Doug Fleenor Design Pork Chopper

This Doug Fleenor Design Pork Chopper shows signs of wear but is in good working condition.

Pork Chopper is an economical way to increase the total number of control channels from a Flying Pig Systems, Wholehog II console. It does this by decoding the special "Overdrive" signal that three of the four output ports are capable of producing into two DMX512 universes. Connecting Pork Choppers to three output ports increases Wholehog II channel capacity from 2048 to 3584 channels. That's an additional 1536 channels, useful when a rig outgrows the console's standard output capacity but you want to keep the same programming workflow.

Wholehog II Expansion and DMX Isolator Mode

DMX isolator mode allows Pork Chopper to act as a DMX512 isolated splitter when the "Overdrive" signal is not present. This makes it practical for day-to-day distribution and troubleshooting, even outside of an Overdrive expansion setup. LEDs indicate the presence of DMX512 or "Overdrive" signals on the input port, as well as mimic the intensity of channels 1 and 513 to aid in troubleshooting. The 1/10 inch powder coated aluminum chassis is built tough for years of service.

Signal Handling, Protection, and Connectivity

In Pork Chopper mode, the input supports a 500 Kb/s baud rate (250 Kb/s in standard DMX mode), with a 250 Kb/s output baud rate. The input and output use ESD protected EIA-485 transceivers (LT1785), with a 120 ohm termination resistor between +Data and -Data. Input signal range is 0.5 volts minimum to 12 volts maximum, with 15KV transient and ±60V continuous protection. Output protection is 15KV transient and ±60V continuous, and the EIA-485 driver yields an approximate 3 volt signal into 120 Ohms.

Isolation is provided by a 2500 volt optical coupler and a 1500 volt split bobbin transformer, and outputs are isolated from the input and from each other. Gold plated 5 pin Neutrik D-1 Series connectors support reliable DMX cabling in touring and installed environments.

Power, Finish, and Physical Details

Power input is 100 - 120 volts, 50/60 hertz, 12 watts (208 - 240 volt optional). The unit is finished in silver hammertone with black front and back panels. Size and weight are 6.5" deep, 1.7" high, 8.25" wide, 3.3 pounds.