ADJ VF1600 - DMX Set Up; Power Supply Requirements; DMX-512 Protocol Explained; DMX Linking and Addressing

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DMX SET UP
Power Supply: Before plugging your unit in, be sure the source voltage in your area matches the
required voltage for your device. This device is available in a 120v and 220v version. Because line
voltage may vary from venue to venue, you should be sure your unit voltages matches the wall outlet
voltage before attempting to operate you xture.
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used by most lighting and
controller manufacturers as a form of communication 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 locat-
ed on all DMX xtures (most controllers only have a DATA “OUT” terminal).
DMX Linking: DMX is a language allowing all makes and models of dierent 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 cable path possible
when linking multiple xtures. The order in which xtures are connected in a DMX line does not inu-
ence the DMX addressing. For example, a xture assigned a DMX address of 1 may be placed any-
where in a DMX line: at the beginning, at the end, or anywhere in the middle. In other words, the rst
xture controlled by the controller could be the last xture in the chain. 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 device can be controlled via
DMX-512 protocol, and it is a 1 channel DMX unit. The DMX address is set using the dipswitches on
the rear panel of the unit. Your unit and your DMX controller require an approved DMX-512 110 Ohm
Data cable for data input and data output (Figure 1). We recommend Accu-Cable DMX cables. If you
are making your own cables, be sure to use standard 110-120 Ohm shielded cable, which can be
purchased at almost all professional sound and lighting stores. Your cables should be made with a
male XLR connector at one end and a female XLR connector at the other. Also remember that DMX
cable must be daisy chained and cannot be split.
Figure 1