Dmx Setup - ADJ ELEMENT HEX User Manual

DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used as a form of communication
between intelligent fixtures and controllers. A DMX controller sends DMX data instructions from the
controller to the fixture. DMX data is sent as serial data that travels from fixture to fixture via the DATA
"IN" and DATA "OUT" XLR terminals located on all DMX fixtures (most controllers only have a DATA
"OUT" terminal).
DMX Linking: DMX is a language allowing all makes and models of different manufactures to be
linked together and operate from a single controller, as long as all fixtures and the controller are DMX
compliant. To ensure proper DMX data transmission, when using several DMX fixtures try to use
the shortest cable path possible. The order in which fixtures are connected in a DMX line does not
influence the DMX addressing. For example; a fixture assigned a DMX address of 1 may be placed
anywhere in a DMX line, at the beginning, at the end, or anywhere in the middle. When a fixture is
assigned a DMX address of 1, the DMX controller knows to send DATA assigned to address 1 to that
unit, no matter where it is located in the DMX chain.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX Operation): The Element QA can be controlled
via DMX-512 protocol. The Element Hex has 5 DMX modes, please see pages 13 or 19 for the different
modes. The DMX address is set on the front panel of the Element QA. Your unit and your DMX controller
require a standard 3-pin XLR connector for data input and data output (Figure 1). We recommend
Accu-Cable DMX cables. If you are making your own cables, be sure to use standard 110-120 Ohm
shielded cable (This cable may be purchased at almost all pro lighting stores). Your cables should be
made with a male and female XLR connector on either end of the cable. Also remember that DMX
cable must be daisy chained and cannot be split.
Notice: Be sure to follow figures two and three 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's outer casing. Grounding the shield could cause a
short circuit and erratic behavior.
XLR Male Socket
1 Ground
Figure 3

DMX SETUP

COMMON
1
DMX512 OäT
3
3-PIN XLR
2
XLR Female Socket
2 Cold 2 Cold
3 Hot
DMX +
1
DMX512 IN
3
3-PIN XLR
DMX -
2
XLR Pin Configuration
1 Ground
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
3 Hot
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
11
Figure 2