Ella Walter
DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a protocol used to control devices such as lights or fog machines. It consists of 512 individual channels, each of which is assigned to control different parameters (known as a personality) of the light, such as colour, rotation, or strobe. DMX controllers transmit the DMX messages that trigger the lights. To control pan and tilt lighting with a DMX controller, you can use a DMX controller with a joystick for pan and tilt, or you can use a python script that, when given a pan or tilt angle, outputs the corresponding DMX value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is DMX? | Digital Multiplex, a protocol used to control devices such as lights or fog machines. |
| DMX channels | 512 individual channels, known as a Universe. Each channel controls different parameters (known as a personality) of the light, such as colour, rotation, or strobe. |
| DMX modes | Sound-active mode, 3-channel mode, 4-channel mode, 7-channel mode, etc. Modes available vary based on the device. |
| DMX controllers | Transmit DMX messages that trigger the lights. Can be hardware-only with preset addresses or connected to a computer for customisation. |
| DMX addresses | Another name for a channel. Each fixture must be addressed to a different starting address to be controlled independently. |
| DMX values | Range from 0-255, with higher values resulting in more intense functions. |
| DMX fixtures | A light or group of lights assigned to one or more channels. |
| DMX mergers | Required to connect two consoles outputting DMX and controlling lights on the same rig. Cannot physically combine two DMX streams. |
| DMX applications | Used for stage lighting, including pan and tilt control. |
| DMX pricing | Prices for DMX-controlled stage lighting range from $299.95 to $1449.00. |
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What You'll Learn
DMX controllers are the brain of a lighting rig
DMX-compatible products have different modes of operation, such as sound-active mode, 4-channel mode, and 7-channel mode. The modes available will depend on the device and will be explained in the product's user manual. A DMX Fixture is a light or group of lights assigned to one or more channels. The number of channels will determine which functions are available. For example, if a light is set to 4-channel mode, only the first four functions of the fixture can be controlled.
Each channel is assigned to control different parameters, known as a personality, of the light, such as colour, rotation, or strobe, and have data values of 0-255. The data values can be thought of like a fader on a mixer; the higher the data value, the more intense the function. The settings that are set on the controller for each fixture can be saved as a Scene for easy recall. Specific scenes can then be assigned to create a sequence to play back, known as a Chase.
DMX controllers can be connected to user-friendly software interfaces to provide communication between devices for lighting across entertainment spaces. They can also be controlled through handheld wireless remotes or even cell phones.
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DMX consists of 512 individual channels
DMX, or Digital Multiplex, is a protocol used to control devices such as lights or fog machines. It consists of 512 individual channels, known as a "Universe". Each channel is assigned to control different parameters, known as a "personality", of the light, such as colour, rotation, or strobe. These channels have data values ranging from 0 to 255, which can be thought of as a fader on a mixer; the higher the data value, the more intense the function.
A DMX address is another name for a channel. To control multiple fixtures independently, they must be addressed to different starting addresses that are not in the group of channels for another fixture. The channel which the fixture is currently set at is known as the starting address, and the DMX personality is what a channel or group of channels control the fixture's parameters.
DMX-compatible products will have different modes of operation, such as sound-active mode, 4-channel mode, and 7-channel mode. The modes available will vary based on the device and will be explained in the product's user manual.
A DMX Fixture is a light or group of lights assigned to one or more channels. The functions available will depend on the channel mode, so refer to the owner's manual to see which functions are available. For example, if a light is set to 4-channel mode, only the first four functions of the light fixture can be controlled.
DMX512 is a standard for digital show control networks, commonly used to control lighting fixtures, stage effects, and other show-control devices. It is connected using 3-pin or 5-pin XLR connectors.
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Mapping pan/tilt degrees to DMX
DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a protocol used to control devices such as lights or fog machines. Each channel or group of channels controls the fixture's parameters, such as colour, rotation, or strobe, and has data values ranging from 0 to 255. The higher the data value, the more intense the function.
When mapping pan/tilt degrees to DMX, it is important to consider the mode in which the fixture is running. In basic mode, a DMX value of 127 would give an angle of 132.5° (straight up), while 45° from the centre in each direction would be a value of 86 or 180. In extended mode, pan and tilt values span two channels for 16-bit control, with the second channel being the 'fine' channel.
To achieve a 1:1 mapping between pan/tilt angles and DMX values, it is suggested to set the fine control channel to 0 or 127. However, it is noted that the mapping may not be perfectly linear, as seen in the example where a tilt angle of 45 degrees did not result in the expected 90-degree movement.
