Leviton EZ-MAX - DMX 512; Topology Requirements; Termination Requirements

Z-Max Advanced Programming & Systems Design Guide rac00-sdg
Revision A:11/2005 Page 141
DMX 512
The digital control panel accepts DMX512 signals, an industry standard signal widely
used in the theater and advanced architectural. This protocol offers fast response and
guaranteed messaging between the controller and the receiving device(s) allow for a
precision not capable with other control protocols. Incorporating DMX direct into your
devices adds the opportunity to use theatrical consoles, theatrical station controls,
and advanced architectural systems to control some or all of the relays in the Z-MAX
relay cabinet.
Topology Requirements
Much like Luma-Net, DMX is wired Daisy Chained from device to device. Figure 7 in
the Luma-Net chapter shows a typical daisy-chained network layout.
In the event that daisy chained topology is not realistic or another topology is
preferred, multiple home runs of 1 or more devices can be accommodated with the
use of a DMX hub. Contact Leviton for additional information if your application has
this requirement.
Termination Requirements
Both ends of the control run must be terminated. Nodes not at each end of the run
must not
be terminated.
Z-MAX Relay cabinets have built in termination jumpers inside the cabinet which can
be used to terminate the control run at the cabinet. However, since both ends of the
run must be terminated for proper and reliable operation, a termination plug or other
device must be installed at the opposite end of the DMX run. in the event that the
relay cabinet is located in the middle of the DMX run, the termination jumper should
not be installed.
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termination can cause sporadic or even non-
existent data communication. Carefully plan out
where termination must occur and executed.