AMX AXB-DMX512 DMX512 INTERFACE Parts list manual

Operation/Reference Guide
Axcess Controllers
AXB-DMX512
DMX512 Interface
Last Revised: 4/03/2007

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Table of Contents
i
A
XB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Table of Contents
Product Information ...........................................................................................1
Specifications............................................................................................................ 1
Configuration and Installation ............................................................................3
Setting the Device DIP Switch .................................................................................. 3
Terminating the Device............................................................................................. 3
Wiring Devices to the AXB-DMX512 ........................................................................ 4
Preparing/connecting captive wires ................................................................................ 4
Wiring guidelines ............................................................................................................ 4
Using AXlink communication........................................................................................... 5
Using IN and OUT DMX512 data communication ........................................................... 5
Mounting the AXB-DMX512 in a Rack ...................................................................... 5
Replacing the Lithium Battery................................................................................... 6
Programming ......................................................................................................7
Buffers ...................................................................................................................... 7
Direct Control Buffer Send_Commands .................................................................... 8
Patch Buffer Send_Commands.................................................................................. 9
Group Buffer Commands ........................................................................................ 11
Axcess Level Send_Commands ............................................................................... 18
Miscellaneous Send_Commands ............................................................................. 21
Channel Commands ................................................................................................ 23
Channel Trigger Send_Commands.......................................................................... 24
Troubleshooting ...............................................................................................25

ii AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Table of Contents

Product Information
1
A
XB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Product Information
The AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface creates a bi-directional DMX512 AXlink connection,
transmitting and receiving up to 512 DMX channels for lighting dimmers, spotlights, and other DMX
control applications.
Onboard processing and memory can create and store channel groups, faders, patches, and up to 72
presets. A DMX lighting board can operate in tandem with the AXB-DMX512, generate levels for
storing presets, or pass through the AXB-DMX512 for direct control of channels.
Specifications
FIG. 1 AXB-DMX512 (front view)
AXB-DMX512 Specifications
Power consumption 160 mA @ 12 VDC
Power supply 12 VDC (part number SA002)
Front panel components:
LED Indicators • AXlink LED (green and blinks to indicate AXlink communication activity and
power:
Full-Off indicates no power is being received or the controller is not
functioning properly.
One blink per second indicates power is active and AXlink communication is
functioning.
Full-On indicates there is no AXlink control or activity, but power is On.
• RX LED (red) indicates the AXB-DMX512 is receiving DMX512 data.
Corresponds to the IN and OUT ports on the rear panel.
• TX LED (red) indicates the AXB-DMX512 is transmitting DMX512 data.
Corresponds to the IN and OUT ports on the rear panel.
DIP switches • 8-position DEVICE DIP switch sets the AXlink address for the DMX512.
Rear panel components:
DMXIN port 5-wire, captive-wire connector for receiving data.
DMXOUT port 5-wire, captive-wire connector for transmitting data.
AXlink 4-wire, captive-wire connector for data and power.
Dimensions (HWD) 1.5" x 5.5" x 5.5" (38 mm x 140 mm x 140 mm)
Enclosure Metal with black matte finish
Mounting Rack mounting with the optional AC-RK Accessory Rack Kit
Weight 1.1 lb (0.5 kg)
AXlink DEVICE
ON
RXTX
Device ID DIP Switch
Axlink activity LED DMX512 (Transmit) LED
DMX512 (Receive) LED

