Understanding Dmx - Elation SIXBAR 1000 User Manual

UNDERSTANDING DMX

DMX-512
DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used by most lighting and controller
manufacturers as a form of communication between intelligent fixtures and controllers. DMX allows
all makes and models of different manufacturers to be linked together and operate from a single
controller, 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 intel-
ligent 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 terminals).
DMX LINKING
To ensure proper DMX data transmission, always use proper DMX cables and a terminator. Try to
use the shortest cable path possible when linking several DMX fixtures. 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 starting 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 con-
troller knows to send data assigned to address 1 to that fixture no matter where it is located in the
DMX chain. The SIXBAR 1000™ can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol and the DMX address is
set via the control menu.
DATA CABLE (DMX CABLE) REQUIREMENTS
Your fixture and your DMX controller require a standard 3pin or 5pin XLR connector for data input
and data output (see figure below). If you are making your own cables, be sure to use two conductor,
shielded digital 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. Your cables should
be made with a male XLR connector at one end and a female XLR connector on the other. Also, re-
member that a DMX line must be daisy chained and cannot be split, unless using an approved DMX
splitter such as Elation's Opto Branch 4™, Opto Branch 8™, or DMX-Branch/4™.
Be sure to follow the above figure when making your own cables. Do not use the
ground lug on the XLR connector. Do not connect the cable's shield conductor
to the ground lug or allow the shield conductor to come in contact with the XLR
outer casing. Grounding the shield could cause a short circuit and erratic behav-
ior.
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