SpriteDrive.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find the answers to a number of frequently asked questions about the SpriteDrive DMX32USB-xx. If the answer you’re looking for isn’t below, try looking at the More Questions page.

What is the DMX32USB-xx?
How does it work?
What total output current will it drive?
Can one power supply be used to power two or more DMX32USB-xx controllers?
Can two or more power supplies be used?
What is DMX?
I don’t have a DMX source or dongle, how can I drive the DMX32USB-xx?
I just want a repeated sequence, does DMX have to be used?

What is the DMX32USB-xx?

It is a 32 channel dimmer that can be controlled by the DMX protocol.
It will drive 32 LED channels at 256 individual levels including full on and off.
It uses PWM (pulse width modulation) at a frequency in excess of 80 Hz so the eye does not see any flicker.
It can change individual LED brightness as quick or slow as you can command it via the DMX interface.
It can perform high speed strobes as well as low speed colour washes. The high speed channels can be adjacent to the low speed channels. The high speed channels can be turned into low speed channels and vice versa as required.
To use it you need LEDs / fittings, ballast resistors, and a DC power supply with sufficient current capacity to power the LEDs at the maximum required brightness. (A source of DMX signals is also required unless you’re using the stand-alone sequence mode).
We supply three versions of controller suited for 12V, 24V or 48V operation.

How does it work?

It is a "low-side driver". The 0V, negative, terminal of the power supply is connected to all of the DMX32USB-xx Mosfet output devices through the Power GND stud. The negative terminal, or low-side, of the LED / fixture is connected to the output channel of the DMX32USB-xx and the positive terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply. The DMX32USB-xx drives the LED / fixture with a PWM signal which controls the output level.

What total output current will it drive?

Each channel is fitted with a 1.25A self resetting fuse.
The whole unit is therefore capable of driving 40A.
At this current it is essential that the Power GND connection is bolted up tight and the cable is adequately rated.
Obviously the power supply used must also be rated for the job.

Can one power supply be used to power two or more DMX32USB-xx controllers?

Yes. Make sure the power supply is rated for the job though.

Can two or more power supplies be used?

Only if you know how to correctly separate the power supplies. They should never be connected together to try and act as one larger power supply. The supply input for the unit can come from a different power source to the one used for the loads. Loads can be split into ‘banks’ with separate power supplies, even different voltages can be used.
For further information look at the connection examples in the Quick Reference Guide, which can be found in the Downloads section of this website.

What is DMX?

An industry standard protocol for controlling lighting etc. (Not just LEDs).
For a DMX primer look here. (Offsite link, we are not responsible for content)

I don’t have a DMX source or dongle, how can I drive the DMX32USB-xx?

The DMX32USB-xx can be set to “DMX Out” mode where a DMX signal is input via the USB port and then output on the DMX XLR connector to drive further DMX-512 devices, eliminating the need for a separate USB to DMX converter / dongle. Open-source and freeware programs are available to provide the USB input signal.

I just want a repeated sequence, does DMX have to be used?

No, the DMX32USB-xx features a fully customizable stand-alone sequence mode that does not require a DMX input signal. See the Sequence Mode page for more information.