Where do you need Wireless DMX & Dimming for a price you can afford?
!! NOTE !!
The original RC4Magic, with yellow labels, has been replaced by the improved RC4Magic Series 2. More info...
"We have been using an RC4Magic DMXtx/DMXrx for about 9 months and haven't had a single (NOT ONE!) issue. It is absolutely perfect in operation, you would never know there wasn't a cable running to the fixtures."
Josh Kass
East Valley Bible Church- more RC4Magic users -
RC4Magic
Wireless DMX and
Wireless Dimming
RC4Magic Wireless DMX Toolkits are a great way to start building your wireless DMX system. Choose from the DMXtx transmitter, the DMXrx receiver, and the DMX2dim 2-channel wireless receiver-dimmer. Purchase any three in any combination for just $899US!
RC4Magic components are also available individually. The tiny 2-channel dimmer is only 2.25" x 1.25" x 0.75" and includes a built-in radio receiver. You directly connect a battery and lamps, and start dimming!
See our price list and order online with PayPal.
"Just a quick note to say how impressed I am with RC4Magic wireless dimmers. They work a treat on our new production of Alcina, controlling a shield with over 71 Osram LED panels, and a tracking boat with quite a few more. The small size of the units amazes me and they are so easy to use. Top marks on a great product."
Colin Alexander
Head of Lighting
Opera Australia- more RC4Magic users -
- low-cost, secure and reliable wireless DMX
- ideal for theatres, DJs, touring productions
- eliminate tripping hazards and cables underfoot
- rapid system setup, rearrangement, teardown
- get DMX to hard-to-reach locations
- get DMX to mobile, portable, or rotating devices
- wireless remote dimming of lamps and LEDs
- RF agency approvals for worldwide use
See our price list and order online with PayPal.
RC4Magic Quicklinks:
__- RC4Magic Technology
____- DMX Cable Elimination
____- Wireless Low-Voltage Dimming
____- Data and System Security
____- Power-Up Sequence and Radio Channel Assignments
__- RC4Magic Equipment
____- RC4Magic DMXtx Transmitter
____- DMXrx DMX Receiver
____- DMX2dim Low-Voltage 150W 2-Channel Wireless Dimmer
____- DMX4dim Low-Voltage 150W 4-Channel Wireless Dimmer
____- DMX4dim-STD Low-Voltage 500W 4-Channel Wireless Dimmer
____- DMX4dim-HO Low-Voltage 1000W 4-Channel Wireless Dimmer
__- More Information
____- Download the RC4Magic Summary Sheet PDF
____- Use our enquiry form to request additional information
____- See our price list and order using PayPal
DMX Cable Elimination
and Data Distribution
The RC4Magic DMXtx and DMXrx are simple devices that replace DMX data cables in lighting control applications. They work reliably to 200 feet or more inside theatres and other performance spaces.
Any number of DMXrx receivers can be used in an RC4Magic system. Thus, an RC4Magic system can take the place of splitters and distribution boxes, providing superior electrical isolation.
The DMXtx decodes the incoming DMX universe, encodes and encrypts it, and broadcasts it using Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) digital radio. Unlike wired DMX, the broadcast signal includes error checking and correction codes, and is not affected by minor interruptions and interference. DMX channels that are changing are allocated more bandwidth than channels that are not changing, but all channels are broadcast with appropriate speed, redundancy and accuracy.
The DMXrx decodes the rf signal from the DMXtx, rebuilds the DMX universe, and regenerates a standard DMX signal.
DMX in and out are compliant with USITT DMX512/1990. Any number of
DMX channels are accepted by the transmitter over a wide timing range,
as required by the standard. A full universe of 512 channels is always
output by the receiver with a refresh rate of approximately 42 frames
per second.
