Controllers

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RGB / PIXEL CONTROLLERS / Extenders

Interfaces

USB to DMX512

USB DMX dongles are commonly used in conjunction with PC software to output a single universe (512 channels) of DMX.

FTDI drivers for dongles:

Ethernet (E1.31) to DMX512

PIXAD8

Protocol E1.31

The ECG-PIXAD8 is an interface adapter that conditions and distributes the signals from the ECG-M32MX to 8 different pixel strings using serial pixel protocols (SPI and Manchester Encoded). The ECG-PIXAD8 includes two separate power buses with bus fuse protection and individual string fuse protection. Each bus is supplied power via high current screw terminals and the strings are provided power and signal through a pluggable terminal strip for each string. The software controls the round-robin sharing of two dedicated SPI channels. Each channel is responsible for serving one group of four strings.

More details at http://www.j1sys.com/ecg-pixad8/

Ethernet (E1.31) to SPI

DMX512 to SPI

These interfaces accept a DMX input and typically drive one or more pixel strings.

DMX512 to Servo

These interfaces accept a DMX input and typically drive one or more RC servos.

DMX512 to RF


PIXAD8

Protocol E1.31

The ECG-PIXAD8 is an interface adapter that conditions and distributes the signals from the ECG-M32MX to 8 different pixel strings using serial pixel protocols (SPI and Manchester Encoded). The ECG-PIXAD8 includes two separate power buses with bus fuse protection and individual string fuse protection. Each bus is supplied power via high current screw terminals and the strings are provided power and signal through a pluggable terminal strip for each string. The software controls the round-robin sharing of two dedicated SPI channels. Each channel is responsible for serving one group of four strings.

More details at http://www.j1sys.com/ecg-pixad8/

ECG-P12R

The ECG-P12R is a pair of assembled and tested boards. The boards are the P12R controller and a P12x Panel board. The boards are split into two functions to allow flexibility in packaging and to allow the P12x Panel board to be made with 3oz copper to deliver the higher amperage needed to distribute power across multiple strings.

The ECG-P12R is designed to provide the digitial level signals for 12 different pixel strings using serial pixel protocols (SPI and Manchester Encoded). The software controls the round robin sharing of three dedicated SPI channels. Each channel is responsible for serving one group of four strings.

More Details at http://www.j1sys.com/ecg-p12r/

ECG-PPX

ECG-PPX is a combination of small adapter boards that can be used in conjunction with our pixel oriented products (PIXAD8, P12R, etc.) to extend the pixel signals over much longer distances. They should also work with most other brands of pixel drivers. The ECG-PPX system also will distribute a modest power envelope over the same cable for optionally powering the pixels without the need for local power supplies at the pixel strings.

More details at http://www.j1sys.com/ecg-ppx/

E680/681

E680 information http://sandevices.com/E680info.html

E681 information http://sandevices.com/E681info.html

TP3244 Pixel Driver

  • Controlled through: DMX

The Tiger Protocol Bridge (TigerPB) TP3212 is a small controller for use with RGB LED lights and LED strips that utilise driver chips like the 6803/2801/3005. These are the currently targeted protocols and it is possible that other 2-wire and single wire protocols could be supported with firmware upgrades. This will provide future proofing of your controller.

The initial release will accept a standard DMX512A data stream and provide control for 170 RGB Pixels (510ch). There will be dual buffered outputs that will allow you to split the 170 pixels into say 100/70 and run them in different directions and yet control them as a single 170 pixel string. Each dual buffered output will also allow for the parallel connection of the same number of pixels allowing for two strings to be used with the same patterns. If these are run in opposite directions they would provide for mirrored effects. Each of the Dual outputs will be able to drive different protocols if required.

If ran with ECG product line from http://www.j1sys.com you can use hyper-DMX and this controller can be expanded to running 4 Universe's off each controller.

More info to Follow and at this point this controller is no longer sold. It has been talked about coming back out. As the information comes in it will be updated. If you can get one used, they are still very nice units and work well.

More info at http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php/board,34.0.html

RPM WS2801 to DMX Pixel Bridge

  • Controlled through: DMX

T3: DMX512 - SPI Bridge

  • Controlled through: DMX

The T3 controller provides a bridge between DMX512 and 4 strings of RGB pixels.

