PDF User Manual

  1. Home
  2. Manuals
  3. Techni-Lux DL-PAR64C183/B Manual

Techni-Lux DL-PAR64C183/B Manual

DL-PAR64C183/P

Made by: Techni-Lux
Type: Manual
Category: Flood Light
Pages: 13
Size: 2.22 MB

 

Download PDF User Manual



Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual



background image

 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Information specifically for:

 

 

 

DL-PAR64C183/B - Black 

 

DL-PAR64C183/P - Polished 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V1 

This manual contains important information.

Please read before operating fixture.

 


background image

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

 
 

Save original packing and documentation for warranty, service and return issues

 
 
Limited Warranty: This warranty covers defects or malfunctions in this equipment.  This warranty lasts 
for a period of one year from date of purchase.  It is the owner’s responsibility to provide invoices for 
proof of purchase,  purchase  date and dealer or distributor.  If purchase date can not be provided, 
warranty period will start at manufacture date.  It is the sole discretion of Techni-Lux to repair or replace 
parts or equipment.   All shipping will be paid by purchaser.  This warranty does not cover lamps, fuses, 
belts, power semiconductors, relays, cleaning, standard maintenance adjustments or normal wear items 
or any problem resulting from the following: improper wiring, incorrect voltage (including low or over 
voltage conditions and lightning), abuse, misuse, improper maintenance or an act of God or damage 
resulting from shipping.  Warranty will be null and void if the product is altered, modified, misused, 
damaged, or subjected to unauthorized repairs.  Lamps are covered by relevant manufacturer warranty. 
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to 
state.  Any liability for consequential and incidental damages is expressly disclaimed.  No other warranty, 
expressed or implied is made.  Techni-Lux liability in all events is limited to, and shall not exceed, the 
purchase price paid. 
 
Returning equipment and Repairs:  All returns must be accompanied by a Return  Merchandise 
Authorization (RMA) number and sent pre-paid.  Contact the dealer or Techni-Lux directly to obtain an 
RMA.  The RMA number must be clearly listed on the shipping label.  Due care must be exercised in 
packing all merchandise to be returned.  All repairs must be accompanied by a written explanation of the 
claimed problem or error encountered.  Techni-Lux is solely responsible for determining  a product’s 
eligibility for coverage under  warranty.  If returning for consideration of credit, all accessories and 
documentation, original protective material and cartons must be included and the equipment, packing 
and carton  must be in new  resalable condition. Credit for returned merchandise will be issued at the 
lowest current price and is subject to a  restocking fee.  No returns accepted on discontinued items.  
Techni-Lux is not responsible for merchandise damaged in transit and reserves the right to refuse any 
return that is damaged by the carrier, not accompanied by a Return Authorization Number (RMA#) or 
sent by freight collect.   
 
Claims:  All claims must be made within seven (7) days of receipt of merchandise.  Any physical damage 
must be reported to carrier upon receipt of merchandise. 
 
 

Please record the following information for future reference: 
Model Number (circle):  

DL-PAR64C183/B or DL-PAR64C183/P 

 

Serial Number: ________________________________________ 

 

Dealer: ______________________________________________ 

 

Date of Purchase: ______________________________________ 

 
 

www.Techni-Lux.com

 

 
 

 


background image

 

Table of Contents 

 

Specifications............................................................................................................................. 4

 

Unpacking................................................................................................................................... 5

 

Power .......................................................................................................................................... 5

 

Mounting..................................................................................................................................... 5

 

Basic Reference ......................................................................................................................... 6

 

Setup and Operation Modes (LED Display) ............................................................................. 6

 

Mode 1: Static Color Selection ................................................................................................. 7

 

Mode 2: Color Change Jump/Stepped ..................................................................................... 7

 

Mode 3: Color Fade.................................................................................................................. 7

 

Mode 4: Sound Active .............................................................................................................. 7

 

Mode 5: Slave .......................................................................................................................... 7

 