Product Information
2AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface

Configuration and Installation
3
A
XB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Configuration and Installation
Setting the Device DIP Switch
The 8-position DEVICE DIP switch on the front panel (FIG. 1) sets the AXlink identification number for
the AXB-DMX512. Make sure the device number matches the number assigned in the Axcess software
program.
The following table describes the values on the DEVICE DIP switch.
Terminating the Device
When using the DMX input and if this device is the last device in a chain of DMX512 devices, you must
terminate the line. To terminate the device, position jumpers on jumper pin trios JP4 and JP5 (FIG. 2):
FIG. 1 AXB-DMX512 (front view)
Device DIP Switch Settings
Position 12345678
Value 1 2 4 8 16 32 64 128
AXlink DEVICE
ON
RXTX
Device ID DIP Switch
Axlink activity LED DMX512 (Transmit) LED
DMX512 (Receive) LED
The DIP Switch located to the right of the DEVICE DIP switch is not used - no
settings are required, and any setting will work.
FIG. 2 Location of termination jumpers pins (JP1-JP5) and lithium batteries
COR
JP5
JP4
front
Termination Jumpers
(JP4 / JP5)
DEVICE DIP Switch
The DIP Switch located to the
right of the DEVICE DIP switch
is not used - no settings are
required, and any setting
will work.

Configuration and Installation
4AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
1. Remove the jumper that is on pins 1 and 2 of jumper trios JP4 and JP5. (Pins 1 and 2 are marked
HIZ - see FIG. 3).
2. Place the jumper on pins 2 and 3 of jumper trios JP4 and JP5. (Pins 2 and 3 are marked TERM -see
FIG. 3). This terminates the incoming DMX input with a 120 ohm resistor.
Wiring Devices to the AXB-DMX512
The AXB-DMX512 has three captive-wire connectors on the rear panel (FIG. 4) for DMX512 transmit
and receive, and AXlink.
Preparing/connecting captive wires
1. Strip 0.25 inch of wire insulation off all wires.
2. Insert each wire into the appropriate opening on the connector according to the wiring diagrams and
connector types described in this section. Do not tighten the screws excessively; doing so may strip
the threads and damage the connector.
Wiring guidelines
The interface requires a 12 VDC power to operate properly. The interface uses a PSN2.8 power supply.
The Central Controller supplies power via the AXlink cable or external 12 VDC power supply. The
maximum wiring distance between the Central Controller and interface is determined by power
consumption, supplied voltage, and the wire gauge used for the cable. The table below lists wire sizes
and maximum lengths allowable between the AXB-DMX512 and Central Controller. The maximum
wiring lengths for using AXlink power are based on a minimum of 13.5 volts available at the Central
Controller’s power supply.
FIG. 3 Termination jumper pin settings for JP4 and JP5
FIG. 4 AXB-DMX512 (rear view)
Wiring Guidelines at 160 mA
Wire Size Maximum Wiring Length
18 AWG 733.57 feet (223.59 m)
20 AWG 464.11 feet (141.46 m)
22 AWG 289.35 feet (88.19 m)
24 AWG 182.39 feet (55.59 m)
TERM
HIZ
IN OUT AXlink
DATA
GND GND
DATA DATA DATA NC DATA DATA DATA DATA NC
GND
AXP AXM
PWR
1
2
1
2
1 1
2
2

Configuration and Installation
5
A
XB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Using AXlink communication
Connect the AXlink wiring to the connector on the AXB-DMX512, as shown in FIG. 5.
Using IN and OUT DMX512 data communication
1. For transmit wiring, connect the DMX512 wiring to the OUT connector, as shown in FIG. 6.
2. For receive wiring, connect the DMX512 wiring to the IN connector, as shown in FIG. 7.
Mounting the AXB-DMX512 in a Rack
To mount the AXB-DMX512 in an equipment rack, you will need an AC-RK rack mounting kit.
1. Remove the two screws on the front panel of the AXB-DMX512.
2. Remove the front panel and the space bracket behind the panel.
3. Remove the rubber feet on the bottom of the unit, if necessary. Insert a scissors blade or other sharp
object into the side of one of the rubber feet and pull it off. Do the same to remove the other three
rubber feet.
4. Place the unit in the appropriate opening in the AC-RK.
5. Place the front panel of the AXB-DMX512 on the front of the rack over the unit and secure the
screws.
FIG. 5 AXlink wiring
PWR
AXP
AXM
GND
PWR
AXP
AXM
GND
Device
AXlink connector
on AXB-DMX512
Some DMX devices only use DATA+ and DATA-. Connect these to DATA1+ and
DATA1-, leaving DATA2+ and DATA- unconnected.
The DATA2 In and Out ports are not Currently supported.
FIG. 6 DMX512 transmit wiring
FIG. 7 DMX512 receive wiring
DMX 512 OUT
connector on AXB-DMX512
GND
DATA1-
DATA1+
DATA2-
DATA2+
NC
GND
DATA1-
DATA1+
DATA2-
DATA2+
Device
DMX 512 IN
connector on AXB-DMX512
GND
DATA1-
DATA1+
DATA2-
DATA2+
NC
GND
DATA1-
DATA1+
DATA2-
DATA2+
Device

