Overview of Controller Operation

the fixture to a controller and are sending DMX 512 commands to the fixture, and the Receive LED is OFF, see the section titled “Troubleshooting” on page 2-20.

†- Unless this fixture is crossloading, the yellow Transmit LED should never be ON solid. (The Transmit LED will flicker yellow if you have enabled preset playback and the fixture is set for either fixture number 1 or DMX start channel 1. This is due to preset playback synchronization, as described in “Synchronizing Preset Playback” on page 4-9. Try unplugging the fixture, waiting a few minutes, then plugging it back in. If the Transmit LED continues to be ON, contact High End Systems Customer Service in one of the ways shown in the section titled “Contacting High End Systems” on page Intro-4.

More information about crossloading software is shown in the section titled “Upgrading Software” on page 2-18.

In order to coordinate the playback of multiple Technobeam fixtures from a central location, you need to connect the fixtures to a DMX 512- compatible controller using XLR data-grade cabling.

What is DMX 512 Protocol?

DMX 512 is an industry-standard protocol for controlling lighting fixtures and other devices (such as lasers and hazers). Developed by the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT), DMX 512 is supported by leading entertainment industry equipment manufacturers.

DMX 512 (D for digital, MX for multiplex and 512 is the number of channels per link) is a reliable, efficient and well-understood control protocol. Its strength lies in its ability to control virtually any mix of DMX-compatible devices on the same link using a DMX-compatible controller.

What Kind of Cabling Should You Use?

There are two main types of cabling you can use: microphone cable and data-grade cable. Although pin-compatible microphone cable is suitable for small-scale designs, data cable is recommended, especially for longer cable runs. Data cable is designed to carry a higher-quality signal with less susceptibility to electromagnetic interference.

The cable you use should have the characteristics listed below:

•2-conductor twisted pair plus a shield

•maximum capacitance between conductors - 30 pF/ft.

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