12
D M X S E T U P
DMX-512
DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used by most lighting and
controller manufactures as a form of communication between intelligent fixtures and
controllers. DMX allows all makes and models of different manufactures to be linked together
and operate from a single controller. This is possible as long as all the fixtures and the controller
are DMX compliant. A DMX controller sends the DMX data instructions to the fixture allowing
the user to control the different aspects of an intelligent light. DMX data is sent out as serial
data that travels from fixture to fixture via data “IN” and data “OUT” XLR terminals located on
the fixtures (most controllers will only have output jacks).
DMX LINKING
To ensure proper DMX data transmission, always use the SIXPAR™ series IP rated DMX cables
listed in the OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES section at the end of this manual. When using several
DMX fixtures try to use the shortest cable path possible. Never split a DMX line with a “Y”
style connector. The order in which the fixtures are connected in a DMX line does not influence
the DMX addressing. For example; a fixture assigned a starting DMX address of 1 may be placed
anywhere in the DMX chain, at the beginning, at the end, or anywhere in the middle. The DMX
controller knows to send data assigned to address 1 to that fixture no matter where it is
located in the DMX chain. The SIXPAR 300™ can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol and the
DMX address is set via the control menu.
DMX Cable REQUIREMENTS (For DMX and Primary/Secondary Operation)
Your fixture and your DMX controller require a standard 3pin or 5pin XLR connector
for data input and data output. Also, remember that a DMX line must be daisy chained and
cannot be split.
DMX-512 CONTROLLER CONNECTION
Connect the provided XLR cable to the female XLR output of your controller and the other side
to the male XLR input of the SIXPAR 300™ . The diagram below illustrates a typical DMX-512
connection when the fixture is in the 12 Channel Mode. You can chain multiple panels together
through serial linking. Always be sure daisy chain your in and out data connections, never split
or “Y” your DMX connections.
DMX-512 CONNECTION WITH DMX TERMINATOR
A DMX terminator should be used in all DMX lines especially in longer runs.
The use of a terminator may avoid erratic behavior in your DMX line. A
terminator is a 120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor that is connected between
pins 2 and 3 of a male XLR connector (DATA + and DATA -). This fixture is
inserted in the female XLR connector of the last fixture in your daisy chain
to terminate the line. Using a line terminator will decrease the possibilities
of erratic behavior. Use the SIXPAR™ DMX Terminator End Cap listed in
the OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES section at the end of this manual.
DMX CONTROLLER
Address 1
Address 13
Address 25
