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[Kemper Watson]

So the higher the ohms the better to transmit data?

[Rob Spence]

Kemper Watson wrote on Sat, 13 November 2010 17:39

So the higher the ohms the better to transmit data?

No.

The impedance (not resistance) of the cable needs to match to the circuits in each device and the final termination such that there are no disruptions to cause reflections which will corrupt the digital data. Note that "matching" doesn't mean same impedance. It means the correct number for the design. This is true for all digital transmission.

DMX design specifies a specific cable. Simple. It is only the popularity of inexpensive DMX devices with 3 pin connectors that has led people to use microphone cable because it looks right visually. The fact that it works much of the time for small configurations has led people to make all sorts of erroneous assumptions.

[Bob Goodwin]

I'm afraid to ask but here goes:  If I just want to link 2 LED pars together so that they fade and change colors together (Slave and Master???) without a controller, what kind of cable do I use?

[Rob Timmerman]

Bob Goodwin wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 14:04

I'm afraid to ask but here goes:  If I just want to link 2 LED pars together so that they fade and change colors together (Slave and Master???) without a controller, what kind of cable do I use?

What does the fixture manufacturer recommend?

[Rob Spence]

Bob Goodwin wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 14:04

I'm afraid to ask but here goes:  If I just want to link 2 LED pars together so that they fade and change colors together (Slave and Master???) without a controller, what kind of cable do I use?

If they are DMX, then the "right" answer is DMX cable.
That said, if they are close together (under 100'), it likely that an XLR cable will work.
Rob is right, what does it say in the manual? You did read it, right?

[Bob Goodwin]

I presently don't have any lights. I happen to read owners manuals when I get them. Thanks for the help!

[Micky Basiliere]

Rob Spence wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 15:55

Bob Goodwin wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 14:04 I'm afraid to ask but here goes:  If I just want to link 2 LED pars together so that they fade and change colors together (Slave and Master???) without a controller, what kind of cable do I use? If they are DMX, then the "right" answer is DMX cable. That said, if they are close together (under 100'), it likely that an XLR cable will work. Rob is right, what does it say in the manual? You did read it, right?

Just use a G.D. Mic cable and be done with it! this IS NOT rocket science...

[Bob Goodwin]

Micky Basiliere wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 21:14

Rob Spence wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 15:55 Bob Goodwin wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 14:04 I'm afraid to ask but here goes:  If I just want to link 2 LED pars together so that they fade and change colors together (Slave and Master???) without a controller, what kind of cable do I use? If they are DMX, then the "right" answer is DMX cable. That said, if they are close together (under 100'), it likely that an XLR cable will work. Rob is right, what does it say in the manual? You did read it, right? Just use a G.D. Mic cable and be done with it! this IS NOT rocket science...

Gee, I'm sorry I asked. I thought this was a good place to ask a question. I'll try another Forum next time.

[Micky Basiliere]

[quote title=Bob Goodwin wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 21:34]

Micky Basiliere wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 21:14

Rob Spence wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 15:55 Bob Goodwin wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 14:04 I'm afraid to ask but here goes:  If I just want to link 2 LED pars together so that they fade and change colors together (Slave and Master???) without a controller, what kind of cable do I use? If they are DMX, then the "right" answer is DMX cable. That said, if they are close together (under 100'), it likely that an XLR cable will work. Rob is right, what does it say in the manual? You did read it, right? Just use a G.D. Mic cable and be done with it! this IS NOT rocket science...

Sorry man...This topic is just out of control! you will NEVER notice a difference between Mic and "DMX" cable in the 3 pin config. 5 pin would definetly be of the "dmx" type...Have a great night.

[Mac Kerr]

Micky Basiliere wrote on Sun, 14 November 2010 23:38

Sorry man...This topic is just out of control! you will NEVER notice a difference between Mic and "DMX" cable in the 3 pin config. 5 pin would definetly be of the "dmx" type...Have a great night.

Why would 3 pin be different than 5 pin? It is only using 3 pins. The signal is also impedence sensitive and should have 110Ω cable. Mic cable usually works, but not always. When it doesn't work, do you want to trace where on the truss the problem is?

Mac