Description

RIO A
The Pharos RIO A (Remote Input Output Audio) device provides a convenient and scalable way to add audio integration to your Pharos system. The RIO A has an audio input, supporting linear timecode or up to 30 band spectrum analysis, as well as a MIDI input and output. Each device can be placed where it is needed and connected to the Controllers over an Ethernet network.
The RIO A is Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) powered, with a rugged DIN-rail mounting enclosure and install-friendly connectors. The stereo balanced line level audio input supports auto or manual gain (adjustable in software). The spectrum analysis is configurable from 3 to 30 bands on each channel, and triggers can be set on either instantaneous or peak level. The audio input can also be configured to receive linear timecode on either channel.
Remote Devices allow the fully scalable Pharos system to be tailored to the needs of each individual project. Multiple Pharos Controllers can be used together with up to 200 Remote Devices and will synchronise automatically. The Controllers are programmed using the free Pharos Designer 2 software.

Pharos Trigger
Timing is everything. Whatever the stimulus, Pharos Trigger can handle it. You can control your lighting with responsive, reactive programming. Pharos Trigger is a rules engine that uses conditional logic and a broad range of interfaces and protocols. Send and receive any command, to and from any system. Conditional logic is supported, along with a powerful built-in scripting language for unlimited flexibility.

Audio Response
The stereo balanced line level audio input supports auto or manual gain (adjustable in software). The spectrum analysis is configurable from 3 to 30 bands on each channel, and triggers can be set on the instantaneous or peak level of any band or the overall volume. Up to 4 simultaneous audio inputs are supported with multiple RIO A units.

Timecode
The audio input can also be configured to receive linear timecode on either channel. The format is auto-detected and supported formats are 24fps (film), 25fps (EBU), 29.97fps (NTSC) & 30fps (SMPTE). MIDI Time Code (MTC) can also be received via the MIDI Input. A software fly-wheel with error correction and jump support ensures smooth but responsive timecode playback. Up to 6 simultaneous Timecode inputs are supported with multiple RIO A units.
Scalable
Up to 200 Remote Devices can be combined with one or more Pharos Controllers on the same network to build the ideal system for your installation. Each Remote Device is easily addressed using a convenient thumb wheel. Whether one Controller or many, it’s all easily programmed using our Designer software.
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is a standard serial protocol commonly used to link musical instruments and synthesizers – but it is also used for show control and timecode. The RIO A provides both an input and output on standard 5-pin DIN connectors.
PoE Powered
As a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) device, the RIO can be placed at any remote location and only needs a single Cat5 cable that provides both power and data.
Installer Friendly
Made for permanent installation, with installer-friendly 0.200” (5.08mm) plug-in rising clamp terminals, a rugged, compact enclosure, and easy DIN rail mounting.
Pharos Designer
Programmed and configured using the free Pharos Designer 2 software – available for Windows or Mac OS X – with upload over Ethernet or USB.
Network
Works with any Pharos Controller and links to it using standard protocols over an Ethernet network.
Firmware
Microprocessor-based system supports firmware updates via the network from Designer software or the web interface.
5 Year Warranty
Designed and manufactured in the UK, with quality and reliability our top priority.
Certifications
CE compliant; ETL/cETL listed; California Title 20/24 Compliant
Capabilities
Audio In
Volume level and up to 30 band spectrum analysis per channel, including peak decay rate control and manual or automatic gain
Maximum 4 audio inputs per system
Timecode
Timecode support via MIDI (MTC) or either audio channel (LTC)
User configurable fly-wheel, error correction routines and jump support
Maximum 6 Timecode inputs per system
Linear Timecode (LTC)
Format auto-detection with support for 24fps (film), 25fps (EBU), 29.97fps (NTSC) & 30fps (SMPTE)
MIDI
Input and Output of freely configurable Short messages (Notes), MIDI Show Control or Extended Messages using convenient message composer or MIDI Time Code (MTC) input
If you have questions about any of the below, please get in touch with one of our sales team who will be happy to help.
Specifications
Certifications
CE compliant, ETL/cETL listed
Power
PoE (IEEE802.3af, Class 1)
1.5W typical
Addressing
By rotary selector switch
Temperature
0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Physical
4 unit wide DIN rail mounting enclosure (DIN43880 / EN60715 (35/7.5 rail))
Weight
0.3 kg (0.7 lbs)
Shipping
20 x 15 x 12 cm (8″ x 6″ x 5″)
0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)
Recovery
Hardware watchdog and recessed reset button
Warranty
5 years
Interfaces
Ethernet
RJ45 socket for 10/100Base-TX Ethernet with Link/Data LEDs; Fixed IP or DHCP; Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
Audio In
Stereo balanced line level (0dBV) *
MIDI In & Out
Standard 5-pin DIN
* Install-friendly 0.200″ (5.08mm) plug in rising clamp connectors (included)
If you have questions about any of the below, please get in touch with one of our sales team who will be happy to help.
Order Code & Variants
RIO A
Remote Audio Input Device (Stereo Audio in, LTC, MIDI in and out)
Pharos Controller required