ODE Mk3 — User Manual

Two-Universe bi-directional eDMX gateway with DMX/RDM support over Art-Net, sACN, and ESP. Powered via IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet or 12–24 V DC.

Getting started

Read this section before installing the ODE MK3. Covers electrical safety, system planning, installation guidelines, and the device's connector layout.

Safety

Ensure you are familiarised with all key information within this guide and other relevant ENTTEC documentation before specifying, installing, or operating an ENTTEC device. If you are in any doubt about system safety, or you plan to install the device in a configuration that is not covered within this guide, contact ENTTEC or your ENTTEC supplier for assistance.

Heads up: ENTTEC's return-to-base warranty for this product does not cover damage caused by inappropriate use, application, or modification to the product.

Electrical safety

• This product must be installed in accordance with applicable national and local electrical and construction codes by a person familiar with the construction and operation of the product and the hazards involved. Failure to comply may result in death or serious injury.
• Do not exceed the ratings and limitations defined in the product datasheet or this document. Exceeding can cause damage to the device, risk of fire and electrical faults.
• Ensure that no part of the installation is or can be connected to power until all connections and work is complete.
• Before applying power, check that all power distribution equipment and cables are in perfect condition and rated for the current requirements of all connected devices and verify it is appropriately fused and voltage is compatible.
• Remove power from your installation immediately if accessories, power cables or connectors are in any way damaged, defective, show signs of overheating or are wet.
• Provide a means of locking out power to your installation for system servicing, cleaning, and maintenance. Remove power when not in use.
• Ensure your installation is protected from short circuits and overcurrent. Loose wires around this device during operation could result in short circuiting.
• Do not over-stretch cabling to the device's connectors and ensure cabling does not exert force on the PCB.
• Do not 'hot swap' or 'hot plug' power to the device or its accessories.
• Do not connect any of this device's V- (GND) connectors to earth.
• Do not connect this device to a dimmer pack or mains electricity.

System planning

• Where possible, keep this device out of direct sunlight to maintain optimal operating temperature.
• Use twisted-pair, 120 Ω, shielded EIA-485 cable for DMX512 data. Conductors should be 24 AWG (7/0.2) or larger for mechanical strength and to minimise voltage drop on long lines.
• A maximum of 32 devices on a DMX line before re-generating the signal using a DMX buffer / repeater / splitter.
• Always terminate DMX chains using a 120 Ω resistor to stop signal degradation or data bounce-back.
• Maximum recommended DMX cable run is 300 m (984 ft).
• Avoid running data cabling close to sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• This device has an IP20 rating and is not designed to be exposed to moisture or condensing humidity.
• Operate the device within the specified ranges in its product datasheet.

Protection from injury during installation

• Installation must be performed by qualified personnel. If unsure, consult a professional.
• Always work with a plan of the installation that respects all system limitations.
• Keep the ODE MK3 and its accessories in its protective packaging until final installation.
• Note the serial number of each ODE MK3 and add it to your layout plan for future reference when servicing.
• All network cabling should be terminated with an RJ45 connector to the T-568B standard.
• Always use suitable personal protective equipment when installing ENTTEC products.
• Once installation is completed, check that all hardware and components are securely in place and fastened to supporting structures if applicable.

Installation safety guidelines

• The device is convection-cooled — ensure sufficient airflow so heat can be dissipated.
• Do not cover the device with insulating material of any kind.
• Do not operate the device if the ambient temperature exceeds that stated in the device specifications.
• Do not cover or enclose the device without a suitable and proven method of dissipating heat.
• Do not install the device in damp or wet environments.
• Do not modify the device hardware in any way.
• Do not use the device if you see any signs of damage.
• Do not handle the device in an energised state.
• Do not crush or clamp the device during installation.
• Do not sign off a system without ensuring all cabling to the device and accessories has been appropriately restrained, secured and is not under tension.

Hardware

Connector layout, wiring, the two-LED status indicators, and Power-over-Ethernet behaviour.

Hardware features

• Electrically insulated ABS plastic housing.
• 2 × 5-Pin Female XLR for bi-directional DMX ports.
• 1 × RJ45 EtherCon connection.
• 1 × 12–24 V DC jack.
• 2 × LED indicators: Status and Link/Activity.
• IEEE 802.3af PoE (Power over Ethernet) or 12–24 V DC jack input.

Wiring diagram

Each of the two 5-pin XLR ports can act as DMX input or DMX output, configurable from the web interface. The device accepts PoE on the Ethernet port or DC power via the barrel jack.

DMX connectors

The ODE MK3 features two 5-pin female XLR bi-directional DMX ports, which can be used either for DMX in or DMX out, depending on the Web Interface settings.

5-pin XLR pinout

You can use any 3-to-5-pin DMX adaptor to connect to 3-pin DMX cables or fixtures. Always check the pinout before connecting to any DMX connector.

