This theater I work for has these units for is front wash on our FOH Truss.
Every once and a while they will randomly flash with no change in data.
I replaced the DMX from our ETC node to the first unit in the chain and the daisy chain. The 2nd unit in the chain still flashes with the new data run and when the rest of the line is disconnected.
The last unit in the chain has a terminator.
This is frustrating me and the TD.
Have you tried testing with a different DMX controller or testing the units in a different setup? This might help isolate if the problem is with the units themselves or with the controller/output. Also, sometimes firmware updates can resolve these kinds of issues.
Hi! Sounds like a real headache. You mentioned that the problem persists even when disconnected from the rest of the line. This might indicate a problem with the second unit itself rather than the chain. If possible, try swapping it out with a known good unit to see if the issue persists.
At the amphitheater where I work, we have around 90 of these units, and we encounter the same problem. Our usual fix is to take them down, clean out any moisture inside, and replace the DMX ports, which usually resolves the issue. I’ll talk to one of the other bench techs to see if they have any additional insights. Thanks for the suggestions!
When troubleshooting issues like this, it’s best to start with the simplest checks and work your way up to the more complex ones. Begin at the console level because it’s the easiest to check. Try loading a fresh show with just the patch to see if the problem persists with that unit. If the issue continues, take that fixture out of the line and run a direct data home run to the desk. If the other units work fine but that one still has problems, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Also, just a heads-up—make sure RDM (Remote Device Management) is turned off when you’re not using it. It hasn’t solved a problem for me, but it’s something that often gets recommended. Good luck!
Try turning off RDM on your desk. Sometimes it can cause unexpected issues, even though it hasn’t fixed problems for me in the past. It’s worth a shot to see if it makes a difference in your situation