Figure 2
1 Ground
1 Ground
XLR Male Socket
XLR Pin Configuration
3 Hot
2 Cold
2 Cold
3 Hot
XLR Female Socket
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
Pin 1 = Ground
Special Note: Line Termination.
When longer runs of cable are
used, you may need to use a terminator on the last unit to avoid erratic
behavior. A terminator is a 90-120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor which is con-
nected between pins 2 and 3 of a male XLR connector (DATA + and
DATA -). This unit is inserted in the female XLR socket of the last unit
in your daisy chain to terminate the line. Using a cable terminator (ADJ
part number Z-DMX/T) will decrease the possibilities of erratic behav-
ior.
DMX512 IN
3-PIN XLR
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
DMX512
DMX+,DMX-,COMMON
1
2
3
Termination reduces signal errors and
avoids signal transmission problems
and interference. It is always advisable
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
1
2
3
1
2
3
DMX +
DMX -
COMMON
DMX512 OUT
3-PIN XLR
Figure 3
5-Pin XLR DMX Connectors.
Some manufactures use 5-pin XLR
connectors for DATA transmission in place of 3-pin. 5-pin XLR fixtures
may be implemented in a 3-pin XLR DMX line. When inserting stan-
dard 5-pin XLR connectors in to a 3-pin line a cable adaptor must be
used, these adaptors are readily available at most electric stores. The
chart below details a proper cable conversion.
Conductor
5-Pin XLR Male (In)
3-Pin XLR Female (Out)
Pin 1
Pin 5 - Do Not Use
Pin 4 - Do Not Use
Pin 3
Pin 2
Pin 1
Pin 3
Pin 2
Not Used
Not Used
Data True (+ signal)
Data Compliment (- signal)
Ground/Shield
3-Pin XLR to 5-Pin XLR Conversion
Tri Beam™
Set Up
©
American DJ
®
- www.americandj.com - Tri Beam™ Instruction Manual Page 9
©
American DJ
®
- www.americandj.com - Tri Beam™ Instruction Manual Page 10
sound activation.
Assigning DMX Address:
Each dipswitch has a preset value. A spe-
cific DMX address is set by combining the dipswitches that sum your
desired value. For example: To achieve a DMX address of 7, combine
dipswitches 1, 2, and 3. Since dipswitch 1 has a value of 1, dipswitch
2 has a value of 2, and dipswitch 3 has a value of 4, the combination
of the three create a DMX value of 7. (See example below).
Set DMX address 1:
Set DMX address 7:
Dip-switches # 1 = 1
Dip-switches # 1 = 1
2 = 2
3 = 4
= 7
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX and Master/Slave
Operation):
The Tri Beam™ can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol.
The Tri Beam™ is a three channel DMX unit. The DMX address is set
on the back panel of the Tri Beam.™ Your unit and your DMX controller
require a standard 3-pin XLR connector for data input and data output
(Figure 1). If you are making your own cables, be sure to use standard
two conductor shielded cable (This cable may be purchased at almost
all pro sound and lighting stores). Your cables should be made with
a male and female XLR connector on either end of the cable. Also
remember that DMX cable must be daisy chained and can not be split.
Notice:
Be sure to follow figures one and two when making your own
cables. Do not use the ground lug on the XLR connector. Do not con-
nect 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 IN
3-PIN XLR
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT
OUTPUT
DMX512
DMX+,DMX-,COMMON
1
2
3
Termination reduces signal errors and
avoids signal transmission problems
and interference. It is always advisable
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
1
2
3
1
2
3
DMX +
DMX -
COMMON
DMX512 OUT
3-PIN XLR
Figure 1
Tri Beam™
Set Up
