Rick, Would Kurt's (kgustafson's) post help me? Here it is in its entirity:
I had to research this extensively in my quest to use DMX512 with Northlight's Servo Controller.
I found the following pin-outs for XLR cable (3 pin) and the 5 pin as well. I don't think this will help for your particular need, but it rounds out the answer to the question in case others are going to or from any of the following: XLR, 5pin, RJ-45:
XLR - 3 pin :
1. Signal Common
2. Data 1- (Primary Data Link)
3. Data 1+ (Primary Data Link)
XLR - 5 pin :
1. Signal Common
2. Data 1- (Primary Data Link)
3. Data 1+ (Primary Data Link)
4. Data 2- (Optional Secondary Data Link)
5. Data 2+ (Optional Secondary Data Link)
RJ-45 - 8 pin:
1. Data 1+
2. Data 1-
3. Data 2+
4. Not Assigned
5. Not Assigned
6. Data 2-
7. Signal Common (0 V) for Data 1
8. Signal Common (0 V) for Data 2
The key is to match pin to pin.
For example, if you are going XLR 5pin -> RJ-45 the pinouts would be:
XLR RJ-45
---- -------
X1 R7 & R8 (combine these wires when attaching to XLR connection)
X2 R2
X3 R1
X4 R6
X5 R3
Kurt