DMX Splitter/Mulit-Box

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Randy A

Randy A

Party Time Hobbyist
Jan 4, 2007
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Indianapolis, IN
www.partytunesdjservice.com
In preparing to go DMX software by the fall time period, I'm trying to diagram my potential system, mentally.

I know there will be times when I have dmx fixtures on the truss and some on the ground floor and other areas. Instead of using more cabling to complete the loop between the two, I'm looking for something that will allow me to go up the truss (not come back down) and out to the ground fixtures.

Is there such a set-up? If so, anyone have experience using it? Pros? Cons? Issues?
 
Randy A said:
In preparing to go DMX software by the fall time period, I'm trying to diagram my potential system, mentally.

I know there will be times when I have dmx fixtures on the truss and some on the ground floor and other areas. Instead of using more cabling to complete the loop between the two, I'm looking for something that will allow me to go up the truss (not come back down) and out to the ground fixtures.

Is there such a set-up? If so, anyone have experience using it? Pros? Cons? Issues?
Click to expand...

There is wireless DMX that could be used... ask Ben. Don't know if it's worth the coin though and possible difficulties with signal.
 
I have used a simple Y cable (no adverse reactions)! DMX protocols are adresses the route shouldn't really matter. The only thing is is you don't want to use terminators on the last fixture on either run! This may or may not cause you some problems (I didn't have a problem doing it but that doesn't mean that it couldn't be a problem)
 
jokerswild said:
Speaking of DMX Terminators.... anyone have the specs on making them? I have a few spare DMX ends that I haven't used yet.
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110 0.5 watt resistor, solder it across pins 2 and 3!

There are opto slitters available for DMX and it may be a lot safer to buy one instead of trying it my way with a splitter!
 
Randy A said:
In preparing to go DMX software by the fall time period, I'm trying to diagram my potential system, mentally.
Click to expand...
I heard you were a bit mental.

Are you going to use DMX software and if so what kind of setup?

Keep us informed, I'd like to know how you make out.
 
I have a DMX splitter box, only used it once, when my lights were going to be spred way out. It is nice not needing to double back all the length with another wire. I guess like mentioned above I would probably go with a wireless DMX setup and get rid of even more wires.

This is the one I have.

thumb_dmxsplitter-194.jpg
 
Randy A said:
I'll be using ShowXpress w/ whatever setup Ben puts me in. :sqwink:
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No question then, you WILL be using ShowXpress... LOL :sqwink:

That splitter that MBM showed above is basically what I was going to recommend. Simple, easy, effective... but then I am not the lighting guru that Ben is! :sqcool:

No need to go wireless unless you plan on placing things around the room, away from the setup. My rule of thumb with wireless anything, is to never use wireless when a cable will do nicely and easily. If however it is not an easy option, that is when wireless comes into play...
 
Randy A said:
I'll be using ShowXpress w/ whatever setup Ben puts me in. :sqwink:
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Oh I see, Ben will probable put you in the ShowXpress with the matching spandex jumpsuit with the matching blue sequence jacket. I'm sure he'll be throwing in the thong at no extra charge.:sqeek:
 
The DMX-2X splitter has been replaced by the Datastream 4. It is a 1 x 4 splitter. As Thunder pointed out, it WILL work (sometimes) if you make a physical "y", however, you can end up with bad data reflections and other potentially worse electrical problems by doing this. It is actually mandated in the standard that you use a splitter designed for the purpose. It's a lot like splitting an ethernet signal or any other digital signal (as DMX is). You can probably get away with all kinds of things... it's just important to know that that's what you're doing.... getting away with it. LOL. It will work until it doesn't.

Here's a picture of the Datastream 4:

DataStream4-FRONT.jpg


Ben
 
NLFX Pro said:
The DMX-2X splitter has been replaced by the Datastream 4. It is a 1 x 4 splitter. As Thunder pointed out, it WILL work (sometimes) if you make a physical "y", however, you can end up with bad data reflections and other potentially worse electrical problems by doing this. It is actually mandated in the standard that you use a splitter designed for the purpose. It's a lot like splitting an ethernet signal or any other digital signal (as DMX is). You can probably get away with all kinds of things... it's just important to know that that's what you're doing.... getting away with it. LOL. It will work until it doesn't.

Here's a picture of the Datastream 4:

DataStream4-FRONT.jpg


Ben
Click to expand...

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I Like it!
 
DMX splitter

For the DIY type.

DMX Splitter


Built 1-8way (used 2 transceivers) and 1-4way for just under $60 total, shhh don't tell those that sell them.

:sqwink:

Controling 6 moving head, 2 CMY Zooms, 20 LED par 64 cans, and 8 packs of 8 dimmers each on house\stage lights.

I highly advise to stay away from Wireless, at least the low cost ones. Many cell phones will cause you HEADACHES! Oh I might have some wireless for sale :sqeek: anyone interested!
 
I picked up the Datastream 4 splitter at a local DJ show. Haven't even looked at it yet. But I hear it's the way to go.

I've been looking for a wireless system as well. My local store has one unit for $260. The units (receiver or sender) are sold separate, which means the cost to run one light would be double ($520). Priced to high I thought. Does anyone have one cheaper? (At the same store one six foot RCA patch cord was $8.39. I picked up the same brand name cord across town for $2 cheaper.)
 
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