Configuration and Installation
6AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Replacing the Lithium Battery
A lithium battery (FIG. 8) with a life of approximately 5 years, protects stored presets if a power loss
occurs. The battery is not used when DC power is supplied to the AXB-DMX512. Write down the
replacement date on a sticker or label by adding 5 years to the date of installation, and then attach it to
the bottom of the AXB-DMX512.
Contact your AMX dealer before you replace the lithium battery and verify that they have a current copy
of the Axcess program for your AXB-DMX512. This will avoid any inadvertent loss of data or a service
outage.
You will need a flat-blade tool (non-conducting) that can be slipped under the lithium battery to pry it up
and out of the socket.
1. Discharge the static electricity from your body.
2. Unplug all cables from the AXB-DMX512.
3. Remove the AC-RK and AXB-DMX512 from the mounting rack. Otherwise, go to step 4.
4. Remove the five pan-head screws on the top of the AXB-DMX512 enclosure.
5. Pull the two enclosure halves apart and set the bottom portion of the enclosure on a flat surface.
6. Locate the battery on the circuit card.
7. Carefully pry the battery out of its socket and insert the new battery. Write down the next
replacement date on a sticker or label by adding 5 years to the replacement date, and then attach it to
the bottom of the AXB-DMX512.
8. Plug all cables back into the AXB-DMX512.
9. Place the top portion of the enclosure back onto the bottom portion. Then, refasten the five pan-head
screws.
10. Reconnect the cables removed for battery replacement.
FIG. 8 Lithium battery and socket
Battery (CR2032 type - 20mm coin cell)
socket
All control commands in AXB-DMX512 memory are lost when the lithium battery is
replaced
Static electricity can damage electronic circuitry. Before removing the lithium battery
from the enclosure, discharge any accumulated static electricity from your body by
touching a grounded metal object.
There is a danger of explosion if you replace the battery incorrectly. Replace the
battery with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose
of used battery according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never recharge,
disassemble, or heat the battery above 212 °F (100 °C). Never solder directly to the
battery or expose the contents of the battery to water.

Programming
7
A
XB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Programming
The AXB-DMX512 is controlled with Axcess Send_Commands. Use the programming information in
this section along with the Axcess Programming Language Instruction Manual to program the AXB-
DMX512.
Buffers
The AXB-DMX512 uses a “highest value takes precedence” to determine which DMX value is actually
output (see FIG. 1). There are three output buffers: patch, group, and direct control. Each buffer
represents all 512 DMX outputs. The highest value in any buffer is the value transmitted from the output
port. The actual DMX output refers to the value being transmitted.
The levels in the patch buffer are modified by DMX Input. The patch buffer commands determine which,
if any, DMX inputs modify the level of the patch buffer. A patch disconnect automatically clears the
value in the patch buffer to zero. If there is no DMX Input for 5 seconds, all values in DMX Input buffer
are set to zero. Any outputs tied those DMX Inputs will then be zero.
The group buffer is modified by changing group commands. Groups can ramp over time. Groups can be
tied to Axcess levels or DMX Inputs. The groups can be absolute or proportional. For groups that are
absolute, the value of all outputs are the same as the group level. Proportional group outputs depend on a
specified value or the Actual DMX output at the time the output is added to the group. That value sets the
maximum value the outputs can reach when controlled by group 55.
The direct control buffer is modified by individual output ramps or by preset recalls. Presets are also
called snapshots or scenes.
All Send Commands are limited to 64 characters.
FIG. 1 DMX Flow Chart
DMX Input Patch Buffer
Group Buffer
Direct Control Buffer
Actual DMX Output
The highest value of any buffer

