Pathway DMX Pathfinder CR Manual - Manual (Page 4)

DMX Distribution System Page 4
Operation
.3 A means of "patching" or “routing” a number of DMX control signals
selectively to any or all lighting positions.
.4 To accomplish the above while maintaining proper cabling practice and
adhering to all relevant standards.
To accommodate the above requirements, a typical theatre DMX Distribution
System consists of the following major components:
.5
Remote DMX input stations; in the control room, on the stage, and in other
locations, for connection of control consoles or other DMX source units.
.6
Remote DMX output stations, located on FOH lighting positions, onstage
lighting pipes, and spaced evenly around the stage or studio, for connection
of DMX-controlled (receiving) equipment.
.7 One or more distribution rack(s), which provides the physical means of
patching inputs to outputs, and incorporates all necessary electronics and
cable termination facilities.
.8
A personal computer with patch editing software, which includes a data
link to the distribution rack(s) for transferring patch file and diagnostic
information to and from the rack.
On the following page is a block diagram of a typical DMX Distribution System
(example is CBC Toronto Studio 42).
Since
the distribution rack, also referred to as the DMXPathfinder, is the "heart"
of the DMX Distribution System, it should be described more fully at this time.
Essentially, the front of the rack assembly looks like a large patch field with four XLR
jacks arranged vertically on the face of each of a number of plug-in electronic input
modules (and output modules in some systems). These will be described in detail in
Section 1.3. At the rear of the rack assembly are terminal bays where internal rack
cabling and external or field wiring interconnect at terminal boards. Please refer to
Section 5 for detailed drawings of the distribution rack.