BrightSign GPIO Interface Board w/DMX512 Controller

For all BrightSign units w/GPIO Phoenix connector

Simple 4 Channel DMX

PH-4X4DMX-BF

Features:

• Footprint (4.4 x 2.8 inches)
• 4 direct GPIO inputs (no light driver outputs)
• Terminal blocks for all I/O connections
• Uses the BrightSign 3.3 volt supply (no external power supply)
• On board LED's to indicate BrightSign Power and Processor running.
• High speed microprocessor and RS485 port for DMX-512 connection.
• 4 DMX Brightness & Fade Channels (Channels 1-4)

Because the HD120 only has a GPIO port for external connections, this board was designed as a low cost method of adding DMX to the the low cost BrightSign HD120.  GPIO4, 5, 6, and 7 are used to control DMX channels 1 thru 4 (with fade).  Fade rate is selected using SW1.  When the associated GPIO output goes low, the DMX channel associated with that input turns on.

• GPIO4, Controls DMX Channel 1
• GPIO5, Controls DMX Channel 2
• GPIO6, Controls DMX Channel 3
• GPIO7, Controls DMX Channel 4

Note: Because Lights don't emit below 20% brightness setting, the minimum brightness is limited to about 20%.  This feature provides smoother & quicker fade on.  When fading 'on', the brightness won't be noticeably delayed when a longer fade is set.

Note: DMX Brightness is set to full on (255), or off (0).

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Fade & Brightness are individually set for all 4 channels using potentiometers.  The potentiometers are marked on the board to indicate which GPIO is the control.  I.E. DMX channel 1 is controlled by GPIO-4.  So Brightness for channel 1 has 4 next to the potentiometer and 4 next to the fade potentiometer.  The brightness and fade are interactive.  Meaning the potentiometers values are updated as the potentiometer is changed.

Note: Each DMX channel on/off is independent.  The channel begins fade to the brightness setting from the moment that the GPIO changes state.

DMX Cycle Diagnostic:

Place a jumper (jumper provided) between 'G' and 'D' of the programming header J2.  This selects a 'cycle diagnostic.  All 100 DMX channels are turned on for 1 second then turned off for 1 second.  This diagnostic is useful to confirm wiring.

Note: Custom software available to meet your special lighting requirement.  Contact HMS Technical Support for quote!

See the document on DMX-512 for a description of DMX dimmer pack use and implementation.

Last Revised: 03/02/2024