7. DMX512 Connections
The DMX512 is widely used in intelligent lighting control, with a maximum of 512
channels.
If you using a controller with 5 pins DMX output, you need to use a 5 to 3
pin adapter-cable.
Connect the fixture together in a "daisy chain" by XLR plug cable from
the output of the fixture to the input of the next fixture. The cable
cannot be branched or split to a "Y" cable. Inadequate or damaged
cables, soldered joints or corroded connectors can easily distort the
signal and shut down the system
The DMX output and input connectors are pass-through to maintain the
DMX circuit when one of the units' power is disconnected.
At last fixture, the DMX cable has to be terminated with a terminator to
reduce signal errors. Solder a 120-ohm 1/4W resistor between pin
2(DMX-) and pin 3(DMX+) into a 3-pin XLR-plug and plug it in the
DMX-output of the last fixture.
Each lighting fixture needs to have an address set to receive the data sent
by the controller. The address number is between 0-511 (usually 0 & 1
are equal to 1).
3 pin XLR connectors are more popular than 5 pin XLR.
3 pin XLR: Pin1: GND, Pin2: Negative signal (-), Pin3: Positive signal (+)
5 pin XLR: Pin1: GND, Pin2: Negative signal (-), Pin3: Positive signal (+)
Pin4/5: Not Used.
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