Wireless Low-Voltage Dimming
DMX2dim and DMX4dim receiver-dimmers decode the rf signal from the DMXtx, rebuild the DMX universe, and send user-assigned DMX channel levels to built-in low-voltage dimmers. Channel assignments are made with recessed pushbuttons. In addition to DMX channel, each dimmer can also be assigned either a linear or inverse-square-law dimming (ISL) curve. Linear is ideal for MR16s and other incandescent or halogen lamps; ISL is ideal for LEDs.
Any number of DMX2dim and DMX4dim receiver-dimmers can be used in an RC4Magic system.
Data and System Security
Every RC4Magic device is factory programmed with a unique system ID, or SYS number. This number is indicated on the outside of each unit. Only RC4Magic units with the same SYS number will communicate with each other. Many RC4Magic systems can operate in the same space, each providing a separate DMX universe of 512 channels.
When adding receivers to your RC4Magic system,
be sure to tell us your SYS number.
Power-Up Sequence and
Radio Channel Assignments
When the RC4Magic DMXtx transmitter first powers up, it scans the 2.4Ghz radio band, which supports many radio channels, looking for the channel with the least activity. It then sets itself to operate on that channel and begins transmitting SYS-encoded DMX packets.
When an RC4Magic receiver first powers up, it scans all 2.4GHz radio channels looking for encoded signals from an RC4Magic transmitter with a matching SYS number.
If a receiver does not detect valid data from the transmitter for 10 seconds, the start-up scan procedure is repeated. Thus, if the transmitter has been turned off and back on (or there has been a power failure) and it is now transmitting on a different radio frequency, the receiver will reconnect after a brief period.
Multiple RC4Magic systems can be operated at the same time in the same space, and each system will provide a separate wireless DMX universe. In a space with little or no other radio activity, there is enough space in the 2.4GHz band to support 10 or more RC4Magic systems, each with any number of receivers and/or dimmers. Even in crowded rf environments there will usually be enough bandwidth for several RC4Magic systems to operate simultaneously.
RC4Magic RF
Specifications
Indoor/Urban Range: up to 300' (100 m),
200' (66 m) typical
Outdoor Line-of-Sight Range: up to 1 mile (1.6 km)
Transmit Power Output: up to 100 mW (20 dBm) EIRP,
limited to 10dBm output for use in Europe and Japan
DMXtx Specifications
Dimensions: 3.4" x 2.2" x 1.6" nominal
(approx. 86mm x 56mm x 40mm)
DMX Input: meets USITT DMX512/1990(4us)
with 1-second data hold after DMX dropout
NO INTERNAL DMX TERMINATION
DMX Output: straight-thru from DMX input
Power Input: 8VDC - 12VDC, 500mA,
standard 2.1mm receptacle, center positive
RF Antenna: Hidden Internal, below RF Hotspot
Optional External Antenna: permanently installed 7.5" 5dBirubber whip antenna
(External antenna cannot be added to existing units. Most applications do not
require this
option.)
RC4Magic DMXtx Transmitter
The DMXtx input is compliant with USITT DMX512/1990(4us), with no internal termination. If you are putting the DMXtx at the end of a long DMX cable, a terminator plug should be used.
Power can come from the supplied wall transformer or batteries. A small pack of 6 AA batteries can be used for portable operation with, for example, a DMXter, Pocket Console, or other battery powered DMX signal source.
In many cases, the DMXtx can be connected right at your lighting console
or other controller, before your DMX signal continues to other devices
in your system.
Position the red RF Hotspot circle so it is facing the receivers in your system, and position the receivers to be facing the transmitter. If this is difficult, face the RF Hotspots towards a common reflective surface, like a wall, ceiling, or open floor area.
Line-of-sight is not required for RC4Magic, but dense objects between RC4Magic units - like concrete walls - will attenuate the radio signal and reduce the available range.
NEW! The DMXtx
transmitter is now optionally available with a high-gain rubber
whip antenna. Choose this model for better pentration through walls and
other obstructions,
or to operate over greater distances. Note, however, that most applications
do not require this.
DMXrx Specifications
Any number of DMXrx receivers may be used
in an RC4Magic system.