More details at http://www.stellascapes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=62

E2: Ethernet - SPI Bridge

The E2 controller is an ethernet based bridge and power supply unit to control 2 strings of RGB pixels or the Stella-spark strings. Accepting Either ACN ( E1.31 ) or Art-net control protocols, the E2 is compatible with a vast range of control software. Configuration of the E2 is simple via a very easy to use Web based GUI. Everything is done via a standard web browser. The E2 operates on low voltage DC ( 12-48V ), using a high efficiency internal switch mode power supply to accurately supply the right voltage to the pixel strings. The E2 is weather tight and will happy operate outdoors.

More details at http://www.stellascapes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=62

E16-II Controllers

The E16-II controllers are Stellascapes flagship controllers for SPI based RGB Led fixtures. Based on Stellascapes successful E16-I, the E16-II brings a number of improved features, and and increased range of ready to use configurations. All variants share a number of key features;

       Art-net II, or Streaming ACN ( E1.31 ) input protocols - DMX over IP.
       10/100 Megabit Ethernet
       16 output strings, each individually configurable for addressing
       Easy to use web based GUI for control
       On Board Single RGB LED for system testing without the need to have attached string
       16 Character LCD Display for diagnostics and identification information.

More details at http://www.stellascapes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=62

E16 - Commercial

The E16-II Commercial controller is a ready to install system designed for permanent or low movement installations, such as permanent theme park installations, or holiday lighting. Enclosed in a high impact, UV resistant case the E16-Commerical includes an integrated mains power supply ( 110-250VAC 50/60Hz ), providing 320W of power, sufficient to fully power 672 RGB pixels. Waterproof Cable glands provide an mechanism for cable entry for UTP and Mains. Splash proof venting systems are used to duct air in and out of the system for active cooling. 16 400mm "tails" with waterproof screw up connectors are provided for interconnection to the strings. Each String is individually fused to provide protection in the event of a failure or breakage.

More details at http://www.stellascapes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=62

E16-Bare

The E16-II is available as a set of "bare-board" assemblies. The boards includes the microprocessor and associated circuitry, software, ethernet interconnectivity and buffered outputs. Bring your own case, power supply, output connectors. Perfect for the do-it-yourselfer , or where the system needs to be build into something where the commercial or Pro systems just won't work. Note Stellascapes does not provide a PCB only option.

More details at http://www.stellascapes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=62

Feature Comparisons

DC Controller Comparison Table
Manufacturer Model Pre-built DC Voltage Channels Channel Current Total Current Protocol(s) Total Price Per Ch Price
Light-O-Rama CMB16D Yes 5V - 60V 16 4A 20A per 8 Ch LOR, DMX $119.95 $7.49
Light-O-Rama CMB16D-QC Yes 5V - 60V 16 4A 20A per 8 Ch LOR, DMX $99.95 $6.24
TigerDMX TigerDMX48 Yes 9V - 55V 48 2.5A 30A per 24 Ch DMX $145.00 $3.02
TigerDMX TigerDMX120LC Yes 12V - 36V 120 100mA DMX $125.00 $1.04
AVD DC48 Yes 12V - 36V 48 2A 20A per 24 Ch DMX $199.00 $4.15
AVD DC24 Yes 12V - 36V 24 2A 15A per 12 Ch DMX $129.00 $5.38
Audiolight Intl HD-714 [1] [2] Yes 12V - 24V 3 2A 6A DMX $8.95 $2.98
Audiolight Intl HD-712 [3] [4] Yes 12V - 24V 27 1A 15A DMX $44.21 $1.64
Leynew LN-DMXMODEL-3CH-LV12 [5] [6] Yes 12V 3 2A 6A DMX $7.49 $2.49
EUChips PX24506 Yes 12V - 24V 3 3A 9A DMX $22.32 $7.44
Unknown L12-DMXMODEL-3CH-LV Yes 12V 3 4A 12A DMX $6.21 $2.09
wjohn DMX3 No 9-35vdc 3 2A per Chn up to 6A DMX $9.00 $3.00
wjohn DMX16DCSSR No 12-24vdc 16 2A per Chn up to 10A DMX $48.00 $3.00
wjohn REN64 No 9-35vdc 64 2A per Chn up to 7A per SSR RS232/485, DMX $67.50 $1.05
Renard Ren48LSD No 5,9-24vdc 48 400mA 9.6A x 2 RS232/485, DMX $44.66 $0.93