2.4
DMX-512
DMX-512 is the standard communication protocol for stage lighting. Its official
name is E1.11-2008 USITT DMX512-A. Nowadays the reach of the DMX proto-
col has extended beyond entertainment lighting and is also used for architectural
lighting.
Originally one DMX network contained 512 channels which is called a ’uni-
verse’. With the growing size and complexity of lighting systems it is now very
common for a system to compose of multiple universes, each conveying 512
channels.
It is advised to use a shielded twisted pair cable for DMX cabling. The cable
should be terminated with an 120 Ohm resistor.
DMX-512 is a very successful protocol with, however, a few limitations. The
maximum number of attached devices is limited to 32 and they all have to be
connected in bus-topology having one cable running via each device. Further-
more, a DMX-512 cable should not be longer than 300 meters.
Figure 2.5: Visual Productions’ RdmSplitter
The DIN Rail RdmSplitter from Visual Productions (See figure 2.5) helps tackle
those inconvenient limitations. The Splitter takes a DMX signal and sends it
out again on its 6 DMX output ports for scaling group topology. Each output
port is capable of driving 32 more devices. The Splitter can also function as a
signal booster as each port supports another 300 meter long connection.
The IoCore2 has one DMX port and is therefor able control 512 channels.
The port can be configured either as input or output. Figure 2.6 shows the
pinout of the connector.
Figure 2.6: DMX Pinout
11