Mode 6: DMX ........................................................................................................................... 7

 

DMX-512 Control ........................................................................................................................ 8

 

DMX Data Connection.............................................................................................................. 8

 

Data Terminator ....................................................................................................................... 8

 

Adapter 5-to-3 pin..................................................................................................................... 8

 

DMX Start Address................................................................................................................... 9

 

DMX Channel Assignment ........................................................................................................ 9

 

CH 1  : Master Dimmer............................................................................................................. 9

 

CH 2   : Red.............................................................................................................................. 9

 

CH 3   : Green ........................................................................................................................ 10

 

CH 4   : Blue ........................................................................................................................... 10

 

CH 5   : Color Macro/Scroll..................................................................................................... 10

 

CH 6   : Shutter....................................................................................................................... 11

 

Maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 12

 

Accessory Items (sold separately) ......................................................................................... 12

 

Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................... 13

 

DMX-512 Background.............................................................................................................. 13

 

 

 


background image

 

Specifications 

 

Fixture Overview  

  RGB color mixing with intensity and strobe effects 

  183 total ultra bright 10mm LEDs: 60 red, 60 green, 63 blue 

  Beam Angle – 15° 

  Light Weight Aluminum Housing 

  7 Operating modes: DMX, Static Color, Color Changing, Color Fading, Sound Active, 

 Master/Slave  

  Precise DMX control  using  6 channels 

  Static color mode with 7 color standards: red, green, blue, purple, yellow, cyan, white 

  Three frame holding clips plus 4th spring loaded clip with 10” filter frame 

  Digital LED display menu for settings 

  Dual yoke for floor or hang mounting 

  ½” Clamp mounting hole 

 

Physical  

Color   

 

 

Black or Polished 

Size   

 

 

13” x 11.25” x 10.6” 

Weight 

 

 

5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) 

Housing Material 

 

Aluminum 

 

Environmental 

Location 

 

 

 

 

 

Indoor 

Max. ambient temperature  

 

 

105°F (40°C) 

Min. distance to flammable surface 

 

3.3ft (1m) 

Min. distance to illuminated surface 

 

1ft (0.3m) 

 

Electrical 

Voltage 

 

 

110-240vAC, 50-60Hz 

Rated Power  

 

30W 

Fuses  

 

 

0.5 amp mini size: 5x20mm  

 

Control 

Digital Protocol 

 

USITT DMX512 (1990) 

Channels 

 

 

6  

Data I/O 

 

 

3 Pin XLR (Cannon) 

Modes 

 

 

DMX512 or Stand-Alone 

 

Optics 

Light Source  

 

183 High Output 10mm LED Elements 

Beam Angle   

 

15° 

 

Rigging 

Orientation   

 

Any 

Mounting Points 

 

Adjustable yoke with 1/2” (13mm) mounting hole 

 


background image

 

Unpacking 

Immediately upon receipt, carefully unpack and inspect the  fixture to verify that all parts are 
present and have been received in good condition.  If any parts appear damaged from shipping 
or the shipping carton shows signs of mishandling,  notify the shipper immediately.  Retain 
carton and  all  packing material for inspection.  In the event that  the  merchandise  is to be 
returned, the original carton and packing must be used.  The customer will be billed for a new 
carton and packing if merchandise is received without the original carton and packing. 
 

Claims 

Physical damage must be reported to the  Freight Carrier or Shipping Company upon 
receipt of merchandise.  Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the Freight 
Carrier or Shipping Company.  It is the customer’s  obligation in the event that 
merchandise is  received  damaged,  to notify the  Freight Carrier or Shipping Company 
immediately.  All other claims  not related to damage  incurred during shipping must be 
made to the Dealer or Distributor within 7 days of receiving merchandise.  

