DMX DIP Switch Calculator
Convert a DMX start address into DIP switch positions, or add switch values to find the DMX address. This version uses standard binary values for switches 1–10: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512.
Or calculate address from DIP switches
Current DIP sum: 0
Note: some fixtures use switch 10 for special modes instead of address 512. Always verify with your fixture manual.
What this DMX DIP calculator does
DMX addressing with physical DIP switches can be tedious when you are patching several fixtures quickly. This calculator removes the guesswork by converting a numeric DMX start address into exact switch positions and also doing the reverse conversion when you already have switch states set on the fixture.
It also includes fixture channel count support, so you can instantly check whether your chosen start address will fit inside a single DMX universe (1–512).
DMX DIP switch values (binary weights)
Each DIP switch corresponds to a binary value. To create a DMX address, add the values for every switch that is in the ON position.
| Switch | Value | Binary Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 20 |
| 2 | 2 | 21 |
| 3 | 4 | 22 |
| 4 | 8 | 23 |
| 5 | 16 | 24 |
| 6 | 32 | 25 |
| 7 | 64 | 26 |
| 8 | 128 | 27 |
| 9 | 256 | 28 |
| 10 | 512 | 29 |
How to use the calculator
Address to DIP switches
- Enter your desired DMX start address.
- Enter your fixture channel count.
- Click Calculate DIP from Address.
- The tool highlights which switches should be ON and shows your fixture range (start to end channel).
DIP switches to address
- Tick each DIP switch that is ON on your fixture.
- Click Calculate Address from DIPs.
- The sum of the selected values becomes your start address.
Worked example
Suppose you need start address 37 for a 7-channel fixture. The binary decomposition is:
- 32 (switch 6)
- 4 (switch 3)
- 1 (switch 1)
So switches 1, 3, and 6 should be ON. With 7 channels, that fixture occupies 37 to 43, and the next available start address is 44.
Common setup mistakes to avoid
- Overlapping fixture ranges: two fixtures sharing channels will behave unpredictably.
- Off-by-one errors: channel range is start address plus channel count minus one.
- Wrong DIP orientation: fixture labels may show ON direction opposite your expectation.
- Ignoring fixture manual notes: some models repurpose specific DIP switches for mode, test, or standalone behavior.
Quick checklist before showtime
- Confirm every fixture has a unique DMX range.
- Confirm universe boundaries (no range exceeding channel 512).
- Verify DIP settings physically on each fixture.
- Run a quick channel test from the console after patching.