ADJ Products, LLC - www.adj.com - Mega Bar RGBA User Manual Page 5
ADJ Products, LLC - www.adj.com - Mega Bar RGBA User Manual Page 6
P
ower Supply:
The ADJ Mega Bar RGBA contains a automatic volt-
age switch, which will auto sense the voltage when it is plugged into
the power source. With this switch there is no need to worry about the
correct power voltage, this unit can be plugged in anywhere.
DMX-512:
DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal pro-
tocol 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 trav-
els from fixture to fixture via the DATA “IN” and DATA “OUT” XLR ter-
minals 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 compli-
ant. 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 Mega Bar RGBA can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol. The
Mega Bar RGBA has 7 DMX channel modes, please see pages 9-10
for the different modes. The DMX address is set on the back panel of
the Mega Bar RGBA. Your unit and your DMX con-
troller require a standard 3-pin XLR connector for
data input and data output (Figure 1). We recom-
mend 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.
Mega Bar RGBA Set Up
Figure 1
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 con-
nect 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.
Mega Bar RGBA 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 2
Figure 3
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 = Ground
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 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
(ADJ part number Z-DMX/T) will decrease the possibilities of erratic
behavior.
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
5-Pin XLR DMX Connectors.
Some manufactures use 5-pin DMX-
512 data cables for DATA transmission in place of 3-pin. 5-pin DMX
fixtures may be implemented in a 3-pin DMX line. When inserting stan-
dard 5-pin data cables 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 conversion.
Conductor
5-Pin XLR Male (In)
3-Pin XLR Female (Out)
Pin 1
Do Not Use
Do Not Use
Pin 3
Pin 2
Pin 1
Pin 3
Pin 2
Not Used
Not Used
Data True (+ signal)
Data Compliment (- signal)
Ground/Shield
3-Pin XLR to 5-Pin XLR Conversion
