7 DMX basics and addressing
This chapter contains basic information about data transmission via DMX protocol and data for
addressing the spotlights.
DMX signals are generated by a DMX controller and transmitted to the connected devices
using a DMX cable. Up to 512 channels per connection can be transmitted, with a value
between 0 and 255 is transmitted for each channel. The 512 channels form a so-called ‘DMX
universe’.
DMX devices are wired in series, i.e., a transmitting unit sends out signals to all connected
receivers. The receiver arrangement in the device chain can be chosen arbitrarily, since all
devices lter and process the relevant data independently.
To form a serial device chain, the DMX input of the rst receiver is to be connected to the DMX
output of the controller or other DMX master unit. The output of the rst receiver then has to
be connected to the input of the second and so on. The output of the last receiver in a DMX
chain must be terminated with a resistor (110 Ω, ¼ W).
Signal transmission
Wiring
DMX basics and addressing
16
Rainbow Rider DMX
DMX controller