SnakeSys R8

The SnakeSys R8 is an eight universe Ethernet to DMX convertor in a 1U rack. It support eight DMX512 ports that are fully configurable as either inputs or outputs. It also features dual Neutrik Ethercon network ports.

The SnakeSys R8 is designed to be used on shows where large numbers of universes are in use and there is a need to convert to and from DMX. It provides the ability to easily switch between different Ethernet or DMX sources.

Universal Ethernet to DMX interface
Eight DMX512 ports, configurable as outputs or inputs
Dual Ethernet ports
Art-Net and ACN support
Can be used with any Art-Net or ACN compliant console
LCD display with multi-switch selection
ChamNet remote configuration
Stand alone DMX buffer mode

Product Diagram

DMX Connectors

The DMX connectors are bi-directional and can be configured either as DMX Output or DMX Input. When using any channel as DMX Input a male to male 5 pin gender adaptor or equivalent cable may be required.

Network Connectors

The SnakeSys R8 has a total of two Ethernet Network connectors. The function of the network connectors are identical, and they are connected to the same network switch, they can be used for communication with the R8 device and additionally other devices connected to the other R8 network port.

Care should be taken to avoid any network loop caused by incorrect network connection in your configuration, one symptom of a network loop is that the R8 will be overloaded with excessive network traffic and as a result the main menu will seem unresponsive. If you notice the symptom, please re-check your networking connections and correct accordingly.

Menu System

The SnakeSys R8 is operated using an in-built menu system.

The interface incorporates an encoder, for changing menu item values, which also acts as a push button with enter functionality. There are also UP / DOWN / LEFT and RIGHT buttons which can also be used for navigation and change of menu items.

The top level screen provides some immediate information regarding each of the 8 ports, and also indicates the units base address, protocol, and firmware version.

Pressing the any button or rotating the encoder during display of the Top Screen will cause the R8 unit to enter the main menu. If the unit is left navigating one of the menu’s and no button or encoder movement is detected for some time the unit will automatically return to the Top Screen. When in the R8 is in ChamNet mode the protocol or direction changes applied to each R8 port will be automatically updated on the Top Screen.

Main Menu

Address

Used to set the R8 address / universe, which can be either:

Box Id

ChamNet Mode

Art-Net universe

Art-Net Mode

sACN universe

sACN Mode

Mode

Used to set the network protocol mode used by the R8, which can be either:

Menu Item	Function
Disabled	No ports output or input
ChamNet/MagicQ	Ports controlled by MagicQ
Art-Net/Output	Ports 1 to 8 output Art-Net Mode
Art-Net/Input	Ports 1 to 8 input Art-Net Mode
ACN/Output	Ports 1 to 8 output sACN Mode
ACN/Input	Ports 1 to 8 input sACN Mode

Menu Item

Function

Disabled

No ports output or input

ChamNet/MagicQ

Ports controlled by MagicQ

Art-Net/Output

Ports 1 to 8 output Art-Net Mode

Art-Net/Input

Ports 1 to 8 input Art-Net Mode

ACN/Output

Ports 1 to 8 output sACN Mode

ACN/Input

Ports 1 to 8 input sACN Mode

Network Menu

Menu Item	Function
ArtNet IP 1	Used to set the main R8 network IP address used by the R8 processor. If the unit is placed into Art-Net mode then this IP is used for Art-Poll-Reply / Art-Net DMX network data on ports 1 through 4. The main IP address is automatically chosen when the R8 units default settings are applied, however sometimes it is necessary to change the address. This is an advanced option.
ArtNet IP 2	Secondary IP address used only in Art-Net mode for Art-Poll-Reply / Art-Net. DMX network data on ports 5 through 8. The secondary IP address is automatically chosen when the R8 units default settings are applied, however sometimes it is necessary to change the address. This is an advanced option.
Subnet Mask	This is an advanced option, The default subnet mask is normally 255.0.0.0
Default	Used to restore default networking settings to the R8. Everything which can be adjusted in the Network menu or any of its sub-menus is restored to factory default settings.

