American DJ myDMX User manual

USER MANUAL - VERSION 1.0
© American DJ ®
Los Angeles, CA 90040 USA • www.americandj.com
Kerkrade, Netherlands • www.americandj.eu

1. General Information......................................................................................................... ..3
2. Installation...........................................................................................................................8
3. Getting Started..................................................................................................................10
4. Fixture Profiles..................................................................................................................11
5. List View........................................................................................................................... 14
6. Scenes..............................................................................................................................15
7. Triggering....................... ..................................................................................................17
8. Playback.................. ........................................................................................................ 19
9. Color Manager.................................................................................................................. 20
10. Effects Manager...............................................................................................................21
11. 3D Visualizer....................................................................................................................27
12. Appendix..........................................................................................................................35
13. Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................40
Page 2
MyDMX V1.0 Table of Contents

1. General Information
Thank You for Purchasing myDMX.
Customer Service
Thank you for your purchasing the American DJ myDMX PC control system. Please read the instructions
in this manual carefully and thoroughly before attempting to operate this unit. These instructions contain
important information regarding safety during use and maintenance. Please fill out and return the enclose
Warranty card to validate your purchase.
American DJ provides a toll free customer support line, to provide set up help and to answer any question
should you encounter problems during your set up or initial operation. You may also visit us on the web at
for any comments or suggestions.
All returned service items whether under warranty or not, must be freight pre-paid and accompany a
Return Authorization (RA) number. The RA number must be clearly written on the outside of the return
package. Items returned without a RA number clearly marked on the outside of the package will be refused
and returned at customer’s expense. You may obtain a RA number by contacting customer service.
A brief description of the problem as well as the RA number must be written down on a piece of paper and
included in the shipping container. If the unit is under warranty, you must also provide a copy of your proof
of purchase invoice.
Customer Service hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Toll Free: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Information:
Sales:
Support:
Forum:
www.americandj.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
forums.americandj.com/eve
MyDMX V1.0
Page 3
Support

1-Year Limited Warranty
American DJ® hereby warrants, to the original purchaser,American DJ® products to be free of
manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 Year (365 days) on all internal parts,
components and labor from the date of purchase. This warranty shall be valid only if the product is
purchased within the United States of America, including possessions and territories. It is the owner’s
responsibility to establish the date and place of purchase by acceptable evidence, at the time service is
sought. For warranty service, send the product only to the American DJ factory. All shipping charges must
be prepaid. If the requested repairs or service (including parts replacement) are within the terms of this
warranty, American DJ will pay return shipping charges only to a designated point within the United States
except Hawaii or Alaska. If the entire instrument is sent, it must be shipped in its original Package. No
accessories should be shipped with the product. If any accessories are shipped with the Product, American
DJ shall have no liability whatsoever for loss of or damage to any such accessories,nor for the safe return
thereof.
This warranty is void if:
• The serial number has been altered or removed
• The product is modified in any manner which American DJ concludes, after inspection, affects the
reliability of the product
• The product has been repaired or serviced by anyone other than the American DJ factory unless
prior written authorization was issued to purchaser by American DJ
• The product is damaged because not properly maintained as set forth in the instruction
Manual.
This is not a service contract, and this warranty does not include maintenance, cleaning or periodic
check-up. During the period specified above, American DJ will replace defective parts at its expense,
And will absorb all expenses for warranty service and repair labor by reason of defects in material or
workmanship. The sole responsibility of American DJ under this warranty shall be limited to the repair of
the product, or replacement thereof, including parts, at the sole discretion of American DJ. All products
covered by this warranty were manufactured after January 1, 1990, and bear identifying marks to that
Effect.
American DJ reserves the right to make changes in design and/or improvements upon its products
Without any obligation to include these changes in any products manufactured thereafter.
No warranty, whether expressed or implied, is given or made with respect to any accessory supplied
with products described above. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, all implied
warranties made by American DJ in connection with this product, including warranties of merchantability
or fitness, are limited in duration to the warranty period set forth above. And no warranties, whether
expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness, shall apply to this product after
said period has expired. The consumer’s and or Dealer’s sole remedy shall be such repair or replacement
as is expressly provided above; and under no circumstances shall American DJ be liable for any loss or
damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use of, or inability to use, this product.
This warranty is the only written warranty applicable to American DJ Products and supersedes all prior
warranties and written descriptions of warranty terms and conditions heretofore published.
MyDMX V1.0 Support
Page 4

Page 5
MyDMX V1.0 General Information
Safety
The following safety information relates to the myDMX System. Please read each item carefully to ensure
you fully understand them.
To prevent the risk of electrical shock, do not open this unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside this
unit. Do not attempt any repairs yourself. Doing so will void your manufactures warranty. Should your unit
require service, please contact your nearest American DJ dealer or American DJ Customer Service.
To prevent or reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Do not
remove the plug ground pin or connect to an ungrounded circuit.
This unit is not designed for use by persons under the age of 12. Use only under adult supervision.
Turn off the power if not using this unit for a long time.

