270 likes | 396 Views
ELT-2720 Electrical Project by Patrick Schlott. DMX-512 Data Splitter. Brief stage lighting history. Electronic control is about 40 years old Digital control is not as old, at least for stage lighting DMX-512 protocol standardized in 1985 by USITT
E N D
ELT-2720 Electrical Project by Patrick Schlott DMX-512 Data Splitter
Brief stage lighting history • Electronic control is about 40 years old • Digital control is not as old, at least for stage lighting • DMX-512 protocol standardized in 1985 by USITT • Digital MultipleX with 512 pieces of information • Conventionals were operated using rheostat boards or autotransformer boards • Large, heavy, inefficient, needed many hands to run
Background – what is DMX512? • Not the rapper… • Data protocol for theatrical lighting control • Allows consoles (controllers) to “talk” to dimmers, scanners, movers, LEDs, and similar devices • Based on RS-485 (250kbaud) • Unidirectional • Connections use 5-pin XLR
DMX-512: How it works • DMX uses differential signaling along 2 communication lines; 3 total (ground) • Voltage levels must be at least +/-200mV to drive device chips (+12/-7V max.) • Signal components shown here
Physical network requisites • Twisted pair cabling is common practice • Helps for noise immunity • 120Ω characteristic impedance of cables • Terminators for DMX and RS-485 devices are 120Ω.
Source-Device Operation • DMX devices (dimmers, LEDs, movers, etc.) are addressable on the network • They will only “listen” to the channels they are addressed to
Why is an optosplitterhelpful? • DMX512 Optosplitters are used for theaters or other venues with large amounts of lights • Often in locations that would make linking fixtures a waste of cable • Fixtures are connected via “daisy chain”, opto allows for a star connection • Opto chip provides electrical isolation –also safety • Can only directly link 32 devices per universe
Features • DMX Splitters already exist • But, more rugged, high quality models will have a bigger price • Basic components • Simple construction • Replaceable ICs
More features • Sturdy 3-D printed plastic enclosure • Schottkey diode on power supply for reverse voltage protection • Power and DMX data LEDs on board • 3 outputs