SparkFun ESP32 DMX to LED Shield

Pages
Contributors: Englandsaurus
Favorited Favorite 12

Introduction

The SparkFun ESP32 DMX to LED Shield is the perfect way to send and receive DMX data whether it be coming in over the onboard XLR-3 jack or ArtNet, or outputting over the XLR-3 Jack/ArtNet, this shield has you covered. It's the perfect way to get started developing your own custom DMX fixtures, or even adding ArtNet capabilities to a current fixture. It also holds up to the DMX standard which requires electrical isolation between the controller and communication side to avoid ground loops.

SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus DMX to LED Shield

SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus DMX to LED Shield

DEV-15110
$17.95
2

In this hookup guide we'll go over the several different ways that the DMX to LED Shield can be configured, go through simple DMX output and input, look at how to use ArtNet input to control arrays of LEDs and even servos using the available poke-home connectors and finally check out how to turn ArtNet input into DMX output to enable ArtNet control on an existing DMX fixture.

Required Materials

Note: You might not need all of these items to get started on your specific DMX application, so head down to the Examples section to determine, which example best suits your needs and the products that are needed for the example.

To do all the examples, users will need:
Pan/Tilt Bracket Kit (Single Attachment)

Pan/Tilt Bracket Kit (Single Attachment)

ROB-14391
$7.50
8
SparkFun LuMini LED Matrix - 8x8 (64 x APA102-2020)

SparkFun LuMini LED Matrix - 8x8 (64 x APA102-2020)

COM-15047
$27.95
1

SparkFun Thing Plus - ESP32 WROOM

WRL-14689
7 Retired

XLR-3 Cable - 10ft

CAB-15309
Retired

Headers and Soldering Tools

The DMX to LED shield is designed with a Feather footprint. Make sure to choose the appropriate header combo to suit your microcontroller and project.

Break Away Headers - Straight

Break Away Headers - Straight

PRT-00116
$1.75
20
Female Headers

Female Headers

PRT-00115
$1.75
8
Feather Stackable Header Kit

Feather Stackable Header Kit

PRT-15187
$1.75

SparkFun Beginner Tool Kit

TOL-14681
Retired

Suggested Reading

We'd recommend checking out the following tutorials and hookup guides before getting started if you're not familiar with the topics. At the very least check out the DMX related tutorials if you haven't used the protocol before.

How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering

This tutorial covers everything you need to know about through-hole soldering.

Using Artnet DMX and the ESP32 to Drive Pixels

In this tutorial, we'll find out how to use Resolume Arena, a popular video jockey software, to control custom-made ArtNet DMX fixtures.

Introduction to DMX

DMX512 is an industry standard in lighting and stage design, whether it be controlling lights, motors, or lasers, DMX512 has many uses. In this tutorial we’ll cover DMX512 (Digital Multiplex with 512 pieces of information).

LuMini Ring Hookup Guide

The LuMini Rings (APA102-2020) are the highest resolution LED rings available.

ESP32 Thing Plus Hookup Guide

Hookup guide for the ESP32 Thing Plus (Micro-B) using the ESP32 WROOM's WiFi/Bluetooth system-on-chip in Arduino.

LuMini 8x8 Matrix Hookup Guide

The LuMini 8x8 Matrix (APA102-2020) are the highest resolution LED matrix available.