View source for DMX-Interfaces DMXC3

{{Manual Header
| Type = DMXC3 Main-Software
| Version = 3.2.3}}

In the window {{Manual Windowcaption|DMX Interfaces (DMX Interfaces)}}, all DMX interfaces in DMXControl 3 are managed centrally. There is no distinction based on connection type, whether the DMX interface is connected via USB or operates over a network.
{{Picture_with_subtitle|DMXC3_Manual DMX_Interfaces_Overview.png|1|Overview of the DMX interfaces set up in DMXControl 3|center|960px}}
= Overview =
The {{Manual Windowcaption|DMX Interfaces}} window lists all DMX interfaces configured on the respective computer and available for DMX output. Here, you can specify which internal DMX universe is output to the connected DMX interfaces starting from which DMX address. The same applies to the DMX input.

It is generally possible to configure multiple different DMX interfaces in advance and activate them as needed. It is also permissible to use multiple DMX interfaces for the same DMX universes, allowing the system to function like a DMX splitterA DMX splitter distributes the incoming DMX signal to multiple outputs. Detailed explanations can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMX_splitter.

= Key Features =
== Special Features of Configuration ==
=== Using DMX Interfaces ===

{{Manual Box | en | Important | To activate DMX output, checkboxes in two columns must be selected: both in the column {{Manual TableHeader|(DMX Interface) Enabled}} and in the column {{Manual TableHeader|DMX Output Enabled}}.}}

The configuration of all DMX interfaces is stored for the respective computer. When using another computer, these must be reconfigured and reactivated.

=== Background on DMX Interfaces ===
If all provided DMX interfaces are selected during the installation of DMXControl 3, they are generally active in the background when the kernel starts. This means that potential DMX interfaces are continuously monitored in the background. Although this process is not critical, it is advisable to only install the DMX interfaces you actually use. If additional DMX interfaces are needed later, they can be downloaded manually from the {{DMXCWebLinks|DMXC-HP|index.php|DMXControl}} website.

== DMX Value Reset at Startup ==
If a DMX interface is set up and active, the kernel performs a reset on the associated DMX outputs when starting. This means that the kernel sets all DMX values to 0. Only after successfully loading a project do the connected devices receive their initial values. If a kernel restart is required, be aware that there is no access to the devices during the period from DMX interface activation to successful project loading, and in most cases, everything remains dark.

== Differentiating DMX Interfaces ==
In DMXControl 3, DMX interfaces are categorized into two groups:
* "Intelligent" DMX Interfaces: These DMX interfaces transmit at least a unique identifier, such as a serial number, to the operating system when connected to the PC. These interfaces often have additional functions for software communication. They are listed in the interface selection dialog under their manufacturer and respective serial number.
* "Non auto-detect interfaces": These DMX interfaces require manual configuration upon first use, typically specifying the port through which they are addressed by the operating system. This category also includes interfaces that output DMX data via the network or in the form of a file without being physically connected to the PC.

= User Interface =
The user interface of the {{Manual Windowcaption|DMX Interfaces}} window primarily consists of a table listing all configured DMX interfaces. Adding, deleting, and configuring DMX interfaces is done through the menu bar above it.

== Menu Bar ==
{{Picture_with_subtitle|DMXC3_Manual DMX_Interfaces_Menubar.png|2|Menu bar of the DMX Interfaces window.}}
{{DMXC3 Manual-Tableheader Menubars | en }}
{{DMXC3 Manual-Tableentry Menubars | en | L0 | DMXC3_Icon_V-Collection_add.png | Add Interface | Add a new or additional interface. }}
{{DMXC3 Manual-Tableentry Menubars | en | L0 | DMXC3_Icon_V-Collection_refresh.png | Refresh | Update the status of the interfaces listed in the table. }}
{{DMXC3 Manual-Tableentry Menubars | en | L0 | DMXC3_Icon_V-Collection_preferences.png | Advanced Interface Settings | Open the advanced settings for the selected interface. }}
{{DMXC3 Manual-Tableentry Menubars | en | L0 | DMXC3_Icon_V-Collection_delete.png | Delete | Delete the selected interface. }}
|}