Python scripts can be used to convert pan or tilt angles into their corresponding DMX values. One example of such a script provided by a user is:
Def run_motor (pAngle, tAngle):
PAngle = float(pAngle)
TAngle = float(tAngle)
PAnglePercentage = pAngle/540
TAnglePercentage = tAngle/265
PAngleDMX = int(round(pAnglePercentage*255))
TAngleDMX = int(round(tAnglePercentage*255))
Mydmx.setChannel(1, pAngleDMX)
Mydmx.setChannel(2, tAngleDMX)
Mydmx.render()
In this script, the pAngle and tAngle variables represent the pan and tilt angles, respectively. The angles are then converted into percentages by dividing them by the maximum angle value (540 for pan and 265 for tilt). These percentages are then multiplied by 255 and rounded to the nearest integer to obtain the DMX values. Finally, the DMX values are set to the appropriate channels using the `setChannel` function and rendered using the `render` function.
It is worth noting that there does not appear to be a clear industry standard regarding the direction of pan and tilt in relation to DMX data. Different lighting designers may have their own preferences for how they want the fixtures to behave.
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Using a DMX controller with a lightboard
DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a protocol used to control devices such as lights, strobes, and fog machines. It consists of 512 individual channels, each controlling different parameters (known as a personality) of the light, such as colour, rotation, or strobe. DMX controllers are the brain of a lighting rig and transmit the DMX messages that trigger the lights.
When using a DMX controller with a lightboard, the controller sends signals to the lights via cables or wirelessly, allowing the user to adjust the intensity, colour, movement, and effects. The DMX controller can be connected to the lightboard via a MIDI and DMX merger, as suggested by a user on ControlBooth. This allows the controller to trigger the lighting desk.
It is important to note that the secondary hardware being controlled must have a DMX in and out function to be able to receive the signals from the DMX controller. Additionally, the lightboard must have multiple DMX universes to output from one to another. This can be done by setting a channel on the main board, and each time that channel is used, it triggers the cues on the other board.
DMX controllers can be hardware-based or connected to a computer. Hardware-based controllers have a preset DMX address list that cannot be customized. On the other hand, computer-connected controllers offer more flexibility, allowing users to adjust the lighting directly from their PC.
Overall, using a DMX controller with a lightboard provides users with a convenient way to control and adjust lighting parameters, making it a useful tool for live events, theatre, and installations.
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Pan and tilt inversion
When it comes to controlling pan and tilt lighting with a DMX controller, the pan and tilt inversion feature is a valuable tool. This feature allows users to reverse the behaviour of the pan or tilt attribute, making the control channel operate in the opposite direction. For example, if the pan and tilt inversion is activated, the fixture will move to the right instead of the left and down instead of up.
There are several reasons why a lighting technician may choose to use the pan and tilt inversion feature. Firstly, it can be used to correct rigging errors. If a moving spot is rigged in the wrong direction, 180 degrees from the other fixtures, the pan and tilt inversion can be used to correct its movement without physically adjusting the fixture. This feature can also be used to create an easier programming environment for moving lights. By inverting the pan or tilt attribute, programmers can simplify the process of creating complex lighting movements.
The pan and tilt inversion feature can also be used strategically to create specific lighting effects. For instance, a lighting designer might want to split the rig between Stage Right and Stage Left to craft symmetrical crosses. In this case, inverting the pan or tilt attribute would allow for more cohesive movement across the entire rig. Additionally, the pan and tilt inversion can be employed when fixtures are rigged on their sides, such as on the side of an upright truss, to correct their movement in relation to the stage.
It is important to note that the pan and tilt inversion does not affect the DMX output. Instead, it changes how the fixture interprets the DMX channel. As a result, it is recommended to set up the inversion at the initial stages of working with the rig. This ensures that any position presets are not affected and saves time in the long run. Lighting programmers can experiment with the pan and tilt inversion feature to determine how it impacts the movement of their fixtures and make adjustments accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a protocol used to control devices such as lights or fog machines.
DMX controllers transmit DMX messages that trigger the lights. They are the brain of a lighting rig.
You can unplug the DMX from the current controller and plug it into the new controller. If you want to use both, you can run another DMX cable for the lamps or use a DMX merger to combine the signals.
Pan and tilt values span two channels for 16-bit control in extended mode. The second channel is the "fine" channel. In basic mode, a DMX value of 127 would mean an angle of 132.5° (straight up).
