mac 250+

[nmscott100]

hi there I have a problem with a mac 250+ not reg DMX at all I have DMX through it as it is running the rest of the lights but it just stopped half way through a show the unit is working as should in test mode can some one please help

[Dodgecaliber]

hi there I have a problem with a mac 250+ not reg DMX at all I have DMX through it as it is running the rest of the lights but it just stopped half way through a show the unit is working as should in test mode can some one please help

 

 

Does it have an error code?

 

Does it strike on DMX?

 

Does the DMX line have an EOL resistor?

 

How is the fixture powered?

[Just Some Bloke]

Can you confirm what you meean by:

I have DMX through it as it is running the rest of the lights

 

Does the data go anywhere else after the Mac? In other words, is anything plugged into the 'DMX out' socket? If so, does that work OK?

 

If there is something after it that works, then your problem is somewhere on the Mac (or a patching problem) whereas if there isn't then it could be a problem with the data coming in.

 

As with all fault-finding, you'be be best to start at one end of the system and work your way through. So:

 

• Is the lighting board/controller outputting DMX?
  
• Is the Mac patched properly in the board?
  
• Are all the data cables working properly?
  
• Is the Mac addressed correctly?
  
• Does the Mac work on another DMX address (e.g. ch1)?
  
• Are the menu settings correct on the Mac?
  

 

Work through this list and come back if none of them fix the problem! The more information you give us the easier it is to help.

[steveo]

Sounds Daft BUT...... check the DMX cable to the last fixture in the chain, I have had it before with Mac's that it may not be the unit at fault but a random cable fault in the chain.

 

May not be the problem but worth a go

[Matt Cowles]

I could be the DMX wireset. There is a wireset that plugs onto the PCB that has the XLRs mounted to it. Open up the base - firstly check that the wireset is plugged onto that PCB and make sure that the other end is properly connected to the main PCB in the arm. If everything is properly connected then check the continuity on that wireset to make sure that the data is getting to the PCB

[nmscott100]

I could be the DMX wireset. There is a wireset that plugs onto the PCB that has the XLRs mounted to it. Open up the base - firstly check that the wireset is plugged onto that PCB and make sure that the other end is properly connected to the main PCB in the arm. If everything is properly connected then check the continuity on that wireset to make sure that the data is getting to the PCB

 

hi yes I have a connection on all 3 pins (no broken wires) from the input DMX to the pcb in the arm

any ideas?

[DrV]

I could be the DMX wireset. There is a wireset that plugs onto the PCB that has the XLRs mounted to it. Open up the base - firstly check that the wireset is plugged onto that PCB and make sure that the other end is properly connected to the main PCB in the arm. If everything is properly connected then check the continuity on that wireset to make sure that the data is getting to the PCB

 

hi yes I have a connection on all 3 pins (no broken wires) from the input DMX to the pcb in the arm

any ideas?

 

Are both of the links (PL233 and PL234) next to the connector on the PCB in place? DMX goes via these and also via the two 2R2 resistors near there. The DMX receiver chip is surface mount so not easy to replace in the field. If you've got a scope you should be able to see DMX data on IC231 pin 1 and IC232 pin 6. Nothing on sockets in that area though...

 

Dave