Programming
8AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Direct Control Buffer Send_Commands
The direct control buffer is modified by individual output ramps or by preset recalls. The following table
lists the Direct Control Buffer Send_Commands.
Direct Control Buffer Send_Commands
Command Description
DL
Recalls a snapshot of all DMX output
channel in T tenths of seconds.
Time is required here. This affects all DMX512 channels.
Syntax:
"'DL<preset number>T<time>'"
If a Direct Ramp is in progress the last command sent will win for
each output.
Variables:
preset number =1-72
time = 0-65535 (time is in tenths of seconds, except where noted).
Examples:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DL1T0'
Recalls preset 1 instantly (in zero seconds).
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DL72T15'
Recalls preset 72 in 1.5 seconds.
Use the groups and group ramp (‘GR’) command to store and recall
scenes with specific channels. Any other snapshot recall or direct
ramp in progress is halted and the ramp to the new level starts from
the current level.
DR
Ramps the DMX output to the L level in
T tenths of seconds. Time is required.
Sends all specified DMX outputs to the
same level.
The list can be single outputs and/or ranges of outputs separated by
commas. If a Snapshot Preset is in progress then the last command
sent will win for each output.
Do not put more 64 characters total in this command.
Syntax:
"'DR<List of DMX Outputs>L<level>T<time>'"
Variables:
List of DMS Output = 1,2,3,5-10 is a list of single DMX channels with
ranges of DMX channels.
level = 0-255 or 0%-100%. The value can be given in actual steps
0-255 or given as a percentage 0%-100%.
time = 0-65535. Time is in tenths of seconds.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DR1L100%T10'
Ramps DMX Output channel 1 to 100% (full) in 1 second.
Any other snapshot recall or direct ramp in progress for the specified
channels is halted and the ramp to the new level starts from the
current level.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DR-512L50%T10'
Sends all channels to 50% in 1 second.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DR-512L127T25'
Sends all channels to 50% in 2.5 seconds.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DR10,20-30,35L0T0'
Sends channels 10,20 through 30, and 35 to 0%.

Programming
9
A
XB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Patch Buffer Send_Commands
The patch buffer Send_Commands determine which if any DMX inputs modify the patch buffer. The
following table lists the Patch Buffer Send_Commands.
Direct Control Buffer Send_Commands
Command Description
DS
Stores a snapshot of all DMX output
channels.
This is the final output of the DMX512 box and is also affected by the
values in the Patch and Group Buffers.
Note that this command stores all DMX512 channels, even channels
that are not currently being transmitted through the use of the ‘ML’
command (refer to theMiscellaneous Send_Commands section on
page 21).
Syntax:
"'DS<preset number>'"
Variable:
preset number = 1-72
Examples:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DS1'
Stores preset 1.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'DS72'
Stores preset 72 (there is a max of 72 presets with standard memory).
To exclude (undefine) channels, the Group Buffer Commands must
be used, NOT the Direct Buffer Commands.
DZ
Sends all outputs in the Direct Control
buffer immediately to zero.
Clears all values in the Direct Control Buffer to zero.
Syntax:
"'DZ'"
Stops all 'DR' ramps.
Patch Buffer Send_Commands
Command Description
PA
Patches inputs 1-512 in a one-to-one
relationship with outputs 1-512.
This is typically the second step (after clearing the memory), when
setting up the DMX512 box to sit between a lighting console and its
dimmers. The outputs immediately change to reflect the inputs and
will track any input changes.
Syntax:
"'PA'"
Globally connects all DMX inputs to DMX outputs in a 1 to 1
relationship.

