The DMX512.com Forum

General Category => DMX512 Discussions => Topic started by: jmonteith on January 31, 2008, 04:41:33 PM

Title: Need guidance on DMX512 controllers
Post by: jmonteith on January 31, 2008, 04:41:33 PM

I am new to the DMX512 world and I am working with an associate on the development of a lighting product that will be on a DMX512 system.  For testing purposes, is it better to use a PC based DMX512 controller or a stand-alone to do the most thorough check-out?

Title: Re: Need guidance on DMX512 controllers
Post by: DMX512 on January 31, 2008, 08:46:28 PM

In theory, it shouldn't matter, as long as the transmitting unit transmits valid DMX512 data.

In designing your receiver, you should note that the specification encompasses data rate updates from about 44 updates a second with a 512 channel payload, but with a one channel payload you can validly be sent nearly 900 updates a second...!

The other issue is that if this is a commercial design and it's more complex than simple intensity control, you will probably need to develop fixture personalities for at least some of the popular control consoles...