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DMX TECHNOLOGY
DMX-512
DMX (Digital Multiplex) is the designation for a universal transmission protocol for
communications between corresponding devices and controllers. A DMX controller sends
DMX data to the connected DMX device(s). The DMX data is always transmitted as a serial
data stream that is forwarded from one connected device to the next via the "DMX IN" and
"DMX OUT" connectors (XLR plug-type connectors) that are found on every DMX-capable
device, provided the maximum number of devices does not exceed 32 units. The last device
in the chain needs to be equipped with a terminator (terminating resistor).
DMX CONNECTION
DMX is the common "language" via which a very wide range of types and models of equipment from various manufacturers can
be connected with one another and controlled via a central controller, provided that all of the devices and the controller are DMX
compatible. For optimum data transmission, it is necessary to keep the connecting cables between the individual devices as short as
possible. The order in which the devices are integrated in the DMX network has no influence on the addresses. Thus the device with
the DMX address 1 can be located at any position in the (serial) DMX chain: at the beginning, at the end or somewhere in the middle.
If the DMX address 1 is assigned to a device, the controller "knows" that it should send all data allocated to address 1 to this device
regardless of its position in the DMX network.
SERIAL CONNECTION OF MULTIPLE LIGHTS
1. Connect the male XLR connector (3-pin or 5-pin) of the DMX cable to the DMX output (female XLR socket) of the first DMX device
(e.g. DMX-Controller).
2. Connect the female 3-pin XLR connector of the DMX cable connected to the first projector to the DMX input (male 3-pin socket)
of the next DMX device. In the same way, connect the DMX output of this device to the DMX input of the next device and repeat until
all devices have been connected. Please note that as a rule, DMX devices are connected in series and connections cannot be shared
without active splitters. The maximum number of DMX devices in a DMX chain should not exceed 32 units.
The Adam Hall 3 STAR, 4 STAR, and 5 STAR product ranges include an extensive selection of suitable cables.
DMX CABLES
When fabricating your own cables, always observe the illustrations on this page. Never connect the shielding of the cable to the ground
contact of the plug, and always make certain that the shielding does not come into contact with the housing of the XLR plug. If the shielding
is connected to the ground, this can lead to short-circuiting and system malfunctions.
Pin Assignment
DMX cable with 3-pin XLR connectors:
DMX cable with 5-pin XLR connectors (pin 4 and 5 are not used):
Shield
2
3
1
2
3
1
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Shield
DMX TERMINATORS (TERMINATING RESISTORS)
To prevent system errors, the last device in a DMX chain needs to be equipped with a terminating resistor (120 ohm, 1/4 Watt).
3-pin XLR connector with a terminating resistor: K3DMXT3
5-pin XLR connector with a terminating resistor: K3DMXT5
Pin Assignment
3-pin XLR connector:
5-pin XLR connector:
2
3
1
1
2
3
4
5
DMX ADAPTER
The combination of DMX devices with 3-pin connectors and DMX devices with 5-pin connectors in a DMX chain is possible with suitable
adapters.
Pin Assignment
DMX Adapter 5-pin XLR male to 3-pin XLR female: K3DGF0020
Pins 4 and 5 are not used.
Pin Assignment
DMX Adapter 3-pin XLR male to 5-pin XLR female: K3DHM0020
Pins 4 and 5 are not used.
