DMX: Difference between revisions
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==Current supported devices== | ==Current supported devices== | ||
* | *All dimmers in current use | ||
* | *[[Strand 200 plus]] | ||
==Infrastructure== | ==Infrastructure== | ||
YSTV runs 2 lines (one each way)down a single Cat5e cable, from the control room's Master patch panel, to the LX patch panel in the studio. | YSTV runs 2 lines (one each way)down a single Cat5e cable, from the control room's Master patch panel, to the LX patch panel in the studio. Currently unused. | ||
==Connections== | ==Connections== | ||
These are on 3 or 5 pin XLR. | These are on 3 or 5 pin XLR. | ||
'''DO NOT plug dmx into any sound gear or use audio cables as a substitute, something be unhappy!''' | '''DO NOT plug dmx into any sound gear or use audio cables as a substitute, something be unhappy!''' | ||
| Line 16: | Line 15: | ||
==Technical== | ==Technical== | ||
* DMX requires a cable impedance of 120ohms. | * DMX requires a cable impedance of 120ohms. | ||
** try not to use mic cable | ** try not to use mic cable, however it will suffice for short runs (<40m) | ||
* Equipment is "daisy chained" together, using each device's input and an output ports. | * Equipment is "daisy chained" together, using each device's input and an output ports. | ||
* Data+ and Data- must be a twisted pair. | * Data+ and Data- must be a twisted pair. | ||
Revision as of 01:55, 3 February 2013
DMX is a digital lighting control protocol, in which instead of 1 core for each channel used & a common gorund (like on the Lighting Desk), 512 channels of control are transmitted down 3 wires: Data+, Data-, Gnd, with ground usually being the sheild or braid, Data+ & Data- are a twisted pair.
Current supported devices
- All dimmers in current use
- Strand 200 plus
Infrastructure
YSTV runs 2 lines (one each way)down a single Cat5e cable, from the control room's Master patch panel, to the LX patch panel in the studio. Currently unused.
Connections
These are on 3 or 5 pin XLR.
DO NOT plug dmx into any sound gear or use audio cables as a substitute, something be unhappy!
Technical
- DMX requires a cable impedance of 120ohms.
- try not to use mic cable, however it will suffice for short runs (<40m)
- Equipment is "daisy chained" together, using each device's input and an output ports.
- Data+ and Data- must be a twisted pair.
- Multiple types of cable will do the job:
Sheilded Twisted pair:
- This is the "defacto-standard"
- You can get it almost anywhere, below are some retailers (no links because they inevitably die! - just go googling)
- Canford
- 10outoften
- Usedlighting / stagelighting (lighting Partners Ltd)
Cat5e:
- Impedance of 110 ohms (approx) makes it suitable.
- Use any twister pair, and pick another as ground.
Useful Notes
- Don't run DMX right next to audio cables of any kind unless completely unavoidable, even if everything is balanced. You may hear the DMX data - The sync pulses manifest as an intermittent clicks...
