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 ?