RIO, the Remote Input Output module from Pharos Architectural Controls is now shipping, and fully supported by the new Pharos Designer v1.3 software released this week. 

The RIO is a companion product to the popular Pharos Lighting Playback Controller (LPC) and meets the need for additional show control inputs and outputs in many themed and interactive installation environments. All three versions of RIO offer a bi-directional, dual-protocol serial port for remote connection of RS232 or RS485. The RIO 8 0 has eight inputs, while the RIO 0 8 has eight outputs and the RIO 4 4 offers four of each. The inputs offer the same contact closure and digital input functionality as those on the LPC with the additional option of receiving an analog input (0-10V, 0-24V, etc). The outputs are low voltage (48V 20mA) relays providing on/off triggers to low volt devices, or to other relays. The single-cable solution of data and power over Ethernet provides versatile, distributed connectivity options for many different applications.

Designer v1.3 comes packed with a host of additional new features and enhancements, including the much requested multiple-selection of presets for faster timeline programming. Support for International Daylight Savings is added to the already powerful time of day and astronomical clock functionality. Full support for timecode is included (SMPTE, EBU, NTSC, MIDI) along with new triggers, conditions and actions to work with the RIO. For improved remote access, the LPC's internal web pages also offer a DMX viewer. The Designer software runs on Windows or Macintosh computers, and since v1.2.4 that includes support for Intel-based Macs.

An all new Pharos website puts lots of useful information at your fingertips including data sheets, manuals, free software downloads, CAD blocks and product images along with an ever growing list of installations worldwide.