Data Cable DMX Cable Requirements | Elation Professional AR-32RM

5. DMX Set up

5.1 Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements:

The AR-32RM can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol and your DMX controller requires a standard 3-pin XLR connector for data input and data output(Figure1). Connect the AR-32RM and your fixtures together using standard 3 pin DMX cables. The AR-32RM uses DMX-512 protocol to operate your fixtures.

If you are constructing your own data cables, be sure to use standard two conductor shielded cable (This cable may be purchased at almost all professional sound and lighting stores). Your cables should be made with a 3-pin male and female XLR connector on either end of the cable. Also remember that DMX lines must be daisy chained and can't be split.

*Note:

Figure 1

Be sure to follow figures two and three when making your own cables. Do not use the ground lug on the XLR connector. Do not connect the cable's shield conductor to the ground lug or allow the shield conductor to come in contact with the XLR's outer casing. Grounding the shield could cause a short circuit and erratic behavior.

COMMON

	DMX 512 OUT	DMX+
	3-PIN XLR
		DMX-
	XLR Male Socket	XLR Female Socket
1 Ground	2 Cold	2 Cold
		1 Ground
	3 Hot	3 Hot

DMX 512 IN	Figure 2
3-PIN XLR

XLR Pin Configuration

Pin 1 = Ground

Figure 3

Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)

Pin 3 = Data True (positive)

*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 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 will decrease the possibilities of erratic behavior.

Termination reduces signal errors and avoids signal transmission problems and interference. It is always advisable to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance

120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-) and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last Figure 4 fixture.

DMX Signal Cable. 120 ohm impedance DMX signal cable MUST be used for signal connection.

5.2 5-Pin XLR DMX Connectors.

Some manufactures use 5-pin XLR connectors for DATA transmission in place of 3-pin. 5-pin XLR fixtures may be implemented in a 3-pin XLR DMX line. When inserting standard 5-pin XLR connectors in to a 3-pin line a cable adaptor must be used, these adaptors 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		Pin 4 - Do Not Used	Table 3

Not Used		Pin 5 - Do Not Used
Not Used		Pin 5 - Do Not Used