Fixture Linking; Data Cabling; Dmx Data Cable; Cable Connectors - Chauvet COLORado 2 User Manual

Fixture Linking

You will need a serial data link to run light shows of one or more fixtures using a DMX-512 controller
or to run synchronized shows on two or more fixtures set to a master/slave operating mode. The
combined number of channels required by all the fixtures on a serial data link determines the number
of fixtures the data link can support.
Important:
Maximum recommended serial data link distance: 500 meters (1640 ft.)
Maximum recommended number of fixtures on a serial data link: 32 fixtures

Data Cabling

To link fixtures together you must obtain data cables. You can purchase CHAUVET-certified DMX
cables directly from a dealer/distributor or construct your own cable. If you choose to create your own
cable please use data-grade cables that can carry a high quality signal and are less prone to
electromagnetic interference.
DMX DAT A C ABL E
Use a Belden© 9841 or equivalent cable which meets the specifications for EIA RS-485 applications.
Standard microphone cables cannot transmit DMX data reliably over long distances. The cable will
have the following characteristics:
C ABL E CO NNECT O RS
Cabling must have a male XLR connector on one end and a female XLR connector on the other end.
DMX
INPUT
CAUTION
COLORado™ 2 User Manual
Fixtures on a serial data link must be daisy chained in one single line. To comply with the EIA-485
standard no more than 32 devices should be connected on one data link. Connecting more than 32
fixtures on one serial data link without the use of a DMX optically-isolated splitter may result in
deterioration of the digital DMX signal.
2-conductor twisted pair plus a shield
Maximum capacitance between conductors – 30 pF/ft.
Maximum capacitance between conductor and shield – 55 pF/ft.
Maximum resistance of 20 ohms / 1000 ft.
Nominal impedance 100 – 140 ohms
c
o
n
COMMON
n
e
c
1
DMX +
t
3
o
r
2
-
DMX
c
o
n
f
i
Do not allow contact between the common and the fixture's chassis ground. Grounding the common can
g
cause a ground loop, and your fixture may perform erratically. Test cables with an ohm meter to verify
u
r
correct polarity and to make sure the pins are not grounded or shorted to the shield or each other.
a
t
i
o
n
1
3
2
1
OUTPUT
3
Termination reduces signal errors. To
2
avoid signal transmission problems
and interference, it is always
advisable to connect a DMX signal
terminator.
13
Resistance 120
ohm 1/4w between
pin 2 (DMX -) and
pin 3 (DMX +) of
the last fixture.
2/18/2009 12:45 PM