Buy a DMX opto-splitter you can find them stupid cheap if you're on a budget or buy a good one from Fleenor and never have to worry about your DMX Slitting again.
@Alfonso A few thoughts and queries for you:
Not to argue with the expert, but does that still hold true? Given that new devices are typically using 1/4 or 1/8 unit load transceivers...
Not to argue with the expert, but does that still hold true? Given that new devices are typically using 1/4 or 1/8 unit load transceivers...
Good points. Its the new build and dmx house lights that make me wonder about this. If all new 1/4 or 1/8 load drivers on house lights, is it worth saving a separate DMX run? I haven't yet - too easy and cheap to put in an extra 4 port node - and probably easier to diagnose problems - but the possible option exists.It's still the golden rule. Of course, DMX is relatively robust for a lighting protocol... and people can work loopholes into it if they understand what they're working with. But rules are created for the lowest common denominator, and not everyone is working with the newest and fanciest of gear all the time.
Good points. Its the new build and dmx house lights that make me wonder about this. If all new 1/4 or 1/8 load drivers on house lights, is it worth saving a separate DMX run? I haven't yet - too easy and cheap to put in an extra 4 port node - and probably easier to diagnose problems - but the possible option exists.
I believe? that RDM actually adds a second device "load" to the chain. So an rdm enabled fixture counts as two devices, not one. If you have 1/8 load drivers I'm not sure how that translates.. if it's functionally a 1/4 load driver? It's been a while since I delved too deeply into this though, Distribution tends to be cheap enough these days that I'd prefer to have shorter isolated chains and limit that fallout if a cable starts acting up.I say stick to your current practices--not for the sake of DMX itself, but for RDM. Most DMX houselights require RDM for configuration, and RDM gets less reliable as you add more devices to a line. You probably could put 256 units with 1/8 load drivers and (if all your wiring and terminations are perfect) have them all receive DMX properly. However, you'd never get RDM to work properly.
Actually, a 32 unit load is a hard and fast rule of the RS-485 spec.The 32 fixture rule is not as solid as you would think. Somewhere in between 20 and 40 fixtures, you will run into problems. A lot has to do with what quality an lengths your DMX run is. Junky cable and you probably won't make it to 32. Using proper cable and termination you will safely hit 32. Will adding a 33rd fixture crash the rig? Probably not, but a number has to be picked as a guideline and 32 is a nice number!
No do not. Never parrallel DMX wiring! Does the light have DMX IN and a DMX out? If so always daisey chain and terminate last light in chain . [email protected]
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