Planetaria, space theaters, and other exhibition venues face unprecedented control challenges as the pace of technological innovation accelerates. New media devices appear every day, many of them controllable only through proprietary serial communication protocols.

Takes full advantage of the high performance architecture available in the TARRAGON controller family
Illuminated LCD Display shows real-time status of controlled devices and driver activity.
Preset scene select for exhibit control
Supports tomorrow's advanced manual control systems
Fully compatible with new and existing SPICE Automation installations

With SPICE Automation, you learn one simple set of commands for everything. TARRAGON translates your commands into device-specific protocols. And because SPICE Automation understands what you're doing, continuous device status updates keep everything in sync, even while you aggressively edit a show.

Except for initial programming, no computer is required, even for sequences of thousands of cues! Up to eight pushbuttons or switch closures attached to TARRAGON's Preset port let exhibit patrons trigger SPICE Automation cue sequences. A ninth cue sequence can be programmed to run during "idle time" as an exhibit attractor. The exhibit control cue file is stored in TARRAGON's nonvolatile memory, supporting multiple simultaneous sequences. Once you've downloaded it, you can put the computer away.

8 or 16 Channel MultiSerial Controller

The TARRAGON MultiSerial Controller bridges the gap between the user friendly interface of the SPICE Automation"! Media Control System and the obscure control lexicons of devices like Ektapro projectors, video disc, DVD, CD, VHS, DAT, ADAT, DA-88, BetaCam players, and more.

This controller contains eight modular 8-pin jacks corresponding to 8 serial communication channels. These channels can be set up as either an RS-232 or an RS-485/422 control protocol. For up to 16 channels of serial control, two of these cards can be used in a TARRAGON. Numerous drivers are available for the TARRAGON, and others can be made available for special requests.

DMX512 Controller

For high speed industry standard special effects and theatrical lighting, this TARRAGON controller provides a single DMX512 serial port. The DMX512 is set up on a single connector with an input and an output data stream. It is capable of controlling up to 128 DMX512 channels while handling the entire DMX512 data stream. In the case of a power down of the TARRAGON, a relay will close which connects the input directly to the output and maintains continuity in the serial link.

DC Variable I/O Controller

The SS 285-3 is a DCIO controller with three male headers for outputs, two 26-pins and a 16-pin. Each 26-pin contains 20 open collector pull-to-ground output switches for general purpose switch controls and three logic level inputs for general purpose inputs. All switch outputs are capable of driving a maximum of 50 mA, not to exceed 500 mA total for the card. There is a ¼" male fast-on provided to enhance the ground return in the case that the open collector outputs are used to drive any significant current.

The 16-pin header contains twelve 0 - 12 volt 12-bit DC outputs capable of 2 mA of drive each. It also contains the last two of eight logic inputs.

8 Channel Powered RS 485/422 Controller

This option card contains eight modular 8-pin jacks corresponding to 8 serial communication channels. Each of these channels communicates using RS-485/422. The RS-485/422 Interactive Card differs from the 8 Channel MultiSerial Card in that the RS232 lines have been replaced with a 5 volt DC supply. This allows devices such as SS 284 5-button interactive seat cards (and future products) to be controlled by the TARRAGON without separate power supplies.

Specifications

SS 285-1-0 TARRAGON 8-Channel MultiSerial Controller
SS 285-1-1 TARRAGON 16-Channel MultiSerial Controller
SS 285-2-0 TARRAGON DMX512 Controller
SS 285-3-0 TARRAGON 40-Switch 12DC Variable I/O Controller
SS 285-3-3 TARRAGON 80-Switch 24DC Variable I/O Controller
SS 285-4-0 TARRAGON 8 Channel Powered RS 485/422 Controller
SS 285L TARRAGON optional Line Sync control board for lamp dimming
SS 280-RK1 TARRAGON/THYME II Rack Mount Kit (fits either a TARRAGON or THYME II Unit)
SS 280-RK2 TARRAGON/THYME II Dual Rack Mount Kit (fits TARRAGON and/or THYME II units side by side)

Add an "E" at the end of each product number for international versions