How to Connect a Band Light Show
Band light shows are connected and operated by the Digital Multiplex Communications Protocol, or DMX. DMX is a digital addressing system, which enables the user to assign individual addresses to up to 512 lighting channels on a single DMX system. DMX systems are made up of dimmer or power packs, which provide electrical power and address routing to the lighting fixtures, and a controller, which sends commands to the packs. The controller and packs are linked by three-conductor cables, which handle all 512 channel addresses. DMX systems are relatively inexpensive, easy to use and allow easy expansion as your lighting needs grow.
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Instructions
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Set the DMX address by moving the number one dimmer or power pack DIP switch to the "on" position. On digital display units, set the number display to "001." This setting allows operation for channels one through four.
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Plug the lighting fixture AC plug into the dimmer or power pack AC outlet, with each fixture assigned to one of four channels. You may plug more than one fixture into a single channel, if your pack is equipped with more than one outlet per channel.
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Plug the DMX cable into the input of the dimmer or power pack. Additional packs may be daisy-chained with additional DMX cables, through the output jack of the preceding unit, to the input of the next pack in line.
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Insert the DMX cable into the output jack of the controller. Controllers will automatically recognize active channel addresses programmed on the packs.
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Turn on main power switch on the packs. LED lights, if so equipped, will illuminate on all active channels.
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Turn on DMX controller main power switch, and test all channel functions for proper operation and addressing assignment.
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Tips & Warnings
Refer to DMX binary address protocols for operation of more than four channels.
Follow all manufacturer recommendations for your brand of controller, dimmer/power pack and lighting fixture.
DMX protocol does not offer safety protection when using potentially dangerous lighting and stage effects. Never operate pyrotechnics or other restricted effects using DMX equipment.
Refer to manufacturer's warnings and recommendations for DMX compatibility and safe operation.
