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DMX 101: A DMX 512 Handbook
4 Elation Professional ®
This handbook is designed to promote basic understanding of the DMX 512 protocol, including theory of
operation, proper equipment use, and some basic application examples.
DMX is an acronym for Digital Multiplex, a communication protocol (a set of rules) used to remotely control
lighting dimmers and intelligent fixtures. It is designed to provide a common communications standard between
these lighting devices regardless of the manufacturer.
The 512 after the DMX refers to the number of control channels used on one network segment (often called a
‘universe’) of devices. In a simple dimming system, one channel controls the intensity of one dimmer. A single
intelligent fixture, however, may require several channels to control its various parameters (one channel each for
pan, tilt, color, gobo, etc.).
A basic dimming control console (such as the 16 channel Elation Stage-Setter 8) may support only a few of the
512 available channels. Many professional control consoles (such as the 3 universe, 1536 channel Elation Show
Designer 3) support multiple universes, allowing for thousands of control channels.
The topics this handbook will cover are:
• Industry Standards
• Theory of Operation
• Protocol Specifications
• Sample Applications
1. Introduction to DMX
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