Programming
10 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Patch Buffer Send_Commands (Cont.)
Command Description
PC
Patches an input to one or more
outputs.
The list can be single outputs and/or ranges of outputs separated by
commas. If the output is currently already patched to another input,
then it is automatically disconnected from that input.
Syntax:
"'PC<DMX input>D<list of DMX outputs>'"
Variables:
DMX Input = 1-512. The actual DMX inbound data is stored in the
DMX Input Buffer
DMX Output = 1-512
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'PC1D1,3,5-7'
Connects DMX Input 1 to DMX Outputs 1,3,4,6.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'PC1D1-512'
Connects input 1 to all outputs.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'PC1D10-20,25'
Patches input 2 to outputs 10 through 20 and 25.
PX
Disconnects a DMX output from any
DMX input by unpatching one or more
DMX outputs.
The list can be single outputs and/or ranges of outputs separated by
commas. These outputs immediately go to zero in the Patch buffer.
Syntax:
"'PX<list of DMX outputs>'"
Do not put more 64 characters total in this command. A Disconnect
will clear the Patch Buffer for that output to 0.
Variable:
list of DMX outputs
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'PX512'
Unpatches all DMX outputs (the same as the ’PZ’ command).
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'PX15,20-25'
Unpatches DMX outputs 15 and 20 through 25.
PZ
Unpatches all DMX inputs from all
DMX outputs.
Global delete all DMX outputs from any DMX input.
Syntax:
"'PZ'"
All DMX outputs in the Patch Buffer immediately go to zero.

Programming
11
A
XB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Group Buffer Commands
The group buffer is modified by changing group commands.
The following table lists the Group Buffer Send_Commands.
There is a maximum of 96 groups in software version 1.10.
Adding outputs to a group while the group is still connected to an Axcess level DMX
output can cause the value of outputs, which are already a member of the group, to
change.
Group Buffer Commands
Command Description
GA
Adds one or more DMX outputs to a
group.
The list can be single outputs and/or ranges of outputs separated by
commas. A DMX output can only belong to one group at a time.
Any of these outputs, that are currently members of another group,
are automatically removed from that group. Adding an output to the
group does not change the current DMX value for that output in the
Group Buffer. This means that its possible to have different DMX
values for the channels in this group at the time the channels are
added, but this command is intended for the control of a group of
outputs that will have the same value at all times.
Syntax:
"'GA<group>D<list of DMX output>'"
Variables:
group = 1-96
list of DMX output = 1,2,3,5 - 10
If this group is direct ramped (‘GR’) to a level, then the offset between
channels will be lost.
If this group is ramped up (‘GU’) or down (‘GD’), then the channels
maintain their relative values until these channels hit zero or full. This
effectively ‘clips’ the channels and eliminates the offsets between the
values.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GA1D1,3,5-7'
Adds DMX Output Channels 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 to Group 1.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GA1D-5'
Adds DMX outputs 1 through 5 to Group 1.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GA96D6,10'
Adds DMX Outputs 6 and 10 to Group 96.

Programming
12 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Group Buffer Commands (Cont.)
Command Description
GC
Connects one or more groups to an
Axcess level or to a DMX input.
A group can only be tied to one or the other not both. The list can be
single groups and/or ranges of groups separated by commas.
Syntax:
"'GC<list of groups><A or D><Axcess level or DMX
input>'"
Variables:
Axcess level = 1-8
DMX input = 1-512
If a single group is connected to an unconnected Axcess level, then
the Axcess level value will change to the group value. Otherwise, the
group value will change to the Axcess level.
There are 4 possible scenarios with this command:
Connecting a single group to an Axcess level: The Axcess level
changes immediately to reflect the current level of the group for nor-
mal groups. The group level immediately changes to reflect the
Axcess level for proportional groups and fixed groups. The group can
now be ramped up and down via the Axcess level ramp commands
(‘AU’, ‘AD’, and ‘AS’). It is no longer possible to use the group ramp
up (‘GU’) or down (‘GD’) commands, but the direct ramp command
(‘GR’) and Axcess channels still work, and also affects the Axcess
level. If the group is disconnected using the ‘GX’ command, the group
ramp up and down will work again.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GC1L2'
Connects Group 1 to Axcess level 2.
Connecting multiple groups to an Axcess level: The group levels
change immediately to reflect the current Axcess level. The group can
now be ramped up and down via the Axcess level. It is no longer pos-
sible to use the group ramp up (‘GU’) or down (‘GD’) commands. The
direct ramp command (‘GR’) and Axcess channels still work but now
controls all groups connected to this Axcess level, as well as the
Axcess level itself.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GC1,2L3'
Connects Groups 1 and 2 to Axcess level 3.
Connecting a single group to a DMX level: The group level changes
immediately to reflect the current DMX input level. The group can now
be ramped up and down by the DMX input level. There are no other
means of affecting the group output.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GC4D5'
Connects Group 4 to DMX input 5.
Connecting multiple groups to a DMX level: The group levels change
immediately to reflect the current DMX input level and behave the
same as connecting a single group to the DMX input.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GC1-3,5D8'
Connects Groups 1 through 3 and 5 to DMX input 8.

