[Education] What is DMX Control Channel Signal Flash Confirmation?

Signal Flash is the confirmation behavior a fixture uses when it receives a command over the DMX Control Channel. When a Control Channel command is sent, the fixture briefly flashes to confirm it was received and executed.

Signal Flash Enabled vs. Disabled

Signal Flash is itself just another Control Channel command, sent the same way as any other:

• Signal Flash Enabled – DMX 11–13: the fixture flashes to confirm every Control Channel command it receives. This is the default state.
• Signal Flash Disabled – DMX 14–16: the fixture executes Control Channel commands silently, with no flash.

To turn Signal Flash on, set the Control Channel to a value between 11 and 13 and hold it for 2.5 seconds, then return the Control Channel to 0. To turn it off, do the same with a value between 14 and 16.

When to Turn It Off

Signal Flash is useful for confirming a fixture received the right command while you're standing near it. But it becomes a distraction in some setups, most commonly when programming multiple fixtures at once in an enclosed space (a soundstage, a small studio) where several lights flashing in sequence is more confusing than helpful. Disabling Signal Flash lets Control Channel commands execute quietly once you've confirmed your patch is correct.

Signal Flash is available on any Control Channel profile, including Individual Emitter Control Channel variants.