Understanding Dmx - Elation SIXPAR 300IP User Manual

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U N D E R S T A N D I N G D M X
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
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To ensure proper DMX data transmission, always use the SIXPAR series IP rated DMX
cables listed in the OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES section at the end of this manual. 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
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 controller knows to send
data assigned to address 1 to that fixture no matter where it is located in the DMX
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chain. The SIXPAR 300IP can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol and the DMX
address is set via the control menu.
DATA CABLE (DMX Cable) REQUIREMENTS (For DMX and Master/Slave Operation)
Your fixture and your DMX controller require a standard 3pin or 5pin XLR connector
for data input and data output (see figure below). Also, remember that a DMX line
must be daisy chained and cannot be split.
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SIXPAR 300IP™ User Manual ver 1