Understanding Dmx - Elation POWER SPOT 700CMY II User Manual

Power Spot 700CMY II™

7. UNDERSTANDING DMX

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 proper DMX cables
(not microphone cables) and a terminator. 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 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 DMX address is set electronically using the controls on the LCD menu.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX and Master/Slave Operation): Your
fixture and your DMX controller require a standard 3-pin or 5-pin XLR connector for data
input and data output (the figure on the next page is of a 3-Pin XLR connector). If you are
making your own cables, be sure to use two conductor shielded DMX cable rated at 120
ohms; this cable is designed for DMX transmission and may be purchased from your
Elation dealer or at most professional lighting retailers. Keep in mind that although
microphone cable may look similar to DMX cable it does not share the same resistance
rating and may be susceptible to line interference. Please always use proper DMX cables
for your data transmission. Your cables should be made with a male and female XLR
connector on either end of the cable. Also, remember that a DMX line must be daisy
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