DMX and 12V led strip

[Gast]

Hello all, maybe it was solved this in this group but ....

I would like to know it is possible to modify the connection according to in picture. The reason is simple - use the 12 LED strip.
What are the voltage level on DMX+/- signal ?

the experiment could be expensive :-)

Thanks
Vaclav

[Jan W.]

Yes, but it depends on the type of PWM dimmer you have. There are many DMX dimmers available on the Internet, e.g. "px24506" that are operating from 12-24V, so they can be used with 12V as well as 24V LED strips. The picture looks like the older original Loxone dimmer, but I don't know its specs. Have a look in the data sheet, if available.

If the data sheet is neither available nor there is any information on the dimmer itself, you may try the modification proposed. As long as the +/- wires are not mixed, it should not damage the unit if a lower voltage (here 12V) is used. It will just not work if the unit was not made for the voltage range 12-24V.

btw: The voltage level on the DMX+/- signal are always the same and are according to the DMX standard. This voltage level is independent of the voltage level to power the dimmer.

[Gast]

it is good news. My dimmers should work normally with 12V (and 12LED strip).

What do you mean about issues with different grounds and the dmx signal. Could be the problem with this ?

[simon_hh]

Hi novvac,
what dimmers are you going to use?
-loxone official PWM DMX dimmer (called RGBW 24V Dimmer DMX) <- that is on your picture
-the older PWM dimmer which is not available any more or
-any other brand?

[simon_hh]

as I remember: the old one (PWM Dimmer) was designed for 12-24 V. The new RGBW DMX Dimmer for 24V only

[cRieder]

simon_hh you are right, in the specs it is 24V, but it should work with 12V as well. But I don't give any warranty

[Gast]

For the first experiment I ordered this one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DMX512-Decoder-4CH-Channel-16A-RGBW-Controller-LED-stage-lighting-CMOS-Output-/121843256244?hash=item1c5e6c8bb4:g:OOQAAOSwhkRWc6gc

but for the future I would like to use something like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PX24506-DMX-Decoder-Driver-RGB-Amplifier-Control-Controller-For-LED-Light-12-24V-/371521179683?hash=item5680635023:g:-ZAAAOSwEppUN7tw

[Gast]

All,
I contact the loxone support team and they confirm me my circuit is Ok for the correct DMX function. Only minus potential from 12V PSU should be connect with minus potential 24V PSU.
... and the power of dimmers will be half

[simon_hh]

as Jan W. already said, the voltage depends on the dimmer you use not on the DMX extension.
In both of your dimmers the voltage of 12V DC is supported. There should be no problem

GND of DMX Extension and dimmer should be on the same level, to avoid problems, means to be connected.
shown here:

http://www.loxone.com/tl_files/loxone/downloads/datasheets/DE/beipackklappk_dmx-int_jan2013.pdf

[Gast]

Perfect ... it looks as plan for the weekend :-)
thank you for all

[Jan W.]

Funny, but I'm using the two DMX dimmers you found on eBay by myself. They are quite cheap and a few PX24506 are doing their job without any problems since about a year now. A little note: the PX24506 supports 3 channels, so it's good for RGB stripes whereas the other one supports 4 channels and can be used with RGBW stripes. For a good dimming range you should tick "perception correction" in the DMX actuator object. For a very smooth dimming this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/DMX512-Contr...gAAOSwl8NVXtMg might be better, but it's more expensive. I haven't tried it yet.