What is it?

This SPI to DMX controller is part of a DMX controller series that ideally can be used for any entertainment solution that requires to interface using DMX512. The module can either be configured as a master or slave device and features an internal output patch that can help reducing overhead when copying values over a large number of channels or to solve channel offset issues.

In Master mode the following parameters can be adjusted to suit legacy devices if any:

• Number of DMX frames per second ( 15 - 40 ), default set to 40.

• Break time ( 100 - 352 us ), default set to 176 us.

• MAB time ( 12- 88 us ), default set to 12 us.

Why did you make it?

The idea was to redesign our existing controllers that we currently use for productions into more user friendly products so a larger group of users can benefit from them and focus on designing their own installations instead of solving their DMX interfacing problems.

What makes it special?

It features a micro processor running at 60 Mhz taking care of all the logic required to receive or transmit DMX signals with the capability to patch output channels. It is easy to operate, works on both 3.3 and 5V logic making it suitable to run on any Arduino with an available SPI interface. It supports burst writes of channel data making it an ideal extension for controllers featuring a DMA controller. If used correctly it can magnificantly free up resources on the master controller since the controller takes care of all the signalling and buffering regarding the DMX side of the project.

Other products to become available

Soon the CTC-TDI-01-R1 will be released as well which provides three DMX interfaces of which one can be configured as slave or master and two master outputs. This controller allows patching between any of the three interface making it even a more sophisticated solution.

What you will get

• You will receive the SPI to DMX controller including a power cable that fits the onboard power connector.
• Example code to use the controller together with an Arduino / Genuino.

Documentation can be downloaded online.