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6. A
PPENDIX
DMX Primer
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+).
3-pin to 5-pin Conversion Chart
If you use a controller with a 5-pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5-pin to 3-pin
adapter. The chart below details a proper cable conversion:
Conductor
Ground/Shield
Data ( - ) signal
Data ( + ) signal
Not used
Not used
Setting up a DMX Serial Data Link
1. Connect the (male) 3-pin connector side of
the DMX cable to the output (female) 3-pin
connector of the controller.
2. Connect the end of the cable coming from the
controller which will have a (female) 3-pin
connector to the input connector of the next
fixture consisting of a (male) 3-pin connector.
3. Then, proceed to connect from the output as
stated above to the input of the following
fixture and so on.
4. After the last fixture, connect a DMX
terminator.
Stage Designer 50
3-P
5-P
C
C
IN TO
IN
ONVERSION
3-Pin Female (Output)
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
20
HART
5-Pin Male (Input)
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
Pin 4
Pin 5
Universal DMX Controller
Continue the link
January 31, 2012
This drawing
provides a general
illustration of the
DMX input/output
panel of a lighting
fixture.
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