DMX Connector Swap
- Thread starter oxytousc
- Start date
Yes, any 3 pin connector will do, but there are as couple of issues with xconnect specifically which is why I'd avoid it
1. make sure you don't intermix it with pixel cabling, it'll end badly if you plug it in incorrectly
2. Don't use normal x-connect cables extensions. Put the pigtails into cat5e. The impedance of 3 wire power cable is not suitable can still cause degradation
3. Given you can't get x-connect plugs and sockets directly, there's is the chance that Even the small pigtails could cause signal reflections and data corruption.
1. make sure you don't intermix it with pixel cabling, it'll end badly if you plug it in incorrectly
2. Don't use normal x-connect cables extensions. Put the pigtails into cat5e. The impedance of 3 wire power cable is not suitable can still cause degradation
3. Given you can't get x-connect plugs and sockets directly, there's is the chance that Even the small pigtails could cause signal reflections and data corruption.
You could, but they wouldn't be water resistant anymore. XLR is not designed for the elements.(And the AV tech in me says never use 3 pin, it's originated by the standard, use 5 pin. But I get that many of the cheaper manufacturers love the 3 pin plug 
)
What's the end goal? Do you need extra length between units? If so, how far are you talking?
)What's the end goal? Do you need extra length between units? If so, how far are you talking?
So physically your cables would be compatible but not from an electrical perspective that I'd trust.
I would be inclined to keep it separate to the pixels, but l You could standardise on another 3 pin water resistant connector and pop them on some cat5e or rs485 cable and replace the connectors on the heads and your controllers.
That way you know you can mix and match anything from a dmx perspective and move things around etc, making it easier. If any new equipment has physical connectors on the device itself (like embedded xlrs), you just make up some adaptor cables to your connector of choice.
I use this connector (10 pin) version for my Ethernet, the 3 pin would do well in this scenario
a.aliexpress.com
I would be inclined to keep it separate to the pixels, but l You could standardise on another 3 pin water resistant connector and pop them on some cat5e or rs485 cable and replace the connectors on the heads and your controllers.
That way you know you can mix and match anything from a dmx perspective and move things around etc, making it easier. If any new equipment has physical connectors on the device itself (like embedded xlrs), you just make up some adaptor cables to your connector of choice.
I use this connector (10 pin) version for my Ethernet, the 3 pin would do well in this scenario
1Pcs Connector GX16 Waterproof Docking Back nut Male&Female Plug And Socket 2pin3pin5pin6pin7pin8pin9pin10pin M16 - AliExpress 13
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
a.aliexpress.com
Do you have a picture of the connector ?
TriC
New elf
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I have to echo what @Skymaster has said about using ‘xConnect extension cables’ in place of DMX cable. I’ve had commercial experience with this and can confirm you can get away with this type of cable for ~5m, but then there is degradation on the data packets.
Technically speaking, the typical DMX512 data protocol (we use) doesn’t have error checking, so your fixtures could randomly start doing weird things from data degradation mid show, especially as the volume of data being transmitted increases (to the fixtures).
If you’re planning to run DMX over long distances it’s encouraged to use ‘DMX cable’ or dedicated Cat 5e (shielded) Cat6/7, by using 1 twisted pair for data + and data- to reduce ‘crosstalk’ and or interference.
This is an example of the Renard DMX cables showing how twisted pairs are utilised (note the blue twisted pair). https://auschristmaslighting.com/wiki/DMX-Adapter-Leads#DMX-RJ45-to-Renard-RJ45
Dedicated DMX cables can be purchased from places around Australia such as:
Here is the Wiki page if anyone following is interested in more technical information (ignore the “RDM” information as its primarily used in the professional industry and out of scope of how most ppl are using DMX in their Christmas displays): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMX512
Personally, I have made up a bunch of dedicated CAT cables, with water proof connectors from altronics for my solution: https://www.altronics.com.au/p/p948...a-locking-female-line-ip67-waterproof-socket/
Hope the information helps everyone.
Technically speaking, the typical DMX512 data protocol (we use) doesn’t have error checking, so your fixtures could randomly start doing weird things from data degradation mid show, especially as the volume of data being transmitted increases (to the fixtures).
If you’re planning to run DMX over long distances it’s encouraged to use ‘DMX cable’ or dedicated Cat 5e (shielded) Cat6/7, by using 1 twisted pair for data + and data- to reduce ‘crosstalk’ and or interference.
This is an example of the Renard DMX cables showing how twisted pairs are utilised (note the blue twisted pair). https://auschristmaslighting.com/wiki/DMX-Adapter-Leads#DMX-RJ45-to-Renard-RJ45
Dedicated DMX cables can be purchased from places around Australia such as:
Lighting Cable Archives
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djcity.com.au
Here is the Wiki page if anyone following is interested in more technical information (ignore the “RDM” information as its primarily used in the professional industry and out of scope of how most ppl are using DMX in their Christmas displays): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMX512
Personally, I have made up a bunch of dedicated CAT cables, with water proof connectors from altronics for my solution: https://www.altronics.com.au/p/p948...a-locking-female-line-ip67-waterproof-socket/
Hope the information helps everyone.
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