5. DMX512 Connection
The DMX 512 is widely used in intelligent lighting control, with a maximum
of 512 channels.
1. A DMX512 system requires a controller, lighting equipment and XLR
cable. These are connected together in a “daisy chain” with the
terminator at the end. The cable cannot be branched or split into a “Y”
cable. The DMX output and input connectors are pass-through to
maintain the DMX circuit, even if a fixture fails or is cut off from the mains.
2. The terminator requires a 120 Ohm 1/4 Watt resistor soldered
between pin 2 (DMX-) and pin 3 (DMX+) into a 3-pin XLR plug. Plug it
in the DMX output of the last fixture.
3. The DMX512 uses a very high-speed signal. Inadequate or damaged
cables, bad solder joints or corroded connectors can easily distort the
signal and shut down the system. A reliable DMX512 system starts
with good quality cables.
4. Each lighting fixture needs to have an address set to receive the data
sent by the controller. The range of 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 (+).
