System Cable Diagram
Moog Animatics Class 5 SmartMotor™ DMX Guide, Rev. C
Page 18 of 46
DMX512
Controller
(Master)
OUT
Serial IN/OUT
SmartMotor
(Slave)
120 Ohm
Terminator
Serial IN/OUT
SmartMotor
(Slave)
Serial IN/OUT
SmartMotor
(Slave)
DMX Network Topology
NOTE:
Any drops from the main bus should be kept as short as possible, so the
system looks like an "in line" network, as shown in the previous figure.
Each DMX network is called a "universe" and can consist of up to 512 data bytes. If more than
512 data bytes are required, then another universe will be required.
NOTE:
Some large DMX controllers (such as an operator console) have multiple
outputs, which allow them to control multiple universes.
For example, the following figure shows a DMX network of SmartMotors being used to
raise/lower one or more stage props based on inputs from the DMX controller. Each motor is
assigned a unique DMX address, so it can be operated from the DMX control console. Also,
note the 120 Ohm terminator, which is required at the end of the bus.
DMX Light Console
SmartMotor
Address: 001
120 Ohm
Terminator
SmartMotor
Address: 002
SmartMotor
Address: 003
SmartMotor
Address: 004
One or more stage props are raised/lowered based on inputs from DMX console
DMX and SmartMotors Controlling Stage Props
System Cable Diagram
As shown in the previous section, DMX networks are most reliable when a straight bus is used.
Common problems with DMX bus wiring are often traced to branches or other configurations.
These often create multipath signal reflections that cause communication errors. Adhere to
the following cabling requirements:
l
The maximum cable length should not exceed 1000 feet at 250 kBd.
