The DMXmrx (RC4Magic S3 DMXmrx or RC4M-900SX DMXmrx) is based on a DMX2dim dimmer, but with the dimmers hardware omitted. DMX data is provided through a miniplug-to-XLR adaptor, and DC power must be connected to power input screw terminals.

When you refer to the DMX2dim Quick Start Guide, for the most part, information on the first nine pages directly apply to the DMXmrx, other than references to dimmer Set buttons.

Page 12 provides a power wiring diagram, of which only the left side, for power, is applicable to the DMXmrx.

The DMXmrx (and all RC4 Series 3 products) provide a complete DMX universe of data out: whatever is going into the transmitter is what is coming out of the receiver. There are no dimmer or curve settings to be made, and all references to these things on pages 10 through 16 can be ignored.

The DMXmrx is the functional equivalent of a DMXio transceiver in receiver mode.

Any number of DMXmrx receivers can be used. Thus, a multi-unit RC4Magic Series 3 system can take the place of splitters, isolators, and distribution boxes, providing superior electrical isolation while eliminating unsightly wiring.

RC4Magic Private IDentities™ : 

RC4 Private IDentities™, unique to RC4Magic wireless DMX systems, keep your data private and safe on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) separate from other systems, with robust resistance to signal loss and slow down. Each Private ID transports a separate DMX universe. Multiple systems can operate at the same time for multiple wireless universes in the same space. Each new RC4Magic customer and project is assigned a unique set of Private ID codes — nobody else has your IDs. They are marked on each device. When you add devices to your system, you must verify your IDs at time of purchase. ID3, code 999, is the RC4 Public ID. It is identical in all RC4Magic Series 2 and Series 3 devices ever made. Always use one of your private IDs when possible. Your Private ID0, the factory default, is ideal for most users.

Performing a Factory Reset : If someone else has used your DMXmrx, or you just want to get back to a known configuration, performing a factory reset is easy: Power on the device. Wait until start-up is complete and the green COP indicator is blinking continuously. Press and hold the Function (Func) button, briefly tap (press and release) the SetA button, then release Func. The two indicators will blink to confirm that factory settings are restored. NOTE: This process restores your RC4 Private IDentity™ to ID0. It does not change the Unit Number if one has been assigned. Learn more about Unit Numbers when using RC4 Commander configuration software.

PRO TIPS : Bending a single paper clip into a U shape will enable you to easily reach and press both buttons together. If you are not sure what mode or setting you may have selected, you can always get back to a known starting point with a factory reset.

Confirming and Setting an RC4 System ID :

All RC4Magic devices being used together must be set to the same RC4 System ID. On power-up, the currently selected System ID is indicated with a blink pattern on the DMX Data and COP indicators. The four different patterns are noted below. The factory default ID0 is indicated with a few rapid blinks of the yellow DMX Data LED on power-up. A factory reset will restore this ID setting. An ID can be selected by holding one button or a pair of buttons on power-up. The blink pattern for the newly selected ID will appear on the indicators. You can also confirm the currently selected ID at any time by cycling power and watching the blink pattern that appears at start-up. To select ID0, hold the SetA button, apply power, and release the button when the blink pattern appears. To select ID1, hold the SetB button and apply power. To select ID3 (the public, not private, ID), hold both SetA and SetB and apply power.
NOTE: On 3-button devices, ID2 can only be selected with RC4 Commander software.

All RC4Magic Series 3 devices indicate IDs in the same way, making it easy to quickly confirm that all devices in your system are set correctly to work together.
ID0 (default), yellow blink. Hold SetA on power-up to select ID0.
ID1, green blink. Hold SetB on power-up to select ID1.
ID2, yellow and green blink together. Cannot be selected manually.
ID3 (public), yellow and green alternate. Hold SetA & SetB on power-up to select ID3. Note: ID3 is public and is less secure than Private IDs.

Connecting with an RC4Magic DMXio Transceiver : All RC4Magic devices configured on the same RC4 Private IDentity™ will automatically connect and form a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Confirm that each device in your system is labeled with the same RC4 Private IDentity™ codes, and that each device indicates the same System ID selection on power up (see page 7). The default is ID0, which is fine for most users. When first powered up, or after a transmitter has gone off and then comes back online, receivers can take up to 10 seconds to join the VPN. This is normal, and it is usually much less than 10 seconds. A DMXio transceiver in Auto Mode (the default setting) will automatically detect wired DMX data from your console and establish itself as the master transmitter. RC4Magic devices from a different system will not work with your RC4 Private IDs. This is the key to RC4Magic data security and superior performance for all users.

