5. Appendix
DMX Primer
There are up to 512 channels in a DMX-512 connection. Channels may be assigned in any manner. A fixture
capable of receiving DMX-512 will require one or a number of sequential channels. The user must assign a
starting address on the fixture that indicates the first channel reserved in the controller. There are many different
types of DMX-controllable fixtures and they all may vary in the total number of channels required. Choosing a
start address should be planned in advance. Channels should never overlap. If they do, this will result in erratic
operation of the fixtures whose starting address is set incorrectly. You can, however, control multiple fixtures of
the same type using the same starting address as long as the intended result is that of unison movement or
operation. In other words, the fixtures will be slaved together and all respond exactly the same.
DMX fixtures are designed to receive data through a serial Daisy Chain. A Daisy Chain connection is where the
DATA OUT of one fixture connects to the DATA IN of the next fixture. The order in which the fixtures are
connected is not important and has no effect on how a controller communicates to each fixture. Use an order
that provides for the easiest and most direct cabling. Connect fixtures using shielded two-conductor twisted-pair
cable with 3-pin XLR male-to-female connectors. The shield connection is pin 1, while pin 2 is Data Negative
(S-) and pin 3 is Data positive (S+). CHAUVET carries 3-pin XLR DMX compliant cables: DMX-10 (33’), DMX-
4.5 (15’) and DMX-1.5 (5’)
F I X T U R E L I N K I N G
COMMON
DMX +
DMX -
INPUT
OUTPUT
1
3
2
1
3
2
1
3
2
Resistance 120 ohm
1/4w between pin 2
(DMX -) and pin 3
(DMX +) of the last
fixture.
Termination reduces signal errors and to
avoid signal transmission problems and
interference, it is always advisable to connect
a DMX signal terminator.
Figure 2 - DMX connector
configuration
Note!
If you use a controller with a 5 pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5
pin to 3 pin adapter. CHAUVET Model No: DMX5M.
The chart below details a proper cable conversion:
3 P
IN TO
5 P
IN
C
ONVERSION
C
HART
C
ONDUCTOR
3 Pin Female (output)
5 Pin Male (Input)
G
ROUND
/S
HIELD
Pin 1
Pin 1
D
ATA
( - )
SIGNAL
Pin 2
Pin 2
D
ATA
( + )
SIGNAL
Pin 3
Pin 3
D
O NOT USE
Do not use
D
O NOT USE
Do not use
Stepper User Manual
10
2006-12-12/09:53
