Data Link; Tips For Reliable Data Transmission; Connecting The Data Link - Martin MAC 301 User Manual

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Data link

A data link is required in order to control a MAC 301 Wash via DMX.
The MAC 301 Wash has both 3-pin and 5-pin XLR connectors for DMX data input and output. The pin-out
on all connectors is pin 1 = shield, pin 2 = cold (-), and pin 3 = hot (+). Do not use the outputs to split the
DMX link.
Pins 4 and 5 in the 5-pin XLR connectors not used in the MAC 301 Wash but are available for possible
additional data signal requirements. Standard pin-out is pin 4 = data 2 cold (-) and pin 5 = data 2 hot (+).
Sockets are wired in parallel: both inputs connect to both outputs.

Tips for reliable data transmission

• Use shielded twisted-pair cable designed for RS-485 devices: standard microphone cable cannot transmit
control data reliably over long runs. 24 AWG cable is suitable for runs up to 300 meters (1000 ft). Heavier
gauge cable and/or an amplifier is recommended for longer runs.
• Never use both a fixture's outputs to split a DMX link. To split the link into branches, use a splitter such as
the Martin 4-Channel Opto-Isolated RS-485 Splitter/Amplifier.
• Do not overload the link. Up to 32 devices may be connected on a serial link.
• Terminate the link by installing a termination plug in the output socket of the last
fixture. The termination plug, which is a male XLR plug with a 120 Ohm, 0.25
Watt resistor soldered between pins 2 and 3, "soaks up" the control signal so it
does not reflect and cause interference. If a splitter is used, terminate each
branch of the link.

Connecting the data link

1. Connect the DMX data output from the controller to the MAC 301 Wash's 3-pin
or 5-pin input (male) socket.
2. Using the sockets that match your data cable, connect the output of the fixture
closest to the controller to the input of the next fixture.
3. Insert a male 120 Ohm XLR termination plug in the 3-pin or 5-pin output of the
last fixture on the link.
10
MAC 301 Wash user manual
Male
termination plug
Male XLR
1
2
120 Ohm
3
P/N 91613017

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