DMX Data Connections :  Because of its small size, the DMXmrx uses a non-standard female miniplug  as the DMX connection.  An adaptor from miniplug to female XLR5 is provided with the unit and is compliant with USITT DMX512/1990.

Custom cables can be made using this pin-out:

The DMX data output is plug and play and precisely reproduces the DMX signal being transmitted by the associated DMXio transmitter.  The number of channels in the DMX universe and the frame rate are determined by the data input at the DMXio.  The DMXio includes the ability to mask or limit channels, as well.  None of these parameters are user adjustable in the DMXmrx receiver.

If some channels are not being received, check the settings in the DMXio transmitter.

Power Requirements :
The DMXmrx is intended for mobile application, typically in costumes and small props.  The power connections are screw terminals for DC power input and are labeled for +/- polarity.  The internal switching regulator works efficiency over the wide input range of 6V to 35VDC.

Current draw of the DMXmrx is low – just 0.4W.  Power can come from a wall transformer with bare leads for connection to screw terminals, or from external batteries.  A pack of five (or more) AA or AAA batteries.

Signal Range and Antenna Options :
In many cases, the DMXmrx will deliver reliable and acceptable performance up to 300 feet from an optimally located DMXio transmitter.

When operating outdoors, place the transmitter (or the transmitter antenna) above people’s heads and above other obstructions.  Line-of-sight is not required for RC4Magic, but dense objects between devices — like concrete walls — will attenuate the radio signal and reduce the available range.

For longest possible range, use a DMXio-HG transmitter with a high-gain and/or directional 50-ohm antennas.

LED Indicators :

RF Data – Yellow : This indicator blinks on receipt of RF packets.  When many DMX channels are changing rapidly, blinking is fast and shimmery; when channels are in a steady state, blinking is somewhat slower.  Irregular or inconsistent blinking often indicates drop-outs caused by a poor RF connection when, for example, devices are too far apart.
On power-up, this is one of two LEDs that indicate the selected RC4 System ID.
See Selected ID Indication at the end of this section.

COP – Green : COP means computer operating properly and is indicated with a slow cyclical blink. If the RC4 CodeLoader feature is enabled on power-up, the COP indicator will remain solidly on for 5 seconds.  If CodeLoading does not commence within those 5 seconds, normal device operation proceeds.
On power-up, this is one of two LEDs that indicate the selected RC4 System ID.
See Selected ID Indication at the end of this section.

RF Connect – Blue : When this indicator is continuously on, without blinking, the RF receiver is NOT connected to a wireless network.  In this state the radio is scanning through RF channels searching for valid data encoded with the selected RC4 System ID.  Every few seconds this indicator will briefly flutter to indicate the scanning process is restarting. When a transmitter with matching ID is found, this blue indicator will steadily and continuously blink to indicate it is wirelessly connected.  This indicator must be blinking steadily during normal operation.

RC4Magic Series 3 (2.4GHz) : If your DMXmrx has a purple and black label, it is part of an RC4Magic Series 3 system operating in the 2.4GHz band. The RF Connect indicator remains on (not blinking) while the DMXmrx is searching for your VPN. It blinks quickly and continuously while your DMXmrx is connected to your wireless VPN.

RC4Magic-900 (900MHz) : If your DMXmrx has a blue and black label, it is part of an RC4Magic-900 system operating in the 900MHz band. The RF Connect indicator is always blinking, and indicates only that the RF system is functional, not whether or not it has joined a VPN. Use the DMX Data indicator to confirm that streaming DMX is present.

Screwdriver Size Matters : The ideal screwdriver for the screw terminals on your DMXmrx has a blade that is 2.5mm (0.1”) wide. Forcing a screwdriver that is too big will enlarge the hole, so the terminal screws will fall out if you loosen them too much. A screwdriver that is too small will not ensure a firm grip on the wires and may lead to the screw head being stripped.

Registering Your Product : Registration ensures you’ll be notified of new firmware updates, and warranty claims can be resolved more quickly.

Please complete your registration at: www.rc4wireless.com/support/register/