Wireless DMX Compatibility – EWDMX, W-DMX, E-FLY and Aria X2
Elation Lighting has used several wireless DMX technologies across its product generations, including EWDMX, W-DMX, E-FLY and the newer Aria X2 system.
These wireless systems are not all directly compatible, but the Aria X2 Bridge can connect certain older wireless DMX systems with newer Aria X2 equipment.
Understanding the difference can help you expand an existing lighting system without unnecessarily replacing compatible legacy fixtures.
1. Understanding Elation Wireless DMX Systems
EWDMX
EWDMX was used in selected older Elation fixtures, including certain original VOLT models.
Compatibility depends on the specific transmitter and receiver. EWDMX should not automatically be treated as compatible with Aria X2 or E-FLY.
W-DMX
W-DMX is a wireless DMX technology developed by Wireless Solution and incorporated into various professional lighting products.
Compatibility depends on the supported W-DMX generation and operating modes.
W-DMX compatibility with the Aria X2 Bridge are not compatible .
E-FLY
E-FLY is Elation's legacy wireless DMX system, used in fixtures such as the FUZE PENDANT.
E-FLY is part of the SM220-based wireless family supported by the Aria X2 Bridge.
This means customers with compatible E-FLY fixtures may be able to integrate them into a newer Aria X2 installation without replacing the fixtures.
Aria X2
Aria X2 is Elation's newer wireless DMX technology, used in products including the VOLT+ series.
It provides wireless DMX communication and additional management capabilities on supported equipment.
Aria X2 does not automatically communicate directly with older wireless receivers, but the Aria X2 Bridge provides compatibility with supported legacy systems.
2. The Aria X2 Bridge – Connecting New and Legacy Wireless Systems
The Aria X2 Bridge is designed to connect the newer Aria X2 wireless system with supported older wireless DMX equipment.
It supports communication between Aria X2 and the following legacy systems:
Elation E-FLY
ADJ WiFLY
Magmatic MagFly
Acclaim Aria
These legacy systems use the SM220 wireless platform.
The Bridge can receive DMX through one supported connection and retransmit it through another, allowing compatible older and newer fixtures to operate within the same DMX control system.
Example: Using a FUZE PENDANT with Aria X2
If you own a FUZE PENDANT equipped with E-FLY wireless DMX, you can use an appropriately configured Aria X2 Bridge to integrate it with an Aria X2 wireless setup.
For example:
An Aria X2 wireless source transmits DMX to the Bridge.
The Bridge receives the Aria X2 signal.
The Bridge retransmits the DMX using its SM220/E-FLY radio.
The FUZE PENDANT receives the E-FLY signal.
This allows supported legacy E-FLY fixtures to remain useful alongside newer Aria X2 equipment.
Important: The Bridge does not change the wireless receiver inside the older fixture. It provides the connection between the two supported wireless systems.
3. Understanding the Two Wireless Antenna Systems on the Aria X2 Bridge
The Aria X2 Bridge uses separate antenna connections for its different wireless systems.
Aria X2 Antenna System
The Aria X2 radio provides communication with compatible Aria X2 equipment.
Depending on the Bridge model, regional configuration and supported operating mode, Aria X2 uses the applicable 2.4 GHz or sub-GHz radio configuration.
Use the correct Aria X2 antenna for the selected frequency band and device model.
SM220 / Legacy Wireless Antenna
The separate SM220 antenna supports compatible legacy wireless systems, including:
E-FLY
WiFLY
MagFly
Acclaim Aria
This radio enables communication with supported older fixtures and wireless equipment.
Why the Antennas Matter
The Aria X2 and SM220 antenna connections serve different wireless systems. They are not interchangeable simply because the connectors may look similar.
When setting up the Bridge:
Identify the Aria X2 and SM220 antenna connections.
Install the correct antenna for each radio and supported frequency.
Configure the intended input and output wireless systems.
Follow the exact Bridge user manual for antenna selection and setup.
