When we go to events we can be presented with quite a show when it comes to lighting. The general public will take it for granted not really knowing the intricacies of what's happening in the background. With the overview below, one can unravel the mystery(and possibly impress your friends) by Understanding the DMX protocall which is responsible for making it all happen.
Originating around 1986 the DMX or "DIGITAL Multiplexing Signal" is now the standard communication protocol used in the event lighting industry. If your light has an LCD display, a few buttons or even a few dip switches it is likely DMX compatible. The DMX protocall allows fixtures to be controlled either remotely via a lighting board or to operate them in master slave configuration using the built in programs found in many of today's fixtures.
From a quick technical perspective, The DMX signal consists of in 512 channels in a group often referred to as "1 DMX universe" Each fixture can have a different starting channel (known as address), with each channel controlling specific functions. (one channel red one is blue for example) The signal is then transmitted digitally over a 3pin XLR or 5Pin Connector to the fixture which translates the information and reacts accordingly.
For the techi, the intricate details of DMX Protocol can be fascinating Study, for the non techie...perhaps not.
Originating around 1986 the DMX or "DIGITAL Multiplexing Signal" is now the standard communication protocol used in the event lighting industry. If your light has an LCD display, a few buttons or even a few dip switches it is likely DMX compatible. The DMX protocall allows fixtures to be controlled either remotely via a lighting board or to operate them in master slave configuration using the built in programs found in many of today's fixtures.
From a quick technical perspective, The DMX signal consists of in 512 channels in a group often referred to as "1 DMX universe" Each fixture can have a different starting channel (known as address), with each channel controlling specific functions. (one channel red one is blue for example) The signal is then transmitted digitally over a 3pin XLR or 5Pin Connector to the fixture which translates the information and reacts accordingly.
For the techi, the intricate details of DMX Protocol can be fascinating Study, for the non techie...perhaps not.