Eliminator Lighting MEGA FLAT HEX PAK - DMX Setup and Connections; DMX-512 Protocol Explained; DMX Linking and Addressing

17
DMX SETUP
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used 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 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 manufactures 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, when using several DMX xtures try to use the
shortest cable path possible. The order in which xtures are connected in a DMX line does not inuence
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): The Mega Hex Par can be controlled
via DMX-512 protocol. The DMX address is set on the front panel of the Mega Hex Par. Your unit and
your DMX controller require a 3-pin XLR connector for data input and data output. We recommend
Accu-Cable DMX cables. 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 and female XLR connector on either end of the cable. Also remember that DMX cable
must be daisy chained and cannot be split.
SPECIAL NOTE: LINE TERMINATION
When longer runs of cable are used, you may need to use a terminator on the last unit to avoid erratic
behavior. A terminator is a 110-120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor, which is connected between pins 2 and 3 of a
male XLR connector (DATA + and DATA -). This unit is inserted in the female XLR connector of the last
unit in your daisy chain to terminate the line. Using a cable terminator (ADJ part number Z-DMX/T) will
decrease the possibilities of erratic behavior.
A DMX512 terminator reduces signal errors,
avoiding most signal reection interference.
Connect PIN 2 (DMX-) and PIN 3 (DMX+) of
the last xture in series with a 120 Ohm, 1/4 W
Resistor to terminate the DMX512.
DMX SETUP
5-Pin XLR DMX Connectors. The Mega Hex Par uses 3-pin DMX-512 data cables for DATA transmission
in place of a 3-pin. 5-pin DMX xtures may be implemented in a 3-pin DMX line. When inserting
standard 5-pin data cables in to a 3-pin line a cable adapter must be used, these adapters are readily
available at most electric stores. The chart below details a proper cable conversion.
3-Pin XLR to 5-Pin XLR Conversion
Conductor 3-Pin XLR Female (Out) 5-Pin XLR Male (In)
Ground/Shield Pin 1 Pin 1
Data Compliment (- signal) Pin 2 Pin 2
Data True (+ signal) Pin 3 Pin 3
Not Used Do Not Use
Not Used Do Not Use
DMX +
COMMON
DMX512 IN 3-PIN XLR
DMX512 OUT 3-PIN XLR
DMX -
3 Hot
1 Ground
2 Cold
3 Hot
1 Ground
2 Cold
XLR Male Socket XLR Female Socket
XLR Pin Conguration
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)