 

Returns 

Returned merchandise must be  in the original packing  with  a Return Merchandise 
Authorization number (RMA) clearly listed on the shipping label.    Items sent by Freight 
Collect or without a RMA number will be refused.   Call your sales person and request a 
RMA prior to shipping.  Be prepared to provide the model number, serial number and 
description of the nature of the return.  Shipping damage resulting from inadequate 
packaging is the customer’s responsibility.  Customer will be charged additional shipping 
charges to return products received in non original packing and or cartons. 

 
 

Power 

 

Do not apply power to the fixture until power source is verified. 

 

For protection against electric shock, fixture must be connected to suitable earth ground. 
Make sure fixture is disconnected from power mains before any service. 

 
This fixture automatically adjusts to mains voltage and frequency 100-240vac 50/60Hz.  The 
listed power rating is its average wattage under normal conditions. All fixtures must be powered 
directly from a switched circuit.  This fixture cannot be run on a rheostat or dimmer circuit even 
if used solely for a 0% to 100% switching.  Before applying power to a fixture, check that the 
fixture’s input voltage matches the power source voltage.  Consult a qualified electrician if there 
are any concerns about proper connection to power. 
 
 

Mounting 

Always consult a qualified professional when rigging.  Consider access for routine maintenance 
when selecting a mounting position. This fixture may be mounted in any position provided there 
is adequate room for movement and ventilation.  Mount the fixture securely using a mounting 
clamp and a safety cable.  This fixture features dual yokes making it useful for floor standing at 
different angles. Always keep cords out of the way, thus preventing any trip hazards. Secure all 
cables properly. Do not mount where the fixture will be exposed to rain, high humidity, extreme 
temperature changes or restricted ventilation.  Do not obstruct any vents. 

 


background image

 

Basic Reference 

 
 
Digital LED Segment    

Fuse Holder 

Display 
 
 
Menu Setting Buttons 
 
 
 
 
 
Female XLR 3-pin Data 

Male XLR 

Output                                 

3-Pin Data 

                                             

Input 

 
 
 
 
 

Setup and Operation Modes (LED Display) 

 

This fixture includes a filter frame.  This frame can be used to hold a gel or filter 
to better assist in controlling your light beam.  By using certain filters, it is 
possible to create different desired lighting effects.  A desired effect might be a 
softer  or diffused  light beam.  This can be achieved by using a frosted gel 
within the provided frame.  Many diffraction materials are available to create 
different beam angles with minimal light output losses.  

 
The following refers to the different modes that are available on this fixture via the LED display. 
Each mode is selectable from the display menu located at the back of the fixture. Modes 1 to 5 
refer to the stand-alone operations that are available.  Modes 1-4 do not require any data line to 
be connected to the fixture to function.  However, Mode 5 and Mode 6 require data cables to be 
used. Mode 6 refers to the DMX controlled operation.   
 

NOTE: When the LED display digit is flashing, you may select this mode and change the 
setting by using the UP/DOWN keys to choose.  After making your choice, press ENTER 
to accept and save your setting.  

 

 
Using the MODE key, press it until you reach the desired mode below. By entering such mode, 
settings can be made to each function within the mode. These function options are explained 
below.  The last two digits are the level or speed of such selected mode. 
 
 
 

 

 

 


background image

 

Mode 1: Static Color Selection 

– Display shows

 

C000

 

The C stands for color. This mode allows user to create a specific static color by allowing you to 
adjust the level of each RGB color independently. By setting different levels of the RED, 
GREEN and BLUE LEDS, you will be able to create millions of color combinations. 

C100

  

RED: level adjustable from 00-99% on the display. 

C200

 

GREEN: level adjustable from 00-99% on the display. 

C300

 

BLUE:  level adjustable from 00-99% on the display. 

CF00

 

STROBE: adjusts the rate of flashing from 00-99% (speed). 

 

Mode 2: Color Change Jump/Stepped 

– Display shows

 

J000

 

Mode 2 allows the user to set the fixture to step (snap) through different colors and at different 
speeds. 

J300

 

RGB: steps through RGB at a speed set from 00-99%. 

