User Manual

DMX Ultimate Converter User’s Manual
ABOUT THE DMX U LTIMATE CONVERTER
Before the advent of the USITT DMX512 control signal standard, manufacturers developed a
number of proprietary multiplex communications protocols. Strand developed AMX, Colortran had
their CMX, Kliegl offered K96, and Electro Controls (also known as Control Lighting) used EC-Mux.
Additional protocols also followed in the form of NSI’s MicroPlex, Strand Europe’s D54 and AVAB’s
own multiplex protocol.
We designed
DMX Ultimate Converter to permit the interconnection of consoles and dimmers that
employ different communications protocols. In addition, the
DMX Ultimate Converter also provides
other useful customization and diagnostic functions, all in a simple to learn and use device.
P
ROTOCOLS SUPPORTED
The DMX Ultimate Converter supports a wide range of lighting industry communication protocols.
They are:
Protocol Description Connector
DMX512 Probably the most widely used protocol for controlling
lighting equipment, DMX was the first USITT industry
standard multiplex protocol. DMX generates up to
512 control signals.
5 pin XLR
AMX192 Originally Strand Lighting’s first multiplex protocol,
AMX is an analog multiplex protocol that carries up to
192 control signals. AMX192 is now a USITT
standard.
4 pin XLR (also 4
pin mini TA4)
Colortran Also referred to as CMX, Colortran’s digital protocol
was the forerunner of DMX512.
5 pin XLR
AVAB The AVAB protocol was one of the early digital
protocols. The AVAB protocol produces 240-252
control signals.
Variety
EC-MUX Electro Controls’ foray into digital dimmer control
resulted in this 512-dimmer protocol. Commonly
used with
Celebrity control consoles. Strand Lighting
later bought Electro Controls.
4 pin XLR
Kliegl Kliegl made a wide range of consoles and dimmers
prior to going out of business in the 80’s. The Kliegl
protocol is often referred to as K96, after the
dimmer rack it was developed for. K96 is able to
handle 10,000 dimmers on 480 control channels.
Variety
D54 Designed by Strand for their European dimmers and
consoles, D54 produces 384 control signals.
3 pin XLR
MicroPlex MicroPlex is a protocol developed by NSI to control
their dimmers. It is also used by Lightronics. Limited
support (48 channels output, no input) is offered for
MicroPlex.
3 pin XLR
3