DMX-512 LED Controller with LED Display

Step 9 Utilization - Build a Light

I used an old florescent black light fixture and refitted it with 21 watts of 12v RGB LED Light Strip(6 watts per meter) and this controller to run it. I wanted some versatility with how the connections were located, so it could lay down on either side or stand up and there would be access to the DMX in/out and display/buttons. It has 2 sets of DMX in and outs on each side, they are all in parallel, nothing special.

Remember that an output board is selected based on the configuration of the LEDs, any type of LED can be controlled with this controler. Contact Us for help choosing a Output Board.

I forgot to take pictures of a few steps. When refitting or building custom lights, everyone will do it differently, but take a look at how this one worked out.

- Complete and test the controller, this will use a 12v input, so the controller absolutely needs the 7805 installed.

- After taking the salvaged light apart and gutting it of its old electronics, I test fit the circuit to see where it would fit, the octagon case on the end had plenty of space.

- Decide where the XLRs will go, DC Power Jack, and the button/display PCB.

- The spot I wanted the Display wasn't quite big enough, but I was able to trim the PCB down and made it fit.

- Using the diagram, found on the datasheet or for download, mark the location of where to cut.

- Cut the display hole first, methods vary greatly, I used a razor as the plastic was pretty weak. tried to score and snap the last side and it broke more than I wanted.

- Drill out the button holes with a 5/16" or so bit, then use a razor to trim it so it can fit the square buttons.

- Mark and drill holes for the XLRs, use a 7/8" drill bit, spades do work, but be careful.

- Mark and drill the holes for the XLR's screws.

- Cleaned the area where the LEDs will go with alcohol.

- Applied some aluminum duct tape to the cleaned area, it will reflect light and dissipate some heat.

- Trimmed it with a razor blade.

- Soldered colored 22ga wire to all the contacts on the 3 strands of RGB Light strip.

- Apply the 12v RGB LED Light Strip, I did 3 rows, with the 2 on the outside longer than the inner row, with the inner row offset. All the wired ends are on the end with the controller.

- Connected the Output board PWR and Controller PWR to a panel mount barrel jack.

- Mounted the XLR jacks, and screwed them in.

- Test fit the display, once I knew it fit, I used hot glue to secure it in place.

- Positioned the output board away from the rest, and secured it in place.

- Attached the wires from the RGB light strip to the terminals on the output board.

- The controller was stuffed in where it could fit, Making sure that the solder contacts on the bottom or top can't possible touch anything.

- Test it.

- Cut a 5.25" by 47.75" piece of 50 mil HDPE plastic.

- Positioned it and drilled 1/8" holes for pop rivets.

- Used 5 rivets on one side then did the other side, ensuring I kept it tight.

- Used a small piece of black vinyl to cover up the jaggedness around the display/button holes, and then placed some silver dots on the button locations.

Used a 12v @ 3A inline power supply and had it up and running. Very bright.