High End Systems DL1 - Manual (Page 27)

DL.1 User Manual Setup and Configuration 2-7
2
Linking the Fixtures
DL.1 fixtures can be linked to other fixtures on a standard DMX 512 link and then be
controlled by a DMX controller.
The number of fixtures on a link will be determined by the combined number of
channels required by all the fixtures. The DL.1 fixture requires 11 channels on a
DMX 512 link.
Note: When connecting more than 32 fixtures to a link, use a DMX splitter. The 32
device limit complies with the EIA-485 standard. Connecting more than 32
devices per link without a DMX splitter will eventually deteriorate the digital
signal.
Controllers, serial data distributors, data line optoisolators, and any fixtures
using the RS-422 DMX standard of serial communications (including
Dataflash
®
AF1000 xenon strobes, and Intellabeam
®
fixtures) block
software uploads, crossloads, or TalkBack™ protocol on a link. Therefore,
make sure to either put all of these devices after the DL.1 fixture on the link,
or bypass these devices when performing software uploads or crossloads.
Data Cabling and Connectors
To link one or more fixtures to a controller and/or to each other, obtain data cabling.
Cabling can be purchased from High End Systems or constructed.
High End Systems recommends data-grade cable. Data-grade cable is designed to
carry a high-quality signal with less susceptibility to electromagnetic interference.
DMX Data Cables
Use Belden ® 9842 or equivalent (meets specifications for EIA RS-485 applications)
data cables with the following characteristics:
• Two twisted pairs (4-conductors) plus a shield
• Maximum capacitance between conductors: <15 pF/ft.
• Maximum capacitance between conductor and shield: 55 pF/ft.
• Maximum resistance: 20 /1000 ft.
• Nominal impedance: 120
Cable Connectors
The DL.1 fixture accepts 5-pin XLR cable connectors. Cabling must have a male XLR
connector on one end of the cable and a female XLR connector on the other end.
Pin one is the common (cable shield), pin two is the data complement (negative), pin
three is the data true (positive). Pins four and five are not used, but they allow a
secondary data link to pass through the fixture, (see Figure 2-5). Test each cable