Elation Professional 72MKII - Manual (Page 15)

DESIGN LED 72MKII™
©Elation Professional, Los Angeles Ca. 14 www.ElationLighting.com
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
72MKII™ can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol. The Design LED 72MKII™ is a fixture
that can operate in 3, 4, 6, or 15 DMX channels (see page 21 for the different DMX traits).
The DMX address is set electronically using the controls on the LED menu.
Cable Requirements: This fixture is designed with special cables for both DMX and power.
These cables are specifically designed to maintain the integrity of the IP rating. When using
this fixture outdoors be sure to ONLY use the Elation cables that have been manufactured to
meet the IP rating.
“First” DMX Cables - Special DMX “First” cables may be purchased from Elation to provide
a means of data communication with standard DMX fixtures for indoor use. These cables will
come with the IP rated twist lock connector on one end and either a 3-pin XLR male or
female connector on the other depending on model. Be sure to only use these cables for
intergrading this fixture in a standard DMX chain.