Control Data Link; Tips For Reliable Data Transmission; Connecting The Data Link - Martin RUSH MH-2 Wash User Manual

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Control data link

A DMX 512 data link is required in order to control the fixture via DMX. The
fixture has 3-pin and 5-pin XLR connectors for DMX data input and output.
The number of daisy-chained fixtures is limited by the number of DMX
channels required by the fixtures in relation to the maximum 512 channels
available in one DMX universe. Note that if independent control of a fixture is
required, it must have its own DMX channels. Fixtures that are required to
behave identically can share the same DMX address and channels. To add
more fixtures or groups of fixtures when the above limit is reached, add a DMX
universe and another daisy-chained link.

Tips for reliable data transmission

Use shielded twisted-pair cable designed for RS-485 devices: standard
microphone cable cannot transmit control data reliably over long runs. 24 AWG
cable is suitable for runs up to 300 meters (1000 ft.). Heavier gauge cable
and/or an amplifier is recommended for longer runs. The pin-out on all
connectors is pin 1 = shield, pin 2 = cold (-), and pin 3 = hot (+). Pins 4 and 5
in the 5-pin XLR connectors are not used in the fixture but are available for
possible additional data signals as required by the DMX512-A standard.
Standard pin-out is pin 4 = data 2 cold (-) and pin 5 = data 2 hot (+).
To split the link into branches, use a splitter, such as the Martin 4-Channel
Opto-Isolated RS-485 Splitter/Amplifier. Terminate the link by installing a
termination plug in the output socket of the last fixture. The termination plug,
which is a male XLR plug with a 120-Ohm, 0.25-Watt resistor soldered
between pins 2 and 3, "soaks up" the control signal so it does not reflect and
cause interference. If a splitter is used, terminate each branch of the link.

Connecting the data link

To connect the fixture to data:
1. Connect the DMX data output from the controller to the closest fixture's
male XLR DMX input connector.
2. Connect the DMX output of the fixture closest to the controller to the DMX
input of the next fixture and continue connecting fixtures output to input.
Terminate the last fixture on the link with a 120-Ohm resistor.
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RUSH MH-2 Wash user manual

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