PRG Controlling VARI-LITE Equipment Using DMX 512 - Manual (Page 104)

DMX512 R EFERENCE G UIDE
9 6 02.3004.0300.54
I checked my cable, but I still get flickering lights.
Check each DMX512 device for termination. Only the last device on any DMX512 line must be termi-
nated. Over termination in your system can cause bad signal to reach the lights and dimmers causing
them to flicker.
I checked for termination, but my lights still flicker.
Check your DMX512 network. DMX512 signal is best run as a "daisy chain" from one device to
another. If your system is sufficiently large, or your luminaires are spread out over a considerable
distance, you may be using an splitter (or opto-isolator) to safely create a "star pattern" of isolated
DMX512 runs. Again, be sure to terminate the last device on any DMX512 run. A splitter can
eliminate ground loop problems that may cause flickering.
My network is good, but I still have problems.
Try replacing each DMX512 cable one at a time to see if there is a bad cable in your system.
My network is good, but my lights still flicker.
Use a DMX512 tool (DMX512’ster, GAM Check or equivalent) to monitor the output of your console.
If the data coming from the console is bad, the entire system may flicker.
I’m using timing channels in Extended Mode and my lights are moving in a jerky and erratic
manner.
Ensure that you are not sending both timing channel values and console cue time to the Smart Repeater
units. The software in the Smart Repeater unit can resolve one set timing information or the other, but
not both simultaneously. Check the console manual to find the proper syntax to create a part cue with a
time of zero.
Now that I’ve programmed my whole show using timing channels in Extended Mode, I can’t
"back into" or "skip" a cue for editing without waiting for the timing to complete.
Create a submaster or group of all timing channels for all luminaires at a level of 100%. Enable this
submaster or group before sending the "go back" or "go to cue" command. Don’t forget to clear the
submaster or group before updating the cue. Remember a value of 100% in a timing channel causes
that channel to react to cue timing.
Terminate Here
From Console