In the window DMX Interfaces (DMX Interfaces), all DMX interfaces in DMXControl 3 are managed centrally. There is no distinction based on connection type, whether the DMX interface is connected via USB or operates over a network.
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| Figure 1: Overview of the DMX interfaces set up in DMXControl 3 |
Overview
The DMX Interfaces window lists all DMX interfaces configured on the respective computer and available for DMX output. Here, you can specify which internal DMX universe is output to the connected DMX interfaces starting from which DMX address. The same applies to the DMX input.
It is generally possible to configure multiple different DMX interfaces in advance and activate them as needed. It is also permissible to use multiple DMX interfaces for the same DMX universes, allowing the system to function like a DMX splitterA DMX splitter distributes the incoming DMX signal to multiple outputs. Detailed explanations can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMX_splitter.
Key Features
Special Features of Configuration
Using DMX Interfaces
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To activate DMX output, checkboxes in two columns must be selected: both in the column (DMX Interface) Enabled and in the column DMX Output Enabled. |
The configuration of all DMX interfaces is stored for the respective computer. When using another computer, these must be reconfigured and reactivated.
Background on DMX Interfaces
If all provided DMX interfaces are selected during the installation of DMXControl 3, they are generally active in the background when the kernel starts. This means that potential DMX interfaces are continuously monitored in the background. Although this process is not critical, it is advisable to only install the DMX interfaces you actually use. If additional DMX interfaces are needed later, they can be downloaded manually from the DMXControl website.
DMX Value Reset at Startup
If a DMX interface is set up and active, the kernel performs a reset on the associated DMX outputs when starting. This means that the kernel sets all DMX values to 0. Only after successfully loading a project do the connected devices receive their initial values. If a kernel restart is required, be aware that there is no access to the devices during the period from DMX interface activation to successful project loading, and in most cases, everything remains dark.
Differentiating DMX Interfaces
In DMXControl 3, DMX interfaces are categorized into two groups:
- "Intelligent" DMX Interfaces: These DMX interfaces transmit at least a unique identifier, such as a serial number, to the operating system when connected to the PC. These interfaces often have additional functions for software communication. They are listed in the interface selection dialog under their manufacturer and respective serial number.
- "Non auto-detect interfaces": These DMX interfaces require manual configuration upon first use, typically specifying the port through which they are addressed by the operating system. This category also includes interfaces that output DMX data via the network or in the form of a file without being physically connected to the PC.
User Interface
The user interface of the DMX Interfaces window primarily consists of a table listing all configured DMX interfaces. Adding, deleting, and configuring DMX interfaces is done through the menu bar above it.
Menu Bar
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| Figure 2: Menu bar of the DMX Interfaces window. |
| Icon | Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English GUI | |||
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Add Interface | Add a new or additional interface. | |
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Refresh | Update the status of the interfaces listed in the table. | |
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Advanced Interface Settings | Open the advanced settings for the selected interface. | |
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Delete | Delete the selected interface. | |
Table
Columns
| Label | Description/Functionality |
|---|---|
| English GUI | |
| Interface enabled | Activates or deactivates the entire DMX interface. |
| Vendor | Name of the DMX interface manufacturer. |
| Model | Designation of the DMX interface. |
| Serial number | Serial number of the DMX interface, if available. |
| Port | Running number of the available ports on the DMX interface. |
| DMX-out address | Assignment of the internal DMX universe in DMXControl to the actual DMX output port. |
| DMX-out enabled | Activates or deactivates DMX data output on an individual DMX output without turning off the entire interface. |
| DMX-in address | Assignment of the internal DMX universe in DMXControl to the actual DMX input port. |
| DMX-in enabled | Activates or deactivates DMX data reception on an individual DMX input without turning off the entire interface. |
| Comment | Additional notes about specific DMX interfaces or their ports. |
Meaning of Colors
Rows in the table are highlighted in different colors depending on the status of the associated DMX interface:
- White: DMX interface is enabled and operational (Figure 3). DMX values are being output or received. Both checkboxes in the columns DMX Interface enabled and DMX Output enabled are selected.
- Gray: DMX interface or DMX output is disabled (Figures 4 and 5). The DMX interface is operational, but no DMX values are being output. Only one of the checkboxes in the columns DMX Interface enabled or DMX Output enabled is selected.
- Red: Error activating the DMX interface (Figure 6). This usually occurs if a DMX interface identified by its serial number is not connected when DMXControl 3 starts. Both checkboxes in the columns DMX Interface enabled and DMX Output enabled are selected despite the error.
