5. A
PPENDIX
DMX Primer
General Troubleshooting
5. Appendix
There are 512 channels in a DMX connection. Channels may be assigned in any manner. A
fixture capable of receiving DMX 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+).
S
YMPTOM
Excessive circuit load
Breaker/Fuse
Short circuit along the power
keeps blowing
wires
No power
Device does not
Loose power cord
power up
Wrong DMX addressing
Damaged DMX cables
Wrong polarity settings on the
Fixture is not
responding to DMX
controller
Loose DMX cables
Faulty DMX interface
Faulty Main PCB
Non DMX cables
Bouncing signals
Long cable / Low level signal
Loss of signal
Too many fixtures
Interference from AC wires
If you still have a problem after trying the above solutions, please contact CHAUVET®
Technical Support.
P
C
(
)
OSSIBLE
AUSE
S
Check total load placed on the
Check for a short in the electrical
Check for power on Mains.
Check power cord
Check Control Panel and unit
Check DMX cables
Check polarity switch settings on
Check cable connections
Replace DMX input
Replace Main PCB
Use only DMX compatible cables
Install terminator as suggested.
Install amplifier right after fixture
Install an optically coupled DMX
Keep DMX cables separated from
13
P
A
(
)
OSSIBLE
CTION
S
electrical circuit.
wiring (internal and/or external).
addressing
the controller
with strong signal.
splitter after unit #32.
power cables or black lights.
7/20/2010 5:31 PM