LED status indicators

The ODE MK3 has two LED indicators located between the DC jack input and the RJ45 EtherCon connector.

LED 1 — Status

LED 2 — Network

Note: If both LEDs blink at the same 1 Hz frequency, the ODE MK3 requires a firmware update or a reboot.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

The ODE MK3 supports IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet — the device can be powered via the RJ45 Ethernet connection, reducing cable count and enabling remote deployment without a local power source.

PoE can be introduced to the Ethernet cable either through a network switch which outputs PoE under the IEEE 802.3af standard, or through an IEEE 802.3af PoE injector.

Note:

• DC power input takes precedence over PoE. If DC is disconnected, the ODE MK3 will typically switch to PoE in about 3 seconds — with older hardware this can take up to 1 minute.
• Passive PoE is not compatible with the ODE MK3.

Configuration

eDMX protocols, merging modes, default settings, and a walkthrough of every tab in the built-in web interface.

Functional features

• Two bi-directional DMX ports with E1.20 RDM support.
• Art-Net, sACN, and ESP conversion.
• HTP / LTP merging for simultaneous DMX sources.
• Configurable DMX output refresh rate.
• Configuration and updates via the built-in web interface.
• 'Current Port Buffer' lets live DMX values be viewed in the browser.

Bi-directional eDMX protocols and USITT DMX512-A conversion

The ODE MK3's primary function is to convert between Ethernet-DMX protocols and USITT DMX512-A. eDMX protocols can be received and converted to DMX with HTP or LTP merging, or DMX can be converted to eDMX with the option to unicast, broadcast or multicast.

Note: The device acts as an Art-RDM gateway and does not support remote configuration through Art-Net. ENTTEC advises disabling RDM when not needed — older fixtures compatible with the DMX 1990 specification may behave erratically with RDM packets on the DMX line.

Each of the two ports can be configured independently — same universe, different universes, different protocols, or different directions.

Merging

Merging is available when the port type is set to DMX Out. Two different Ethernet-DMX sources (from different IP addresses) can be merged if they use the same protocol and universe.

If more sources than expected are received (1 for Disabled, 2 for HTP/LTP), the extra sources are ignored, a warning is shown on the home page of the web interface, and the status LED blinks at a high rate.

If a merge source stops being received, the failed source is held in the merge buffer for 4 seconds. If it returns, the merge continues; otherwise it is discarded.

Out of the box — default settings

Networking

DHCP

On power up with DHCP enabled, if the ODE MK3 is on a network with a DHCP server it will request an IP address. If the DHCP server is slow to respond, or your network does not have one, the device falls back to 192.168.0.10 with netmask 255.255.255.0.

Static IP

By default the Static IP address is 192.168.0.10. If DHCP is disabled, this Static IP becomes the address used to communicate with the device. The Static IP changes from the default once modified in the web interface — note it down after setting.

Note: When configuring multiple ODE MK3 units on a Static network, connect one device at a time to avoid IP conflicts.

If using DHCP, ENTTEC recommends sACN or Art-Net broadcast — this ensures the device continues to receive data if the DHCP server changes its IP. ENTTEC does not recommend unicasting to a DHCP-addressed device in long-term installations.

Web interface

Configuration is done through a web interface accessible from any modern browser — a Chromium-based browser (e.g. Google Chrome) is recommended.

Identified IP address

If you know the ODE MK3's IP (DHCP or Static), type it directly into the browser's URL bar.

Unidentified IP address

If the IP is unknown, use one of the following discovery methods on a local network:

• ENTTEC EMU software (Windows / macOS) — discovers ENTTEC devices on the LAN, displays IP addresses, and opens the web interface.
• An IP scanning application (e.g. Angry IP Scanner) to list active devices on the local network.
• Art Poll discovery (e.g. DMX Workshop set to use Art-Net).
• The default IP address 192.168.0.10 is printed on the physical label on the rear of the product.

Note: The web server has no SSL certificate, so browsers display a "Not secure" warning — this is expected. Ensure your computer and the ODE MK3 share the same LAN and IP range with a consistent subnet mask.

Top menu

The top menu provides access to all web pages, with the active page highlighted in blue. The top-right corner has two installer buttons:

• Dark Mode — switches the interface to a dark background.
• Identify — quickly verifies the correct wiring by identifying fixtures connected to a specific ODE MK3 without the need to provide control data. The timer does not restart when pressed consecutively.

Home tab

The landing page is a read-only device overview. It displays:

System information

• Node name
• Firmware version
• System uptime
• System last uptime

Current network settings

• DHCP status
• IP address
• Netmask
• Gateway address
• MAC address
• Link speed

Current port settings

• Port
• Type
• Protocol
• Universe — click the universe number to see a snapshot of all current DMX values
• Refresh rate
• Output merging

Settings tab

The ODE MK3's settings can be configured in the Settings tab. Changes only take effect after being saved — unsaved changes will be discarded.

