german:     DMX Interface Card Hardware: this is a complete step-by-step description how to access the hardware, and how to set the working parameters required for DMX512/1990. Find memory maps, hardware addresses and other hardware-related stuff.   
.
.
512ch DMX Send Card
512ch DMX Send Card
512ch opto-isolated card
10124ch DMX Read/Write Card
DMX PrinterPort Interface
PMX/DMX Serial Port Converter Interface
DMX USB Port Interface
PCMCIA DMX Interface Card

back
HOME 		WG18:
Hardware Description
   Get this page in PDF format

ISA DMX-512 PC-Interface Card 1512C     [Software skeletons for this card]

[PC DMX CARD 1512C]

We offer a range of PC interface cards, not only readily available but affordable and easy to program. Besides we offer ready-to use software packages for free.

Programming of our interface cards is really simple. Here are the few steps to get things running.

FEATURES
1512C
  • very fast card, Clock = 16 MHz
  • Two outputs, two inputs, 512 channels each
  • opto-isolated output drivers (potential-free output)
  • DMX read and write simultaneously for 1024 channels
  • low-cost

  • Memory Allocation of Interface Card 1512C:
    $0000-$03EF     DMX operating system, max. 1000 Bytes
    $03F0-$03FE Operating System Parameters dmxdef()
    $0400-$05FF Send Data for Universe1, Channels 001-512
    $0600-$07FF Send Data for Universe2, Channels 513-1024
    $0800-$09FF Receive Data for Universe1, Channels 001-512
    $0A00-$0BFF Receive Data for Universe1, Double Buffer
    $0C00-$0DFF Receive Data for Universe2, Channels 513-1024
    $0E00-$0FFF Receive Data for Universe2, Double Buffer

To initialize the card:

  1. Determine the card address.
    To do so, use a routine as outlined below. In all examples we will assume a card address of $0100:

    1. Write $FF to card address $0100
    2. Write $03 to card address $0101 (0100 +1)
      This sets the internal card RAM address to $03FF.
    3. Write $AA to card address $0102 (0100 +2)
    4. Read card address $0102 (0100+2)
    5. If the return value is $AA, the card is found.
    6. If not, repeat steps (1) thru (5) for addresses $0120, $0140, $0160

  2. Transfer the DMX Operating System into the card,
    to make the card operational. Assume you are going to find a 1512C card in your (unknown) computer.

    1. Read card address $0100 to reset the card, then
    2. open the file SLHDMX17.BIN.
      NOTE: Close this file before opening it. This ensures to never get a "file open" error. Depending on the programming language used, you must open the file as BINARY or RANDOM because all NULL bytes must be transferred exactly as read.

      Then the file will be transferred into the card RAM. The card address must be known to do so.

    3. Set RAM-Adress = $0000
    4. Write the RAM-Address LowByte to Card-Address +0
    5. Write the RAM-Address HighByte to Card-Address +1
    6. Read the next byte from file and write it to Card-Address +2
    7. Repeat (3) thru (5) until EOF

      We have now transferred the DMX operating system and are ready to start the card. This will enable the card processor to check the card status and return a card identification byte.

    8. Write zero to Card Address +3 to start the card and wait at least 50us to read the result.
    9. Write $F9 to Card Address +0
    10. Write $03 to Card Address +1 This selects the return byte RAM address $03F9 within the card RAM.
    11. Read Card Address +2
      Return value $04: Card 1512C present
      Return value $05: Card 1512C present
      Return value $80: Card 1512A or 1512B/LC (12 MHz Card) present
      Return value $01: Card 1512B (16 MHz Card) present

      If a 1512C Card is identified the initialization is okay. f another card is being identified the complete initailization procedure has to be repeated, using the proper DMX operating system. Please use the following files:
      SLHDMX12.BIN for card 1512A or 1512B/LC
      SLHDMX16.BIN for card 1512B
      SLHDMX17.BIN for card 1512C
      After file transferral the retuirn value must be checked again. If the return value matches none of the values listed above, either the card or the DMX OS transfer process has shown defective. Return codes $06 to $1F are reserved for future SLH products.

