DMX-510USB Dongle

[Dave Kay]

Is anybody familiar with and know if you can use both the 3pin and the 5pin DMX outputs at the same time on the IMG Stageline DMX-510USB Dongle without any problems. There is nothing in the manual regarding this and can't find anything else on google.

[jbaileypro]

Im not sure on the device specifically but I would imagine it is on the same universe (output) so it will send the same data (channels) thought both the 5 pin and 3 pin connector. So both can be used at the same time but will only output the same thing on both.

 

You may want to check that they are isolated so that if one of the lines (either 3 pin or 5 pin) gets interference then it can cause problems with the the other. Look at older topics of splitting DMX signals on blue-room.

 

Hope that helps a little.

[Ynot]

Well, strictly speaking, no - I doubt that it's a good idea to use both outputs. They're normally there as an optional output for using standard 5-pin kit OR the lower-end market 3-pin.

Using both - especially if you're putting multiple units in the chain of each - is risking corruption of the data stream and thus getting errors/noise on the lines.

If you want to split the signal to two or more lines of DMX then look for a small splitter/isolator unit. Ebay has quite a few usually.

[Tomo]

Unless the manual for the device specifically says that you can, then you cannot.

 

DMX cannot be split passively with any degree of confidence* - it requires active components to receive, buffer and retransmit the signal out along the additional lines.

 

*I say confidence, because it'll probably work in your garage, and then fail the moment a paying customer is within earshot.

[matt c]

There is no reason why they can't both be used at the same time.

 

If they are both used, then you do still have a bus structure (required by the RS485 standard), but the source (dongle) is just in the middle of the bus instead of at the end.

 

Just remember your terminators at the ends.

[DrV]

There is no reason why they can't both be used at the same time.

 

If they are both used, then you do still have a bus structure (required by the RS485 standard), but the source (dongle) is just in the middle of the bus instead of at the end.

 

Just remember your terminators at the ends.

 

And remember to remove the termination at the source (the middle).

[Dave Kay]

Thanks for the advice!

 

Seems to be fairly two-sided! Well, as the dongle is on install in a nightclub I'll have to give it a try on next maintenance day! The reason I asked is that we have a smoke machine near the computer running the lights that doesn't have a DMX out option. It would be ideal to run a second line just for the smoke machine as it isn't possible to tag it on at the end of the chain!

 

Doesn't seem like I'll do any actual damage to the dongle by trying which is what I was worried about!

 

Cheers guys!

[dmxlights]

I would not try this. Some smoke machine or hazers use 5 pin XLRs for the controls and what you are looking at may not be DMX. Do you have the manual for the smoke machine if so read it as it may not be DMX.

 

I have never seen a device that is DMX in and not to have an out. If you try this you could do some damage to the usb DMX dongle, computer or the smoke machine.

 

If you don't have the manual look up on the net or post the make and model here.

 

The smoke machines / hazer I have seen that use XLR will have 12 to 17 volts on it

[IRW]

I have never seen a device that is DMX in and not to have an out. If you try this you could do some damage to the usb DMX dongle, computer or the smoke machine.

 

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Apollo 2-way scroller PSU's

[/Off Topic]