Page 6
MyDMX V1.0 General Information
Abbreviations
The following abbreviations may be used throughout this manual.
– ompact isc
– igital ultiple
– ega yte
– ersonal omputer
– eturn uthorization
– niversal erial us
– 3-pin Cannon connector, with atch and ubber guard
CD C D
DMX D M x
Mb M b
PC P C
RA R A
USB U S B
XLR X L R

MyDMX V1.0 Introduction
Page 7
Introduction
myDMX Description
MyDMX was developed to be the simplest, PC based, DMX lighting control solution available in the
market today. The myDMX software is capable of controlling any type of DMX512 device through a
rugged DMX interface. A USB port on the interface provides for PC connection using the included USB
cable and a 3-pin DMX OUT connection for a standard 3 pin DMX cable. The DMX OUT provides
connection to DMX fixtures for playback operation. The software includes a vivid, user friendly display
which can be managed by a DMX novice. The software setup, programming of scenes and scene
playback is made simple by three easy to follow work tabs. Scenes can be programmed, renamed and
arranged as desired. MyDMX is also compatible with all midi controllers. Fixture channels and scenes
can be assigned and controlled through a midi controllers fader, potenciometer or button. This makes it
possible to control your entire light show externally. A 3D visualizer is included so you can set up your
own truss configuration and light shows then view them during playback. The 3D visualizer also gives
you the ability to program offline so when you get to your gig, you’re ready to go.
This manual is Copyright © 2008 American DJ Supply. All rights reserved. No part of the manual
included
with this product can be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, for any purpose without
prior written authorized permission.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change at any time and without notice. Please contact
American DJ Customer Service or visit for the latest manual revisions.www.americandj.com
Minimum System Requirements
32Mb RAM video card to use the 3D visualizer supporting Microsoft DirectX 9.0
Laptop or desktop computer with USB port
Windows ME, XP, or any up to date version
256Mb Memory
800 x 600 screen resolution
800 Mhz clock frequency
Best Performance System Requirements
128Mb RAM video card to use the 3D visualizer supporting Microsoft DirectX 9.0
Laptop or desktop computer with USB port
Windows ME, XP, or any up to date version
512Mb Memory
1280 x1024 screen resolution
1.5GHz clock frequency

MyDMX V1.0 Installation
Page 8
2. Installation
Unpacking Contents
Cabling Requirements
When first opening your myDMX packagae, please ensure that all components are present. The system
Ships with the following components:
• myDMX USB to DMX interface
• USB Cable
• myDMX System Control Software CD
• myDMX User Manual
Upon unpacking, carefully inspect your unit for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. If
damage has occurred, do not plug the unit in. Contact your American DJ dealer as soon as possible.
Do not discard packing carton in the trash. Please recycle when ever possible.
The USB cable provides power to the myDMX interface and should be connected to a USB port on your
PC.
Figure 1
MyDMX
Interface
USB CABLE DMX DATA
CABLE
Computer DMX
Fixture
(NOT INCLUDED)
(NOT INCLUDED) DMX DATA
CABLE
DMX
Fixture
(NOT INCLUDED)
DMX Data cabling should meet the following USITT DMX512 specification requirements such as ACCU
CABLE, DMX cables:
• Low capacitance
• Two twisted pairs
• Foil or braid shielded
• Suitable for use with EIA485 (RS485) operation at 250k baud
• Characteristic impedance 85-150 ohms, nominally 120 ohms
• 24 AWG min. gauge for runs up to 1000 feet (300m)
• 22 AWG min. gauge for runs up to 1640 feet (500m)
Microphone cables and other general purpose, two-conductor audio or signal cables are not suitable for
use with DMX512.

MyDMX V1.0 Installation
USB Driver Installation
Windows will find the driver and will tell you the device is not validated, and will ask if you wish to
continue. Although Microsoft does not have a numerical registry for this driver, there is no risk of
incompatibility. Click "Continue Anyway".
Page 9
1. Insert the myDMX Software CD into a CD drive on PC.
2. Locate the adj.exe application on the CD and double-click to begin installation.

Keep in mind that the software detects the USB interface when it launches. This means that
you must have the USB interface connected to your computer each time before launching the software.
Otherwise, there will be no communication between the software and the interface. Click “Finish” when
Page 10
MyDMX V1.0 Installation
The wizard has competed the driver installation.

Getting Started
3. Getting started
Software Launch
1. Double click the myDMX desktop icon. Note: if you do not have an interface connected to the PC, the
Page 11
MyDMX V1.0
Software will launch in “Demo” mode and you will not be able to control any fixtures. If an interface is
Connected thereafter, the software will not recognize it. If this happens, you must close the myDMX
Program, connect the interface USB cable to the computer then re-launch the software.
There is no DMX output when the software is launched in this mode.
myDMX interface is connected and DMX signal should be present.

