Chauvet Laser Pointer user manual DMX Primer, Setting up a DMX Serial Data Link

DMX Primer

There are 512 channels in a DMX connection. Channels may be assigned in any manner. A product capable of receiving DMX will require one or a number of sequential channels. The user must assign a starting address on the product that indicates the first channel reserved in the controller. There are many different types of DMX controllable products and they all may vary in the total number of channels required. Choosing a start address should be planned in advance. Channels should never overlap. If they do, this will result in erratic operation of the products whose starting address is set incorrectly. You can however, control multiple products of the same type using the same starting address as long as the intended result is that of unison movement or operation. In other words, the products will be slaved together and all respond exactly the same.

DMX products are designed to receive data through a serial Daisy Chain. A Daisy Chain connection is where the DATA OUT of one product connects to the DATA IN of the next product. The order in which the products are connected is not important and has no effect on how a controller communicates to each product. Use an order that provides for the easiest and most direct cabling. Connect products using shielded two conductor twisted pair cable with three pin XLR male to female connectors. The shield connection is pin 1, while pin 2 is Data Negative (S-) and pin 3 is Data positive (S+).

3-Pin to 5-Pin Conversion Chart

If you use a controller with a 5-pin DMX output connector, you will need to use a 5-pin to 3-pin adapter. The chart below details a proper cable conversion:

3-PIN TO 5-PIN CONVERSION CHART

Conductor	3-Pin Female (Output)	5-Pin Male (Input)
Ground/Shield	Pin 1	Pin 1
Data ( - ) signal	Pin 2	Pin 2
Data ( + ) signal	Pin 3	Pin 3
Not used		Pin 4
Not used		Pin 5

Setting up a DMX Serial Data Link

1.Connect the (male) 3-pin connector side of the DMX cable to the output (female) 3-pin connector of the controller.

2.Connect the end of the cable coming from the controller which will have a (female) 3-pin connector to the input connector of the next product consisting of a (male) 3-pin connector.

3.Then, proceed to connect from the output as stated above to the input of the following product and so on.

4.After the last product, connect a DMX terminator.

Universal DMX Controller

This drawing provides a general illustration of the DMX input/output panel of a lighting product.

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