Quote:
Originally Posted by whaleboat
Seriously though , I think I may understand how it works now . The DMX decoder will send a low voltage dc current to a relay , the low voltage current closes the relay allowing the AC current to flow through . Is this basically correct ? Thanks
|
I think we need to take a step back...
"DMX" is nothing more than a constant stream of data (sent over two wires) that specifies a "level" (between 0 and 255) for each of 512 "channels".
The job of a DMX decoder is to take that data stream, and do something useful with it.
In the case of a dimmer, the "level" is used to control a system that rapidly turns the AC power on and off... the on-vs-off time is a function of the level. This is how incandescent lights are made to dim.
Other DMX decoders might output an AC or DC voltage, with the voltage level determined by the level. Typically, these would be low-voltage outputs.
Getting down to the relay level, a DMX decoder could be set to close a relay when the level is above a certain valye (like 128). This is what is controlling your fog machine.
If you want to just turn your wash lights on and off (not control their levels) than a DMX-controlled relays would be appropriate. Again, there are many commercial systems available... as you are dealing with AC power, advising you on how to build it would voilate the TOS of this board.
If you can provide more information on exactly what you are thinking in terms of "wash lights", we can probably provide some more specific guidance.
-Fred