Sensor CEM DMX Port-A & Port-B Pass-Thru

I am trying to find out if DMX Port-A and DMX Port-B in the CEM are configured for DMX Pass-Thru ? Basically I would like to use Port-A for input and Port-B for output to control dimmers that are not in my rack. My configuration would be:

console --> [CEM PortA - CEM Port-B] --> external_dimmer1 --> external_dimmer2

I checked around the website and can't find anything that says either way. If they are not does anyone have any suggestions on how I might accomplish this ?

Thanks

Parents

marcusbirkin over 12 years ago

I believe that PORT B can be used as an output on a CEM+/CEM3 not a CEM.

To do what I believe you need, disable termination on the last rack and daisy chain into your first external dimmer, then your next, etc. Terminate on your last.

If your external dimmers are non permeant then I suggest you make a terminator in an XLR (120ohm resistor across pins 2 and 3) and put that on the DMX cable when the external dimmers are not present.

[edited by: marcusbirkin at 2:52 PM (GMT -6) on Wed, May 1 2013] Removed CEM3 thanks to info from Matt
mgarrison over 12 years ago in reply to marcusbirkin

There's no Port-B output on CEM3. It's only on CEM+.
jack63ss over 12 years ago in reply to mgarrison

Sorry, should have been more clear, the system I have is a CEM+ and is only 1 rack. What I have is Port A cabled to back-of-house (where I run from) and Port B cabled to back-stage (where I want to put the external dimmers). And there is about 125 feet between the two locations, which is why I want to use B to run the external dimmers.
corey cascio over 12 years ago in reply to jack63ss

Hi Jack,

why not just use the THRU DMX in the Sensor+ Rack?

It passes through the incoming DMX to external devices.
jack63ss over 12 years ago in reply to jack63ss

I was just re-reading the Sensor+ CEM+ Configuration Manual and came across a diagram under the section on CEM+ Playback Priorities (pg 6). On the top it shows DMX-A Input & DMX-B Input and on the bottom shows Port B DMX Output. So I think the answer to my question is Yes, it is Pass-Thru. Can someone confirm this for me ?

Thanks
jack63ss over 12 years ago in reply to corey cascio

Corey

That was what I was trying to figure out. If I connect to A as input to the CEM+ can I use B as an output ?
jack63ss over 12 years ago in reply to jack63ss

Wait, what DMX Thru in the rack ? Is it someplace other than the CEM+ ?
corey cascio over 12 years ago in reply to jack63ss

Hi Jack,

in the Rack, you have a DMX A Input, DMX B Input, and DMX THRU for both.

DMX B Input can be modified to an Output.

I think its best to contact the dealer who installed this rack and have them assist you

with this modification.

Reply

corey cascio over 12 years ago in reply to jack63ss

Hi Jack,

in the Rack, you have a DMX A Input, DMX B Input, and DMX THRU for both.

DMX B Input can be modified to an Output.

I think its best to contact the dealer who installed this rack and have them assist you

with this modification.

Children

brucek over 12 years ago in reply to corey cascio

Hey, a small Gotcha is that if you have Smart controls in the system, the DMX B will not contain any of the Smart data. Smart will talk into the rack, but not out of it.