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Connecting Mutiple Controllers
#1
To connect multiple controllers simply 'Daisy-chain' your controllers together using a single USB-RS485 cable. As shown in the picture below.
   

Connect the corresponding A,B,GND cables from the USB-RS485 cable to the first controller and then run extra cable from the 1st controller to the second controller. Then 2nd to 3rd etc.

The Diagram shows wiring for the DIY range of controllers. For the Plug and Play Controllers you simply connect plug and play cables between controllers.

You can build a network of any Syncrolight RS485 controllers, you can mix AC08, DC08, DC03 and SD Card controllers on the same network.

You could in theory connect up to 255 controllers on a single network, but we suggest a maximum of about 20 to 30 to keep the network at a manageable size. If you still need more controllers then start another network and run multiple networks in your display.

For large networks or if you have long cable runs, it is advisable to terminate the network correctly by adding a closed PCB jumper to the designated point on the PCB. (See your controller documentation for more details, or if you have an older controller that does not have a termination option, simply add a 120 ohm resister across the A and B wires). Termination is OPTIONAL, in most situations the network will work fine without termination. We normally only suggest terminating the network if you start getting errors on you network or have controllers that do not responding correctly.

Each controller on you network should be assigned a unique Device ID. Each controller is factory set to ID 1, so if you have multiple controllers you need to change the IDs accordingly. Simply use the Device Manager to change the IDs. Ideally change the IDs of each controllers by connecting them to the computer individually one by one, rather than trying to change their IDs when installed in you final display network.

Note: You can actually assign the SAME ID to multiple devices and they will both work in sync, however they will not respond to the Device Manager when both powered up. If you need to change the settings ensure only one is powered up and then swap over the power to change the other one.

When connecting controllers you can use any cable, such as speaker cable, but we strongly recommend using shielded data cable and connect the shields together and connect the shield to the GND.

Craig.
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