Dimensions: 3.4" x 2.2" x 1.6" nominal
(approx. 86mm x 56mm x 40mm)
DMX Output: meets USITT DMX512/1990
Always outputs 512 data slots per frame,
42 frames per second, regardless of DMX format
at DMXtx input
Power Input: 8VDC - 12VDC, 500mA,
standard 2.1mm receptacle, center positive
RF Antenna: Hidden Internal, below RF Hotspot
RC4Magic DMXrx Receiver
Any number of DMXrx receivers can be used in an RC4Magic system.
The DMXrx output is compliant with USITT DMX512/1990. If you are putting the DMXrx at the beginning of a long DMX cable run, a terminator should be used at the end, just as you would do with any DMX network. For short cable runs, termination is often unnecessary.
Power can come from the supplied wall transformer or batteries. A small pack of 6 AA batteries, or a 9V or 12V battery, can be used for portable operation.
Position the red RF Hotspot circle so it is facing the transmitter in your system. If this is difficult, face the RF Hotspots of your transmitter and receivers towards a common reflective surface, like a wall, ceiling, or open floor area.
It can take up to 10 seconds for the DMXrx to connect to the DMXtx
and begin outputting useful DMX data.
DMX2dim Specifications
Any number of DMX2dim receivers may be used in
an RC4Magic system.
Dimensions: 2.4" x 1.4" x 0.75" nominal
(approx. 61mm x 36mm x 20mm)
Power Input: 6VDC - 30VDC (12V typical), 50mA minimum, screw terminal connections
Dimmer Outputs: 2 individual dimmer channels, each with independently assignable
DMX channel and dimmer curve, screw terminal connections
Dimmer Technology: MOSFET PWM (pulse-width-modulation)
Maximum Output Power per Channel: 10A
Maximum Total Device Output Power: 15A
Recommended Maximum Load Wattage at 12V: 180W
TOTAL
Connections: Screw Terminals
RF Antenna: Hidden Internal, below RF Hotspot
RC4Magic DMX2dim Receiver-Dimmer
The DMX2dim is very small and includes a built-in radio receiver and 2 low-voltage pulse-width-modulation dimmers. Any number of DMX2dim receiver-dimmers can be used in an RC4Magic system.
The radio receiver operates identically to the DMXrx unit. It can take up to 10 seconds to connect to the DMXtx and begin powering the dimmer outputs.
Screw terminals are provided for connection of the power supply (+/-DC IN) and load devices (+/-DimA and +/-DimB). The supply powers both the internal electronics and the connected loads. Dimmers use high-frequency pulse-width-modulation, switching on the negative side of the circuit.
The most common power supply is a 12V sealed lead-acid rechargeable
battery. The maximum voltage for the DMX2dim is 30V (24V nominal). A
user-accessible Bussmann ATC-series fuse protects the connected wiring
and loads and is in the positive side of the circuit. The maximum fuse
size is 15A (ATC-15), and must be the fast-blow type. 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.
DMX4dim
Specifications
Any number of DMX4dim receivers may be used in an RC4Magic system.
Dimensions: 3.15" x 1.6" x 0.75" nominal
(approx. 80mm x 39mm x 20mm)
Power Input: 6VDC - 30VDC (12V typical), 50mA minimum, screw terminal connections
Dimmer Outputs: 4 individual dimmer channels, each with independently
assignable DMX channel and dimmer curve, screw terminal connections
Dimmer Technology: MOSFET PWM (pulse-width-modulation)
Maximum Output Power per Channel: 10A
Maximum Total Device Output Power: 15A
Recommended Maximum Load Wattage at 12V: 180W TOTAL
Connections: Screw Terminals
RF Antenna: Hidden Internal, below RF Hotspot
RC4Magic DMX4dim Receiver-Dimmer
The DMX4dim is very small and includes a built-in radio receiver and 4 low-voltage pulse-width-modulation dimmers, making it ideal for multi-channel LED color-mixing. Any number of DMX4dim receiver-dimmers can be used in an RC4Magic system.
