DMX with the Kunbus Revolution Pi Core 3+
Party Lights
© Photo by Sam Moqadam on Unsplash
The DMX protocol for controlling lighting technology has its roots in stage and event technology, but it can also be used in home automation. We show you how to control DMX devices with the Revolution Pi module.
In principle, digital multiplex (DMX) technology lets you control all DMX devices through a simple and robust bus. DMX uses the RS-485 specification (i.e., asynchronous serial transfer) for data transmission. The signal is transmitted over two lines simultaneously with inverted voltage levels (±5V).
This type of data transfer is resistant to external interference signals and theoretically allows line lengths of up to 1,200 meters. However, the data transmission rate decreases with increasing line length. Up to a distance of 10 meters, a maximum data rate of 10Mbps can be achieved over RS-485.
DMX works with a data rate of 250Kbps by default; a DMX network is built of strings. One string can contain up to 32 DMX receivers. More receivers require the use of a repeater to extend the network. Network branches are implemented with special splitters. Extremely robust, three-pole XLR (Cannon) connectors are used to connect all DMX devices, which is ideally suited for stage use.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.