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6. DMX512 Connections
The DMX512 is widely used in intelligent lighting control, with a maximum of 512 channels.
1. Connect the fixture together in a “daisy chain” by XLR plug cable from the output of the
fixture to the input of the next fixture. The cable cannot be branched or split to a “Y”
cable. Inadequate or damaged cables, soldered joints or corroded connectors can
easily distort the signal and shut down the system.
2. The DMX output and input connectors are pass-through to maintain the DMX circuit
when one of the units’ power is disconnected.
3. At last fixture, the DMX cable has to be terminated with a terminator to reduce signal
errors. Solder a 120-ohm 1/4W resistor between pin 2(DMX-) and pin 3(DMX+) into a
3-pin XLR-plug and plug it in the DMX-output of the last fixture.
4. Each lighting fixture needs to have an address set to receive the data sent by the
controller. The address number is between 1-512.
5. 3 pin XLR connectors are more popular than 5 pins XLR.
3 pin XLR: Pin 1: GND, Pin 2: Negative signal (-), Pin 3: Positive signal (+)
5 pin XLR: Pin 1: GND, Pin 2: Negative signal (-), Pin 3: Positive signal (+),
Pin4/5: not used
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7. Troubleshooting
Following are a few common problems that may occur during operation. Here are some
suggestions for easy troubleshooting:
A. The fixture does not work, no light
1. Check the connection of power and main fuse.
2. Measure the mains voltage on the main connector.
B. Not responding to DMX controller
1. DMX LED should be on. If not, check DMX connectors, cables to see if link properly.
2. If the DMX LED is on and no response to the channel, check the address settings and
DMX polarity.
3. If you have intermittent DMX signal problems, check the pins on connectors or on PCB
of the fixture or the previous one.
4. Try to use another DMX controller.
5. Check if the DMX cables run near or run alongside to high voltage cables that may
cause damage or interference to DMX interface circuit.
C. Some fixtures don’t respond to the easy controller
1. You may have a break in the DMX cabling. Check the LED for the response of the
master/ slave mode signal.
2. Wrong DMX address in the fixture. Set the proper address.
D. No response to the sound
1. Make sure the fixture does not receive DMX signal.
2. Check microphone to see if it is good by tapping the microphone.
E. One of the channels is not working well
1. The stepper motor might be damaged or the cable connected to the PCB is broken.
2. The motor’s drive IC on the PCB might be out of condition.
