Introduction

E1.31

By FasteddyWWW.AUSCHRISTMASLIGHTING.COM

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane Mini 2011

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IntroductionClick for next Slide

• This presentation is a basic introduction to the E1.31 communication standard which also briefly explains the types of the controllers available and how it all goes together.

1. What is E1.312. What Is E1.31 used for3. How Does E1.31 Work4. Advantages of E1.315. What Makes Up a E1.31 Network

• Single E1.31 Controller• Multiple E1.31 Controllers

6. Types of E1.31 Controllers7. Topography of E1.31 & DMX8. Set Up Recommendations9. E1.31 Software10. References

What is E1.31• E1.31 is a communication protocol that is based on the DMX

protocol standard • E1.31 is a protocol for sending DMX512 data over Ethernet• It is used to send commands to lighting and effects

controllers.• It was developed and published in May 2009 by ESTA

(Entertainment Services & Technology Association) which in the beginning of 2011 became PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Association)

• E1.31 is expected to become the new standard for transporting DMX over IP (ethernet), replacing other lighting control protocols like Artnet and Shownet

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What Is E1.31 Used For• E1.31 is a network communication protocol used to talk from

a computer running sequencing or effects software to a E1.31 supported controller/device for the control of lighting and effects.

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How Does E1.31 Work• E1.31 uses IP addresses to communicate to controllers which

is the same way our computers communicate on the internet.• The E1.31 data packet is 542 bytes and is made up of:

• 512 bytes for channel data (1 channel per byte)• 2 bytes for universe ID• 1 byte for termination field• 27 bytes for network and UDP overhead

542 byte E1.31 Data Packet

E1.31 device

2 bytes for Universe ID

1 byte for Termination field

512 bytes for channel Data

27 bytes for network and UDP overhead

Show Computer

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How Does E1.31 Work• E1.31 transmits data packets at around 40+ times per second • E1.31 is a one way transmission, it only transmits to the

controller.• If a packet is lost or corrupted, 25 milliseconds later a new

packet is sent to and received by the controller. • Due to the human eye not detecting anything less than 60

milliseconds, E1.31 has inbuilt latency• Once the data packets are received by the E1.31 controller the

data packets are converted into commands for the control of various types of outputs.

• Standard CAT5 cables are used to communicate to the E1.31 controllers from your network card/RJ45 output from your computer.

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Advantages of E1.31Click for next Slide

• Based on the standard DMX512 protocol• It does not require individual dongles for each universe like

DMX• It uses a common network topology to run and uses the ACN

(Architecture for Control Networks) Protocol for communication.

• Can be easily distributed by using an inexpensive network switch

• Can allow over 200+ 512 channel universes of data to be transmitted over one network (bandwidth and refresh rate considerations must be taken into account)

• Can be used with a shared internet connection • Uses multicast for ease of setup.

What Makes Up a E1.31 Network

Single E1.31 Controller

Computer with Network/RJ45 output and E1.31 supported

software

CAT5 Network Cable An E1.31 Controller

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What Makes Up a E1.31 Network

Multiple E1.31 Controllers

Computer with Network/RJ45 output and E1.31 supported

software

CAT5 Network Cable

CAT5 Network Cable

CAT5 Network Cable

E1.31 Controller

E1.31 Controller

Network Switch

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Types of E1.31 Controllers

ECG-DR4 – protocol bridge - E1.31 to 4 outputs of DMX512 or RenardThis controller converts E1.31 data to 4 outputs of DMX and/or Renard .

ECG-DMXRen8 – protocol bridge - E1.31 to 8 outputs of DMX512 or RenardThis controller converts E1.31 data to 8 outputs of DMX and/or Renard .

ECG-PIXAD8 – Pixel Controller – 8 outputs of SPI Data control This controller converts E1.31 data to 8 outputs of SPI data and supports 6801, 2801 and 1804 type pixels (to be released soon)

Currently there are a few different E1.31 controllers available, with more to come in the near future

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Types of E1.31 ControllersSanDeviceS E680 – Pixel Controller – 16 outputs of SPI Data ControlThis controller converts E1.31 data to 16 outputs of SPI data and supports 6801, 2801, 1804 and GE type pixels (This is a DIY controller and requires assembly)

Stellascapes E16 – Pixel Controller – 16 outputs of SPI Data ControlThis controller converts E1.31 data to 16 outputs of SPI data and supports 2801 pixels

Stellascapes E2 – Pixel Controller – 2 outputs of SPI Data ControlThis controller converts E1.31 data to 2 outputs of SPI data and supports 2801 pixels

There are also other types of E1.31 controllers under consideration, such as multi channel DC Controllers and servo controllers

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Topography of E1.31 & DMX

Click on diagram to open Link

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• This diagram shows the difference between a DMX universe, E1.31 universe and a Hyper DMX universe.

• Hyper DMX is a non standard communication protocol that was developed for the TP3244 controller running through a ECG-DR4.

• LOR controllers are able to be incorporated into a DMX universe by using an adaptor cable as shown in the diagram

• Note: Future availability of the TP3244 is currently unknown

Setup RecommendationsClick for next Slide

• Use a separate network for E1.31 to reduce any bandwidth sharing with your home network/internet. You can still use E1.31 shared with your home network/internet but you may see performance issues.

• If sharing your connection with your home network/internet, then use a separate subnet address.

• Use 100 Mb/s or faster switches and network interface controllers (NIC). 10Mb/s can be used but the number of universes used may need to be considered.

• Wireless connections can be used, but data packets may be dropped or not arrive in the correct order

• When using many universes it may be advantageous to use unicast to limit data swamping the E1.31 controllers

• Note: Unicast is not officially supported by the E1.31 standard

E1.31 SoftwareClick for next Slide

• The community currently uses 3 main software packages for control of E1.31 controllers and devices.

• LightShow Pro• Vixen• Madrix

• Each software package has its advantages and disadvantages.• You should download and review each software package

before deciding on which suits you most.

ReferencesClick for next Slide

• OpenDMX Wiki• Plasa Standards• DIYC E1.31 Thread• ACL E1.31 WIKI• Joshua 1 Systems (J1sys)• Stellascapes• SanDeviceS

END OF PRESENTATION