MA Lighting sets networking benchmark with new devices

The MA 8Port Node and MA 4Port Node are the latest offerings from MA Lighting, and have been designed to offer sophisticated solutions for signal transportation and data distribution for both fixed installation and touring applications.

According to the manufacturer, the new devices ‘set an additional benchmark’ in its networking product range due to the fact that they both boast a 1Gbit capability. The units work by allowing the conversion of Ethernet data into DMX (or vice versa), and fit perfectly into the brand’s MA system and its MA-Net2 protocol. Both are configurable from MA Lighting’s grandMA2 consoles or from grandMA2 onPC, and each DMX port can be individually configured as DMX-in or DMX-out.

Each model is available in an ‘onPC’ version, meaning that the MA 8Port Node onPC and MA 4Port Node onPC can be used in combination with the free-of-charge grandMA2 onPC software running on a computer to provide 2,048 parameters. Furthermore, these onPC versions can be combined with the MA onPC command wing and MA onPC fader wing for parameter expansion options.
 

While the MA 8Port Node is available as a 19-inch/1HU version with all connectors located on the back, the 4Port version is available in a range of different fittings, allowing it to adapt to a range of applications.

First is the 9-inch basic version, and all connectors are found on the back. Second is a special fitting that can be used where all connectors on the back of the MA 4Port Node are mirrored on an additional front panel for easier access when rack-mounted. The third option is to combine two 4Port units for rack use by adding rack-mounting brackets with a special threaded fastener between the two single units. The fourth option takes the form of an additionally available rigging plate for mounting couplers or clamps on the MA 4Port Node.

The front panel offers a menu button, a USB connector and a 2-inch colour TFT as well as LEDs displaying the current status, whilst the mains switch is located on the back, as are the powerCon and Ethercon connectors and the eight and four DMX ports, respectively.

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Web: www.malighting.com