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
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.
-
AerynOS Alpha Release Available
With a choice of several desktop environments, AerynOS 2025.08 is almost ready to be your next operating system.
-
AUR Repository Still Under DDoS Attack
Arch User Repository continues to be under a DDoS attack that has been going on for more than two weeks.
-
RingReaper Malware Poses Danger to Linux Systems
A new kind of malware exploits modern Linux kernels for I/O operations.
-
Happy Birthday, Linux
On August 25, Linux officially turns 34.
-
VirtualBox 7.2 Has Arrived
With early support for Linux kernel 6.17 and other new additions, VirtualBox 7.2 is a must-update for users.
-
Linux Mint 22.2 Beta Available for Testing
Some interesting new additions and improvements are coming to Linux Mint. Check out the Linux Mint 22.2 Beta to give it a test run.