Troubleshooting
Quick solutions to common DMX lighting issues
Welcome to the Troubleshooting Guide
Even experienced lighting techs sometimes run into problems - fixtures that don't respond, effects that don't play, or strobes that won't fire. The good news: most issues come down to a few common causes.
The #1 reason fixtures don't respond in DMXDesktop is because Live Controls are active but not cleared. When you drag a Live Control fader to zero, you're forcing it to stay at zero - which overrides any effect trying to run. To fix this, simply clear the Live Control instead of dragging it down.
Below, you'll find other common problems and their solutions, from patching mistakes to network setup. Work through the steps and you'll usually have your rig back on track in minutes.
Tips & Best Practices to Prevent Issues
- ✓ Always plan your patch/layout and channel usage before a show; avoid overlaps.
- ✓ Use high-quality, properly rated DMX cables (120 Ω twisted pair).
- ✓ Always use a DMX terminator at the last fixture in the run.
- ✓ Keep DMX chains under 32 fixtures or use a splitter/regenerator.
- ✓ Label and map your cables, universes, and fixture addresses.
- ✓ Do a "fixture identification" pass (turning on one light at a time) to ensure each fixture is correctly patched and addressed.
- ✓ Keep firmware/software up-to-date, but test major updates in a safe environment first.
- ✓ Use backup setups (e.g. redundant paths or fallback universes) when possible.
- ✓ In DMXDesktop, when patching new fixtures, rely on the built-in "next available address" prompter, but always double-check.
- ✓ When troubleshooting, isolate one fixture or group at a time - don't try to fix the whole system at once.
Still Need Help?
Can't find a solution? Get in touch with our support team or visit our knowledgebase.