== Table ==
=== Columns ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Label !! rowspan="2" | Description/Functionality
|-
! style="width: 175px;" | English GUI
|-
| Interface enabled || Activates or deactivates the entire DMX interface.
|-
| Vendor || Name of the DMX interface manufacturer.
|-
| Model || Designation of the DMX interface.
|-
| Serial number || Serial number of the DMX interface, if available.
|-
| Port || Running number of the available ports on the DMX interface.
|-
| DMX-out address || Assignment of the internal DMX universe in DMXControl to the actual DMX output port.
|-
| DMX-out enabled || Activates or deactivates DMX data output on an individual DMX output without turning off the entire interface.
|-
| DMX-in address || Assignment of the internal DMX universe in DMXControl to the actual DMX input port.
|-
| DMX-in enabled || Activates or deactivates DMX data reception on an individual DMX input without turning off the entire interface.
|-
| Comment || Additional notes about specific DMX interfaces or their ports.
|}

=== Meaning of Colors ===
Rows in the table are highlighted in different colors depending on the status of the associated DMX interface:
* '''White''': DMX interface is enabled and operational (Figure 3). DMX values are being output or received. Both checkboxes in the columns {{Manual TableHeader|DMX Interface enabled}} and {{Manual TableHeader|DMX Output enabled}} are selected.

* '''Gray''': DMX interface or DMX output is disabled (Figures 4 and 5). The DMX interface is operational, but no DMX values are being output. Only one of the checkboxes in the columns {{Manual TableHeader|DMX Interface enabled}} or {{Manual TableHeader|DMX Output enabled}} is selected.

* '''Red''': Error activating the DMX interface (Figure 6). This usually occurs if a DMX interface identified by its serial number is not connected when DMXControl 3 starts. Both checkboxes in the columns {{Manual TableHeader|DMX Interface enabled}} and {{Manual TableHeader|DMX Output enabled}} are selected despite the error.
{{Picture_with_subtitle|DMXC3_Manual DMX_Interfaces_DMX-out_enabled.png|3|DMX interface enabled and operational.|center}}


{{Picture_with_subtitle|DMXC3_Manual DMX_Interfaces_Interface_disabled.png|4|DMX interface disabled.|center}}


{{Picture_with_subtitle|DMXC3_Manual DMX_Interfaces_DMX-out_disabled.png|5|DMX output disabled.|center}}


{{Picture_with_subtitle|DMXC3_Manual DMX_Interfaces_Interface_error.png|6|Error activating the DMX interface.|center}}

For some interfaces (such as the Nicolaudie SIUDI), a port can only function as either DMX-In or DMX-Out. In this case, checkboxes appear in the columns {{Manual TableHeader|DMX output active}} and {{Manual TableHeader|DMX input active}}.

= Usage =
== Open Window ==
The window {{Manual Windowcaption|DMX Interfaces}} can be accessed via {{Manual MenuText|Settings|DMX Interfaces}} in the menu bar of the main window.

== Add a New Interface ==
{{Picture_with_subtitle |DMXC3_Manual DMX_Interfaces_Add_DMX_interface.jpg|7|Adding an interface|right}}After pressing the button {{Manual Buttons|Add DMX Interface}}, a window opens listing all DMX interfaces currently supported by DMXControl 3. In this tree, select the desired DMX interface and confirm with {{Manual Buttons|OK}}. In all cases, the configuration dialog for the DMX interface will open immediately. Typical actions here include:
* Selecting the actual DMX interface if it has not registered with the PC using a serial number.
* Setting a different operating mode (e.g., for Nodle U1, Nodle R4S, or the DE-/FX5 interface) if the default value is not suitable.
* Choosing the network card (IP address) through which the DMX data should be sent to the network (especially for output via Art-Net and sACN).
{{Clear}}

== Working with Output and Input Addresses ==
Interfaces that support more than one DMX universe receive a row in the table for each DMX universe. The field '''Port''' indicates the corresponding input or output of the interface. In the columns {{Manual TableHeader|DMX output address}} and {{Manual TableHeader|DMX input address}}, you can assign a DMX universe to a port of an interface in DMXControl 3 by double-clicking. The entry must follow this format:
 DMX-Universe.DMX-Start Channel
DMXControl 3 supports 16 DMX universes (Universe 1 to Universe 16) with 512 channels each (Channel 1 to Channel 512). For example, if the Nodle U1 is to output all channel values from Channel 83 in DMXControl Universe 4 and DMXControl should display the received DMX values from DMX-In in Universe 6, enter '''4.83''' in the corresponding field under {{Manual TableHeader|DMX output address}} and '''6.1''' under {{Manual TableHeader|DMX input address}}.

== Advanced Interface Settings ==
In the advanced settings for the DMX interface:
* Assign it to the available DMX interfaces if it does not register in DMXControl 3 with a unique identifier such as a serial number.
* Define the behavior of the DMX interface according to its functionality, e.g., setting the DMX-In and DMX-Out mode for the Nodle U1 or Nodle R4S.
* Modify signal properties (timings) if supported by the connected DMX interface.

