Enttec's range of DMX Over Ethernet devices makes wireless DMX links simple to achieve. By pairing the DMXEthergate Mk2 or Datagate with readily available Wireless Ethernet Access Points, multiple universes of DMX can be sent across rivers or parks, or simply from front-of-house to dimmer land, without having to run cables.

By converting your DMX signal to a standard Ethernet signal, Enttec's DMX Over Ethernet range allows you to take advantage of the wireless technology being utilized by computer users everywhere. The same Wireless Ethernet Access Points that are used for computer networks can now broadcast and receive your DMX signal.

Wireless Ethernet Access Points are widely available from computer and electronics stores, as well as many office supplies outlets, and start from around $100. Manufacturers include Dlink, Belkin, Alloy, Netgear, 3Com, and many others.

Most of these make a wide range of access points, including dedicated exterior access points for outdoor use, and accessories such as directional antennas. We recommend using directional antennas wherever possible, as they increase the range of your wireless links, and greatly reduce the risks of interference.

Some Wireless Ethernet Access Points also feature dual diversity reception, and can be linked with back-up points, to ensure if one point loses the signal or fails a second will kick in, meaning you don't lose your signal.

Setting up a wireless network is not as complex as it may sound. Settings vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but in essence it works as follows –

• Plug your lighting desk or controller’s DMX output into a DMXEthergate Mk2 In (DMX In, Ethernet Out). 
• Plug a Cat 5 cable into the Ethernet Port on the DMXEthergate Mk2, and connect it to a Wireless Ethernet Access Point. 
• Take another Wireless Ethernet Access Point and connect it to DMXEthergate Mk2 Out (Ethernet In, DMX Out). 
• Connect the DMX Outputs on the rear of the DMXEthergate Mk2 to your lighting equipment

Most Wireless Ethernet Access Points will need to be configured prior to use, which usually means connecting them to a computer and changing some settings. Common settings are Master & Slave, or Bridge to Bridge mode. Refer to the manual for your access point for full details.

For further details on using the Datagate and DMXEthergate Mk2 for Wireless DMX applications, download the following application notes:
Using the Datagate (pdf format)
Using the DMXEthergate Mk2 (pdf format)

Read about the DMXEthergate MK2 being used for Wireless DMX at Crown Casino.