  3. Transfer the Default Parameters into the card.
    The DMX operating system files allow individual setting of channel count, card timing an other parameters. If no (or invalid) parameters are set the card will automatically default to valid parameters instead. This may be the best choice, especially for beginners.

    All functions available from the next table are only supported by the latest OS file SLHDMX17.BIN (file dated 19.09.00 or newer), which can be downloaded here. Make sure, that older versions are deleted or updated.

    Card-RAM
    Address    		ParameterDefault or
    typical Value
    $03F0following parameters are valid
    0 or >0    		dmxdef(0) = 0
    $03F1StartByte Universe 1
    for DMX Transmissions, CH. 001-512    		dmxdef(1) = 0
    $03F2StartByte Universe 2
    for DMX Transmissions, CH. 513-1024    		dmxdef(2) = 0
    $03F3
    $03F4    		LowByte Channel Count
    HighByte Channel Count
    LO: 001 HI: 000 1 channel sent
    LO: 002 HI: 000 2 channels sent
    LO: 003 HI: 000 3 channels sent
    ...
    LO: 000 HI: 000 256 channels sent
    LO: 001 HI: 001 257 channels sent
    LO: 002 HI: 001 258 channels sent
    ...
    LO: 255 HI: 001 511 channels sent
    LO: 000 HI: 001 512 channels sent
    LO = Channel Count AND 255
    HI = INT ((Channel Count -1)/256)    		dmxdef(3) = 0
    dmxdef(4) = 1
    $03F5Send Repeat
    $80: send always
    $40: Send Once, then Stop (Recommended)
    $80: (<>0): Send continuously
    $60: (re)start a one-time transmission     		dmxdef(5) = $80
    $03F6not used dmxdef(6) = 0
    $03F7Receive Double Buffering
    UNIVERSE 2 (513-1024)
    Bit5 = Double Buffering Active
    Bit4 = Buffer Number [0/1]
    UNIVERSE 1 (001-512)
    Bit1 = Double Buffering Active
    Bit0 = Buffer Number [0/1]     		dmxdef(7) = 0
    $03F8not useddmxdef(8) = 0
    $03F9Card Type Return Value
    $80 = Card 1512A / 1512B-LC
    $01 = Card 1512B
    $04/05 = Card 1512C
    $44/45 = Card 1512C ROM-based Version     		dmxdef(9) = 0
    $03FA
    $03FB    		 LowByte Receive Channel Counter
    HighByte Receive Channel Counter
    for Universe 0 (000-512)     		READ ONLY
    $03FC
    $03FD    		 LowByte Receive Channel Counter
    HighByte Receive Channel Counter
    for Universe 1 (513-1024)     		READ ONLY
    $03FFReceive Input Status
    Bit7 = Status Universe 2 (513-1024)
    Bit6 = Status Universe 1 (001-512)     		READ ONLY

    Now transfer the Default Parameter Values to the Card Data RAM:
    Do nothing if you want to use factory defaults

    1. Set n=0
    2. Write $F0 + n to card address +0
    3. Write $03 to card address +1
    4. Write dmxdef(n) to card address +2
    5. n= n+1
    6. Repeat (2) thru (5) while n<10

    Now the card is ready for use. Eventually you may want to erase the DMX data RAM. To do so, simply write $00 to all remaining card RAM locations.

  4. Start the Card
    After initialization and setting of the operating system parameters the card may start its first transmission. To start the card, use the command:

    1. Write 0 to Card Address +3

    After starting the card once no further start/stop commands should be issued. In contrary to 1512A and 1512B cards the 1512C must not be stopped to ensure DMX data reception at all times.

  5. Transfer DMX data to the card

    To transfer data to the card or read back data from the card) we highly recommend to use a timer. This will ensure the best data integrity, since access to the card during transmission may corrupt send data. Use a timer (timer repeat time >25 ms) to initiate the command sequence outlined below.

