Making the Connections
The Stagehand FX
Knob – The knob is used to set the IP address or Subnet. Press the knob (it’s also a button) and then turn the knob to adjust the addresses.
OLED Display – The display shows information about the Stagehand’s status. When idle, it shows the current IP address and the status of the network connection between the Stagehand and a PC running Spikemark. If an E-Stop has been activated, the condition will be displayed. In address mode, it will let you alter the current IP address or Subnet.
Output Indicators – When the Stagehand FX closes an output switch, the corresponding indicator light will illuminate green.
Output Contacts - The pluggable terminal block provides screw terminals to make connections to the four (4) relay outputs. The relay outputs are dry contact closures allowing you to switch any power source you need.
The contacts are rated for 3A 30VAC/42VDC maximum.
Wire all output actions to FAIL SAFE when the e-stop is engaged
Input Contacts – The pluggable terminal block provides screw terminals to make connections to the four (4) inputs. The Stagehand FX will supply 12V on one terminal of each input and sense the presence of that voltage on the other terminal of the input. You can wire any normally open (N.O.) switch rated for at least 12VDC to the inputs.
E-Stop – The E-Stop (a.k.a. emergency stop) receptacle is a 5-pin XLR connector. This receptacle receives a dedicated emergency signal (+24VDC) from the Showstopper system. If this signal is present, the Stagehand FX is free to close any output, when the signal is interrupted it will immediately open all relay outputs.Ethernet – The Ethernet receptacle accepts both Ethercon and standard RJ45 network cables. The Stagehand FX uses Ethernet as the control protocol to communicate with a PC running Spikemark software.
Input Power - 120VAC, 0.5A IEC Socket
INPUT POWER
The Stagehand FX requires a 120VAC, 0.5A input power. Connect with a standard or locking IEC cable to power your Stagehand FX. Once power is connected to a live outlet, the Stagehand FX will be powered up and ready for Showstopper and Ethernet.
SHOWSTOPPER INPUT
The Showstopper is Creative Conners, Inc’s emergency stop safety controller. Each Stagehand and smart machine requires a direct connection to a Showstopper 3 Base or Showstopper 3 Hub. These connections are made with a Neutrik 5-pin XLR cable. There’s no tech wizardry here, any 5-pin XLR cable will work as long as the polarity is correct. See below for connection details.
PIN | CONNECTION |
1 | COM |
2 | N.C. |
3 | N.C. |
4 | N.C. |
5 | +24VDC |
ETHERNET
The real power of the Stagehand FX is realized when connected through the network to Spikemark software. As with all Stagehands, each controller must be connected to the network with an Ethernet (CAT5/CAT6) cable back to a network switch. The Stagehand FX has a Neutrik etherCON receptacle which accepts the rugged etherCON connector or a standard RJ45.
IP ADDRESS
Once the Stagehand FX is physically connected to the network you will need to set the IP address in order to communicate with Spikemark. This is accomplished the same way as any other Stagehand controller.
Click the jog wheel, the SET IP screen will be displayed
Scroll to the octet you want to change and click the wheel
Turn the wheel to increase or decrease the number until you reach your desired value. Click the jog wheel to set the value.
Repeat the process for all octets that need to be adjusted.
Once complete use the jog wheel to highlight ‘OK’ and click the wheel
SUBNET MASK
In addition to the IP address each Stagehand controller also has the ability to set the subnet mask. The default subnet mask is 255.255.255.0. If you find yourself in a position where you need to adjust the subnet mask, please take a step back and ask yourself if it is really necessary. If the answer is yes, click and hold the scroll wheel to reveal the SET SUBNET screen. Follow the same procedures used to set the IP address to adjust the subnet mask.
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