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[nbe]

I am using dmx dimmers to control theatrical lighting, do I need a DMX terminator? And if I don't use one, what might happen? We have been using the system for a couple of years without one and haven't seen any real problems. The only problem we have seen is that on occasion the lights will come on with the controlling computer completely off. This usually occurs when a storm is in the area. Would a terminator stop this from happening?

Thanks & God Bless,
Glenn

[DMX512]

The best advice is to use a terminator, but in reality many (maybe most) DMX systems in the world are improperly terminated and work just fine.

What I tend to do is (which is just a tad naughty) to use a DMX splitter in dimmerworld, and that will correctly terminate the incoming line (theres a switch on the splitter to enable an internal terminator) so the long cable from desk or computer to stage is correctly terminated.  I then tend to worry less about the feeds out of the splitter, 'cos they are relatively short.

Sometimes you see systems that work without a terminator but when a terminator is installed they stop working. This is almost always due to busted wiring.

[Pickleworth_pie123]

Best get a terminator, best be safe than sorry, afterall they only cost a couple of quid on eBay or better yet if you have a soldering iron that's even cheaper.