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[arlo]

Hello
The dimmer I just bought has 5 pin dmx inputs. My light board has xlr 3pin in/outs.
Do I need a 5pin to 3pin adapter to make these two work together? Does that do the trick?
Signed
Guitar player learning about lighting

[Craig Leerman]

Many manufacturers use a 3 pin XLR for DMX.  While this used to be prevalent in the lower priced DJ style fixtures, I am noticing it is more common in even higher end units.

You will need to either wire up an adapter yourself or buy one.  The pin out is:

Pin 1 to Pin 1  SHIELD
Pin 2 to Pin 2  DATA 1-
Pin 3 to Pin 3  DATA 1+
Pin 4 Not connected  (optional Data 2-)
Pin 5 Not Connected  (optional Data 2+)

The additional 2 conductors are used by some manufactures to send back data to the consoles or a computer. That way you can remotely monitor things like dimmer rack temperature, ac line voltage levels, etc.

If you are handy with a soldering iron, build a few yourself and save money.

Craig

[arlo]

Thanks Craig
I found some adapters.

[Rob Timmerman]

What Craig says is true IF your board has a DMX output.  Most of the boards with 3-pin XLR output that I have seen don't have DMX output, rather they use a different protocol, microplex, that is not compatible with the DMX protocol.  Before I connected any adapter, I would verify that the output of the board really is DMX.

[Craig Leerman]

Actually, now that I reread your post, I agree with Rob.  I doubt if your board is a DMX console, because not too many DMX consoles have ins and outs,  just outs.  Many Microplex consoles have ins/outs on a three pin xlr.