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How to Use DMX Dimmer

The use of DMX, or Digital Multiplex, dimmers for stage lighting requires knowledge of the DMX protocol and basic math skills. DMX dimmers, also called dimmer packs, are used to connect lighting fixtures to master lighting controllers and assign individual DMX addresses to each fixture or fixture function. Some DMX dimmers double as stand-alone chase controllers, and do not require a separate master controller. Multiple dimmers are easily daisy-chained together with standard DMX cables for up to 512 total separate channels.

Things You'll Need

  • DMX dimmer
  • Lighting fixture
  • DMX controller
  • DMX cable
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plug the DMX dimmer pack's power cord into a wall outlet.

    • 2

      Plug the lighting fixture's power cord into channel one of the DMX dimmer. Most DMX dimmers are equipped with four channels, to which additional lighting fixtures may be added.

    • 3

      Plug the dimmer into the lighting controller by inserting a DMX cable into the output of the controller and into the input of the dimmer. Additional DMX dimmers may be daisy chained with DMX cables from the output of the dimmer to the input of the next dimmer in the chain.

    • 4

      Set the DMX mode to "Dimmer." Follow the instructions for mode settings for your particular dimmer pack. Some packs operate as dimmers and switches, while others operate as dimmers and chase controllers.

    • 5

      Set the DMX settings for four-channel operation. On manual switch models, the number one switch will be set on, with all other switches off. On digital display models, set the display number to "001." Consult industry standard DMX addressing charts for setting addresses for more than four channels.

    • 6

      Turn on all power switches on the dimmer, controller and fixtures, and test them for proper operation.

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