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Author Topic: 3 pin,5 pin DMX?  (Read 2185 times)

Dan Reavey

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3 pin,5 pin DMX?
« on: March 23, 2006, 05:54:54 AM »

Hi

I'm in the process of adding a foot controller & 4 par 56 cans
to use in conjunction with my 2 NJD spectres (band use).
The Spectres have 5 pin DMX sockets.The Showtec light foot has
3 pin and the Showtec Multi-dim has 3 pin.When I just use the NJD's on smaller gigs all I need is a 3-5 pin apapter out of the
Lightfoot but when I add the Par cans via the dimmer pack I'll
need 3 pin out from the dimmer pack to 5 pin in on the Spectres.
Why does this gear have different connecters?I haven't had the Spectres long but they're 5 pin.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Dan (UK)
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Dan Glass

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Re: 3 pin,5 pin DMX?
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2006, 10:41:52 AM »

Most professional DMX devices have a 5 pin connector installed per industry specs but the actual control signal is only using the first three pins.  Some companies install a three pin to cut costs, no harm, no foul.  A simple 3 to 5 pin adaptor like you have is all you need.  Unfortunately you may come across some cheaper/imported items that pins 2 and 3 are swapped.  I found this to be true with some American DJ dimmer packs and I had to build another cable that would swap them back.  Oh the fun of mixing pieces on a show.  I have seen some people go through the trouble of actually changing the connector on the fixture or dimmer pack but that seems like a little much for me.
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Dan Glass

Joe Fitzpatrick

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Re: 3 pin,5 pin DMX?
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2006, 02:45:42 PM »

Ditto on the previous reply.  My one suggestion, pick something and standardize on it if you possibly can.

Going through everything and giving it identical connectors can make life so much easier.  You'll still want adapters in your tool box, but there is enough to worry about on stage than 3-5 (or 5-3) adapters and RS-485 pin polarity!

-jjf
Innovate Show Controls
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Dan Reavey

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Re: 3 pin,5 pin DMX?
« Reply #3 on: March 26, 2006, 04:19:56 PM »

Thanks for the replies.
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