Setting the DMX address
The DMX mode enables the use of a universal DMX controller. Each fixture requires a
“start address” from 1- 511. A fixture requiring one or more channels for control begins to read the
data on the channel indicated by the start address. For example, a fixture that occupies or uses 7
channels of DMX and was addressed to start on DMX channel 100, would read data from
channels: 100,101,102,103,104,105 and 106. Choose a start address so that the channels used
do not overlap. E.g. the next unit in the chain starts at 107.
DMX-512:
• DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a universal protocol used as a form of communication between
intelligent fixtures and controllers. A DMX controller sends DMX data instructions form the
controller to the fixture. DMX data is sent as serial data that travels from fixture to fixture via the
DATA “IN” and DATA “OUT” XLR terminals located on all DMX fixtures (most controllers only have
a data “out” terminal).
DMX Linking:
• DMX is a language allowing all makes and models of different manufactures to be linked to-
gether and operate from a single controller, as long as all fixtures and the controller are DMX com-
pliant. To ensure proper DMX data transmission, when using several DMX fixtures try to use the
shortest cable path possible. The order in which fixtures are connected in a DMX line does not
influence the DMX addressing. For example; a fixture assigned to a DMX address of 1 may be
placed anywhere in a DMX line, at the beginning, at the end, or anywhere in the middle. When a
fixture is assigned a DMX address of 1, the DMX controller knows to send DATA assigned to
address 1 to that unit, no matter where it is located in the DMX chain.
DATA Cable (DMX cable) requirements (for DMX operation):
• The LEDJ Alu Par Compact Series can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol. The DMX address
is set on the back of the unit. Your unit and your DMX controller require a standard 3-pin XLR
connector for data input/output (figure 1).
Figure 1
Also remember that DMX cable must be daisy chained and cannot be split.
