PRG Controlling VARI-LITE Equipment Using DMX 512 - Manual (Page 60)

DMX512 R EFERENCE G UIDE
5 2 02.3004.0300.54
Data Cables
Smart Repeater and DMX200 units are equipped with 5-pin XLR connectors for DATA IN and DATA
THRU (out) applications. DATA IN requires a 5-pin, female XLR connector and DATA THRU
requires a 5-pin, male XLR connector. When purchasing or constructing data cables, it is important
that not only the correct cable type be used, but also quality cable to ensure a reliable DMX512 system.
Your cabling should meet the following USITT DMX512 specification requirements:
•
Suitable for use with EIA485 (RS485) operation at 250k baud.
• Characteristic impedance 85-150 ohms, nominally 120 ohms.
• Low capacitance.
• Two twisted pairs.
• Foil and braid shielded.
• 24 AWG min. gauge for runs up to 1000 feet (300m).
• 22 AWG min. gauge for runs up to 1640 feet (500m).
Note: Microphone type cables and other general purpose, two-core audio or signal cables are not
suitable for use with DMX512.
Refer to the USITT Recommended Practice for DMX512 guide for additional information regarding
DMX512 systems. How to obtain a copy is detailed in
"Additional Documentation" on page 1 .
The XLR 5-pin connectors should be wired as follows:
Pin/Wire Code to XLR Connectors
Data Thru
Cable Pinout
Male Conn
Pin 1
Foil &
Braided
Shield
Pin 2
1st
conductor
of 1st
twisted
pair
Data (-)
Pin 3
2nd
conductor
of 1st
twisted
pair
Data (+)
Pin 4
1st
conductor
of 2nd
twisted
pair
Data (-)
Pin 5
2nd
conductor
of 2nd
twisted
pair
Data (+)
Data In
Cable Pinout
Female Conn
1
2
3
4
5 1
2
3
4
5