    1. Write LowByte of DMX Channel to CardAddress +0
    2. Write HighByte of DMX Channel to CardAddress +1
    3. Write Value of DMX Channel to CardAddress +2
    4. Repeat (1) thru (3) for all channels that have to be updated

SOFTWARE ACCESS

READ
WRITE
Base Address +0CPU Reset (Stops DMX Transfer)Write Lo-Byte RAM-Address
Base Address +1Write Hi-Byte RAM-Address
Base Address +2Read DataWrite Data
Base Address +3Release RESET,   Start DMX Transfer

S/W Access Table Base Address = $100, $120, $140 or $160
Write Access does not affect DMX-Transfer. RESET function is latching.

HARDWARE SETUP

DMX-512 PORT II
9Pin female

 This is the DMX interface connector as used with our Interface Card 1512C. Please be aware, that DMX-512 requires the 5-pin XLR as standard connector. As this type of connector is too bulky to be mounted on a slot card, the 9-pin Sub D style was chosen and we recommend the use of an adaptor cable, which you can easily do by yourself. Alternatively, it is readily available from your supplier (part number 1512C-AK, two pcs. needed).

PIN   INPUT / OUTPUT    ASSIGNMENT
1 INPUT DMX -
2 INPUT DMX +
3 OUTPUT DMX -
4 OUTPUT DMX +
5 do not use
6 GND Screen, GND
7 GND Screen, GND (optional)
8 GND Screen, GND (optional)
9 GND Screen, GND (optional)

[PC DMX KARTE 1512C]

upper connector:
UNIVERSE 1 (Channels 001-512)

lower connector:
UNIVERSE 2 (Channels 513-1024)

Linking two Cards: Use a straight 9-pin Sub D male/male cable to connect a 1512B card (used as transmitter) to a 1512C card (used as receiver).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS / HOW TO .. ?

DRIVERS DOWNLOAD


All driver files are packed. Please use LHA.EXE to decompress files.

[BINfile]  Download Card Operating System SLHDMX12.BIN
       For cards 1512A and 1512B-LC, latest version.

[BINfile]  Download Card Operating System SLHDMX16.BIN
       For cards 1512B, latest version.

[BINfile]  Download Card Operating System SLHDMX17.BIN
       For cards 1512C, latest version.

[BINfile]  Download Dynamic Link Library SLHDMX2.DLL
       For 16-Bit Applications, latest DLL version.

[BINfile]  Download Dynamic Link Library SLHDMX32.DLL
       For 32-Bit Applications, first DLL version.

[BINfile]  Download Dynamic Link Library SLHDMX33.DLL
       For 32-Bit Applications, latest DLL version.

[Textfile]  Download Drivers Collection 1512B

[Textfile]  Operating manual 1512B
DOS-Text DMXPCI.TXT

[Textfile]  Why opto-isolated? A technical Note

Application examples for SLH DMX512 PC Interface Cards


currently on TV
at RTL:
Die SKL-SHOW:
Millionär Gesucht
Numerous industrial applications have been set up using SLH PC DMX512 interfaces. And eventually you may have been watching some TV shows without knowing the effects have been powered by our interfaces. Current production on german TV is the RTL show "Millionär gesucht" (there is a similar show on british ITV called "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?"
To date, more than 40 TV show productions have succesfully made use of our interface. Also theatre and musical productions, such as the Philippine's "Miss Saigon" benefit. EXPO2000 features dozens of cards, working as standard interface for multimedia packages like ict ControlVision or Medialon Manager.
If you have a neat application, just drop us a line: webmaster@pcdmx512.com



MORE INFO ON DMX EQUIPMENT:
DMX-Tester Measuring and Testing Equipment for Lab and Road Use
Interfaces DMX/Analog Decoder, Relay- and Dimmer-cards
LIGHTLINE SOUNDLIGHT DMX Glassfiber Technology