When working with the most basic of hazers, you may only be able to switch them on and off with no variable or direct DMX control. In these instances, they are typically plugged into a non-dimmable circuit or a relay. Both of these methods will ensure that they receive only a direct on/off trigger from the lighting desk. Usually, when the DMX channel is at or above 50 percent, the unit will be on, and below 50 percent, it will be off. It is vitally important to never plug these types of devices into a dimmer as the fluctuating power will cause damage to the electronics in the hazer. Furthermore, it is always a good idea to patch the control in the desk as a non-dim element (available in most lighting console libraries) so that the channel will not allow any crossfading of the DMX values.
—Brad Schiller, from “Feeding the Machines,” PLSN, Jan. 2016