J700

 

7 COLOR: steps through 7 standard colors at a speed from 00-99%. 

JF00

 

STROBE: sets the flashing speed from 00-99%. 

 

Mode 3: Color Fade 

– Display shows

 

F000

 

The F stands for Fade. Mode 3 allows the user to set the fixture to fade from one color to the 
next  and at different speeds. 

F300

  

RGB:  fades through RGB at a speed set from 00-99%. 

F700

 

7 COLOR: fades through 7 standard colors at a speed from 00-99%. 

FF00

  

STROBE: sets the flashing speed from 00-99%. 

 

Mode 4: Sound Active 

– Display shows

 

S000

 

Mode 4 uses the internal microphone to advance through the selected option from below.  By 
listening to ambient music, the fixture will make changes at audio peaks.  

S300

  

RGB: steps through RGB at an audio sensitivity level from 00-99%. 

S700

 

7 COLOR: steps through 7 colors at an audio sensitivity level from 00-99%. 

SF00

 

STROBE: sets the flashing speed from 00-99%. 

Mode 5: Slave 

– Display shows

 

Slav

 

This mode puts the unit in DATA “listen” mode.  The fixture waits for DATA to come from 
another fixture.  Each unit set to Slave mode responds the same as others in the data chain.  
 

Mode 6: DMX 

– Display shows

 

Addr

 

This mode allows you to control the unit using DMX 512 data.  Use this mode to set your 
starting DMX address for the fixture.  Enter the start address from 1 to 505.  Address 506 to 512 
would not be valid selections since this unit requires 6 channels to operate minimum.  The 
following pages of this user manual explain addressing and DMX in more detail.  
 
 
 

 


background image

 

DMX-512 Control

 

Fixtures require a "Start Address" from 1 to 512, setting the first DMX channel containing data 
for  the fixture (see DMX Background).  Before addressing fixtures, consult the manual of the 
system’s DMX controller to select a desirable addressing scheme.  Valid Start Addresses range 
from 1 to 512.  Fixtures requiring more than one channel for control will read subsequent 
channels up to the total number of channels required.  Since this fixture requires 6 channels of 
DMX, if  set to a Start Address of  7 it would use data from channels: 7 and 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.   
Choose a Start Address so the channels used do not overlap with other fixtures.  In some 
cases, it may be desirable to set two or more same type fixtures to the same Start Address.  In 
this case, the fixtures will be slaved together and respond to the same data.   Because all 
fixtures see the same data, fixtures  may be set to any address without concern for the order 
they are connected by the DMX cables.   
 

DMX Data Connection 

This fixture uses 3 pin XLR type connectors and shielded twisted pair cable approved for EIA-
422/EIA485 use.  Fixtures are connected in Daisy Chain topography:  Connection is made from 
the controller to the DMX-IN of the first light, then from the DMX-OUT to the DMX-IN of the next 
light and so on.  Only one data source can be on a chain and no branching is allowed.  The 
physical order in which the fixtures are connected is not important, use the most convenient.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Data Terminator 

A Data Terminator can be connected to the DMX-OUT of the last fixture 
to reduce the effects of signal noise; it is not required for all installations. 
To make a Terminator, connect a 120-ohm ¼ watt resistor across pin 2, 
Data Negative (S-) and pin 3, Data positive (S+). A qualified technician 
can determine if a Data Terminator is needed. 

 

Adapter

 

5-to-3 pin 

Systems using 5 pin DMX interfaces can be accommodated by purchasing 3-to-5 pin 
adapters or building adapter cables.  Numbers designating each pin can be found on 
connectors.  Converting between the two XLR types is done in a pin-to-pin fashion.   
Connect the shields to pin 1, then connect pin 2 to pin 2 and pin 3 to pin 3, regardless of 
either connector’s gender or pin count.  No connection is made to Pins 4 & 5. 
 