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| Figure 3: DMX interface enabled and operational. |
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| Figure 4: DMX interface disabled. |
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| Figure 5: DMX output disabled. |
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| Figure 6: Error activating the DMX interface. |
For some interfaces (such as the Nicolaudie SIUDI), a port can only function as either DMX-In or DMX-Out. In this case, checkboxes appear in the columns DMX output active and DMX input active.
Usage
Open Window
The window DMX Interfaces can be accessed via « Settings »⇒ « DMX Interfaces » in the menu bar of the main window.
Add a New Interface
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| Figure 7: Adding an interface |
After pressing the button [Add DMX Interface], a window opens listing all DMX interfaces currently supported by DMXControl 3. In this tree, select the desired DMX interface and confirm with [OK]. In all cases, the configuration dialog for the DMX interface will open immediately. Typical actions here include:
- Selecting the actual DMX interface if it has not registered with the PC using a serial number.
- Setting a different operating mode (e.g., for Nodle U1, Nodle R4S, or the DE-/FX5 interface) if the default value is not suitable.
- Choosing the network card (IP address) through which the DMX data should be sent to the network (especially for output via Art-Net and sACN).
Working with Output and Input Addresses
Interfaces that support more than one DMX universe receive a row in the table for each DMX universe. The field Port indicates the corresponding input or output of the interface. In the columns DMX output address and DMX input address, you can assign a DMX universe to a port of an interface in DMXControl 3 by double-clicking. The entry must follow this format:
DMX-Universe.DMX-Start Channel
DMXControl 3 supports 16 DMX universes (Universe 1 to Universe 16) with 512 channels each (Channel 1 to Channel 512). For example, if the Nodle U1 is to output all channel values from Channel 83 in DMXControl Universe 4 and DMXControl should display the received DMX values from DMX-In in Universe 6, enter 4.83 in the corresponding field under DMX output address and 6.1 under DMX input address.
Advanced Interface Settings
In the advanced settings for the DMX interface:
- Assign it to the available DMX interfaces if it does not register in DMXControl 3 with a unique identifier such as a serial number.
- Define the behavior of the DMX interface according to its functionality, e.g., setting the DMX-In and DMX-Out mode for the Nodle U1 or Nodle R4S.
- Modify signal properties (timings) if supported by the connected DMX interface.
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Some DMX devices have issues with timings. These devices may respond incorrectly or only partially to sent DMX values. Adjusting values such as Breaktime may help. However, there is no universal solution, and some trial and error may be required to find the optimal values. |
USB DMX Interface
The configuration options for USB DMX interfaces vary depending on the interface. For the Nodle R4S, for example, you can modify different parameters of the DMX signal in addition to the interface mode (see Figure 8). Since the Nodle R4S, along with the Nodle U1, the DE-/FX5 interface, and the Entec DMX USB Pro, is recognized by the operating system via a serial number and registers in DMXControl 3, there is no need to manually select the interface.
For USB DMX interfaces categorized as "Non auto detect interfaces," such as the Entec Open DMX USB or similar devices, manual selection is required after adding the interface (see Figure 9).
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Art-Net Protocol
The Art-Net interface in DMXControl 3 falls under the "Non auto detect interfaces" category. With the Art-Net protocol, a specific Art-Net node from a particular manufacturer or type does not usually receive the DMX data. Instead, the DMX data output is determined by the configuration in DMXControl 3 and the Art-Net nodes present in the network. Thus, connected Art-Net nodes only process the data intended for them. Multiple Art-Net nodes can also be set to output the same DMX universes. In a way, this resembles the DMX protocol and DMX-capable devices.
Detailed configuration explanations and usage instructions can be found in the article Art-Net (DMX Interfaces).
Nicolaudie Magic 3D Easy View
The interface to Magic 3D Easy View allows direct transmission of DMX values from DMXControl 3. This DMX interface is also categorized as "Non auto detect interfaces," even though it operates on a software level.
To enable output, under the advanced interface settings, you must select the installation directory of Easy View in the Path setting. In the example image, the directory is "C:\Program Files (x86)\Nicolaudie\Magic 3D Easy View".
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| Figure 11: Advanced settings of the output plugin for Magic 3D Easy View. |
Each time the DMX interface is reactivated or DMXControl 3 is started, Easy View will also start automatically. In this case, the Universe patch window contains an additional button labeled "DMXControl 3." Clicking this button activates the dropdown menus, allowing additional modifications of DMX universes within Easy View. However, it is generally recommended to keep the default mapping, as DMXControl 3 also provides this functionality.
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It may be advisable to restart both DMXControl 3 and Easy View after configuring the interface. |
External Control
DMX interfaces can be controlled or provide feedback via the Input Assignment using the following nodes:
Links and References
Video Tutorials
Available on our YouTube-Kanal channel.