User Manual

13
myDMX 3.0 / Introduction
2.Introduction
2.1.What is DMX?
DMX is a universal lighting control system. It stands for 'Digital multiplex' and is a digital data system
which allows a DMX controller to take control of any DMX compatible device, regardless of the
manufacturer. DMX devices are normally referred to as 'Fixtures' or 'Drivers'. Each fixture has a DMX
input and a DMX output. Up to 32 fixtures can be daisy-chained. For connections of more than 32
fixtures, a DMX splitter must be used.
Each DMX device uses a certain number of channels. For example there may be 1 channel to set the
gobo, 3 channels to set the color, 2 channels for movement, 1 channel to control the dimmer etc... 1 DMX
universe can control up to 512 channels. Once the universe is full, you need to use a second connection
from the controller. The example below shows 2 moving heads and 2 LED Par's which take up a total of
30 channels.
Each fixture needs an address so that the software knows which device it's controlling. The address
determines the starting channel. In the example below, the LED par takes up channels 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,
30. An address is usually set via a digital display or a set of switches called DIP switches (more
information on dip switches can be found in the 'Patch' section).
2.2.What is myDMX 3.0 and what hardware do I need?
myDMX 3.0 is a DMX lighting control software package. It can be used to control any type of DMX
light. The software has been specifically designed for controlling lighting in Discos, Clubs, Theatres
and Live shows, and can also be used to control Architectural lighting.
To use the software, you will need to connect a myDMX 3.0 USB-DMX interface via USB or Ethernet.
This converts the information sent by the software to DMX which a lighting fixture can understand.