Set Up
4. Fixture Profiles
Adding Lighting Fixtures
Page 12
MyDMX V1.0
The myDMX software includes thousands of pre-created fixture profiles from most brands available in the
market today. The fixture profiles include detailed channel information that allow for proper and precise
control of your lighting fixtures. Profiles are created using the Scan Library Editor program which is
included with the myDMX software package. on a regular basis. However, you may use the Scan Library
Editor should you feel the need to edit an existing profile or create a new fixture profile not yet available.
American DJ will do its best to create and post new fixture
profiles to the American DJ, myDMX webpage
Use the ScanLibrary menu on the upper left of the Set Up screen to select the fixture or fixtures that
you wish to control.
1. Locate the manufacture folder by using the scroll bar on the right and left click the plus sign next to the
folder to access the available fixture profile list.
2. Left click the fixture name once which should now be highlighted in blue.
3. Select the starting DMX channel that you want your fixture or fixture group assigned to in the
“First DMX channel” section.
4. Define the number of fixtures that you want to add by typing in or selecting the quantity from the
drop down tab in the “Number of fixtures” section.
5. If you wish to create a matrix of selected fixtures, left click the “Matrix” button and enter the # x #
information for your matrix. This feature is most commonly use with RGB LED walls. Continue on to
step 6 to finish adding your fixture.
Note: if you cannot see these options which should be located below the fixture folders, find the
scroll bar on the right and scroll down to access them.

Set UpMyDMX V1.0
Page 13
6. Enter a starting Index number that you wish to assign to your fixtures. The Index number is simply
a number that will automatically be assigned to each fixture to make it easier for you to recognize it
during the programming process. For example, if the Index # is set to 1, and (4) Accu Scan 250
fixtures are added, the index numbers will display as “accu scan 250. , accu scan 250. ,
accu scan 250. and accu scan 250. ... See diagram below. 1 2 3 4
7. Left click the “Patch” button to add the fixtures. Like the picture shows above, your fixtures will
automatically be added to the grid. To add additional fixtures, repeat steps 1 thru 7.
You can also drag and drop fixture profiles directly from the Scan Library folders onto the DMX grid
like pictured below. If you use this method of adding fixtures, be sure to drop each fixture onto
available DMX channels. Available DMX channels are white boxes with black numbers on them.

Set Up
Page 14
MyDMX V1.0
5. List View
Above the DMX patch area, there is a pull down menu, with the "Grid View" option selected. Change
this to "List View" to access some advanced fixture configuration options.
- Channel Shortcut Keys
- to control channels directly with the computer mouse at any time by holding any key on your
computer keyboard, you can change them at any time by clicking on the corresponding Shortcut area
for each channel.
- Enable Channel Fade
- if not selected, the fade time between 2 steps or scenes will not affect the corresponding channel
(very useful for Gobo channels, for example, where you want only the position to fade slowly, but the
gobos to change quickly)
- Enable Stand Alone Dimmer
- if your interface has internal memory and 3 external buttons, you can press and hold the 3rd button
[arrow] along with either the [+] or [-] buttons to adjust the dimming level
-Invert Pan/Tilt, Swap Pan/Tilt
- each of these options allow you to invert Pan/Tilt control, or swap Pan with Tilt, ONLY when they are
being controlled using the keyboard shortcuts and mouse described above.
These options include the following:

Scenes
Page 15
MyDMX V1.0
6. Scenes
With myDMX, you can create dynamic scenes by storing multiple steps that each include individual fade
and wait times. Fade and wait times can be set between 0 and 43 minutes each. A scene can include up
to 1,000 steps each. The number of loops that a scene plays can also be set followed by the next scene
to be triggered. This allows you to ultimately structure a show so scenes can automatically trigger during
playback. A show can include up to 255 scenes and the number of shows that can be created and saved
is only limited to the memory of your computer.
To create scenes, you must be in the editor screen. Left click the “Editor” tab as pictured below.
Scene Section
· create a new scene
· copy a scene
· delete a scene
· rename a scene
· assign a keyboard hot key (See triggering section on page 17)
· change scene priority position
· play a scene in real time
By default, scenes are always set to continuously loop. You can specify a specific number of loops,
And the scene to trigger when finished.
This section lists all recorded scenes, loop, fade and trigger information for each. It also includes a
toolbar that allows you to do the following:

