2.3 Dimmer Control Concepts
There are six ways to gain control of the dimmers and system functions as highlighted in Table 1
below. Each dimmer can be assigned to one or more of these control sources as described later in this
manual. These control sources are set up in the system configuration which is accomplished with the
PC-based program DxDirector DX3.
Table 1 Control Sources
Control Source
DMXA
DMX is a serial stream of data where each piece represents a dimmer
level. DMX sources are typically from theatrical control consoles, but
can also be from other DMX-based architectural controls. DMX
sources typically provide 512 dimmers of data.
DMXB
A second DMX universe for additional control
Analog
Up to 24 0-10vdc analog inputs are available as an option for use with
slider type controls
Collage
Built-in Collage architectural control for use with all Collage Impress
control stations. These are used for preset storage and recall of lighting
scenes across the 16 areas and 128 zones. All 512 dimmers can be
assigned to these Collage zones.
Panic
There are two independent panic, or full on, functions. One or both of
these can be assigned to each of the 512 dimmers independently of
anything else that is assigned to them. The PANIC2 signal can be
activated directly on each DX3 backplane, the other can be accessed via
an optional I/O module.
Backup Cue
A backup cue is a preset made up of 512 dimmer levels. The DX3 can
store 99 of these cues for recall either via the Rack Control Interface or
through remote button stations on the Collage data link.
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