K8-Artnet 8-Channel LED Pixel Light Controller User Manual

1. Introduction

The K8-Artnet is an advanced 8-channel programmable LED pixel light controller designed for versatile lighting applications. It supports a wide range of single-wire addressable pixel control ICs and DMX512 ICs. This controller offers both offline operation via an SD card and real-time control through ArtNet protocol, making it suitable for complex lighting setups and integration with professional lighting software like Madrix. It also features DMX512 master control and AC synchronization for seamless multi-unit operation.

Figure 1: K8-Artnet 8-Channel LED Pixel Light Controller Overview

2. Key Features

• 8-Channel Output: Supports 8 independent signal outputs for extensive pixel control.
• High Pixel Capacity: Controls up to 8192 pixels for single-line lamps (1024 pixels per port) or 2048 pixels for DMX512 lamps (256 pixels per port).
• Grayscale Control: Features 32-65536 level grayscale control with software Gamma correction.
• Wide IC Compatibility: Compatible with numerous single-wire addressable pixel ICs (e.g., UCS1903, TM1804, WS2811) and DMX512 ICs (e.g., UCS512 series).
• SD Card Programming: Supports offline operation with programs stored on a high-speed SD card (1GB-2GB, FAT/FAT32 format).
• ArtNet Protocol Support: Functions as a decoder to control lights via PC lighting software (e.g., Madrix) using the ArtNet protocol.
• DMX512 Master Control: Allows adjustment of program, speed, brightness, and RGB values via a DMX512 console using XLR3 connection.
• AC Synchronization: Multiple controllers connected to the same AC power source will synchronize their operation.
• Software Support: Programmed using LEDmagic (free software) which supports DXF to LED map conversion.
• Robust Construction: Durable metal casing.

3. Technical Specifications

4. Setup Instructions

4.1 Initial Preparation

• SD Card: Ensure you have a high-speed SD card (1GB-2GB). Before copying program files, format the SD card to "FAT" or "FAT32" format.
• Software: Download and install LEDmagic (or lededit2014) software for programming light effects.

4.2 Physical Connections

Refer to the diagrams below for proper wiring. Always ensure the controller is powered off before making any connections.

4.2.1 Power Connection

Connect the AC90V-230V power supply to the controller's power input port. The controller features an ON/OFF switch for power control.

Figure 2: Power connection and AC synchronization example

4.2.2 LED Pixel Light Connections (SPI/TTL Data Out)

The controller has 8 output ports (OUT1 to OUT8) for connecting LED pixel lights. Each port typically has D+, D-, DATA, and GND terminals.

• Single-Wire IC Lamps: Connect the data line of the lamp to the controller's output port DATA terminal. Connect the negative wire (ground) of the lamp to the controller's output port GND terminal.
• DMX512 Lamps: Connect the lamp's signal A line to the controller's output port D+ terminal. Connect the lamp's signal B line to the controller's output port D- terminal.
• Common Ground: For TTL signal output, the controller and the lamps must share a common ground. Connect the controller's ground wire output to the lamp's ground wire.

Figure 3: 8-Channel Signal Output Terminals

4.2.3 DMX512 Input/Output (XLR3) and ArtNet/Sync (RJ45) Connections

The controller provides dedicated ports for DMX512 input/output and ArtNet/Sync connections.

• DMX512 IN/OUT: Use XLR3 connectors for DMX512 signal input and output.
• ArtNet/Sync NET IN/OUT: Use RJ45 connectors for ArtNet communication with PC software or for synchronizing multiple controllers.

Figure 4: RJ45 and XLR3 Connection Ports

Figure 5: Example of common connection for multiple controllers

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Offline Use (SD Card Programming)

The K8-Artnet controller can operate independently by playing programs stored on an SD card.

1. Program Creation: Use the LEDmagic (or lededit2014) software to create your desired lighting programs. When creating programs, select "K-8000ALL" as the controller model in the software. The software supports converting DXF files to LED maps.
2. Chip Model Adjustment: Chip model adjustment can only be performed offline. The controller supports various ICs including UCS19xx, UCS29xx, TM18xx, WS281x, SM1670x, GS8205, GS8206, 6812, 9823, 9883, TM1914, LPD1886, DMX512, UCS512, WS2822.
3. Saving Programs: The software allows adding up to 31 programs. When outputting the program, it will generate program folders (e.g., for 3 cascaded controllers, 3 folders will be generated). Each folder contains a program file named K-8000.led (can be renamed to 00.led).
4. Loading Programs: Copy the generated program file(s) into the corresponding controller's SD card. Insert the SD card into the controller's slot.
5. Control Buttons: Use the "Speed", "Mode", and "Set" buttons on the controller to navigate and select programs or adjust parameters. The four-digit display shows current settings.

