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PPENDIX
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+). CHAUVET carries 3-pin XLR DMX
compliant cables, DMX-10 (33'), DMX-4.5 (15') and DMX-1.5 (5')
Figure 1 - DMX connector configuration
INPUT
FI XT UR E LI NK ING
Note!
If you use a controller with a 5 pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5 pin to
3 pin adapter. CHAUVET Model No: DMX5M.
The chart below details a proper cable conversion:
Conductor
Ground/Shield
Data ( - )signal
Data ( + ) signal
Do not use
Do not use
ART-150W & ART-252W User Manual
COMMON
1
DMX +
3
2
DMX -
3 P
5 P
C
IN TO
IN
ONVERSION
3 Pin Female (output)
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
15
1
3
2
1
OUTPUT
3
Termination reduces signal errors and to
2
avoid signal transmission problems and
interference, it is always advisable to
connect a DMX signal terminator.
C
HART
5 Pin Male (Input)
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
Do not use
Do not use
Resistance 120
ohm 1/4w between
pin 2 (DMX -) and
pin 3 (DMX +) of
the last fixture.
2005-01-31/12:52
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