Programming
13
A
XB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Group Buffer Commands (Cont.)
Command Description
GD
Ramps down one or more groups at
the current ramp rate set by the ‘GT’
command.
The group stop (‘GS’), group ramp down (‘GD’), or group direct ramp
command (‘GR’) will interrupt this command. It is not possible to use
this command on groups that are connected to an Axcess level or to a
DMX input.
Syntax:
"'GD<list of groups>'"
The list can be single groups and/or ranges of groups separated by
commas. If this command is sent for multiple groups, only those that
are connected to an Axcess level or DMX input will ramp.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GD1,3-4'
Starts a ramp down on groups 1, 3, and 4.
GE
Erases groups.
Removes all output channels from one or more groups. These outputs
go immediately to 0% in the Group buffer and do not disconnect an
Axcess level or DMX input from the group, if it is currently connected.
If a programmer later adds channels back to the groups, they will be
immediately be connected to the Axcess level or the DMX input.
The list can be single groups and/or ranges of groups separated by
commas.
Syntax:
"'GE<list of groups>'"
Removes all DMX outputs from the groups. Sets all levels in the group
buffer to zero.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GE1'
Removes all output channels from Group 1.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GE5,8-10'
Removes all output channels from Groups 5 and 8 through 10.
GF
Functions like the ‘GP’ command,
except the Max value for each output is
specified in the Send Command.
This is useful for creating “blind” presets, meaning that its not neces-
sary to drive the actual DMX outputs to these levels in order to store
the preset. All other rules for use are identical to those of the ‘GP’
command.
Syntax:
"'GF<group>D<special list of DMX outputs with
maximum value>'"
Variables:
group = 1-96
special list of DMX outputs with maximum value = 1-512
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GF1D1@100%,2@50%,8@75%'
Adds channels 1,2, and 8 to Group 1 at levels of 100%, 50%, and
75% respectively.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GF10D5-10@255,20@50%'
Adds channels 5 through 10 at 100% (255) and channel 20 at 50% to
Group 10.
After the output there is an ampersand (@), then the maximum value
for that output. That means the highest the DMX output can ever be is
the value given at the time of the add. Ranges are allowed but can
only have one maximum value for whole range.