Figure 6: SD Card Slot, Display, and Control Buttons

Figure 7: LEDmagic Software Interface

5.2 ArtNet Connection (Real-time Control)

The K8-Artnet controller supports the ArtNet protocol, allowing it to be controlled by PC lighting software such as Madrix.

1. Connect to PC: Connect the controller's "NET IN" RJ45 port to your computer's network interface using an Ethernet cable.
2. Software Configuration: Configure your ArtNet-compatible lighting software (e.g., Madrix) to recognize the K8-Artnet controller. The controller acts as a decoder.
3. Pixel Capacity: A single network can drive up to 170 * 256 = 43520 points. When each port is set to 680 points, it occupies four ArtNet routes. An 8-port controller occupies 32 ArtNet routes. Up to 8 controllers can be cascaded for a total of 43520 points. For more points, add additional network cards to your computer.

Figure 8: ArtNet Connection with PC Lighting Software

5.3 DMX512 Master Control

The controller can be connected to a DMX512 light console or KTV intelligent controller via XLR3 for master control.

1. Connect DMX Console: Connect the DMX console's output to the controller's "DMX512 IN" XLR3 port.
2. Channel Assignment: The DMX address uses 6 channels (segments) to control various aspects of the light program:
   • CH1 (Program Adjustment): Adjustable value 0-255.
   • CH2 (Overall Speed Adjustment): Adjustable value 0-255.
   • CH3 (Overall Brightness Adjustment): Adjustable value 0-255.
   • CH4 (Red Gray Value): Adjustable value 0-255.
   • CH5 (Green Gray Value): Adjustable value 0-255.
   • CH6 (Blue Gray Value): Adjustable value 0-255.
3. Control: Use the faders/controls on your DMX console to adjust these parameters in real-time.

Figure 9: DMX512 Master Control Connection

5.4 AC Synchronization

For installations requiring multiple controllers to operate in perfect sync, connect all K8-Artnet controllers to the same AC power source. They will automatically synchronize their work.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Keep the controller clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners.
• Environment: Operate the controller within the specified working temperature range (-10℃ to 45℃). Avoid extreme humidity or direct exposure to water.
• SD Card Care: Handle the SD card carefully. Avoid physical damage and ensure it is properly formatted (FAT or FAT32) before use. Regularly back up your program files.
• Firmware Updates: Check the manufacturer's website periodically for any available firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

7. Troubleshooting

Issue: Playback speed is slow or inconsistent.

Solution:

• If a controller port is loaded with more than 512/1024 lights, the frame rate will automatically decrease. Reduce the number of pixels per port if higher frame rates are required.
• Ensure the SD card is high-speed and properly formatted (FAT or FAT32).

Issue: Lights are not responding or behaving erratically with TTL signal.

Solution: Ensure the controller's ground wire output is connected to the lamp's ground wire (common ground). This is crucial for TTL signal integrity.

Issue: Multiple controllers are not synchronizing correctly in offline mode.

Solution:

• All SD cards used in cascaded controllers must be of the same specification (e.g., all 1GB cards).
• Each SD card must be formatted to the same type (FAT or FAT32). Inconsistent reading speeds from different SD cards can affect synchronization.
• Verify network cable connections between "NET OUT" and "NET IN" ports for proper cascading.

Issue: Cannot control the controller in real-time via ArtNet.

Solution:

• Check the physical Ethernet connection between the controller and the PC.
• Ensure your PC's network settings (IP address, subnet mask) are compatible with the ArtNet network.
• Verify that your lighting software (e.g., Madrix) is correctly configured to output ArtNet data and recognize the controller.

8. User Tips

• Software Compatibility: While the manual mentions LEDmagic/lededit2014 and Madrix, the ArtNet protocol support means it should be compatible with other ArtNet-enabled lighting software, such as Jinx. Always verify compatibility with the specific software version.
• Real-time Control IP: For real-time control via ArtNet, the controller will typically acquire an IP address automatically or use a default. Refer to your ArtNet software's documentation for how to discover and configure ArtNet devices on your network. Ensure your PC's network adapter is configured to be on the same subnet as the controller for proper communication.
• Testing: Always test your lighting setup with a small number of pixels before deploying a large installation to ensure all connections and programming are correct.

9. Warranty and Support

The K8-Artnet controller comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase.

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty claims, please contact your vendor or the manufacturer directly. Provide your product model number (K8-artnet) and a detailed description of the issue when seeking support.