LED strips controlled by SPI or DMX are becoming increasingly popular in commercial and residential design, as well as in creative installations, as they offer complex control modes and stunning visual effects. However, not every beginner or even professional stage technicians/lighting technicians know how to effectively use them.
This article will introduce some of the most common methods you can use to control the system, helping you find the most convenient and simple way to solve the problems in your own projects，especially you want to use these ICs such as WS2812,SK6812,WS2811 OR DMX512-COMPATIBLE strips. Using this blog article “How to Control WS2812B Addressable LEDSs with Raspberry PI?” to provide reference guidance for synchronous light sources in small and large projects. If you want to know the control methods of other types of WS2812 addressable LED tubes, refer to this blog post “How To Control WS2812B Addressable LEDs with Raspberry Pi“. In the same time, can use this special blog on the website,SK6812 VS WS2812B How to choose,to find which is the most suitable SPI LED strips for the users . No matter whether you are working on a small indoor setup or a large outdoor display for synchronization of lighting sources, to maximize its effectiveness, learning to use SPI or DMX addressable LED is essential to understand how to control these LEDs. Or, you can further read these blog posts to obtain more suggestions on how to utilize addressable LED controllers – “Addressable LED Strips and Addressable LED Controllers: How to Control”.
5 pin DMX
3 pin SPI
4 pin SPI
1.Madrix control:
Recommended controller: T790K, YC3000
One effective solution for controlling LED strips that supports SPI and DMX addressing is to use Madrix software in conjunction with compatible controllers (such as T790K or YC3000A). These controllers support the Art-Net protocol and can achieve high-performance control for large lighting installations. Each controller is equipped with 8 output ports: for SPI pixel LED strips, a single port can control 6 universes (1 universe = 170 RGB pixels); for DMX LED strips, a single port can manage 3 universes (a total of 512 channels).
As shown in the architecture diagram, the control signals originate from the Madrix software running on the computer and are transmitted via the Art-Net protocol over the network to the main controller. Each controller distributes the data to multiple LED light strips, while power lines are laid along the route to ensure voltage stability. This solution can precisely synchronize the complex lighting effects of SPI or DMX light strips. It’s highly suitable for scenarios such as building facade lighting, stage sets, and immersive displays.
2.Online control by China software such as LED-play
Recommended controller: T-790K
Another popular way to control SPI and DMX addressable LED strip is online control using Chinese made software like LED–Play (real time control) or LED–Edit (program effect). This solution is less costly than Madrix. For the user who wants to achieve powerful, complex lighting control without buying expensive softwares. Recommend T790K Controller, check the picture above.If you wanna know more about LED–Edit,please take a look at this blog:K1000C Software LEDEdit Download.
Every T790K Controller provides 8 output ports; each port can carry SPI 6 universes(6*512=3072 channels) or DMX 3 universe(1536). The controller connects with the laptop where users can operate LED–Play. The lighting effects appear as real time on LED strip. Each LED Strip Section is getting separate power supply for sure.
Although Chinese softwares are not so good to look at the first sight, it‘s quite popular because they are easy–to–use, low–cost, powerful.
3.Main controller + sub controller(Big project)
Recommended controller:Main controller: XB-Z2/MR-BF12B,
Sub controller :T-790K/MR-218DW
For big project that uses more than 50000pixels, diagram: it’s complex control method using main controller(plus some sub-controller) for LED Strip Control system with DMX protocol and SPI protocol. The main controller can be XB-Z2 or MR-BF12B, max controlling 150.000 pixels; then data will split to sub-controlllers T-790K (either SPI or DMX according to XB-Z2), or MR-218DW (DMX data according to BF12B main controller); the sub controller can handle max RGB pixel amount of 6800 pixels SPI / 2400 pixels DMX per subcontroller, Power supplies needed on both ends along both strips.
Main controller is kind of brain, sending command instruction data from each subcontroller, which is connected along chain order via cables between them. The Sub controller sends command instruction for themselves part of LED Strip. With this type, you can do unlimited long installation controlling specific pixel(s). This type fits certain large projects such as using DMX facade light installed to outside of building façade etc.
4.Built-in program Auto loop playback(Small project)
This schematic diagram picture (which is in the below)shows an economical and efficient addressable LED light strip control solution.Use the K1000C and K8000C integrated controller. It is particularly very suitable for projects with a pixel count of less than 20,000. These two controllers are combining the functions of the master controller and the controlled device.Simplifying the installation process and reducing costs. The K1000C supports up to 1,000 SPI pixels and 340 DMX RGB pixels, while the K8000C can control 6,000 SPI pixels and 2,000 DMX RGB pixels. The shown models are equipped with over 30 automatic loop playback effect programs. Significantly enhancing the ease of operation. Also they come with remote control and Bluetooth connection functions for flexible control.
In the illustration, each controller is directly connected to the LED light strip via a cable, and power supplies are configured at intervals to ensure stable voltage. This setup is particularly suitable for DIY projects, combining flexibility with high efficiency. Its streamlined design significantly reduces the complexity of the system, making it easy for users of different technical levels to operate. For more details, please visit sunliteleds.com or email [email protected].
For a more detailed understanding of the differences between K1000C and K8000C, please refer to the special other blog “K-1000C vs K-8000C:which one to Choose?”
5.Mobile Phone APP
5th way is for simple DIY project with pixels less than 600. Mobile APP control is now for SPI , not DMX. SPI strip such as WS2815, TM1934 or UCS2904 such as less than 10 meters can use this way , by connecting to mobile through APP Blanx via bluetooth or WiFi that supported by SP548E, easy to operate, but take care for correct cable wiring. You can see video below for reference the lighting effect .
If you have projects regarding pixel lighting , please feel free to contact us Suntechlite [email protected].