Mega QA Go
DMX Setup
ADJ Products, LLC — www.adj.com — Mega QA Go - User Manual — Page
7
1
2
3
DMX +
DMX -
3
1
XLR Male Socket
1 Ground
XLR Female Socket
2 Cold
3 Hot
1 Ground
3 Hot
DMX-512:
DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used as a form of communication
between intelligent fixtures and controllers. A DMX controller sends DMX data instructions from the
controller to the fixture. DMX data is sent as serial data that travels from fixture to fixture via the DATA
“IN” and DATA “OUT” XLR terminals located on all DMX fixtures (most controllers only have a DATA
“OUT” terminal).
DMX Linking:
DMX is a language allowing all makes and models of different manufactures to be
linked together and operate from a single controller, as long as all fixtures and the controller are DMX
compliant. To ensure proper DMX data transmission, when using several DMX fixtures try to use the
shortest cable path possible. The order in which fixtures are connected in a DMX line does not influence
the DMX addressing. For example; a fixture assigned a DMX address of 1 may be placed anywhere in
a DMX line, at the beginning, at the end, or anywhere in the middle. When a fixture is assigned a DMX
address of 1, the DMX controller knows to send DATA assigned to address 1 to that unit, no matter
where it is located in the DMX chain.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX Operation):
The Element QA can be controlled
via DMX-512 protocol. The Element Hex has 5 DMX modes, please see pages 13 or 19 for the different
modes. The DMX address is set on the front panel of the Element QA. Your unit and your DMX controller
require a standard 3-pin XLR connector for data input and data output (Figure 1). We recommend Accu-
Cable DMX cables. If you are making your own cables, be sure to use standard 110-120 Ohm shielded
cable (This cable may be purchased at almost all pro lighting stores). Your cables should be made with
a male and female XLR connector on either end of the cable. Also remember that DMX cable must be
daisy chained and cannot be split.
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 erratic behavior.
Figure 3
DMX512 OäT
3-PIN XLR
DMX512 IN
3-PIN XLR
Figure 2
COMMON
2 Cold
2
XLR Pin Configuration
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