 

DMX-OUT

1

- Ground

- Signal (-)

- Signal (+)

XLR Connector - Socket:

 

DMX-IN



- Ground
- Signal (-)
- Signal (+)

XLR Connector - Plug:

5 Pin 

 XLR (Plug)

Pin 1: GND(Sheild)

Pin 2: Signal(-)

Pin 3: Signal(+)

Pin 4: N/C

Pin 5: N/C

3 XLR (S

)

Pin 1: GND(Sheild)

Pin 2: Signal(-)
Pin 3: Signal(+)

Pin ocket

5 Pin XLR (Socket)

Pin 1: GND(Sheild)
Pin 2: Signal(-)

Pin 3: Signal(+)

Pin 4: N/C

Pin 5: N/C

3  XLR (Plug)

Pin 1: GND(Sheild)

Pin 2: Signal(-)
Pin 3: Signal(+)

Pin

 


background image

 

DMX Start Address 

To place the fixture in DMX mode,  press the mode key until Addr is displayed. Press 
enter and using the Up/Down buttons, set the start address number for this particular unit 
in the DMX chain. Once selected, press ENTER again to save your selection.  More than 
one fixture may have the same start address, but they will behave the same. Giving a 
unique start address that does not overlap with any other units allows you to individually 
control that fixture’s features fully. Never allow channels to overlap.  

 
 

Example

 

Select Start Addresses for 4 fixtures each requiring 6 channels of DMX.

 

For this example, start with the first unit set to the first possible Start Address = 

1

.  This fixture 

occupies DMX channels 1 thru 6.  The next DMX channel available for a Start Address is found 
by adding the previous fixture’s Start Address to its channel requirement: 1+6=

7

.  To maximize 

channel usage, we will leave no empty channels between fixtures so the second Start Address is 
set to DMX channel 7 and that fixture occupies channels 7 thru 12.  The  third  fixture will be 
addressed 7+6=

13

 and occupy channels 13 thru 18.  The last fixture is addressed 13+6=

19

 and 

will occupy channels 19 thru 24.  Thus, 4 fixtures using 6 channels each have Start Addresses of 

1, 7, 13

 and 

19

 and the next free channel in the system is 19+6=25.  

 
 

DMX Channel Assignment 

 

Channel  Function 

Master Dimmer (0-255) 

Red (0-255) 

Green (0-255) 

Blue (0-255) 

0-4          No Function 
5-84        Color Macro 
85-169    Color Snap  
170-255  Color Fade  

Strobe (0-255) 

 

 

CH 1  : Master Dimmer 

The Master Dimmer controls the 
actual output level while the 
relative level of each color is set 
by the R, G or B channels or the 
Color Macro/Scroll Channel. 

 
 

CH 2   : Red 

Sets relative intensity of Red.  
Actual value is subject to Master 
Dimmer channels.  The Color 
Macro/Scroll Channel will 
override this channel.  

CH 1 – Master Dimmer 

DMX Value 

Function 

0 – 4 

Black Out 

5-255 

Intensity - Dark to Full Brightness 

CH 2 – Red 

DMX Value 

Function 

0-4 

No Output 

5-255 

Intensity - Off to Full On 

 


background image

 

10 

CH 3   : Green 

Sets relative intensity of Green. 
 Actual value is subject to 
Master Dimmer channels.  The 
Color Macro/Scroll Channel will 
override this channel. 
 

 

CH 4   : Blue 

Sets relative intensity of Blue.  
Actual value is subject to Master 
Dimmer channels.  The Color 
Macro/Scroll Channel will 
override this channel.   
 

 

CH 5   : Color Macro/Scroll 

The Color Macro/Scroll selects between 16 colors and two Color Scroll Modes.  The first 
Color Scroll Mode snaps between colors, the second Color Scroll Mode fades between 
colors. This will override the relative values set by the individual RGB channels 2, 3 & 4. 

