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Data link
A data link is required in order to control a MAC 350 Entour via DMX or synchronize fixtures in stand-alone
operation.
The MAC 350 Entour has 5-pin XLR connectors for DMX data input and output. 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 available for enhanced features in conformity with DMX 512-A.
Pin-out is pin 4 = data 2 cold (-) and pin 5 = data 2 hot (+).
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.
• To split the link into branches, use a splitter such as the Martin 4-Channel Opto-Isolated RS-485
Splitter/Amplifier.
• Do not overload the link. Up to 32 devices may be connected on a serial link.
• 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.
• Some older fixtures have reversed polarity data sockets (pin 2 hot and pin 3 cold). Polarity is normally
labelled on devices and described in user manuals. Use a phase-reversing cable between the MAC 350
Entour and any device with reversed polarity.
Connecting the data link
1. Connect the DMX data output from the controller to the first MAC 350 Entour's DMX input socket.
2. Connect the output of the first fixture to the input of the next fixture.
3. Insert a male 120 Ohm XLR termination plug in the DMX output of the last fixture on the link.
Data link
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