Pharos Express Controller Overview
Introduction
Pharos Express controllers are equipped with a variety of input and output ports, each designed to support specific communication, control, and integration functions.
The Controller
DMX Ports
DMX Output Ports - On all XPC Controllers, two DMX ports are provided.
On XPC 1 controllers, both will output the same universe
On XPC 2 controllers, each port will output separate universes.
On XPC 4 & 6 controllers, each ports are configurable via software to output different universes.
The data ports follow the DMX Standard:
Pin (1) Common
Pin (2) Data -
Pin (3) Data +
The DMX chips are unsocketed, self healing ports and feature 2kV of isolation.
Input and Output
Each Express controllers feature (2) Inputs and (2) Outputs
Input
Input ports can operate in (3) ways:
- Contact Closure: An external volt-free switch may be connected between the input pin and the signal ground pin. In this mode, the input pin is internally pulled-up to 3.3V via a 2.2Kohm resistor, so the switch only needs to be rated at 3.3V, 2mA or greater.
- Digital Input: An external voltage source (such as a 12VDC trigger output) may be connected between the input pin and the signal ground pin. In this mode, the input pin is internally pulled down to 0V via a 2Mohm resistor and the maximum input voltage supported is 24VDC. The input may be configured using Express software to specify what the 'high' and 'low' threshold voltages are.
- Analog Input: An external voltage source (such as a 0-10VDC analog signal) may be connected between the input pin and the signal ground pin. In this mode, the input pin is internally pulled down to 0V via a 2Mohm resistor and the maximum input voltage supported is 24VDC.
Output
Output ports are rated at 48VDC, 250mA. Both relay outputs are individually isolated, solid state relays.
Ethernet
Express controllers have a 10/100TX Ethernet connection and can be powered via PoE.
DALI
A DALI connection can be made to the Express controller via the 3-pin connection.
The port is polarity independent, requires a ground connection.
A separate DALI power supply is required for this port to function.
This port complies to the DALI standard bus voltage and supports a maximum of 22.5 volts.
However, the port is designed to handle accidental connection to a mains supply of up to 230VAC nominal.
Power
Express controllers can be powered in (2) different ways.
- 9-48 VDC
- POE (802.3af)
- Express controller are class 2 devices (3.84-6.49W) and will typically consume 4W.
It is NOT recommend to operate a controller with both methods.
Reset
The reset button can perform (2) functions
- Press and release immediately to soft boot the controller.
- Output from the controller will be stopped.
- Press and hold for 10 seconds to factory reset
- This stop output from the controller, remove the running showfile and restore the controller to defaults.