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How to control analog LED pixels?

Table of Contents

What pixels can you use with DMX? #

With DMX you can control analog LED strips from our device using DMX. That is not individually addressable pixels. You can only light these in one color at the time and change the intensity for a whole segment. Perfect for many applications.

What outputs I have available? #

Standard way how to use DMX with our controllers is to utilize the 3 pin XLR port on the front of the controller. There is however an option to change any number of SPI outputs for DMX as well. This is a special feature that can come in handy when you need extra DMX outputs.

What gear are you using in your video? #

LED Ethernet Controller 3, LED Strip Studio software and Lady Dimmer. Since you are working with analog strips, there is a special type of strip in the mapping section of the software. This type of strip is used whenever you are working with analog strips and dimmers.

Mapping #

In the mapping, you draw an Analog strip. You then drag and drop the strip into the matrix – DMX(Analog). Each square in the grid represents one of the 512 channels available in DMX universe.

Further settings include the change of the DMX Start Address and Color order settings. By removing one of the RGB from the Color map, you can adjust the number of channels you are using to your specific strip type. Also, if you have RGBW strip, you can add the W from the small window next to the Color order.

mapping window with position of analog strip type, DMX mapping grid and color order/DMX address setup highlighted

What effects can I use ? #

In the library, you have a ton of effects. Static colors and color chases. These can not be obviously applied to your analog strip, since it can only display single color at a time. However, you can create a video effect and apply the color effect to that animation. Colors will then flesh on your analog strip.

Which controllers are DMX capable? #

Both SPI Matrix and LED Ethernet controller 3 have the DMX output, thus you can use analog LED strips. That means you can

How many devices can I connect to single output? #

As mentioned above, Standard recommended limit of 32 devices per single DMX line. You can test more, less will definitely work.

Hardware DMX related settings #

Each of the controllers mentioned above can be set up use the Web configuration – an web-based HTML page stored locally in each controller. To access it, you type the IP of the controller connected to the same network as the PC in your web browser. There locate DMX tab in the top menu.

Two modes that you can work the device in is SD Card Mode and Pixel Mode. With Pixel mode, you control individual pixels, from e.g. software, your console, etc. In SD Card mode, you trigger effects stored on SD Card with DMX.

You can also check the incoming DMX channels on the same page to determine whether the device receives any data and what values.

How are we using DMX? #

Mostly to trigger effects from an SD card. Our most common usage for analog LED strips is on costumes – check out Tron Event Agency. If you want to read more about DMX and Control options in general, visit this link.