9
DMX SET UP
NOTICE: Be sure to follow figures two and three when making your own cables. Do not use the
ground lug on the XLR connector. Do not connect the cable’s shield conductor to the ground lug
or allow the shield conductor to come in contact with the XLR’s outer casing. Grounding the shield
could cause a short circuit and result in erratic behavior.
SPECIAL NOTE: LINE TERMINATION. When longer runs of cable are used, you may need to use a
terminator on the last unit to avoid erratic behavior. A terminator is a 110-120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor,
which is connected between pins 2 and 3 of a male XLR connector (DATA + and DATA -). This unit is
inserted in the female XLR connector of the last unit in your daisy chain to terminate the line. Using a
cable terminator (ADJ part number Z-DMX/T) will reduce the risk of erratic behavior.
5-PIN XLR DMX CONNECTORS. Some manufacturers use 5-pin XLR connectors for DATA trans-
mission in place of 3-pin. 5-pin XLR fixtures may be implemented in a 3-pin XLR DMX line. When
inserting standard 5-pin XLR connectors in to a 3-pin line, a cable adaptor must be used. These
adaptors are readily available at most electric stores. The chart below details a proper cable conver-
sion.