Scenes
Page 16
MyDMX V1.0
Step Section
The step section displays all of the steps associated with the selected scene. In addition, the selected
scene fade and wait times are also displayed there and can be edited at any time. The steps in this section
can be manually created or automatically created when using the “FX” generator. The functions found in
the toolbar are as follows:
· add a new step
· copy the selected step
· paste step
· delete the selected step
Fixture Channel Fader Section
Various methods can be used to set channel-levels:
· drag channel-fader with the mouse.
· if the channel has been assigned a keyboard shortcut, press key and move the mouse.
· if the channel has presets (e.g. : gobos, colors...), right-click on channel name to make a selection
from a list.
· set several channels simultaneously by pressing "Set levels" button in the Step section.
· if the channel is a color mixing channel, (RGB or CMY), right click to open the Color Manager window.
You can change the DMX levels of multiple channels simultaneously:
· Hold the CTRL key pressed and select the channels (left button of your mouse) you want to use. Hold
The left button pressed on the last selected channel and move your mouse to change the level
· Select a channel, press and hold the SHIFT key and then select a second channel. This will select all
The channels between the first selected and the last one
· Set Levels button
· Left click a specific channel name, press and hold the SHIFT key then move the channel fader of the
Selected channel. Fixtures of the same type channels will simultaneously change.
Each scene includes a number of steps which will fade in sequentially. Each step represents a cue on
all the channels which fade time and wait time are associated with it. For example:
· if you wish to have your lights move in a triangle movement, you will have to create 3 steps and
Specify fade time for each step.
· if you wish to create a static scene, only one step is necessary.

Triggering
Keyboard Triggering
To trigger scenes using hot keys, click the “Trigger” icon which will open the “Trigger - New Scene”
Page 17
MyDMX V1.0
Screen. Type the key that you wish to trigger the selected scene with in the “Key” box. See below.
Midi Triggering
7. Triggering
The Midi trigger function is a powerful tool that allows for LIVE playback of scenes that you’ve programmed
and fixture channel control. Any standard MIDI controller, such as the unit pictured below, can be connected
to your computer and linked to trigger scenes in your myDMX software.
Be sure to connect your MIDI controller to your computer before launching the myDMX program so that
it is recognized by the software. Once you’ve programmed your scenes, it’s simple to assign MIDI
controller faders, potentiometers or buttons to externally trigger them. In addition, fixture channels can
also be assigned and controlled externally via MIDI.

TriggeringMyDMX V1.0
Page 18
From the user screen,
Right click on a scene or channel fader that you wish to assign to the midi controller.
Left click on the “Learn MIDI command...” Prompt.
Move, turn or push a fader, potentiometer or button on the midi controller that you want your relevant
scene or fixture channel assigned to. The “Waiting of MIDI command...” prompt will disappear which
confirms that the scene or fixture channel was successfully assigned. To play the assigned scene or
move the assigned fixture channel from your midi controller, simply trigger the relevant fader,
potentiometer or button on the controller.

User
1 - Button-area
Each button represents a "scene" which can be activated with the mouse. If the button is pressed, then
the scene is activated. Each button is also used to visualize the number of loops and various triggers.
2 - "Previous", "Next" and "PLAY CYCLE" functions
By clicking here, you can trigger the previous or next scene in accordance with the order made into the
editor. You can also activate "Cycle" mode which enables you to automatically go from a scene to the
next one. Of course, this mode can only apply on "go automatically to next scene" scenes.
3 - AUTO/LTP/HTP functions
By clicking here, you may manually control the different channels. 3 modes can be used:
· AUTO : the channel works automatically on the current scene. The manual cursor is de-activated.
· LTP : the channel is in "Latest Takes Priority" mode, the level is that of the cursor. The current scene
Has no effect on the channel.
Page 19
MyDMX V1.0
· HTP : the channel is in "Highest Takes Priority" mode.
8. Playback
To playback scenes that you’ve created, you must be in the “User” screen. Left click the User tab>

9. Color Manager
The "Color Manager" tool is basically a color editor for RGB or CMY fixtures. It allows you to create
either static or dynamic color sequences very easily. Imagine you want to load a bitmap or simply write
a text on your matrix of LEDs, "Color Manager" will help you to make it in a few seconds. To open
"Color Manager", right click on a color mixing channel in the Editor screen.
Basic tools
The basic tools are situated in the "Tools" area of the window. You can find the main functions available
in a bitmap designer and select a color for each fixture very quickly. Each fixture is represented by a
square on the left side. There following tools are available.
- Select pixel and Select area: the first one allows to select fixtures one by one, the second allows to
Page 20
MyDMX V1.0
Several functions are available.
select several fixtures simultaneously
- Pen and Paint bucket: to paint one or several pixels with the selected color
- Line, Rectangle, Circle: to draw a line, a rectangle or a circle
- Pipette: to pick a color from the fixtures area
- Copy, Paste: to copy or paste pixels
- Load an image: to draw an image (BMP, JPG...) with your fixtures
You must use the color picker to change the color of the selected pixel(s). You can also enter the
RGB values manually.
Color Manager