{{Manual Box | en | Hint | Some DMX devices have issues with timings. These devices may respond incorrectly or only partially to sent DMX values. Adjusting values such as {{Manual Objectcaption|Breaktime}} may help. However, there is no universal solution, and some trial and error may be required to find the optimal values.}}

=== USB DMX Interface ===
The configuration options for USB DMX interfaces vary depending on the interface. For the Nodle R4S, for example, you can modify different parameters of the DMX signal in addition to the interface mode (see Figure 8). Since the Nodle R4S, along with the Nodle U1, the DE-/FX5 interface, and the Entec DMX USB Pro, is recognized by the operating system via a serial number and registers in DMXControl 3, there is no need to manually select the interface.

For USB DMX interfaces categorized as "Non auto detect interfaces," such as the Entec Open DMX USB or similar devices, manual selection is required after adding the interface (see Figure 9).

{|width="100%"
|{{Picture_with_subtitle|DMXC3_Manual DMX_Interfaces_Settings_Nodle_R4S.png|8|Advanced settings of the Nodle R4S.|center}}
|{{Picture_with_subtitle|DMXC3_Manual DMX_Interfaces_Settings_Entec_Open_DMX_USB.png|9|Settings of the Entec Open DMX USB.|center}}
|-
|}

=== Art-Net Protocol ===
The Art-Net interface in DMXControl 3 falls under the "Non auto detect interfaces" category. With the Art-Net protocol, a specific Art-Net node from a particular manufacturer or type does not usually receive the DMX data. Instead, the DMX data output is determined by the configuration in DMXControl 3 and the Art-Net nodes present in the network. Thus, connected Art-Net nodes only process the data intended for them. Multiple Art-Net nodes can also be set to output the same DMX universes. In a way, this resembles the DMX protocol and DMX-capable devices.

{{Manual Reference | arrow | Detailed configuration explanations and usage instructions can be found in the article {{Manual Windowcaption|[[Art-Net (DMX Interfaces) DMXC3|Art-Net (DMX Interfaces)]]}}.}}

=== Nicolaudie Magic 3D Easy View ===
The interface to Magic 3D Easy View allows direct transmission of DMX values from DMXControl 3. This DMX interface is also categorized as "Non auto detect interfaces," even though it operates on a software level.

To enable output, under the advanced interface settings, you must select the installation directory of Easy View in the {{Manual Objectcaption|Path}} setting. In the example image, the directory is {{Manual Filepath|C:\Program Files (x86)\Nicolaudie\Magic 3D Easy View}}.

{{Picture_with_subtitle|DMXC3 Manual DMX Interfaces Settings Nicolaudie Easy View plugin.png|11|Advanced settings of the output plugin for Magic 3D Easy View.|center}}

Each time the DMX interface is reactivated or DMXControl 3 is started, Easy View will also start automatically. In this case, the {{Manual Windowcaption|Universe patch}} window contains an additional button labeled "DMXControl 3." Clicking this button activates the dropdown menus, allowing additional modifications of DMX universes within Easy View. However, it is generally recommended to keep the default mapping, as DMXControl 3 also provides this functionality.

{{Manual Box | en | Important | It may be advisable to restart both DMXControl 3 and Easy View after configuring the interface.}}

= External Control =
DMX interfaces can be controlled or provide feedback via the {{Manual_Windowcaption|[[Input_Assignment_DMXC3|Input Assignment]]}} using the following nodes:
* [[DMX-Interface_(Input_Assignment)_DMXC3|DMX Interface]]
* [[DMX-Interface-Port_(Input_Assignment)_DMXC3|DMX Interface Port]]

= Links and References =
== Video Tutorials ==
Available on our {{DMXCWebLinks|YouTube}} channel.
{|
{{DMXC3 Manual-Tableentry Videolink | _rOGX6hMHSw | Setting up and configuring interfaces}}
|-
{{DMXC3 Manual-Tableentry Videolink | RLUivUmHN2U | Basics of Art-Net}}
{{DMXC3 Manual-Tableentry Videolink | XwB33fY0so4 | Use of DMX-Workshop}}
{{DMXC3 Manual-Tableentry Videolink | eoJDN1fplBs | Error images with Art-Net}}
|}

== Further Information ==
<references/>

<noinclude>
[[Category: Manual DMXControl 3]]
</noinclude>

[[de: DMX-Interfaces_DMXC3]]