Programming
14 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Group Buffer Commands (Cont.)
Command Description
GL
Deletes DMX outputs from any
group.
This command removes one or more output channels from the group
that they are connected to. These outputs go immediately to 0% in the
Group buffer.
DO NOT specify which group these are to be removed from, because
a channel can only be a member of one group at a time.
The list can be single outputs and/or ranges of outputs separated by
commas.
Syntax:
"'GL<list of DMX outputs>'"
Variable:
list of DMX outputs = 1-512
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GL1-50'
Removes DMX channels 1 through 50 from any group.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GL5,10,20-25'
Removes DMX channels 5, 10, and 20 through 25 from any group.
GO
Sets the current output values in the
Groups to the same value as the cur-
rent actual DMX output.
This command copies the actual output levels for the AXB-DMX512
box to the Group buffer for one or more groups.
Syntax:
"'GO<list of groups>'"
This has the effect of copying the highest value from the patch or
direct control buffer into the group buffer if they are higher than the
value in the Group buffer.
This is useful in the event a programmer wishes to add a group and
then ramp it down from its current level. To do this:
Use the Direct or Patch buffer to set the DMX outputs as needed.
Add one or more groups using the ‘GP’ command.
Use group copy (‘GO’) to copy the box outputs to the group buffer
for these groups.
Disconnect the Patch buffer (‘PZ’) or send the Direct buffer (‘DZ’)
to 0%.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GO1'
Copies outputs for all channels in Group 1 to the Group buffer.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GO5-8'
Copies outputs for all channels in Groups 5 through 8 to the Group
buffer.
Warning: The ‘GO’ command only works normal
(non-proportional) groups. To work around this, use the direct
ramp (‘DR’) command to set each group to full, instead of using
the ‘GO’ command.

Programming
15
A
XB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Group Buffer Commands (Cont.)
Command Description
GP
Same as ‘GA’ command, except the
DMX outputs are added so they will
remain proportional to the value they
had at the time of adding the output.
The highest the DMX output can ever be is the value at the time of the
add. A DMX output can only belong to one group at a time.
The outputs will not ramp to a value above that which they had at the
time they were added. This is the command typically used to store
scenes that were created on a DMX console that is providing the
DMX inputs to the AXB-DMX512 unit. When the group is ramped, the
outputs retain their same proportional level to each other.
Warning: Rounding errors occur in the algorithym that controls the
proportional levels (this function is unsuitable for precision control).
Syntax:
"'GP<group>D<list of DMX output>'"
Variables:
group = 1-96
list of DMX output = 1,2,3,5 -10
If an output is added to an existing group, the its proportional value is
determined by its value when compared to the maximum values for
each channel in a group; not by its value compared to the current val-
ues for each channel in the group.
As with the ‘GA’ command, this can cause things to be a bit out of
sync at the time of adding. When any channel is added, its output
value in the Group Buffer does not change, regardless of what level
other outputs in the group might currently be at.
When ramping up (‘GU’) or down (‘GD’), the other levels will reach
their maximum or minimum before the currently added level does.
Once all levels have reached maximum or minimum, they will ramp
together from that point forward.

Programming
16 AXB-DMX512 DMX512 Interface
Group Buffer Commands (Cont.)
Command Description
GR
Ramps group to a L level in T tenths of
seconds.
Ramps a single group to a level. Time is optional and if no time is
specified, the group time (set by the ‘GT’ command) is used and then
it will ramp at the current ramp rate for that group. If a group is tied to
a DMX input, then this command is ignored. If the group is tied to an
Axcess level the group will ramp.
This can be interrupted by the group up (‘GU’), group down (‘GD’), or
group stop (‘GS’) commands. Inaccuracies in the value, as a result of
rounding, are common with fixed and proportional groups. Even if the
group is set to 100%, some of the channels will still not be at their
stored levels. The group up (‘GU’) command can be issued to take
the groups to their true 100% level.
Syntax:
"'GR<group>L<level>{T<time>}'"
Variables
group = 1-96. The group of DMX output that act together. Outputs
can only belong to one group at a time.
level = 0-255 or 0%-100%
time = 0-65535
{}-Parameters in commands that are optional.
Examples:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GR1L0T10'
Ramps all DMX output channels in group 1 to zero (lowest) in 1
second.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GR1L50%T20'
Ramps Group 1 to 50% in 2 seconds.
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GR2L255'
Ramps Group 2 to 100% using the group time.
GS
Stops any ramping that was started by
the group up (‘GU’), group down
(‘GD’), or group direct ramp (‘GR’)
commands.
Stops ‘GU’,’GD’,’GR’.
Syntax:
"'GS<list of groups>'"
The list can be single groups and/or ranges of groups separated by
commas. DMX outputs freeze at their current level.
Example:
SEND_COMMAND DMX,'GS1,3-4'
Stops a ramp on Groups 1, 3, and 4.