Understanding Dmx - Elation COLOUR 5 PROFILE User Manual

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U N D E R S T A N D I N G D M X
DMX-512
DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used by most lighting and
controller manufactures as a form of communication between intelligent fixtures
and controllers. DMX allows all makes and models of different manufactures to be
linked together and operate from a single controller. This is possible as long as all the
fixtures and the controller are DMX compliant. A DMX controller sends the DMX data
instructions to the fixture allowing the user to control the different aspects of an
intelligent light. DMX data is sent out as serial data that travels from fixture to fixture
via data "IN" and data "OUT" XLR terminals located on the fixtures (most controllers
will only have output jacks).
DMX LINKING
To ensure proper DMX data transmission, always use proper DMX cables and a
terminator. When using several DMX fixtures try to use the shortest cable path
possible. Never split a DMX line with a "Y" style connector. The order in which the
fixtures are connected in a DMX line does not influence the DMX addressing. For
example; a fixture assigned a starting DMX address of 1 may be placed anywhere in
the DMX chain, at the beginning, at the end, or anywhere in the middle. The DMX
controller knows to send data assigned to address 1 to that fixture no matter where
it is located in the DMX chain. This fixture can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol
and the DMX address is set via the control menu.
DATA CABLE (DMX Cable) REQUIREMENTS (For DMX and Master/Slave Operation)
Your fixture and your DMX controller require a standard 3pin or 5pin XLR connector
for data input and data output (see figure below). If you are making your own
cables, be sure to use two conductor, shielded digital DMX cable rated at 120 ohms;
this cable is designed for DMX transmission and may be purchased from your Elation
dealer or at most professional lighting retailers. Your cables should be made with a
male and female XLR connector on either end of the cable. Also, remember that a
DMX line must be daisy chained and cannot be split, unless using an approved DMX
splitter such as Elation's Opto Branch 4™, Opto Branch 8™, or DMX-Branch/4™.
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