What is it?

This is a normal differential receiver board designed to work with any differential pixel controller such as the Wasatch Pixels Quad+ Controller, or Falcon and Kulp controllers in normal (not smart) mode. This receiver can be located up to 300 feet from the main controller. This allows the user to place props in different locations that are separate from the main controller. The differential chips on the boards allow for strong data signals to be sent over distances with an amplifier inline. A standard Ethernet cable with an RJ45 jack is used to connect the differential controller with this differential receiver.

Why did you make it?

This differential receiver uses RS485 signals to receive pixel data from a main program. The advantage of this protocol is that the differential receiver can be located up to 300′ away from the controller without an extra signal boosting. WS281x pixel strings need to have their data signal boosted once it travels over a certain distance (usually over 50'-70' depending on wire gauge and other factors.) This differential receiver allows you to send data via a differential controller to pixel strings that are a greater distance away from the controller up to 300'.

5V or 12V Power Source: This board outputs both data and power to pixels. Each port accommodates up to 5 amps. There is a jumper on the differential receiver that can be set to allow for either 5V or 12V pixels.

This receiver also incorporates an electrolytic capacitor to smooth out current or voltage transients to help protect connected LED pixel strings.