Device & network

• Node Name — the name the ODE MK3 broadcasts in poll replies.
• DHCP — enabled by default. With DHCP off, the device falls back to 192.168.0.10.
• Static IP / NetMask / Gateway — used when DHCP is disabled. Set these to match other devices on the network.

Port settings

Configure each port individually, or enable Autofill to apply a setting to subsequent unmodified ports. Autofill does not apply to DMX universes.

• Type — Disabled / DMX In / DMX Out / DMX Out (RDM, only with Art-Net or sACN).
• Protocol — Art-Net, sACN, or ESP.
• Universe — Ethernet-DMX input universe. Range depends on the protocol.
• Refresh rate — output rate (default 40 fps). Last received frame is repeated to comply with the DMX standard.

Per-protocol options

• Input Broadcast / Unicast — choose broadcast (based on the subnet mask shown) or unicast to a specified IP address.
• Input sACN Priority — 1 to 200; 200 = highest priority.
• Output Merging — when enabled, merges two DMX sources from different IPs on the same universe (HTP or LTP). See Merging.

Action buttons

• Save Settings — all changes must be saved to take effect. Allow up to 10 seconds to save.
• Reset to Defaults — restore factory default settings (see Out of the box).
• Restart Now — allow up to 10 seconds for the device to reboot. When the page refreshes, the ODE MK3 is ready.

Network Stats tab

The Network Stats tab provides a per-protocol overview of network data — packet counts for poll, data and sync events. Art-Net statistics include a breakdown of Art-Net DMX packets sent and received, plus RDM-over-Art-Net activity (packets sent / received, sub-device count, and TOD Control / Request packets).

Update Firmware tab

Selecting the Update Firmware tab stops DMX output and boots the web interface into Update Firmware mode. Expect a brief error message while the page reloads into boot mode — this is normal.

Steps:

1. Download the latest firmware .bin file from www.enttec.com.
2. Use the Browse button to select the file from your computer.
3. Click Update Firmware to begin.
4. After the update completes, the web interface reloads to the Home tab where you can verify the firmware version.

Reference

Factory reset procedures, servicing & maintenance, cleaning instructions, package contents, and ordering information.

Reset to factory defaults

The ODE MK3 can be reset by either the web interface or hardware-based reset method. This process returns the device to its factory default settings and is initiated directly on the unit.

Resetting via the web interface

Navigate to the Reset to Defaults command located under the Settings tab. A confirmation pop-up will appear — confirm to complete the reset.

Resetting via the boot page

In certain scenarios you may require access to boot mode for tasks such as firmware updates or performing a factory reset in case of unstable firmware. To access boot mode:

1. Wire up DMX ports between Port 1 and Port 2.
2. Connect the ODE MK3 to a computer via an Ethernet cable — both LEDs will flash at the same frequency, indicating boot mode.
3. Launch the EMU Software on your computer and select the ODE MK3 discovered.

The EMU Software will prompt you to access the boot page for firmware updates or other maintenance tasks.

Note: Resetting through the boot page feature is available from firmware V1.7 onward.

Servicing, inspection & maintenance

Heads up: The device has no user-serviceable parts. If your installation becomes damaged, replace the affected part. Power down and lock out the system before any servicing.

Areas to examine during inspection

• Connectors are mated securely and show no sign of damage or corrosion.
• Cabling has not been physically damaged or crushed.
• Check for dust or dirt build-up and schedule cleaning if necessary.
• Dirt or dust build-up can limit heat dissipation and lead to damage.

Install replacement devices following all steps in the installation guide. To order replacements or accessories, contact your reseller or message ENTTEC directly.

Cleaning

Dust and dirt build-up can limit the device's ability to dissipate heat. Clean on a schedule fit for the operating environment — the more extreme the environment, the shorter the interval.

Before cleaning: Power down the system and lock out the supply until cleaning is complete. Do not use abrasive, corrosive, or solvent-based products. Do not spray the device — it is rated IP20.

To clean an ENTTEC device, use low-pressure compressed air to remove dust, dirt and loose particles. If necessary, wipe with a damp microfibre cloth.

Factors that may require more frequent cleaning

• Stage fog, smoke, or atmospheric devices.
• High airflow (close proximity to air-conditioning vents).
• High pollution levels or cigarette smoke.
• Airborne dust (building work, the natural environment, pyrotechnic effects).

Package contents

• ODE MK3
• Ethernet cable
• Power supply with AU / EU / UK / US adapters
• EMU Promo Code — 6 months (promo code sticker on the device)

Note: Use the device's Serial Number to claim a free license for EMU software unless there is a Promo Code sticker on the device. Promo Codes are implemented after Serial Number 2367665 (August 2022).

Ordering information

For further support and to browse ENTTEC's product range, visit www.enttec.com.

Note: Due to constant innovation, information within this document is subject to change.