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11
Date: 2018-11-28
Data link
A DMX 512 data link is required in order to control the Mini Roll Down via DMX. The Mini Roll
Down has 5-pin XLR connectors for DMX data input and output. The pin-out on all connectors is
pin 1 = shield, pin 2 = (data -), and pin 3 = (data +). Pins 4 and 5 in the 5-pin XLR connectors are not
used in the Mini Roll Down but are available for possible additional data signals as required by the
DMX512-A standard.
The Mini Roll Down is subject to the common limit of 32 devices per daisy-chained link. Note that
if independent control of a Mini Roll Down is required, it must have its own DMX channels. Motors
that are required to behave identically can share the same DMX channels. To add more motors or
groups of products when the above limit is reached, add a DMX universe and another daisy-
chained link.
Tips for reliable data transmission
−
Use shielded twisted-pair cable designed for RS-485 devices: standard microphone cable cannot
transmit control data reliably over long runs. AWG24 cable is suitable for runs up to 100 meters
(328 ft.).
−
Never split a DMX line without using an opto-isolated RS-485 splitter/amplifier.
−
Terminate the link by installing a termination plug in the output socket of the last product. The
termination plug, which is a male XLR plug with a 120 Ohm, 0.25 Watt resistor soldered between
pins 2 and 3, “soaks up” the control signal so it does n
ot reflect and cause interference. If a splitter
is used, terminate each branch of the link.
Connecting the data link
To connect the Mini Roll Down to data:
1.
Connect the DMX data output from the DMX controller to the Mini Roll Down
’s male 5
-
pin XLR DMX input connector (DMX 512 IN).
2.
Connect the DMX output of the Mini Roll Down to the DMX input of the next Mini Roll
Down and continue connecting Mini Roll Downs output to input (DMX 512 OUT).
3.
Terminate the last Mini Roll Down on the link with a 120 Ohm resistor.
The DMX lamp is the green led, next to the DMX-selectors.
−
Glows constant, when the DMX connection is correct.
−
Flash if the DMX signal is missing or wrongly connected. Note that for mode 7-8-9-0 no
DMX signal is needed, thus the DMX lamp will blink but the Mini Roll Down will operate
as desired.