The radio receiver operates identically to the DMXrx unit. It can take up to 10 seconds to connect to the DMXtx and begin powering the dimmer outputs.
Screw terminals 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 high-frequency pulse-width-modulation, switching on the negative side of the circuit.
The most common power supply is a 12V sealed lead-acid rechargeable battery. The maximum voltage for the DMX4dim is 30V (24V nominal). A user-accessible Bussmann ATC-series fuse protects the connected wiring and loads and is in the positive side of the circuit. The maximum fuse size is 15A (ATC-15), and must be the fast-blow type. 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.
"I used the RC4Magic for our production of Witches of Eastwick at Signature Theatre. It was so easy to use and it worked perfectly every night. I used it to control a motor and three 12V lamps in an electric fireplace. I had the receiver behind a heavy velour drape and we also had 21 wireless body mics in use at all times and I never had any issues with interference.
"I'm very pleased with this purchase and am glad that I did not buy that other more expensive, bulkier brand."
Sarah LaRue
Master Electrician
Signature Theatre
Arlington, VA- more RC4Magic users -
DMX4dim-STANDARD
Specifications
Any number of DMX4dim receivers may be used in an RC4Magic system.
Dimensions: 7" x 4" x2" nominal
(approx. 178mm x102mm x 51mm)
Power Input: 6VDC - 30VDC (12V typical), 150mA minimum
Dimmer Outputs: 4 individual dimmer channels, each with independently
assignable DMX channel and dimmer curve
Dimmer Technology: MOSFET PWM (pulse-width-modulation)
Maximum Output Power per Channel: 12A
Maximum Total Device Output Power: 42A
Recommended Maximum Wattage at 12V: 500W TOTAL
Connections: Amp 10-pin and 6-pin connectors
RF Antenna: Hidden Internal, below RF Hotspot
RC4Magic DMX4dim-STANDARD
Receiver-Dimmer
The DMX4dim-STANDARD includes a built-in radio receiver and 4 low-voltage high-power pulse-width-modulation dimmers. Any number of DMX4dim receiver-dimmers can be used in an RC4Magic system.
Based on our popular RX4-STD, the DMX4dim-STD is an excellent balance of power and price, providing everything most users need to operate incandescent and halogen lamps, LEDs (including high-wattage Luxeon), motors, relays, solenoids, and small ac inverters.
Dimmer outputs are virtually impervious to overloads and short-circuits. The affected dimmer will simply shut down until the external problem is corrected, while all other dimmers continue to operate normally.
A wide input voltage range of 8V to 30V is ideal for use with 12V or 24V systems, with the lowest drop-out voltage in the industry. Use lead-acid, NiCad, or NiMH batteries at 9.6V, 12V, 14.4V, 18V, 24V, 28.8V, or anything in between.
DMX4dim-HO
Specifications
Any number of DMX4dim receivers may be used in an RC4Magic system.
Dimensions: 7" x 4" x2" nominal
(approx. 178mm x102mm x 51mm)
Power Input: 6VDC - 30VDC (12V typical), 250mA minimum
Dimmer Outputs: 4 individual dimmer channels, each with independently
assignable DMX channel and dimmer curve
Dimmer Technology: MOSFET PWM (pulse-width-modulation) with aluminum heatsinking
and cooling fan
Maximum Output Power per Channel: 21A *
Maximum Total Device Output Power: 84A *
Recommended Maximum Wattage at 12V: 1000W TOTAL
Connections: Amp 10-pin and 6-pin connectors
RF Antenna: Hidden Internal, below RF Hotspot
For safe operation at maximum output power levels, large wire sizes and careful connection termination is required. Avoid high temperatures anywhere in the circuit. Follow manufacturer wiring instructions carefully. Be sure all switches, disconnects, terminals, etc., are rated for the required high currents. Each individual dimmer circuit MUST be safely fused at no more than 21A with the fuse positioned as close to the power source as possible.
