*Note:Figure 1
If you are constructing your own data cables, be sure to use standard two conductor
shielded cable (This cable may be purchased at almost all professional sound and
lighting stores). Your cables should be made with a 3-pin male and female XLR
connector on either end of the cable. Also remember that DMX lines must be daisy
chained and can't be split.
*Special Note:
Figure 2
DMX 512 OUT
3-PIN XLR
DMX 512 IN
3-PIN XLR
COMMON
DMX+
DMX-
Figure 3
XLR Male Socket XLR Female Socket
1 Ground 2 Cold
3 Hot 3 Hot
2 Cold 1 Ground
XLR Pin Configuration
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Data Compliment (negative)
Pin 3 = Data True (positive)
Termination reduces signal errors and avoids signal
transmission problems and interference. It is always
advisable to connect a DMX terminal, (Resistance
120 Ohm 1/4 W) between PIN 2 (DMX-) and PIN 3
(DMX +) of the last fixture.
Figure 4
1
2
3
Be sure to follow figures two and three when making your own cables. Do not use the ground lug on the XLR
connector. Do not connect the cable's shield conductor to the ground lug or allow the shield conductor to
come in contact with the XLR's outer casing. Grounding the shield could cause a short circuit and erratic
behavior.
Line Termination. When longer runs of cable are used, you may need to use a terminator on the last unit to
avoid erratic behavior. A terminator is a 120 ohm 1/4 watt resistor which is connected between pins 2 and 3
of a male XLR connector (DATA + and DATA -). This unit is inserted in the female XLR connector of the last
unit in your daisy chain to terminate the line. Using a cable terminator will decrease the possibilities of erratic
behavior.
DMX Signal Cable. 120 ohm impedance DMX signal cable MUST be used for signal connection.
3-Pin XLR to 5-Pin XLR Conversion
Conductor
Ground/Shield
Data Compliment(-signal)
Data True(+signal)
Not Used
Not Used
3-Pin XLR Female(Out)
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
5-pin XLR Male(In)
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
Pin 4 - Do Not Used
Pin 5 - Do Not Used
5-Pin XLR DMX Connectors.
Some manufactures use 5-pin XLR connectors for DATA transmission in place of 3-pin. 5-pin XLR fixtures
may be implemented in a 3-pin XLR DMX line. When inserting standard 5-pin XLR connectors in to a 3-pin
line a cable adaptor must be used, these adaptors are readily available at most electric stores. The chart
below details a proper cable conversion.
Set-up
Power Supply:
Before plugging your unit in, be sure the source voltage in your area matches the required voltage for the B-6
power supply. The B-6 is only available in AC100-240V versions. Due to variations in line voltage from
venue to venue, be sure to plug your power supply into a wall outlet with matching power before attempting to
operate. And complete the system connection of the B-6 with your fixtures by using data(DMX) cables.
Data Cable (DMX Cable) Requirements:
The B-6 can be controlled via DMX-512 protocol and your DMX controller requires a standard 3-pin XLR
connector for data input and data output(Figure1). Connect the B-6 and your fixtures together using
standard 3 pin DMX cables. The B-6 uses DMX-512 protocol to operate your fixtures.
