COLORdash™ Quad User Manual
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3/30/2009 4:01 PM
SETTING THE STARTING ADDRESS
This DMX mode enables the use of a universal DMX controller device. Each fixture requires a "start
address" from 1 to 512. A fixture requiring one or more channels for control begins to read the data on the
channel indicated by the start address. For example, a fixture that uses 6 DMX channels and was
addressed to start on DMX channel 100, would read data from channels: 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, and
105. Choose start addresses so that the channels used do not overlap, and note the start address selected
for future reference.
If this is your first time addressing a fixture using the DMX-512 control protocol, we suggest jumping to the
Appendix Section and reading the heading “DMX Primer”. It contains very useful information that will help
you understand its use.
Set the start address using the group of DIP switches located usually on bottom of the fixture. Each dip
switch has an associated value. Adding the value of each switch in the ON position will provide the start
address. Figuring out which switches to toggle ON given a specific start address can be accomplished by
determining which switch values will add up to the address value, and turning these switches on. Do so by
doing the following:
1)
Determine the largest value switch that is less than the start address. Turn this switch on.
2)
Subtract the value of the switch you just turned on from the starting address number.
3)
Determine the largest value switch that is less than the remainder from the previous subtraction. Turn
this switch on.
4)
Subtract the value of the switch you just turned on from the remainder of the previous subtraction.
5)
Repeat steps three and four until you have a remainder of zero.
6.
A
PPENDIX
DMX Primer
There are 512 channels in a DMX-512 connection. Channels may be assigned in any manner. A
fixture capable of receiving DMX 512 will require one or a number of sequential channels. The
user must assign a starting address on the fixture that indicates the first channel reserved in the
controller. There are many different types of DMX controllable fixtures and they all may vary in
the total number of channels required. Choosing a start address should be planned in advance.
Channels should never overlap. If they do, this will result in erratic operation of the fixtures
whose starting address is set incorrectly. You can however, control multiple fixtures of the same
type using the same starting address as long as the intended result is that of unison movement
or operation. In other words, the fixtures will be slaved together and all respond exactly the
same.
DMX fixtures are designed to receive data through a serial Daisy Chain. A Daisy Chain
connection is where the DATA OUT of one fixture connects to the DATA IN of the next fixture.
The order in which the fixtures are connected is not important and has no effect on how a
controller communicates to each fixture. Use an order that provides for the easiest and most
direct cabling. Connect fixtures using shielded two conductor twisted pair cable with three pin
XLR male to female connectors. The shield connection is pin 1, while pin 2 is Data Negative (S-)
and pin 3 is Data positive (S+). CHAUVET carries 3-pin XLR DMX compliant cables, DMX-10
(33’), DMX-4.5 (15’) and DMX-1.5 (5’)
