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Scorpion™ Storm FXGB User Manual 18 12/12/2011
5. APPENDIX
DMX Primer
There are 512 channels in a DMX connection. Channels may be assigned in any manner. A fixture
capable of receiving DMX will require one or a number of sequential channels. The user must
assign a starting address on the fixture that indicates the first channel reserved in the controller.
There are many different types of DMX controllable fixtures and they all may vary in the total
number of channels required. Choosing a start address should be planned in advance. Channels
should never overlap. If they do, this will result in erratic operation of the fixtures whose starting
address is set incorrectly. You can however, control multiple fixtures of the same type using the
same starting address as long as the intended result is that of unison movement or operation. In
other words, the fixtures will be slaved together and all respond exactly the same.
DMX fixtures are designed to receive data through a serial Daisy Chain. A Daisy Chain connection
is where the DATA OUT of one fixture connects to the DATA IN of the next fixture. The order in
which the fixtures are connected is not important and has no effect on how a controller
communicates to each fixture. Use an order that provides for the easiest and most direct cabling.
Connect fixtures using shielded two conductor twisted pair cable with three pin XLR male to female
connectors. The shield connection is pin 1, while pin 2 is Data Negative (S-) and pin 3 is Data
positive (S+). CHAUVET carries 3-pin XLR DMX compliant cables, DMX-10 (33’), DMX-4.5 (15’)
and DMX-1.5 (5’)