DMX Set Up
ARKIWASH-PL018 User Manual Page 7
ARKIWASH-PL018
DMX Set Up
DMX-512:
DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used as a form of communication
between intelligent fixtures and controllers. A DMX controller sends DMX data instructions from
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 together and operate from a single controller, as long as all fixtures and the controller are DMX
compliant. 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 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 ARKIWASH-PL018 can be
controlled via DMX-512 protocol. The ARKIWASH-PL018 has 4 DMX channel modes. The DMX
address is set on the back panel of the ARKIWASH-PL018. Your unit and your DMX controller require a
standard 3-pin XLR connector for data input and data output. We recommend Accu-Cable DMX cables.
If you are making your own cables, be sure to use standard 110-120 Ohm shielded cable (This cable
may be purchased at almost all pro lighting stores).
Notice:
Be sure to follow figures two and three when making your own cables. Do not use the ground
lug on the XLR connector. Do not connect the
cable’s shield conductor to the ground lug or allow the
shield conductor to come in contact with the
XLR’s outer casing. Grounding the shield could cause a
short circuit and erratic behavior.
DMX512 OUT
3-PIN XLR
DMX512 IN
3-PIN XLR
Figure 1
Figure 2
XLR Pin Configuration
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
COMMON
1
DMX +
1
2
DMX -
2
