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DMX lights

DMX (stage) lights

DMX_lights_01_HDR_cropped.jpg

What is DMX?

DMX (Digital Multiplex), aka DMX512, is the industry standard protocol for controlling lighting and effects in clubs, theatres and tons of other places.

At its core, DMX data consists of a list of 512 numbers, each between 0 and 255, usually referred to as 'channels'. This data gets sent through an XLR-style cable from the lighting controller to the lights.
Most light fixtures (and other DMX-enabled devices) usually have both a DMX-in and DMX-out port. This allows them to be daisy-chained together, meaning you can control multiple lights through just one cable.

Some lights might have one function (e.g. dimmer), while others might have a whole range of controllable functions like Red, Green, Blue, White, Dimmer, Strobe, Pan, Tilt, etc.. This means that each light takes a specific number of channels to control it, and that number will differ between lights.

All lights have a function to set their 'DMX address', indicating which of the 512 channels are meant for that light.
For example: if one light takes eight channels to control it, and the next one takes fourteen channels;

  • The first light would be set to DMX address 1, and takes DMX channels 1-8.
  • The second light would then be set to address 9, and take channels 9-23.
  • The third light would be address 24, etc.

In general, for controlling *any* light, you will want to look up the User Manual for that model to find out which channels control which function of the light.
Just scroll down to find a table like this:

DMX channel list example.png

How to use the Dark Lab lights

The permanently mounted stage lights in the lab are all daisy-chained together. There is a little switch box where you can select what controls the lights: i.e. the lighting desk, a USB DMX interface, or the wireless DMX receiver (ask the Kit Room or a Dark Lab technician for the wireless DMX transmitter).
We also have DMX shields that can plug into your Arduino.

All lights in the Lab are labeled with their DMX (starting) addresses. Please refer to the User Manuals of the lights to know which consecutive channels correspond to which functions:
Martin Rush Batten 1 Hex User Manual
Martin Rush MH6 Wash User Manual

The Eurolite lighting desk has already been set up to work with our specific lights, so you won't need to worry about addresses and channels if you just want to change the colours!
If you want to incorporate DMX into your projects and make it interactive through code (using e.g. a USB or Arduino DMX interface to connect to the lights), you will need to keep the above in mind though!

What DMX equipment is available to take home?

We also have a few lights and DMX interfaces that you can take home. These are bookable through ORB, our online loan store and equipment booking system. Feel free to have a look, or have a go!
The technicians will be happy to help with any questions you might have.


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