Data Input Interfaces Used on Common Lighting Controllers

Data Input Interfaces Used on Common Lighting Controllers

There are a number of different standards for controller interfaces. This document details the differences between these interfaces:

Interface Name Protocol Wiring Type Controllers using interface Data Source Notes
RS485

DMX 1990 CAT5
XLR3
XLR5
EasyPix Pixel Controller
30 Channel Dumb Controller
3 Channel Dumb Controller
Actidongle
AlphaPix RS485 Output
Enttec Interfaces
Other Third-Party Interaces


LOR
(Proprietary)
CAT5
RJ11 (some)
Light-o-Rama CMB24
Light-o-Rama AC Controllers
Light-o-Rama Pixie Controllers
Light-o-Rama PixCon
LOR "Dongle" Most LOR controllers can
run on RS485 networks and
decode DMX but all controllers
on the same line must receive DMX

Article detailing the LOR protocol
Ethernet
E1.31 CAT5 AlphaPix 4 / 16 / Flex
LOR PixCon
Hinkspix Pro
Direct from PC Ethernet interface
Artnet CAT5 AlphaPix 4 / 16 / Flex
Hinkspix Pro
Direct from PC Ethernet Interface