Applications of DMX512

• DMX512, as the name implies, is a 512 channel system. A single DMX "universe" can contain a maximum of 32 fixture or units; each channel is assigned a value between 0 and 255. The system runs on DMX control signals transferred over twisted-pair cables. A dedicated lighting control unit, or software-based PC control unit, is used to operate the lighting installation.
  
  DMX lighting allows for customized, articulate control of a large, advanced lighting installations. It is commonly used for large-scale events, such as concerts and theatre productions. The primary advantage of DMX512 is that it grants the lighting operator the ability to dynamically control lighting on the fly, as opposed to just having a single on/off switch. Due to the additional complexity of a DMX system, it is only to be used to control lighting fixtures, dimmer packs and effects. Using DMX to control pyrotechnic effects and stage equipment movement is prohibited.
  
  

Control Methods

• As mentioned previously, controlling your DMX512 system can be done with either a dedicated lighting controller or a software program installed on a PC. PC-based DMX controllers are more common because of their versatility and additional memory for storing lighting sequences. PC-based setups tend to cost a bit more than dedicated lighting controllers, but are usually worthwhile on a long-term basis.
  
  Creating a lighting sequence for a DMX512 system is similar to creating music in a sequencing program or music workstation. Lighting fixtures and dimmers are moved into position using a joystick or mouse. Settings such as color, shutter dimensions and effects are chosen by the user; this set of preferences is recorded as a "snapshot." The duration of a snapshot is chosen, and additional snapshots are recorded with different lights, positions, colors and effects. The combination of these snapshots is referred to as a lighting sequence and can be saved for future use. By default, a sequence will repeat, so be sure to adjust the settings of your lighting controller if repetition is not desired.