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4.1 Connectors
The DMX standard specifies 5-pin XLR connectors (Figure 5). The name comes from the original manufacturer
(Cannon X connector, with a Latch and Rubber guard). Only three of these pins have standardized use however,
leading many companies to make use of inexpensive and readily available 3-pin XLR connectors (Figure 6). The
remaining two pins are in place for future use, such as allowing connected devices to communicate information
back to the controller (lamp hours, operating temperatures, etc.).
Figure 5
Figure 6
Table 1: DMX 512 Connector Pinout
NOTE: Many manufacturers use pins 4 and 5 for non-standard applications, often using voltages that are
potentially dangerous to DMX compliant devices. Such applications are meant only for use with
approved devices (usually from the same manufacturer). Use with standard DMX devices can
cause serious damage to equipment.
Pin Wire Signal
1 Shield Drain Ground / 0V
2 Inner Conductor (Black) Data -
3 Inner Conductor (White) Data +
4 Inner Conductor (Green) Data - (Spare)
5 Inner Conductor (Red) Data + (Spare)
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
4
5
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12
3
12
3
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4