14.
Typically, the DMX start address for each fixture will be the first DMX channel in each group of
controller channels. For example, if we are using a controller that provides up to 16 channels per
fixture, then fixture 1 on the controller will have a start address of 001, fixture 2 will start at 017,
fixture 3 will start at 033 and so on. See the image below for reference.
Group 3
Group 1
In this example, the lights in each group will respond to the controller with the same action - notice the red start address in the drawing
033
Group 2
001
001
033
033
GROUPING FIXTURES
017
017
Note:
Since we are using a controller with 16 channels per fixture (in this
example), simply add 16 to each fixture switch to determine the start
address of each fixture.
Fixture 1 start address:
001
(add 16)
Fixture 2 start address:
017
(add 16)
Fixture 3 start address:
033
(add 16)
And so on...
2
3
4
1
5
F I X T U R E S B U T T O N S
6
F A D E R S
UNDERSTANDING “CONTROLLER CHANNELS” VS. “FIXTURE CHANNELS”
It can be confusing to understand the difference between a controller’s channels, the fixture’s channels and the
relationship of both. Hardware based DMX controllers typically allocate a group of channels per fixture. For
example, a 192 channel controller will allocate 16 channels per fixture, for up to 12 fixtures max
(16 x 12 = 192). This means each fixture button on the controller can control up to 16 channels within a given
fixture. Lighting fixtures also have channels, referred to as “fixture channels” (i.e. Dimmer, Red, Green, Blue).
Example:
Let say we are using 16 x 12 controller, and we want to use a par 64 stage light that has only 7
fixture channels
(1. Dimmer, 2. Red, 3. Green, 4. Blue, 5. Strobe, 6. Macros, 7. Speed)
, the remaining 9
controller channels are not used within that fixture button. Conversely, if you use a moving head fixture with
24 fixture channels, you will not be able to control the fixture channels 17-24 with a 16 channel controller. You
will need to purchase a controller with 24 or more “controller channels” per fixture. Some controllers allow
complete custom mapping of channels/fixtures to avoid unused controller channels described above. Software
based controllers are the most flexible regarding this issue.
DMX CONTROLLER
DMX ADDRESS OVERLAP
Never allow your DMX starting address to overlap. For example, if your Par fixtures have 6 channels, your starting
address should always be separated by at least 7 controller channels - See example below.
X
DMX Address
(Overlappng)
FIXTURE 1
Correct DMX
Address
1 2
6
9
8
7
5
4
3
14
10
12
19
23
21
20
17
16
15
13
11
18
22
24 >>
FIXTURE 2
FIXTURE 3
FIXTURE 4
FIXTURE 1
1 2
6
9
8
7
5
4
3
14
10
12
19
23
21
20
17
16
15
13
11
18
22
24 >>
FIXTURE 2
FIXTURE 3
FIXTURE 4
Copyright 2010 - 2012 Colorverge™ Lighting - colorverge.com
Summary of Contents for MiniPar 54
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