Basic System Information

This firmware personality for the DecaBox receives RS-232 data and allows full control of a DMX 512 universe, including scene snapshots, dynamic captures and more. Further, via RS-232, MIDI data may be transmitted to downstream devices.

• The system ships with an international switching power supply.  System power requirements are 9-12v DC, center positive, 300 mA.  The power supply connector has standard dimensions of 2.1mm x 5.5mm.
• MIDI data is passed transmitted via the MIDI OUT 5-pin DIN connector.
• DMX lighting data is generated on the Neutrik 5 pin XLR female jack.  If necessary, a 5 pin to 3 pin adapter cable may used to connect various lighting fixtures.  

The DecaBox USB port is used for firmware updates.  It does not accept MIDI data. 

Originally, the lighting guys wanted to keep their wiring separate from the audio crew, who were using XLR-3 microphone cable; thus the 5 pin lighting data standard.  However, in nearly every current implementation of DMX control only pins 1, 2 and 3 are used. The 5 pin connectors cost about $2 more in quantity, so some manufacturers eschew them for less expensive 3 pin versions.  Professional and touring gear still relies nearly exclusively on the 5 pin infrastructure. In either case, pin 1 is ground, pin 2 is ‘data complement’ or D- and pin 3 is ‘data true’ or D+.