DMX over RJ45?

Hello,

Thanks for the question.  The reason for using the RJ45 connector for the S4WRD product line was simply space.  The units are very tightly designed and there simply was not enough room to include XLR ports.  The answer is the same for the question of network-capable data ports.  That would require the fixture to include a network switch or hub, which was not possible.  

Hope this helps.

Jim Uphoff

I would also like to know why the pinout was not typical DMX over CAT5?  This really created a time-suck for me lately.  It felt very "Apple-Computer-Ish...- you must use OUR dongle..." =)

The pinout matches the ANSI E1.11 DMX standard - what is the"typical" wiring you are expecting to see?

I guess I was expecting DMX over CAT5, which is described "not the same as" in the ETC document describing the pinout - pic attached...

Hello DonFox,

I am sorry if there was some confusion here. "DMX over Cat5" - is explained in the support article that is linked on the bottom of the support article you posted:
https://support.etcconnect.com/ETC/FAQ/DMX_Over_Cat5;

On the support article you posted the screenshot from:
https://support.etcconnect.com/ETC/FAQ/What_is_the_Pinout_for_a_5_Pin_XLR_to_RJ45_DMX_Adapter

it is further explained , the Pinout that is used in the ETC 5 Pin XLR to RJ45 DMX Adapter has both of the "Data Common (Data 1 Common + Data 2 Common)" wires from the two possible DMX runs out of the Cat5 cable combined into the Pin 1 "Common" of the XLR.

"DMX over Cat5" provides for 2x runs of DMX through the 8x wires in a Cat5 cable.
This RJ45 adapter only pins out to one XLR connector, so that only one DMX run in the Cat5 cable

is being used. In order to optimizes data transfer and reduce risk of interference, the "Data2 Common" wire is connected to the same Pin 1 where "Data 1 Common" is connected.

If you build your own RJ45 to XLR DMX Adapter, based on ESTA's DMX512 Over Category 5 Cable Standard, it will work perfectly well,

because then you just have the "Data 1 Common" connection out of the Cat5 Cable into the Pin1 of the XLR.
Also, if you source a RJ45 to XLR DMX adapter from elsewhere, which was built to ESTA's DMX512 Over Category 5 Cable Standard, it also work perfectly well with ETC Products.

There is no requirement to buy a RJ45 to XLR DMX Adapter from ETC.

In the S4Wrd User Manual, page 13:
https://www.etcconnect.com/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737507042



the PinOut of the S4Wrd is explained and matches the ESTA's DMX512 Over Category 5 Cable Standard for using one dmx run, which is all the fixture can use.

I hope that clarifies this. Have a nice weekend.