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How to Set Up Elation DMX Controller & Dimmer Pack

DMX controllers allow the transmission of control data to automated stage lighting and effects. A DMX controller can store hundreds of pre-programmed patterns for transmission to numerous arrays of lights or smoke machines. The separate dimmer unit houses the electronics for powering the lights and operating the dimmers. It can transmit its own pre-programmed patterns to the lights, or relay those sent to it by the DMX controller.

Things You'll Need

  • 3-Pin XLR DMX cable, male-to-female connectors
  • DMX connection terminator
  • Stage lights with Edison power connectors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect the DMX controller to the main's supply but do not power it on. Move the dimmer pack to the spot where you plan to mount it during use, either behind the stage or slung from an overhead rig. Connect the dimmer pack to the main's supply and leave it powered off. Connect a 3-pin XLR cable to the DMX output of the controller.

    • 2

      Run the cable to the dimmer pack and connect it to the input terminal on the rear of the unit. Ensure that the cables are all seated firmly and the dimmer is mounted securely and safely out of the way. Connect the XLR terminator to the output socket on the rear of the dimmer.

    • 3

      Connect the Edison power cables from the lights to the power sockets on the front of the dimmer unit. Power on the dimmer pack using the switch on the rear of the unit. Press the "Mode" button beneath the LED so an "A" is displayed before the number display. This places the dimmer pack into "Receive" mode, causing it to listen for input from the DMX controller, rather than using its own stored patterns.

    • 4

      Power on the DMX controller. On the dimmer pack, use the arrows below the display to set the DMX channel to 129. Press "Mode" to translate this to a controller channel. There is a choice of channel 1, 2 or 4 for the controller channel. Select channel 2.

    • 5

      Press the "Select" button on the DMX controller to enter the menu mode, scroll down to option two--"Assign Ch."--and press "Record." The channel assignment will appear on-screen in the format "CHANNEL01>OUT01." Choose the channel; press the up key to change the channel to 02. The "OUT" value refers to the fader that will be used to control the dimmer. Leave it as 01, and the first four faders on the controller will be assigned to the four dimmer faders.

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