Do not substitute antennas or assume that all antenna types operate on the same frequency.
4. How DMX Signals Travel Through the Bridge
The Aria X2 Bridge supports several signal-routing arrangements.
DMX Input | Possible Output |
|---|---|
Wired DMX | Aria X2 wireless |
Wired DMX | SM220 legacy wireless |
Aria X2 wireless | SM220 legacy wireless |
SM220 legacy wireless | Aria X2 wireless |
With wired DMX as the input, the Bridge can also transmit through both supported wireless radio systems, subject to its configuration.
The Bridge supports a single DMX universe.
Important: A connection selected as the input cannot simultaneously serve as an output through that same connection. Refer to the exact Bridge manual for routing and configuration instructions.
5. Original VOLT vs. New VOLT+ Wireless Compatibility
The original VOLT and newer VOLT+ product families use different wireless technologies.
Product | Wireless System |
|---|---|
Original VOLT models | EWDMX or W-DMX, depending on model |
VOLT+ PAR S / PAR L | Aria X2 |
FUZE PENDANT with E-FLY | E-FLY / SM220 |
Original VOLT wireless receivers should not be assumed directly compatible with Aria X2.
The Aria X2 Bridge supports E-FLY and other specified SM220 systems, but that does not establish compatibility with every original VOLT EWDMX or W-DMX receiver.
Before purchasing wireless equipment to combine original VOLT and VOLT+ fixtures, verify the exact legacy wireless protocol and available connection options.
6. Troubleshooting Wireless DMX Compatibility
If your fixture is not responding to wireless DMX, follow these checks.
Check 1: Identify the Wireless System
Confirm the exact wireless technology used by both the transmitter and fixture receiver.
Do not assume that all Elation wireless products use the same protocol.
Check 2: Determine Whether a Bridge Is Needed
If you are combining Aria X2 equipment with supported E-FLY, WiFLY, MagFly or Acclaim Aria products, the Aria X2 Bridge may provide the necessary connection.
For EWDMX, W-DMX or other systems, verify compatibility before assuming the Bridge will work.
Check 3: Check Both Antennas
If using an Aria X2 Bridge:
Confirm the correct antennas are installed.
Verify the selected radio and frequency configuration.
Check that the input and output systems are configured correctly.
Follow the Bridge manual for wireless linking and operation.
Check 4: Verify DMX Control
Confirm:
The console is transmitting DMX.
The correct DMX address and personality are selected.
The wireless transmitter or Bridge is receiving the intended signal.
The fixture is configured for the correct wireless input.
Check 5: Test a Simpler Configuration
If possible, test one fixture with a known-good DMX source.
Compare wired and wireless operation where supported to help isolate whether the problem is related to DMX data, wireless compatibility or radio communication.
Check 6: Check Signal Conditions
For intermittent wireless operation:
Reduce the transmitter-to-receiver distance for testing.
Check antenna placement and obstructions.
Review potential radio interference.
Test one receiver at a time.
Verify the firmware and settings applicable to your equipment.
7. Need Help Integrating Older Wireless Fixtures?
If you are combining older E-FLY equipment with newer Aria X2 fixtures, the Aria X2 Bridge may allow you to retain your existing equipment.
For product details, see:
Always consult the user manual for your exact Bridge model, as supported antennas, environmental ratings and configuration options may differ.
If you need assistance, submit a Technical Support request through the Elation Support Hub.
Please include:
Fixture models and quantities
Existing wireless transmitter model
Wireless protocol currently in use
Aria X2 Bridge model, if applicable
Antenna types and radio configuration
Firmware versions, if available
Description of the intended wireless signal path
For assistance selecting new wireless equipment, submit a Sales / Product Inquiry.
Key takeaway: Older and newer wireless DMX systems are not automatically interchangeable. However, the Aria X2 Bridge provides a supported way to connect Aria X2 with compatible E-FLY, WiFLY, MagFly and Acclaim Aria equipment, helping customers retain existing fixtures while upgrading their wireless control systems.