Introduction: Easy Light Show Box

Versatile Stage Lighting Fixture

Standard low cost system, that can power DIY fixtures !

  • Simple and cheap project
  • Input : DMX signal and AC 220V power
  • Output : 12V regulated current
  • Can light most of basic LED lights.

Step 1: First Design and CAD

Quick drawing to see how to arrange parts inside, and settle dimensions (here is the first design, with another power supply and a different box).

The box can be 3D printed

Step 2: Data and Electrical Connectivity

The device must be easy to set up (at the beginning of a party or event), be resistant to moisture, shock and dust.

  • This is ensured by the plastic universal box (that can be 3D printed) and "waterproof" connections.

The connectivity is universal and similar to commercial fixtures :

  • 3 pins XLR for the DMX in and out (panel mount)
  • panel mounted IEC sockets (in and out for serial connection)

The 12V output is provided by a 8 pin aeronautical socket (don't buy it on amazon). The mass is common to reduce the number of wires.

Safe design :

  • CE standard box
  • No welding (except for your DIY fixture...)
  • High current wires and protection by the power supply

Step 3: What's Inside

  • The box is based on a RGBW 8 Channel DMX Controller, this board takes 5V to 24V as input and regulates the output by voltage variation. This means that this device is suitable for controlling LED strips.
  • The power supply is a classic 12V 5A, regulated in current, designed to power LEDs.
  • A voltage / current regulator can be added to perfectly match the design of the connected device.

Step 4: The Fixtures

The aim of this device is to be compatible with most DIY LED fixtures (<60W)

Some examples of DIY fixtures, easy to build :

  • LED strip panels
  • Light tubes
  • Simple par cans
  • Your imagination is the limit

Step 5: DMX Set Up in Freestyler Software

All the following steps are performed using freestyler, an open source DMX control software, that fits very well for simple DMX setups.

  1. Open Freestyler Fixture Creator
  2. Creating a new virtual fixture with parameters that fit with the real one (attribute each channel on the desired parameter/color)
  3. Don't forget to give an appropriate DMX address
  4. You can now set up and use your new fixture with Freestyler !