ADJ Products, LLC - www.adj.com - 5PX Hex/5PX Hex Pearl User Manual Page 8
5PX Hex/5PX Hex Pearl DMX Set Up
DMX-512: DMX is short for Digital Multiplex. This is a universal protocol used as a form of communication
between intelligent fixtures and controllers. A DMX controller sends DMX data instructions from
the controller to the fixture. DMX data is sent as serial data that travels from fixture to fixture via the
DATA “IN” and DATA “OUT” XLR terminals located on all DMX fixtures (most controllers only have a
DATA “OUT” terminal).
DMX Linking: DMX is a language allowing all makes and models of dierent manufactures to be
linked together and operate from a single controller, as long as all xtures and the controller are DMX
compliant. To ensure proper DMX data transmission, when using several DMX fixtures try to use
the shortest cable path possible. The order in which fixtures are connected in a DMX line does not
influence the DMX addressing. For example; a fixture assigned a DMX address of 1 may be placed
anywhere in a DMX line, at the beginning, at the end, or anywhere in the middle. When a fixture is
assigned a DMX address of 1, the DMX controller knows to send DATA assigned to address 1 to that
unit, no matter where it is located in the DMX chain.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements (For DMX Operation): The 5PX Hex/5PX Hex Pearl can be
controlled via DMX-512 protocol. The 5PX Hex/5PX Hex Pearl have 4 DMX channel modes. The DMX
address is set on the back panel of the 5PX Hex/5PX Hex Pearl. Your unit and your DMX controller
require a standard 3-pin XLR connector for data input and data output (Figure 1). We recommend Accu-
Cable DMX cables. If you are making your own cables, be sure to use standard
110-120 Ohm shielded cable (This cable may be purchased at almost all pro light-
ing stores). Your cables should be made with a male and female XLR connector
on either end of the cable. Also remember that DMX cable must be daisy chained
and cannot be split.
Figure 1
Notice: Be sure to follow gures two and three when making your own cables. Do not use the ground
lug on the XLR connector. Do not connect the cable’s shield conductor to the ground lug or allow the
shield conductor to come in contact with the XLR’s outer casing. Grounding the shield could cause a
short circuit and erratic behavior.
DMX512 IN
3-PIN XLR
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT OUTPUT
SOUND
REMOTE
CONTROL
INPUT
POWER
INPUT OUTPUT
DMX512
DMX+,DMX-,COMMON
1
2
3
Termination reduces signal errors and
avoids signal transmission problems
and interference. It is always advisable
to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-)
and PIN 3 (DMX +) of the last fixture.
1
2
3
1
2
3
DMX +
DMX -
COMMON
DMX512 OT
3-PIN XLR
Figure 2
Figure 3
1 Ground 1 Ground
XLR Male Socket XLR Pin Conguration
3 Hot
2 Cold 2 Cold
3 Hot
XLR Female Socket
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
Pin 1 = Ground
