The DMX4dim-500 is the highest power reciever-dimmer in the RCMagic product line, delivering up to 500W of output power to lamps, motors, and more. Just like the other RC4Magic components, this unit includes a built-in radio receiver. Four powerful low-voltage pulse-width-modulation dimmers are ideal for multi-channel LED color-mixing. Drive up to 500 1W LEDs, 100 5W LEDs, 10 50W MR16s or MR11s. Any number of DMX4dim-500 receiver-dimmers can be used in an RC4Magic system.

A small and very quiet cooling fan must be accommodated when mounting this unit — adequate ventilation is required. If overheating occurs, each individual dimmer is over-temperature protected and will turn off to avoid damage.

The radio receiver operates identically to the DMXio in receiver mode.

All RC4Magic Series 2 dimmers are configured using the same unique method.  To design versatile devices that are this small, space must be carefully managed.  Multiple rows of dipswitches or rotary controls would consume far too much room.  Our method of assigning DMX channels is simple:

Connect a DMX controller to your DMXio transmitter.  This puts an entire DMX universe out on the airwaves.  Bring up one DMX channel you would like to assign to one or more dimmers.  While that channel is up, press the Set button on the target dimmer.  Different dimmer curves are selected by the level of the channel, so you can choose between non-dim, linear, fast inverse square law (Fast ISL) or slow ISL.  The dimmer remembers your settings forever, until you decide to change them.  There is no limit to how many dimmers can be assigned to the same channel.  Different dimmers can utilize different or the same curves.  Multiple dimmers on the same device do not need to be assigned to consecutive channels.

Anderson Power Pole connectors are provided for connection of the power supply (+/-DC IN) and load devices (+/-DimA,B,C, and D). The supply powers both the internal electronics and the connected loads. Dimmers use pulse-width-modulation, switching on the negative side of the circuit. Anderson pins are available with 15A, 30A, and 45A ratings.  Note that 45A pins should be used for the DC input when operating the unit at or near the 500A capacity.  A full set of mating Anderson connectors and pins is provided with each dimmer unit, including a few spare shells and pins. Crimping tools for Anderson pins are available from Anderson and others. One inexpensive good quality tool is made by West Mountain Radio.

The most common power supply is a 12V or 24V sealed lead-acid rechargeable battery. The maximum voltage for the DMX4dim-500 is 30V (12V – 24V nominal). An internally accessible Bussmann ATC-series fuse protects the connected wiring and loads and is in the positive side of the circuit. The maximum internal fuse size is 40A (ATC-40), and must be the fast-blow type.

Individual dimmer circuits can be externally protected by returning the positive side directly back to the battery through an appropriately rated fuse or circuit breaker.  Always use the smallest possible fuse value for the connected load, and be sure the wire gauge you are using is suitable for the fuse rating chosen. Remember that 500W at 12V is 42A.  When running close to the 500W maximum capacity, 45A Anderson pins must be used for the DC power input.

DMX4dim Receiver-Dimmer Specifications

• Any number of DMX4dim-500 receiver-dimmers may be used in a system.
• Dimensions: 4.41” x 2.44” x 1.21” nominal (approx. 112mm x 62mm x 31mm)
• Power Input: 6VDC – 30VDC (12V – 24V typical), 70mA minimum, Anderson Power Pole connections
• Dimmer Outputs: 4 individual dimmer channels, each with assignable DMX channel and dimmer curve, Anderson Power Pole connections
• Dimmer Technology: MOSFET PWM (pulse-width-modulation)
• maximum pwm resolution 14-bit (16,384 steps)
• maximum output power per dimmer 11A
• maximum total device output power 44A
• User changeable internal Bussmann ATC load fuse should not exceed 40A and should be fast-blow type.
• Individual dimmer circuits can be externally fused to a maximum of 11A per dimmer.