If DMX is universal........

[Larry B Entertainment]

Then why do some manufacturers like Chauvet and Kam reverse the 2 data wires on their DMX sockets ? I had to make up special reversed leads to plug the Kam Led's into my controller as standard leads were the wrong polarity for the lights :eek: I thought DMX was only wired one way round and therefore universal like midi is.

[DMX Will]

There are some fixtures by some brands that decide its a good idea to switch them round, for one of two reasons:
- as they have their own control protocol (Like the old martin control system before dmx became universal)
- they're feeling difficult.

The rig ive designed in the club I work in, has about 12 converters up in the rig, it spends its life switching backwards and forwards from the two polarities, as ive got a mix of old Martin Roboscans and newer martin/other branded fixtures.

[Larry B Entertainment]

What convertors do you use ? I made up some 6" cables with simply the 2 wires soldered in reverse to the other end.

It is rather annoying that they dont even mention on the fitting that they are using the reversed system, its only when i plugged them in and the scanners went wild that i realised that i need a different lead.

[DMX Will]

Well unfortunetly, I was installing all these lights for opening that night. As we didn't realise until all the fixtures were up, all the power and DMX cable had been run, I had to get the local disco shop to make me them up ASAP, at £7-8 each.

But yes, they are about 6" with two Neutrik XLRs with two cores reveresed.

I've since bought a load of the CPC in-line phase reversals, for next time!
http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/Cable,+Wire+&+Connectors/Connectors+-+Adaptors+(Inter-Series)/PRO+SIGNAL/PSG01351/displayProduct.jsp?sku=AV14519&_requestid=358087

[Larry B Entertainment]

There a good idea, i didnt think about those. They are cheap aswell.

[Starlight]

There are some fixtures by some brands that decide its a good idea to switch them round.

Is there any fixtures that dont switch? If I asked the retailer if there will be problems in regards to this switching, would he know?

Mendoza.

[Sam]

Is there any fixtures that dont switch? If I asked the retailer if there will be problems in regards to this switching, would he know?

Mendoza.


one would presume that some don't switch.. otherwise everything would be running the 'switched way' and thus there wouldn't be a problem and no one would realise it's switched. :confused: ! lol

[DMX Will]

one would presume that some don't switch.. otherwise everything would be running the 'switched way' and thus there wouldn't be a problem and no one would realise it's switched. :confused: ! lol

lol. Nice one Mr. Aztec!

Most don't and TBH i didn't know Chauvet reversed their kit (ive got a chauvet controller, and it's not the "wrong way round".

Yeah -the CPC version are cheap, hence the desired option! :D:D

[A1DL]

In the long run it may be better to bite the bullet and reverse the polarity at the XLR on the fixture.

If using Abstract heads, kill two birds with one stone and replace those horrible "Cliff" XLRs with Neutriks whilst you're in there