Figure 2
Special Note: Line Termination.
When longer runs of cable are
used, you may need to use a terminator on the last
u
nit to avoid erratic
behavior. A terminator is a 90-120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor which is con-
nected 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 will
decrease the possibilities of erratic behavior.
FAB 4™
Set Up
DMX512 IN
3-PIN XLR
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
DMX512
DMX+,DMX-,COMMON
1
2
3
Termination reduces signal errors and
avoids signal transmission problems
and interference. It is always advisable
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
1
2
3
1
2
3
DMX +
DMX -
COMMON
DMX512 OUT
3-PIN XLR
Figure 4
FAB 4™
DMX Addressing
DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal binary language
used as a form of communication between intelligent fixtures. Each dip
switch represents a binary value.
Dip Switch 1 address equals 1
Dip Switch 2 address equals 2
Dip Switch 3 address equals 4
Dip Switch 4 address equals 8
Dip Switch 5 address equals 16
Dip Switch 6 address equals 32
Dip Switch 7 address equals 64
Dip Switch 8 address equals 128
Dip Switch 9 address equals 256
Dip Switch 10 has no DMX value -
This switch activates sound-active mode.
©
American DJ Supply
®
- www.americandj.com - FAB 4™ Instruction Manual Page 5
©
American DJ Supply
®
- www.americandj.com - FAB 4™ Instruction Manual Page 6
Power Supply:
Before plugging your unit in, be sure the source volt-
age in your area matches the required voltage for your American DJ
®
FAB 4.™ The American DJ
®
FAB 4
™
is available in a 115v and 220v
version. Due to variations in line voltage from venue to venue, be sure
to plug your “Master” unit into a wall outlet with a matching power supply
before attempting to operate.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX Operation
Only and Master-Slave):
The FAB 4 can be controlled via DMX-512
protocol. The American DJ
®
FAB 4™ is a single channel DMX unit. The
DMX address is set on the front panel of the FAB 4. Your unit and your
DMX controller require a standard 3-pin XLR con-
nector for data input and data output (Figure 1).
If you are making your own cables, be sure to
use standard two conductor shielded cable (This
cable may be purchased at almost all pro sound
and 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 can not be split.
Notice:
Be sure to follow figure 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 1
DMX512 IN
3-PIN XLR
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
DMX512
DMX+,DMX-,COMMON
1
2
3
Termination reduces signal errors and
avoids signal transmission problems
and interference. It is always advisable
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
1
2
3
1
2
3
DMX +
DMX -
COMMON
DMX512 OUT
3-PIN XLR
Figure 3
FAB 4™
Set Up
1 Ground
1 Ground
XLR Male Socket
XLR Pin Configuration
3 Hot
2 Cold
2 Cold
3 Hot
XLR Female Socket
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
Pin 1 = Shield
ON
1
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
10
128
2
8 32
256
65
16
4
1
SP
DMX CHANNEL
A DMX value (address) is set by combining the different dipswitches
that will add up to the value you wish to achieve, for example:
Setting DMX address for 21.
Set DMX address for 201.
Flip switches 1, 3, & 5 to the
Flip switches 1, 4, 7, & 8 to the
“ON” position
“ON” position
1 =1
1 = 1
3 = 4
4 = 8
5 = 16
7 = 64
= 21
8 = 128
= 201
Dipswitches #
Value
Value
Dipswitches #
