BOS-Node 8

The BOS-Node 8 converts network data into DMX. Where a classic setup wants a separate cable from the console for every DMX line, here a single network cable runs to the node, which turns it into eight DMX lines. That saves cable and makes the rig easier to read: one run to the truss instead of eight.

Why a node?

A console has only a few DMX outputs, and a DMX cable cannot run forever. A node solves both. A network cable runs up to 100 metres, and much further with a switch or fibre. One network cable carries many universes, so your desk or software drives more light than it has outputs. And because the node is galvanically isolated, a short or spike on a DMX line never reaches your console or laptop.

Art-Net and sACN, per port

The node speaks Art-Net and sACN, the two protocols of common consoles and software, and passes RDM. You choose the protocol per port, just like the universe: any number from 0 to 32767. Eight ports means eight universes, 4096 channels in total.

Output, input or splitter

Every XLR port can be set as an output, an input or off. That lets you put DMX from an older desk or an effect onto the network instead. At the press of a button the node becomes a DMX splitter: port 1 in and seven out, or twice one in and three out. All inputs and outputs are galvanically isolated, so a short or a faulty fixture on one line does not take the other lines down.

Two desks on one line

When two sources arrive on the same universe, the node merges them: HTP passes the highest value per channel, LTP the latest change. If the signal drops out, you choose what the output does: hold the last value, go to zero, or stop sending DMX altogether.

In the rack

The housing is 19 inch and 1U high. The front panel carries a colour display showing every port, an LED per port and four buttons. Setup also works from a web browser. The two network ports sit on a built-in switch, so you can daisy-chain several nodes without an extra switch. Power goes in and out on PowerCON and the supply runs on 88 to 256 V.

What is a DMX node?

A DMX node converts lighting control from the network into DMX. Your console or software sends Art-Net or sACN over an ordinary network cable, and the node turns that into DMX lines for your fixtures. The BOS-Node 8 makes eight of them, and also works the other way: DMX from a desk onto the network.

Why do I need a DMX node?

As soon as your desk has too few DMX outputs, your cable runs get too long, or you want to protect your desk. A network cable runs up to 100 metres and carries many universes at once. The node is galvanically isolated, so a short on a DMX line never reaches your desk or laptop. If you run software on a laptop, a node is how you get DMX out.

Does the node work with my console?

Yes, if your desk or software sends Art-Net or sACN, which nearly all of them do. For desks that work on a 2.x.x.x or 10.x.x.x network, such as a grandMA, both address ranges are built-in presets. Setting your own IP address works too.

Can I use it as a DMX splitter?

Yes, without a network. Choose the "1 to 7" preset and port 1 becomes the input, ports 2 to 8 the outputs. With "2 × 1 to 3" you split two lines at once. Because all ports are galvanically isolated, it then works as a full opto-splitter.

How many universes can I drive with it?

Eight per node, one per port, 4096 channels in total. Need more, then daisy-chain a second node from the second network port and give it other universes. Every port can take any universe from 0 to 32767.

What happens if the network drops out?

You set that per port. On "hold" the last value stays, so the light stays on. On "zero" everything on that line goes out. On "off" the port stops sending DMX, so fixtures fall back to their own loss-of-signal behaviour.

Can I mount it in a rack?

Yes, the node is 19 inch wide and 1U high (482 × 168 × 44 mm) and weighs 1.7 kg. Network, DMX and power connections are at the back, display and buttons at the front. Power links through on PowerCON to the next device.

What is the default password of the web interface?

The default password is admin. Type the IP address from the display into your browser, log in and change the password under Change Password when the node sits on a network others can reach.