 

CH 5 – Color Macro/Scroll 

DMX Value 

Function 

0-4 

No Macro or Scroll 

5-9 

Cool White 

10-14 

Lt. Blue 

15-19 

Blue 

20-24 

Purple 

25-29 

Blue Magenta 

30-34 

Magenta 

35-39 

Hot Pink 

40-44 

Pink 

45-49 

Red 

50-54 

Orange 

55-59 

Yellow 

60-64 

Lime 

65-69 

Lt. Green 

70-74 

Green 

75-79 

Teal 

80-84 

Cyan 

85-89 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 1 (Fastest) 

90-94 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 2 

95-99 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 3 

100-104 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 4 

105-109 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 5 

110-114 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 6 

115-119 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 7 

120-124 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 8 

125-129 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 9 

130-134 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 10 

135-139 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 11 

CH 3 – Green 

DMX Value 

Function 

0-4 

No Output 

5-255 

Intensity - Off to Full On 

CH 4 – Blue 

DMX Value 

Function 

0-4 

No Output 

5-255 

Intensity - Off to Full On 

 


background image

 

11 

140-144 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 12 

145-149 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 13 

150-154 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 14 

155-159 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 15 

160-164 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 16 

165-169 

Color Scroll Snap Speed 17 (Slowest) 

170-174 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 1  (Fastest) 

175-179 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 2 

180-184 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 3 

185-189 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 4 

190-194 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 5 

195-199 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 6 

200-204 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 7 

205-209 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 8 

210-214 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 9 

215-219 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 10 

220-224 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 11 

225-229 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 12 

230-234 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 13 

235-239 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 14 

240-244 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 15 

245-249 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 16 

250-255 

Color Scroll FADE Speed 17 (Slowest) 

 
 

CH 6   : Shutter 

The Shutter functions  in all modes.  The shutter effect will toggle the Master Level 
between Off and its present value. 
 

CH 15 – Shutter 

DMX Value 

Function 

0-4 

No Strobe 

5-255 

Strobe Effect - Slow to Fast 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


background image

 

12 

Maintenance  

Make sure fixture is cool and disconnected from power mains before any service. 

 

 

Weekly operating hours and environmental conditions will establish how often the fixtures need 
cleaning.  Fixtures should be cleaned and inspected at least once a month to maintain optimum 
performance.  Accumulation of dust and fog residue increases heat build up, can lead to 
malfunctions, overheating and reduction in maximum light output, reduced fixture life and over 
all performance.  Before conducting any maintenance, disconnect fixture from power mains.   
  
1) Disconnect fixture from power mains. 
2) Use a vacuum with a soft brush to remove dust collected on external vents and internal 
components.  If using an air compressor, use low pressures and extreme care to prevent 
damaging any internal parts or effects. 
4) Clean all optical elements when the fixture is cold.  Use a soft lint free cotton cloth or tissue 
and cleaner safe for plastics.  
5) Inspect clamps and safety cables to ensure fixture is secure and safe. 
 
 

Accessory Items 

(sold separately)

 

 

Order Code 

Description 

CLAMP-C 

Medium Duty C-Clamp 

CLAMP-MEGA/B 

Mega Heavy Duty Aluminum Clamp 

CLAMP-MINI/P 

Mini Clamp Polished for 3/4"-2" 

CLAMP-MINI/B 

Mini Clamp Black for 3/4"-2" 

CLAMP-CBHALF/N 

Half Cheeseborough Coupler Narrow 300kg Max Load 

 

 

SAFETYCABLE18B 

Safety Cable Black 18” 

SAFETYCABLE18S 

Safety Cable Silver 18” 

 

 

CA-XLR3/1 

Pre-made 1’  3-pin XLR Cable 

CA-XLR3/5 

Pre-made 5’  3-pin XLR Cable 

CA-XLR3/10 

Pre-made 10’ 3-pin XLR Cable 

CA-XLR3/25 

Pre-made 25’ 3-pin XLR Cable 

CA-XLR3/50 

Pre-made 50’ 3-pin XLR Cable 

CA-XLR3/100 

Pre-made 100’ 3-pin XLR Cable 

 

