Getting Started
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    • Getting Started

    Getting StartedIntroductionProduct Certifications

    The following is a break down of the Colorbeam product framework.


    Introduction

    Every Colorbeam deployment, at minimum, consists of the following:


    • Lighting fixtures
    • DMX decoders + power supplies
    • GATEway-1DMX processor
    • 3rd party automation system
    • Local area network





    Recessed luminaries can be connected to each other in a daisy chain. The amount of luminaries that can be connected on the same daisy chain depends on the wattage of the recessed luminaries being used. 


    Recessed luminaries and LED tapes need to be connected to a DMX driver. This is what powers and controls the lights. Recessed luminaries use a RJ45 connector with a category cable, while LED tapes can use a speaker cable or similar. Keep in mind that the gauge of the wire being used determines how much distance between the light source and the DMX driver you can have. (More about this in the Wiring and LED Tape Wiring section).


    DMX drivers are configured to listen to a specific DMX address (a simple numerical digit). This is done on the DMX driver itself using the device's buttons and LCD screen. Multiple DMX drivers can be connected together in a daisy chain, and must to be connected to a single GATEway processor. Having multiple GATEways on the same DMX network can cause conflicts. 


    A DMX amplifier should be used when you are using more than 4 drivers. The DMX amplifier helps keep the DMX signal clean since the DMX cable itself isn’t braided. The DMX drivers then connect to the DMX amplifier, and the DMX amplifier should be directly connected to the GATEway.


    The GATEway processor is in charge of sending values to the DMX drivers, which in turn will activate the light sources. This means that a GATEway is necessary in every DMX Network. The GATEway communicates with all DMX drivers on the DMX network by using the driver’s individual addresses. The GATEway connects through its ethernet port to the IP network. The web interface allows you to configure and control your lights. (More about this in the GATEway section.)


    Once your luminaries are connected to a DMX driver, the DMX driver is connected to a GATEway processor (either through an amplifier or directly to the GATEway). The GATEway processor is then connected to an IP network, giving you the ability to control your luminaires through our web interface. If you wish to control the lights through a 3rd party system, like Control4®, Lutron® or Crestron®, the GATEway should be on the same local network as the control system and communicate via drivers. (More about this in the 3rd Party Integration section.) 


    Product Certifications

    Colorbeam products are UL listed, CE, FCC certified and “Title 24” compliant for California. Certifications for all of our products can be found on the individual ‘Specification Sheets’ available on our website at www.colorbeamlighting.com