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ADB Ethernet network (ArtNet)
The ADB Ethernet network is a "plug and play" system, designed to be very flexible, expandable, and easy to configure & install. The ADB Ethernet network utilises the ArtNet protocol, created by Artistic Licence, which has been released to the public domain.
This allows nodes and programmes from other manufacturers using the ArtNet protocol to be connected to the ADB Ethernet network without any conversion boxes or extra costs. Typical examples are WYSIWYG, Martin Show Designer (MSD) and Sand-Net.
Main Features and User Benefits
Interconnectivity
The ADB Ethernet network allows different parts of a lighting system to be interconnected. This means that one control desk can be connected to another one located in a remote location to enable bi-directional data transfer between the two. Both desks could send data to a printer. A remote visual display could be provided in the theatre auditorium or TV studio to allow designers and technicians to see what's going on.
Although DMX512 has been remarkably successful in its wide acceptance, it is not always capable of carrying the quantity and variety of data required in a large modern lighting system. DMX data can be sent over the Ethernet network allowing a wide variety of lighting information to be distributed around a building and then picked off where and when required, this with a throughput typically 400 times faster higher than a DMX network.
Furthermore, if data storage is required, for instance a large-scale HF radio riggers/designers remote system or for interfacing a designer's laptop, this can be achieved by connecting the EIA-232 port of a PC or server to the system.
Closing contacts can be used to remotely trigger events programmed into the console - making it a versatile user-programmable function with unlimited possibilities!
Connecting the ADB Ethernet network with directional radio for linking systems in differnt buildings is simple. It is equally easy to connect it to a telephone or ISDN for long distance remote control. The ADB Ethernet network can be interconnected with ADN - the Advanced Dimmer Network - via a Netport/XT node, and to ADB's Dimmer Manager software.
DMX Universes
Up to 16 independent DMX512 Universes (a total of 8192 DMX addresses) can be provided on the ADB Ethernet network with ISIS software (more available upon request). Any of these universes can be available on the DMX output of each Ethernet-to-DMX node. To have more than one universe on the ADB Ethernet network requires only a software key in the ISIS software. It is therfore easy to increase the amount of universes without having to worry about complicated hardware updates or difficult system configurations.
The ADB Netgate and Netgate/XT can read DMX512 data from conventional (non-Ethernet) sources via their DMX input. This means, for example, that a simple manual console can control dimmers, effects and other equipment through the ADB Ethernet network.
Tracking
Full tracking operation between lighting consoles is another feature of the ADB Ethernet network. Any action taken on one console is automatically and immediately tracked by the other ones in real time, so that at all times any console can be fully synchronised with another. All data, configuration and screen informtaion is transferred practically instantly.
In a Master/Slave system, should the master console break down, the slave will automatically take over without the output (stage) being affected.
Multi-Tasking
The ADB Ethernet network allows fast data exchange between different parts of the lighting system. With the ADB multi-tasking concept, saving or loading of shows, sending data to a printer, etc can be achieved simultaneously. In larger networks, consoles can be connected to dedicated file servers for central storage of shows and back-up files.
Multi-Operator
With the ADB Ethernet network, the multi-operator programming capability allows two or more operators from two or more consoles to programa show simultaneously - for example, one for the conventional and one for the intelligent fixtures. Subsequently, bot hparts of the show can be merged into a single showfile and, more importantly, replayed from just one console. The additional benefit in a system with two consoles is that the second can act as a backup during the show.
Multi-Merge
Different parts of the different shows can be merged into one new show. This provides a very efficient and fast way to plot new shows. For example, one can load the house patch into a show that has been plotted in another venue, or an operator can load his profiles into a show plotted by another operator (macros, screen configurations, etc).
Remote Screens
Each node with a video output and ISIS software - such as ADB Netgate/XT - can act as a remote screen. Laptops, desktop PCs and consoles on the network can all be used as remote screens. Up to four screens can be connected to each network node. In addition, ISIS software can transmit up to four additional independent screens across the ADB Ethernet network.
Compatibility
ISIS software is common to many ADB lighting control systems. Therefore, all functions programmed on one type of console can be run from any other.
Does Ethernet replace DMX?
NO! Ethernet does not allow daisy-chaining of equipment like DMX512 does, so Ethernet's hub-and-spoke distribution involves more electronic boxes which could fail.
Moreover, UTP/STP cable cannot be longer than 100 metres from active part to active part - which means that to cover say 250m with Ethernet, two line amplifiers are required, whereas one DMX cable would do the same job. A good - and reliable - system will be a well-thought combination of Ethernet (possibly with full back-up) and DMX. It may be wise to have a number of DMX universes wired directly from the console to the main dimmers. In the event of a failure in one of the Ethernet building blocks, these dimmers will still be under control.
Technical Assistance
Although the ADB Ethernet network is easy to configure, the optimum solution for a given application is not always obvious. Our project engineers are here to help you specify the system which will ensure trouble-free operation with the best performance-to-cost ratio.
See also:
- Go back
- ISIS consoles & accessories
- ADB Advanced Dimmer Network
- Artistic Licence ArtNet information
- Basic networking information
- Basic information on Ethernet
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