DMX Control Stations: Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Wall Station Record Chases?

A DMX Wall Station cannot record dynamic chases. It functions as a DMX snapshot recorder, designed to capture and store static scenes.

How Many Universes Can a Wall Station Control?

Wall Stations can control 1 DMX universe.

Can They Be Used With a Lighting Console?

Wall Stations require a lighting console or computer running lighting software for programming. Once programmed, they can be used independently or in tandem with a lighting controller.

Most facilities use Wall Stations alongside a lighting controller. Deluxe Master Wall Stations feature a built-in control switch that makes this easy: simply flip the switch to change active DMX control between your Wall Stations and your lighting controller.

What happens if the switch is flipped to give control to my lighting controller, but my Wall Station does not sense any DMX?

If your Wall Station does not sense a DMX signal from your computer or lighting console, such as when your lighting controller is powered off, the Wall Station will become active again and retake control. This means you can simply power off your lighting controller instead of flipping the switch, if preferred.

What To Do If My Computer Keeps Sending Out a DMX Signal?

Wall Stations become inactive whenever they sense DMX coming from a lighting console or computer. This prevents someone from accidentally changing your lighting during a service, event, or show by pressing a Wall Station button.

Many computers running lighting software continuously send a DMX signal, which can keep your Wall Station inactive. This is why the new Deluxe Master Stations feature a built-in control switch, allowing you to quickly switch active DMX control between your Control Station and your lighting controller.

If you are using an Original Wall Station without a built-in switch, shutting down your lighting software should solve this problem. If you want to keep your computer on while still using your Wall Stations, we offer a Console Toggle Switch for $39.95. The Console Toggle is an easy-to-use switch that lets you manually switch control back and forth between your computer and Wall Station.

What are Satellite Stations?

There are Master and Satellite Stations. Master Wall Stations store and output DMX data, making them the central control point for your lighting scenes. Satellite Stations provide additional access points around your facility, allowing users to trigger saved scenes from different locations. Rather than sending DMX data directly to the lights, Satellite Stations communicate with the Master Station, which handles the actual DMX output.

For added convenience, Springtree Satellite Stations are connected and powered through simple Cat5 Ethernet cable, making installation clean and easy.

How Many Satellite Stations Can I Use?

Every Master W The SM-8 Wall Station and the SM-8 Switch can both support up to 5 Satellite Stations via Cat5.

Can you use Deluxe Satellite Stations with the SM-8 Original Wall Station?

Yes. Deluxe Satellite Stations are compatible with the original SM-8 Wall Station.

What Makes Deluxe Wall Stations Deluxe?

Deluxe Wall Stations are Springtree’s new and improved DMX Control Stations. They feature higher-quality components, a refined new look, a premium feel, and new features that make them easier than ever to install and use.

Both Deluxe Master Stations feature a built-in control switch that lets you quickly choose whether the station or your console/computer is the active DMX controller. They also include dual output ports for multi-directional Satellite Station runs without the need for an SS-Hub. The Deluxe Desk Station includes both 3-pin and 5-pin DMX inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect to your lights and console without the need for a turnaround adapter. The new Deluxe Master Wall Station features a 3-pin DMX input right on the face of the unit. 

Why Is My Wall Station Not Recording?

The most likely reason is that your Wall Station is not receiving a DMX signal. When in program mode, a GREEN light indicates no DMX signal is being received. Consider the following:
  1. Is your Wall Station the first device in the DMX chain from your console?
  2. Verify the connections to the Phoenix connector, ensuring pins 2 and 3 are correctly oriented and not reversed.
A RED light will illuminate when the Wall Station is receiving a DMX signal.

Do I Need A Lighting Console?

DMX Wall and Desk Stations require a console for programming but can operate independently once programmed or in tandem with a controller.

Can Wall Stations Record Pan, Tilt, and Other Settings for Moving Heads?

Wall Stations serve as static DMX recorders, capable of playing back fixed pan and tilt settings but not dynamic, multi-step scenes. For instance, you can record a scene with house lights at 20%, stage washes at 60% in blue, and two moving lights positioned on the piano with white spots. However, they cannot play back scenes involving motion or transitions between steps.

What’s the Difference Between Model Numbers?

SM-8 = 8 Scene Master DMX Wall Station

SS-8 = 8 Scene Satellite DMX Wall Station

SS-8RC = 8 Scene Remote Control Satellite DMX Wall Station

SM-16 = 16 Scene Master DMX Wall Station

SS-2 = 2 Scene Satellite DMX Wall Station

SM-8 Switch = 8 Scene Master DMX Desk Station

WallDim1 = Standalone DMX Controller, Controls One DMX Channel

WallDim5 = Standalone DMX Controller, Controls Five Consecutive DMX Channels

SM-8IF = 8 Scene Master DMX Wall Station With Contact Closure Control

What are Desk Stations?

Desk Stations are static DMX scene recorders designed to sit on any flat surface. They require no installation and let you save your most-used lighting scenes and recall them later at the press of a button. They can be expanded with up to five Satellite Stations via Cat5 cabling.

While most of the questions in this FAQ are asked from the perspective of Wall Stations, the information also applies to our Desk Stations unless otherwise stated.

Can I use an SS-8 Satellite Station with an SM-16 Master Station?

Yes, you can absolutely use a 16-Scene SM-16 Master Station with an 8-Scene SS-8 Satellite Station. Just note that the SS-8 will only control the first 8 channels of the SM-16.

How to Program

  1. Hold down buttons 1 and 8 to enter programming mode (light will turn red).
  2. Set desired look on lighting console.
  3. Press desired preset button 1-8. Light will flash. Scene is stored.
  4. Set new look on lighting console.
  5. Press another unused button or record over existing scene by selecting button. Up to 8 scenes can be recorded.
  6. Repeat.
  7. Hold down buttons 1 and 8 to exit programming mode.

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