 

CO-XLR3M   

XLR Connector 3-pin Male 

CO-XLR3F 

XLR Connector 3-pin Female 

CO-XLR5M   

XLR Connector 5-pin Male 

CO-XLR5F 

XLR Connector 5-pin Female 

 

 

CO-XLRTERM3 

XLR 3 Pin Data Terminator 

 

 

CO-XLR3MTO5F 

XLR 3 Pin Male to 5 Pin Female Adapter 

CO-XLR5MTO3F 

XLR 5 Pin Male to 3 Pin Female Adapter 

 


background image

 

13 

Troubleshooting 

Symptom 

Possible Cause / Solution 

Check for power on mains 

No Power 

Check main fuse and fuse holder 
Check data cables: connection and proper wiring  
Check Display settings 

Erratic / No response to DMX 

Check Start Address 
Check Start Address 
Check for overlapping addresses 
Check Menu settings 

Incorrectly responds to DMX 
(Diagnostic technique for DMX issues: Set 
suspect fixture’s Start Address the same as a 
correctly functioning fixture. If both units then 
function correctly, issue is programming) 

Check Data cables (faults and proper wiring) 

 
 

DMX-512 Background 

DMX-512 is a digital data transmission standard developed by the United States Institute for Theater Technology 
(USITT).  It is designed to enable control of lighting equipment.  DMX deals solely with the formatting of data for 
transmission and does not dictate how the data is created or used. 
 
Under DMX, signals are transmitted in much the same way a computer modem transmits data.  The Data, divided 
into channels, is "Framed" using a start bit, high (1), eight data bits and finally, two stop bits, both high (1). DMX 
uses no parity to check the integrity of the signal.  Instead, DMX relies on the ultra low probability of an error 
occurring in the same place when the data is resent.  The rate at which data is sent is fixed at 250k bps, almost four 
and a half times faster that a 56k modem.   This speed allows all data on a DMX chain to be updated more than 44 
times every second. 
 
The transmitted data follows a specific format. DMX allows for 512 channels each with eight data bits, giving each 
channel the possibility of 256 values.  When a data "Packet" is sent, all channels are transmitted one after another.  
Even if the data on a specific channel has not been changed, it must be sent.  In a packet, a "start code" of all zeros 
is sent before the data to identify the signal as a Standard DMX transmission.  This start code is transparent to the 
user and is handled by the controller. 
 
The physical signals are transmitted using a twisted pair of wires and a common shield, a configuration called 
Balanced.  The controller and all receiving equipment are connected using a “Daisy Chain" connection.  The signal 
is jumped from the controller to a piece of DMX equipment.  From there, the signal is jumped to the next piece of 
equipment and so on until the last piece of equipment is connected.  No branches are allowed and the signal does 
not come back to the controller.  The final piece of equipment will have only one cable connection.  As a result, all 
equipment connected to  the  chain will see exactly the same signal whether it is first or last.  When connecting 
equipment, no particular attention needs to be paid to the order in which the equipment is connected.  Depending on 
the conditions and equipment, a line terminator may be required.  If there is any question, in most circumstances the 
addition of a terminator will not degrade the signal.  To make a terminator, attach a 120-ohm resistor between the 
Signal Data Negative and Signal Data Positive pins of a connector in the last piece of equipment in the chain. 
 
The DMX Standard uses 5 pin XLR connectors.  However, it is common to see 
fixtures with 3 pin XLR connectors as these types of balanced or “Lo-Z” cables 
are common in the audio industry.  In either case, pin numbers are the same and 
carry the same signals.  
 
 

 
 
10900 Palmbay Drive • Orlando, FL 32824 U.S.A. 
www.techni-lux.com 

Pin 

Connection 

Common (Shield) 

Data Negative (S- or Cold) 

Data Positive (S+ or Hot) 

n/c (not used) 

n/c (not used)