Dmx512 Connection - ACME MP-400Z IP User Manual

4.4 DMX512 Connection

Termination reduces signal errors and to avoid signal transmission problems and interference. It is
always advisable to connect a DMX terminal. Put a resistance (120 ohm 1/4W) between pin 2(DMX-)
1. If you using a controller with 5 pins DMX output, you need to use a 5 to 3 pin adapter-cable.
2. At last unit, the DMX cable has to be terminated with a terminator. Solder a 120 ohm 1/4W
resistor between pin 2(DMX-) and pin 3(DMX+) into a 3-pin XLR-plug and plug it in the
DMX-output of the last unit.
3. Connect the unit together in a `daisy chain` by XLR plug from the output of the unit to the
input of the next unit. The cable can not branched or split to a `Y` cable. DMX 512 is a very
high-speed signal. Inadequate or damaged cables, soldered joints or corroded connectors can
easily distort the signal and shut down the system.
4. The DMX output and input connectors are pass-through to maintain the DMX circuit, when
one of the units' power is disconnected.
5. Each lighting unit needs to have an address set to receive the data sent by the controller. The
address number is between 0-511 (usually 0 & 1 are equal to 1).
6. The end of the DMX 512 system should be terminated to reduce signal errors.
7. 3 pin XLR connectors are more popular than 5 pin XLR.
3 pin XLR: Pin 1: GND, Pin 2: Negative signal (-), Pin 3: Positive signal (+)
5 pin XLR: Pin 1: GND, Pin 2: Negative signal (-), Pin 3: Positive signal (+), Pin 4/Pin 5: Not used.
and pin3 (DMX+) of the last fixture.
17B