DESIGN LED 36 Pro™
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7. UNDERSTANDING DMX DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used by most
lighting and controller manufactures as a form of communication between intelligent fixtures
and controllers. DMX allows all makes and models of different manufactures to be linked
together and operate from a single controller. This is possible as long as all the fixtures and
the controller are DMX compliant. A DMX controller sends the DMX data instructions to a
fixture allowing the user to control the different aspects of an intelligent light. DMX data is
sent out as serial data that travels from fixture to fixture via data “IN” and “OUT” leads
located on the fixtures (most controllers will only have output jacks).
DMX Linking: To ensure proper DMX data transmission, always use proper DMX cables
and a terminator. When using several DMX fixtures try to use the shortest cable path
possible. Never split a DMX line with a “Y” style connector. The order in which the fixtures
are connected in a DMX line does not influence the DMX addressing. For example; a fixture
assigned a DMX address of 1 may be placed anywhere in the DMX chain, at the beginning,
at the end, or anywhere in the middle. The DMX controller knows to send data assigned to
address 1 to that fixture no matter where it is located in the DMX chain. The Design LED 36
Pro™ can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol. The Design LED 36 Pro™ is a fixture that
can operate in 3, 4, or 6 DMX channels (see page 21 for the different DMX traits). The DMX
address is set electronically using the controls on the LED menu.
You can chain multiple fixtures together through serial linking. Using the IP rated signal
cables provided through Elation. Always be sure to daisy-chain your in and out data
connections, never split or “Y” your DMX connections unless you are using an approved
DMX splitter such as the Elation Opto Branch 4™ or DMX Branch/4™.