Wiring Cables and Connections
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    • Wiring (Cables & Connections)

    Wiring (Cables & Connections)OverviewRJ45RJ45 Loop TerminatorDMX Wire


    Overview


    Our lights connect to drivers via CAT or Speaker Cable (refer to Technical Documents.) DMX cable links the GATEway processor to the drivers, while an Ethernet cable connects the GATEway processor to the network. 


    RJ45

    We bring low voltage to our fixtures using CAT cable.

    Just like AC system, cable gauge and length have a vital impact on the stability and efficiency of Low Voltage systems. We use the shortest twisted pair of conductors within CAT6 wires which reduces the loss of power transmission and color rendering (RGB).

    To minimize the impact of cable length, refer to the pinout chart and adhere to maximum recommended cable run length per category wire.

    RJ45 Pin

    CCT

    RGBW

    (1) Orange / White

    Warm 1 (+)

    Red (+)

    (2) Orange

    Warm 1 (-)

    Red (-)

    (3) Green / White

    Cool 1 (+)

    Green (+)

    (4) Blue

    Cool 1 (-)

    Green (-)

    (5) Blue/ White

    Warm 2 (+)

    Blue (+)

    (6) Green

    Warm 2 (-)

    Blue (-)

    (7) Brown / White

    Cool 2 (+)

    White (+)

    (8) Brown

    Cool 2 (-)

    White (-)

           


    Deciding between CAT 5 or CAT 6 cables determine the maximum distance allowed between the lights and the drivers.

    CAT 5 24 AWG conductor Maximum length: 200 feet or 60m

    CAT 6 23 AWG conductor Maximum length: 250 feet or 75m

    CAT 6A 22 AWG is the recommended option: 400 feet or 120m

    If you expect runs greater than 400 feet or 120m, consider a second electrical room.


    RJ45 Loop Terminator

    A bridge is necessary to enable the DC loop. The last fixture on each line requires a terminator. This terminator is very different than a DMX terminator as it has no resistor, simply a bridge to create the required loop in VDC. This is required only for our 9W and 10W fixtures. 

    Each Colorbeam Lighting fixture requiring a RJ45 terminator is included with the fixture.





    DMX Wire

    The DMX Wire, a 120 Ohm cable, is used to control noise on the DMX bus. Ensure correct connections: D+ to D+, D- to D-, and Ground to Ground.

    When connecting devices with DMX Wire, ensure you connect from the DMX Out of one device to the DMX In of the next device in the chain (DMX bus). The order of device connections is irrelevant.

    Never use ‘T’s’, ‘Y’s’ or ‘star’ connection to split signal in DMX wiring. Just daisy chain the drivers or use a our DMX Amplifiers. !!!!


    Connecting more than 4 DMX devices on the same chain is not recommended. For additional devices, a DMX Amplifier is required.

    In this DMX wiring setup, a series of decoders are daisy chained to an amplifier before being connected to the GATEway processor.