Solving DMX Connection Issues

Intermittent loss of connection between lighting fixtures and the control console can seriously disrupt an event. Diagnosing and solving the issue starts with checking the following aspects:

1. DMX Line Termination:

Ensure a terminator (120 Ohms) is installed on the last device in the DMX chain. Without a terminator, signal reflections can cause failures.

2. Thermal Stability:

Overheating of equipment, especially DMX splitters and protocol converters, can lead to unstable operation or even failure. Provide adequate ventilation and monitor temperature conditions.

If conventional cooling methods are insufficient or unreliable, consider equipment resistant to overheating. For example, Sundrax DMX splitters have no ventilation holes or active cooling. They use passive heat dissipation, eliminating the risk of failure due to cooling system malfunctions.

3. Power Supply:

Ensure that the console and all fixtures are connected to the same power phase. A potential difference from using different phases can create ground loops and cause interference in the DMX signal. For small installations, connect all equipment to the same phase. For large installations, use only equipment with full galvanic isolation on all ports.

It is recommended to connect the entire DMX chain to a single phase through a voltage stabilizer of sufficient capacity.

4. Network Protocols (ArtNet, sACN):

Check the switch configuration, especially IGMP snooping settings, to optimize multicast traffic. IGMP snooping settings depend on the switch model.

Assign static IP addresses to all devices and separate lighting traffic into a dedicated VLAN.

Inspect Ethernet cables for damage and ensure they meet standards (Cat5e or higher).

5. Optical Isolation and Cable Routing:

Use optically isolated DMX splitters every 32 devices to protect equipment from potential differences and other electrical issues. Sundrax offers a wide range of optically isolated splitters, including rack-mounted, outdoor, DIN-rail, and solid splitters for indoor installation.

Route signal cables separately from power lines, maintaining a minimum distance of 50 cm.

Use shielded DMX cables to minimize interference.

Sundrax develops reliable DMX equipment for stable lighting system performance. Our solutions prevent overheating, instability, and system crashes.

Sundrax DMX Splitters: Protection and Control

Our DMX splitters ensure system security through key features:

• Galvanic isolation: Protects against interference and damage.
• RDM support: Enables monitoring and configuration of DMX devices.
• Various designs: PRO Rack-Mount, ARMA (outdoor), DIN-rail, Solid (wall-mounted, dust- and dirt-resistant), and the OEM Board series.
• Compact and lightweight: Easy to install and transport.
• UltraStart: Fast startup in under 3 seconds.
• Overvoltage protection: Operates reliably even with voltage spikes up to 310V.
• Reliability: Backup power via PoE.
• Fanless design: Reduces failure risk, with sealed enclosures for durability.

Sundrax equipment uses low-level software coding, eliminating instability and system freezes. No need for reboots.

Powerful chips and highly efficient software ensure high performance. Passive cooling allows stable operation in temperatures ranging from -50°C to +70°C.

Why Choose Sundrax?

• Reliability: No system crashes.
• Performance: High-power processors.
• Versatility: Operates in extreme conditions.

Our global distributor network.

Choose Sundrax for reliable DMX signal management.