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7. DMX512 Connections
mode connection
:
1. Connect the fixture together in a “daisy chain” by XLR plug cable from the output of the
fixture to the input of the next fixture. The cable cannot be branched or split to a “Y”
cable. Inadequate or damaged cables, soldered joints or corroded connectors can
easily distort the signal and shut down the system.
2. The DMX output and input connectors are pass-through to maintain the DMX circuit
when one of the units’ power is disconnected.
3. At last fixture, the DMX cable has to be terminated with a terminator to reduce signal
errors. Solder a 120-ohm 1/4W resistor between pin 2(DMX-) and pin 3(DMX+) into a
3-pin XLR-plug and plug it in the DMX-output of the last fixture.
4. Each lighting fixture needs to have an address set to receive the data sent by the
controller. The address number is between 0-511 (usually 0 & 1 are equal to 1).
5. 3 pin XLR connectors are more popular than 5 pins XLR.
3 pin XLR: Pin 1: GND, Pin 2: Negative signal (-), Pin 3: Positive signal (+)
5 pin XLR: Pin 1: GND, Pin 2: Negative signal (-), Pin 3: Positive signal (+),Pin4/5:
not used
8. Troubleshooting
Following are a few common problems that may occur during operation. Here are some
suggestions for easy troubleshooting:
A. The fixture does not work, no light
1. Check the connection of power and main fuse.
2. Measure the mains voltage on the main connector.