its inputs. Typically installed in top left slot in systems without an EMI3M, and installed in top center slot in systems with an EMI3M.	Installation or Touring Rack	L86 EMR/EMAR User Manual - Electronic Theatre Controls Inc (etcconnect.com)
EMAR (1086A1129)	EMAR recieves data from a lighting control console and translates it to DMX512 format to go to the EM64 (or equivalent) modules. Two inputs, can be configured to accept DMX on either input or AMX192 or Colortran signal on the first input. Typically installed in top left slot in systems without an EMI3M, and installed in top center slot in systems with an EMI3M. Could be configured to take input from two lighting consoles at the same time. These can be two different kinds of acceptable signals. ETC could configure the EMAR to customize the dimmer numbering within the chassis, allowing for starting addresses different than the normal multiples of 48.	Installation or Touring Rack	L86 EMR/EMAR User Manual - Electronic Theatre Controls Inc (etcconnect.com)
EMI3M (I3M) (1086A1209)	EMI3M optically isolates DMX signal from each of the EM64 control modules, and also provides isolation between the EM64 modules. If not used, an EMRF is usually installed in its place. Installed in top left slot of L86 Chassis. Replaced EMR/EMRF in later shipping racks.	Installation or Touring Rack	L86 EMI3M User Manual - Electronic Theatre Controls Inc (etcconnect.com)
EM64 (1086A1125)	Receives DMX from the EMRF, or EMI3M and splits the control signal for the individual dimmer modules in the column below it. Must be installed in the second slot from the top in a column of dimmer modules to function. Each column of dimmer modules is controlled by the EM64 in the column above it. A column controlled by an EM64 can only have one dimming module type in its chassis.	Installation or Touring Rack	L86 EM64 User Manual - Electronic Theatre Controls Inc (etcconnect.com)
EM64T (1086A1135)	See EM64 for base functionality. An EM64T has an added thumbwheel switch on it to help in entering starting addresses by eliminating the need for internal jumpers.	EM64T can be used in a Touring Rack or Installation Rack, but was more common in touring racks.
EM24 (1087A1107)	Control for an L86 Pack system, accepting DMX and AMX192. Controls dimmers in an L86 Installation Pack and Portable Pack. Has an address thumb wheel.	Installation Pack or Portable Pack	L86 EM24 User Manual - Electronic Theatre Controls Inc (etcconnect.com)
EM24D (1087B5001)	Essentially an EM24 with input connectors.	Installation Pack or Portable Pack	L86 EM24 User Manual - Electronic Theatre Controls Inc (etcconnect.com)
EM264 (1086A1162)	Fulfills a similar role to the EM64, but with far more functionality. Recieves DMX signal from EMRF or EMAR and splits signal to individual dimmer modules. Must be installed in the second slot from the top in each column of dimmer modules. Each column of dimmer modules is controlled by the EM64 in the column above it. Allows for customized dimmer numbering with the chassis. Can have a mixture of dimmer types within the same chassis, and can customize the control curve for each dimmer. Can customize control curve for each dimmer. Can be configured to allow two consoles to control two sets of lights independently, or two consoles to control the same lights with the highest level taking priority. Provides optical isolation between input signals and the rest of your L86 system. Module also isolates the DMX input signal between each of the EM264's. There are a plethora of differences between EM264's in a Touring Rack and an Installation Rack. Check user manual for specifications.	Installation or Touring Rack Check manual for differences in setup	L86 EM264 User Manual - Electronic Theatre Controls Inc (etcconnect.com)
EMAP (1088A1009)	Wall mount or rack mount version. Commonly Installed in cabinet at top of L86 and used for custom architectural control. Receive data from a lighting control console and/or an architectural control station, then process and distribute the information to the EM64 (or equivalent) modules in the rack. Interface with a DAS system Each EMAP is customized for the job. Will usually have some combination of presets, take controls, work lights, snapshots.	Installation rack DAS cabinet	L86 EMAP User Manual - Electronic Theatre Controls Inc (etcconnect.com)