DMX 512 multiplex control wiring
DMX 512 is the United States Institute of Theater Technology (USITT) standard for the digital control of dimmers. NSI DDS
Dimmer products can be converted from Microplex to DMX 512 digital multiplex with a simple kit available from your dealer.
DMX-512 is the preferred type of control wiring when many dimmer channels are used, because of the high update rate and the
resistance to interference. It is recommended in locations subject to electrical noise. DMX-512 only requires 3 wires to transmit
lighting levels for as many as 512 dimmer channels. Most of the NSI lighting control consoles can optionally use this interface.
Connect the DMX 512 cable from the control console to the male input connector. Another cable may be connected from the
female connector to the male connector on another pack. Many dimmer packs may be ‘‘daisy chained’’ and connected together in
this manner. Be sure to set the Channel Address dip switch as required (see MPX ADDRESS SWITCH SETTINGS).
LED INDICATORS
PWR
(Green) - Indicates the +5 volt power supply of the dimmer is operating.
LINE 1, 2, 3
(Green) - Indicates the respective pole of the input power is energized. A blown fuse on an internal power supply
transformer may cause one of these LEDs to not light. When a 3 pole dimmer is wired for 2 pole operation, the LINE 2 LED will
not
light.
MPX
(Green) - Indicates presence of multiplex signal when steady.
TEMP
(Red) - Steady indicates the dimmer is too hot and is preparing to shut down. Flashing indicates the dimmer has reduced
levels or is shutting down in order to lower internal operating temperatures. (See FAN OPERATION and OVER TEMPERATURE.)
CTL STAT
(Green) Indicates the relative control level for each channel.
NO LOAD
(Yellow) Steady indicates the absence of a load on a particular channel output. This may be due to no connection to
the output or a faulty lamp. Flashing of the NO LOAD LED indicates that the respective channel is in the Focus Test Mode and
is forced to full intensity.
NOTE: Load ‘‘sensing’’ does not operate when the dimmer channel is above 75% intensity or in the Focus Test mode. The
No Load indicator is only reliable when the dimmer channel control is off or below 75% and the respective circuit breaker
is on.
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE
DDS 86/88/96/9800 DIMMER PACKS
DMX 512 multiplex control wiring
Software Revision 1.41, Version C UL, Mfg Q3/96, and above
6
NSI CORPORATION
