DMX Basics
DMX512 stands for digital multiplex 512. This means that 512 channels are controlled
digitally through 1 data cable.
A channel is a set of 255 steps that are assigned to control attributes in each light. This
may be a color like red, green or blue, and intensity, strobe, pan/tilt or other attributes.
Multiple sets of 512 “universes” may be used. Only 1 universe will travel on a DMX cable,
but through networked DMX (Art-Net or sACN E1.31), many universes can travel over a
network.
DMX Wiring
DMX works by connecting 1 or multiple lights to the output of a DMX lighting console or
software with a DMX interface.
DMX lights connect in what is called a “daisy-chain”. Your first DMX cable will plug it’s
male DMX connector into the female DMX connector on your lighting console. The
remaining female connector will then connect to the DMX input on your first light.
You may then connect your next fixture to the output of your first light, and continue the
chain.
32 Fixture Rule
– DMX only allows you to connect up to 32 fixtures in a single daisy
chain for signal strength. Sometimes, depending on the fixtures and cable length, this
number is less (or more).
DMX Cables can be 3-pin or 5-pin. These use the same type of data, and in the 5-pin
only pins 1, 2, and 3 are used. The cable should be a 2 conductor, shielded cable of at
least 110 ohms resistance. Microphone cable is not DMX cable.
Please refer to the diagram below:
COVE LED 200 CW/WW – GAMMA LED Vision
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