Menu Item

Function

ArtNet IP 1

Used to set the main R8 network IP address used by the R8 processor. If the unit is placed into Art-Net mode then this IP is used for Art-Poll-Reply / Art-Net DMX network data on ports 1 through 4. The main IP address is automatically chosen when the R8 units default settings are applied, however sometimes it is necessary to change the address. This is an advanced option.

ArtNet IP 2

Secondary IP address used only in Art-Net mode for Art-Poll-Reply / Art-Net. DMX network data on ports 5 through 8. The secondary IP address is automatically chosen when the R8 units default settings are applied, however sometimes it is necessary to change the address. This is an advanced option.

Subnet Mask

This is an advanced option, The default subnet mask is normally 255.0.0.0

Default

Used to restore default networking settings to the R8. Everything which can be adjusted in the Network menu or any of its sub-menus is restored to factory default settings.

Settings Menu

Menu Item	Function
Clear All	Used to clear all R8 settings, and restore the entire unit to factory default settings. The R8 will automatically reboot after default settings are restored.
Reboot	Used to completely reboot the R8 unit.

Menu Item

Function

Clear All

Used to clear all R8 settings, and restore the entire unit to factory default settings. The R8 will automatically reboot after default settings are restored.

Reboot

Used to completely reboot the R8 unit.

DMX Settings Menu

The following settings are a feature for advanced users which can be used if DMX timing related issues are found with certain fixtures. It is not recommended to adjust these features unless you are familiar with DMX packet and understand what the adjustments are actually doing.

Menu Item	Function
TX Packet Break	Used to adjust the length of the transmitted DMX Break which is adjustable in microseconds
TX Packet MAB	Used to adjust the length of the transmitted DMX Mark After Break which is adjustable in microseconds
TX Retransmit Time	When DMX network packets are not received this corresponds to the frame refresh delay between transmitted DMX packets to keep the DMX transmit alive, and is adjustable in milliseconds.
Default	This restores the DMX settings to factory default values. This is a useful feature to try if you experience issues with fixtures and are unsure what the DMX packet settings should be.

Menu Item

Function

TX Packet Break

Used to adjust the length of the transmitted DMX Break which is adjustable in microseconds

TX Packet MAB

Used to adjust the length of the transmitted DMX Mark After Break which is adjustable in microseconds

TX Retransmit Time

When DMX network packets are not received this corresponds to the frame refresh delay between transmitted DMX packets to keep the DMX transmit alive, and is adjustable in milliseconds.

Default

This restores the DMX settings to factory default values. This is a useful feature to try if you experience issues with fixtures and are unsure what the DMX packet settings should be.

In v2.14 firmware the default TX retransmit time was changed to 50ms - in previous versions it was 200ms. If you experience delays when pressing flash buttons with fixtures we recommend changing the TX retransmit time to 50ms.

Alternatively change your console to send ArtNet/ACN continuously rather than just sending changes.

ChamNet Mode Information

In ChamNet Mode the SnakeSys R8 is configured and controlled from the Net Manager within MagicQ.

The main IP address for the Interface can be reconfigured in Net Manager. It is not possible to change the secondary IP address from within Net Manager.

The R8 unit will remember the settings that you make in MagicQ Net Manager. Please allow at least 40 seconds for the unit to store the information into flash memory before removing the power. If the unit is left in MagicQ ChamNet mode it will boot up with the settings that you made previously in Net Manager. (MagicQ will not be required to be connected via network to retain the settings).

Powering the SnakeSys R8

SnakeSys R8 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 63 Hz or 120 to 370VDC

The SnakeSys R8 does not have an internal battery.

During usage please ensure that the unit has adequate ventilation and that the cooling grilles on the unit are not obstructed.

Security Measure Warning

The R8 incorporates a number of advanced security measures to prevent copying and unauthorized reproduction of the firmware.

If user attempting repair of the PCB please do not use motherboard connector J3. Please also take care not to short out or touch any of motherboard connector J3 pins while the motherboard is powered up. Damage to the units firmware may result if the unit detects multiple tampering events, and the unit will have to be returned to ChamSys for reprogramming.