DMX 512 CONTROLLER SERIES
4 APPENDIX
4.1
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+).
4.2 FIXTURE LINKING
4.2 FIXTURE LINKING
DMX-OUTPUT
DMX-OUTPUT
Caution:
At the last fixture, the DMX-cable has to be terminated with a terminator. Solder
a 120
resistor between Signal (-) and Signal (+) into a 3-pin XLR-plug and plug it in the
DMX-output of the last fixture.
I
n the Controller mode, at the last fixture in the chain, the DMX output has to be connected with a DMX
terminator. This prevents electrical noise from disturbing and corrupting the DMX control signals.
The DMX terminator is simply an XLR connector with a 120W (ohm) resistor connected across pins 2
and 3, which is then plugged into the output socket on the last projector in the chain. The connections
are illustrated below.
Occupation of the XLR-connection:
XLR mounting-socket:
1
2
3
- Ground
- Signal (-)
- Signal (+)
XLR mounting-plug:
1
2
3
- Ground
- Signal (-)
- Signal (+)
The transform of the controller line of 3 pins and 5 pins (plug and socket)
120 ohm
PIN3
PIN2
If you wish to connect DMX-controllers with other XLR-outputs, you need to use adapter-cables.
USER MANUAL
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