Gear article
Cameo AD In IP65 To 3-Pin DMX Adapter
The Cameo AD In IP65 To 3-Pin DMX Adapter is a specialised one-metre cable designed to bridge the gap between outdoor-rated lighting fixtures and standard stage equipment. Featuring an IP65-rated connector on one end and a standard 3-pin DMX connector on the other, it provides a secure interface for data transmission in environments exposed to dust and moisture.
See live pricesOverview
The Cameo AD In IP65 To 3-Pin DMX Adapter is a utility component within the professional lighting ecosystem, facilitating the integration of different hardware standards. Its primary function is to allow lighting technicians to connect devices that use proprietary or specialised IP-rated DMX sockets to standard XLR-based DMX infrastructure.
Measuring one metre in length, the adapter provides sufficient flexibility for cable management without creating excessive signal loss. It is designed to maintain the integrity of a DMX512 signal while ensuring that the physical connection points remain protected from environmental hazards.
IP65 Environmental Protection
The standout feature of this adapter is its Ingress Protection (IP) rating. The IP65 designation indicates that the connector is:
- Dust-tight: Complete protection against the entry of dust and particulates.
- Water-resistant: Protection against low-pressure water jets or spray from any direction.
This rugged construction makes the adapter suitable for demanding environments, including outdoor festivals, architectural installations, and temporary stage setups where rain or high humidity may be a factor.
Compatibility and Functionality
As an 'Adapter In' cable, this unit is typically used at the start of a signal chain or where a feed needs to transition from a standard controller to an outdoor-rated fixture. It allows users to link indoor-focused equipment, such as the Chauvet DJ FlareCON Air 2, with outdoor-capable units that require specialised sealed connections.
By providing a secure seal at the IP-rated end, it prevents moisture from tracking into the internal electronics of expensive lighting fixtures. This is essential for maintaining the longevity of hardware when exposed to the elements.
Comparison to Standard DMX Cables
Unlike standard 3-pin XLR cables, which are prone to shorting or corroding when wet, the Cameo IP65 adapter uses specialised housing and gaskets. While standard cables are sufficient for dry, indoor applications involving units like the Stagg Headbanger XT or the Equinox Fusion 120Q, the Cameo adapter is necessary when the setup includes fixtures that have migrated to IP-rated chassis for safety and reliability.
Related gear
£198.65 ($252)Equinox
Equinox Fusion 120Q LED Moving Head
£550.00 ($699)Chauvet
Chauvet DJ Sentinel Wash Q7Z ILS Moving Head
£247.00 ($314)Stagg
Stagg Headbanger XT RGBW 70W LED Mini Moving Head
£29.99 ($38)GForce
GForce Oberheim DMX
£379.00 ($481)Eurolite
Eurolite LED TMH-41 Hypno Moving Head Spot
£105.41 ($134)Equinox
Equinox Spectra Strobe Batten
£88.00 ($112)Cameo
Cameo ROOT PAR 4 White 7 x 4 W RGBW LED PAR
£253.00 ($321)Chauvet
Chauvet DJ FlareCON Air 2 Wireless DMX Lighting Controller
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary purpose of the Cameo AD In IP65 adapter?
- The primary purpose is to convert a standard 3-pin DMX connection into an IP65-rated connection. This allows for the safe transmission of DMX data between standard indoor equipment and weather-resistant outdoor lighting fixtures.
- What does the IP65 rating actually mean?
- IP65 indicates that the connector is 'dust-tight', meaning no dust can enter the housing, and it is protected against low-pressure water jets from any angle. It is suitable for outdoor use but should not be fully submerged in water.
- How long is the cable on this adapter?
- This specific adapter cable has a length of 1 metre. This provides a convenient distance for linking fixtures together or connecting to a breakout box without creating unnecessary cable clutter.
- Can I use this adapter with a 5-pin DMX system?
- This specific model is designed for 3-pin DMX systems. To use it with a 5-pin system, you would require an additional 5-pin to 3-pin DMX converter at the beginning of the signal chain.
- Is the adapter rugged enough for permanent outdoor installation?
- Yes, the IP65 rating and rugged construction make it suitable for both temporary outdoor events and permanent architectural installations. It is built to withstand dust and spray which are common in outdoor environments.
- Will this adapter work with the Cameo ROOT PAR 4?
- The adapter is compatible with DMX systems; however, you must ensure the ROOT PAR 4 or any other fixture uses the specific IP-rated connection format provided by the adapter. It is designed to bridge standard DMX to Cameo's IP-rated inputs.
- Does the adapter affect the DMX signal quality?
- When used correctly within a 1-metre run, the adapter does not perceptibly degrade the DMX signal. It maintains the 110-ohm impedance required for reliable DMX512 data transmission.
- What is the difference between 'Adapter In' and 'Adapter Out'?
- The 'Adapter In' version generally refers to the direction of the signal entering a fixture. It usually features the appropriate gender and connector type to feed a signal into an IP-rated device from a standard source.
- Can this be used with the Chauvet DJ Sentinel Wash Q7Z ILS?
- If the Chauvet fixture requires a transition from standard 3-pin DMX to a specific IP-rated input, this adapter may be used. Always check the specific pin-out and connector shroud compatibility of the fixture.
- Is the 3-pin end also IP65 rated?
- Typically, only the specialised IP connector is rated for ingress protection. The standard 3-pin DMX end is intended for connection to standard equipment, which should be kept in a dry or protected environment.
- Can I use this for audio signals?
- While it uses XLR-style connectors, it is specifically designed for DMX data. Using DMX cables for audio can sometimes work, but using audio cables for DMX is not recommended due to impedance differences; this cable is strictly intended for lighting control.
- What is the typical price for this adapter?
- The typical price for the Cameo AD In IP65 To 3-Pin DMX Adapter is approximately £9.00. This makes it an affordable essential for any professional lighting technician's toolkit.
