Daslight DVC GOLD 1024

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2. Introduction

2.1. What is DMX? DMX is a universal lighting control system. It stands for 'Digital multiplex' and is a digital data system which allows a DMX controller to take control of any DMX compatible device, regardless of the manufacturer. DMX devices are normally referred to as 'Fixtures' or 'Drivers'. Each fxture has a DMX input and a DMX output. Up to 32 fxtures can be daisy-chained. For connections of more than 32 fxtures, a DMX splitter must be used. Each DMX device uses a certain number of channels. For example there may be 1 channel to set the gobo, 3 channels to set the colour, 2 channels for movement, 1 channel to control the dimmer etc... 1 DMX universe can control up to 512 channels. Once the universe is full, you need to use a second connection from the controller. The example below shows 2 moving heads and 1 LED Par which take up a total of 30 channels. Each fxture needs an address so that the software knows which device it's controlling. The address determines the starting channel. In the example below, the LED Par takes up channels 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. An address is usually set via a digital display or a set of switches called DIP switches.

2.2. What is Daslight 5 and what hardware do I need? Daslight 5 is a DMX lighting control software package. It can be used to control any type of DMX light. The software has been specifcally designed for controlling lighting in Discos, Clubs, Theatres and Live shows, and can also be used to control Architectural lighting. To use the software, you will need to connect a compatible USB-DMX interface via USB or Ethernet. This converts the information sent by the software to DMX which a lighting fxture can understand. The software can