Why DMX testing matters for used lighting fixtures

At 10K Used Gear, we specialise in professional-grade lighting that’s been given a second life. Every fixture we sell is carefully inspected and tested to ensure it performs as well as the day it left the factory. One of the most important parts of that process is our DMX test — a comprehensive check of every function and movement the light is capable of.

1: Physical inspection (before testing)

Before any DMX test we perform a physical inspection of all fixtures. Any bumps, scrapes, damage, missing or loose parts have to be reported immediately or sent to repair. 

2: Hooked up (Signal strength and colour/dimming attributes).

The lighting console typically gets hooked up to our lighting fixtures, then the lighting console will give us the option of testing each of the qualities the fixture is capable of. These are split into 3 function modes.

• Colour Selection 
• Dimming / Fade control
• Functionality

Our warehouse team selects the unit(s) available for testing and connects them to a controller for monitoring. First, they test the colours using the lighting console controller, carefully observing each colour variant multiple times to ensure accuracy and consistency.

The dimming and fade aspects of the lights are then controlled. This works perfectly in conjunction with the colour selection as they’re able to understand the exact colour shade and brightness they’re able to achieve.

3: Functionality (Rotation, speed and direction).  

Next, we check the physical attributes of the fixture to verify that it rotates smoothly and precisely as commanded. Our warehouse team is able to do this by using a pad on the DMX software screen. By selecting a pre-set movement we are able to have full control of the fixtures movements. This step is vital when assessing the quality of the fixture, as the customer needs to know whether it’s noisy or jolts.  Issues like these could downgrade an item from ‘excellent condition’ to ‘satisfactory’. If one or more of these functions do not work then we will have to label the item as faulty and it will not be sold.

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Only products that pass all DMX tests are listed for sale. The result: reliable, professional equipment that’s tested, trusted, and ready for your next show.

If you have any further questions on our fixture tests, then please do not hesitate to contact us via email or by phoning us.

info@10kused.com