SnakeSys R4

Enables ChamNet mode for use with MagicQ console, or disables ChamNet mode where local control mode will be used instead.

Enables VPN (VLAN) mode, which is used to connect two R4 units together and create a virtual private network. Connect a network cable between NET4 on both units and enable the VLAN with the VPN button and the LED will illuminate. NET1, NET2 and NET3 and NET5 will each become a separate VPN on both units.

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When in VPN Mode, NET5 is still linked to the processor on each of the R4 units. Using NET5 on either one of the two units will allow both of the units to be accessed.

When the unit is not in ChamNet mode this button can be used to configure the unit as DMX input (on the rear connectors) or DMX output (on the front connectors).

When the unit is not in ChamNet mode this button can be used to configure the unit as sending or receiving Art-Net or streaming ACN.

This button has no function - future firmware update may use this button.

When the unit is configured as DMX OUT then the DMX button causes the unit to ignore incoming DMX network packets and freeze the DMX output. When the unit is configured as DMX input the DMX button will prevent DMX network packets from being placed onto the network.

These three network buttons disable the packet forwarding on each of the front three network sockets NETWORK 1, NETWORK 2, NETWORK 3 respectively. This disables the socket but keeps the link active, and allows for selection of console via the front-panel of the unit. These buttons still work as expected if the unit is operating in VPN mode. These buttons do not affect Power over Ethernet (PoE) output.

When the bypass is enabled the unit links the 4 DMX inputs on the back to the 4 DMX outputs on the front, so DMX1 links to DMX1, DMX2 links to DMX2 etc. This bypasses the entire unit and can be used to allow the DMX inputs to take control of the show. When the unit is fully powered off, the bypass relays will automatically activate.

This disables the bypass when the unit is powered up and puts the unit into normal operation mode.

The leftmost address switch controls tens the rightmost address switch controls units.

Address Switches (ChamNet mode) When the unit is placed into ChamNet mode the address switches control the unique identifier for the unit, this will appear in MagicQ in the NET MANAGER when the unit is detected.

Address Switches (Art-Net mode) When the unit is placed into Art-Net mode the address switches control the Art-Net universe.

Address Switches (sACN mode) When the unit is placed into sACN mode the address switches control the ACN universe.

Please note that the first available ACN universe is 1 so switch setting 0 - 0 should not be used in ACN mode.

The POWER button is used to shut down (when on battery power) or place the unit in standby (when on mains power). Since the unit has an internal UPS when the unit is in standby it will still charge the battery. It is normal that the fan continues to run in standby mode.

When the power LED flashes it means that the unit has detected the loss of mains power and it is running on battery back-up. Depending on the load conditions regarding Power over Ethernet on the front three network ports, the unit should run for approximately 30 to 40 minutes on battery. When the unit is running off battery back-up it monitors the network link status and DMX inputs and will auto shut off if there is no activity after a predetermined period of time. The feature prevents the battery from being depleted should the power be removed when the show shuts down.

The R4 has a feature to enable all settings to be reset to factory default.

The procedure to clear the settings is to hold down buttons NET1, NET2 and NET3 simultaneously and also while keeping the net buttons held down then press and hold the ChamNet button. The R4 will then reboot and factory default settings will be restored.

Holding down the DMX button for 5 seconds will cause R4 to enter special mode selection. One or more of the NET buttons can then be used to enable or disable extended DMX feature. During special mode selection the DMX button LED will flash.

Once the required special mode has been selected pressing the DMX button again will save the feature to flash and the selected feature will become immediately active. The unit will then return to regular frontpanel function.

The SnakeSys R4 contains a fully isolated and standards compliant Power over Ethernet system. PoE output source is available on the front three network sockets by plugging in a PoE compliant network device.

The two NET ports on the back of the device do not have PoE (Power over Ethernet) functionality. Both ports can be of general use, and NET4 can also be used as the VPN link between two R4 units.

In ChamNet Mode, the SnakeSys R4 is configured and controlled from the Net Manager within MagicQ.

SnakeSys R4 is powered using the supplied Powercon cable.

The power supply is universal wide range input type and has the following specification: 85 to 264VAC @ 47 to 63Hz