14
DMX SET UP
Power Supply: The Mega Hex Par contains an automatic voltage switch, which will automatically
sense the voltage when it is plugged into the power source. With this switch there is no need to worry
about the correct power voltage, and this unit can be plugged in almost anywhere.
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used as a form of communi-
cation between intelligent xtures and controllers. A DMX controller sends DMX data instructions from
the controller to the xture. DMX data is sent as serial data that travels from xture to xture via the
DATA “IN” and DATA “OUT” XLR terminals located on all DMX xtures (most controllers only have a
DATA “OUT” terminal).
DMX Linking: DMX is a language allowing all makes and models of different manufacturers to be
linked together and operate from a single controller, as long as all xtures and the controller are DMX
compliant. To ensure proper DMX data transmission, try to use the shortest path possible when link-
ing several DMX xtures. The order in which xtures are connected in a DMX line does not inuence
the DMX addressing. For example, a xture assigned a DMX address of 1 may be placed anywhere
in a DMX line: at the beginning, at the end, or anywhere in the middle. When a xture is assigned a
DMX address of 1, the DMX controller knows to send DATA assigned to address 1 to that unit, no
matter where it is located in the DMX chain.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX Operation): This xture can be controlled via
DMX-512 protocol, and features 5 selectable DMX channel modes. The DMX address is set using the
controls and display screen on the back panel. Your unit and DMX controller require standard 3-pin
XLR connectors for data input and output (Figure 1). If you are making your own cables, be sure to
use standard 110-120 Ohm shielded cable (This cable may be purchased at almost all pro lighting
stores). Your cables should be made with a male XLR connector at one end and a female XLR con-
nector at the other. Also remember that DMX cable must be daisy chained and cannot be split.
Figure 1