Error Correction – Can I use DMX512 for control in hazardous applications?
No. DMX512 does not have any inherent error detection. In fact, the ANSI version added language stating: “There is no assurance that all DMX512 packets will be delivered” and “Since this Standard does not mandate error checking, DMX512 is not an appropriate control protocol for hazardous applications.” Even with the data packet being refreshed constantly, there is no method for the receiver to determine that the information it received is information the transmitter (console) sent. One bad data packet, even if corrected in the next packet, can cause something to move or energize when it shouldn’t. DMX512–A does offer a standard method for sending a checksum which can be part of an error correction routine (Annex Clause D4), but this is an optional implementation and cannot be relied on.
