GL-C-618WL Elite ESP32 WLED LED Controller User Manual

1. Introduction

The SAGE LU MEI GL-C-618WL is an advanced ESP32 WLED LED Controller designed for versatile and dynamic control of addressable RGBIC LED strip lights. Featuring 4 independent outputs, it allows for simultaneous control of multiple LED strips. This controller supports a wide range of LED types, offers extensive lighting effects via the WLED software, and includes features like audio-reactive lighting, Ethernet connectivity, and a UART interface for advanced customization.

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your GL-C-618WL LED controller and its associated remote control (GL-RC-001WL).

2. Package Contents

Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

1 x Elite 4D-EXMU Advanced WLED Controller (GL-C-618WL)
1 x User Instruction Manual
1 x Packaging Box
1 x 3cm Sticker
1 x 5A Pluggable Fuse
2 x One-to-Four Terminal Blocks
2 x Connect Cables

Package contents of the GL-C-618WL LED controller, showing the controller, remote, cables, fuse, and manual. — Figure 2.1: Package Contents

3. Specifications

3.1. GL-C-618WL LED Controller

Parameter	Value
Model No.	GL-C-618WL
Input Voltage	DC 5-24V
Total Output Current	15A Max
Output Current/Channel	10A Max
Type-C Voltage	5V
Type-C Current	3A Max
IP Rate	IP20
Material	Flame Retardant PC
Net Weight (N.W.)	79.6g
Gross Weight (G.W.)	112.3g
Dimensions	129 x 50 x 23mm
Operating Temperature	-20-45°C
Supported Strip Types	WS2811, WS2812, SK6812, WS2815 Digital Addressable RGB IC LED
Connection Mode	WLED-Native APP, Ethernet

Diagram showing the product parameters of the GL-C-618WL controller, including input voltage, current, dimensions, and operating temperature. — Figure 3.1: GL-C-618WL Controller Product Parameters

Diagram illustrating the product structure and size of the GL-C-618WL controller, labeling components like Ethernet port, microphone, indicator, function button, and output wiring terminal. — Figure 3.2: GL-C-618WL Controller Structure and Size

3.2. GL-RC-001WL Remote Control

Parameter	Value
Model No.	GL-RC-001WL
Input Voltage	3V
Standby Current	<13uA
Control Distance	50m
Battery Type	1.5V (2*AAA Battery)
Wireless Communication	WiFi
Working Temperature	-20-45°C
Material	PC
Net Weight (N.W.)	51.8g
Gross Weight (G.W.)	62.0g
Waterproof Rating	IP20
Dimensions	39 x 16 x 143mm

Diagram showing the product parameters of the GL-RC-001WL remote control, including input voltage, standby current, control distance, battery type, and dimensions. — Figure 3.3: GL-RC-001WL Remote Control Product Parameters

4. Setup Guide

4.1. Power Input Methods

The controller supports three methods for power input:

V+, V- power interface
5.5x2.1mm DC Socket
Type-C interface (can also be used for program downloading)

Diagram showing three input methods for the controller: V+/V- terminals, a 5.5x2.1mm DC socket, and a Type-C port. — Figure 4.1: Three Power Input Methods

4.2. Wiring the LED Strips

The controller features quick-connect terminal blocks for easy and secure wiring. Follow these steps:

Open the connector upwards.
Insert the wire into the terminal.
Press down on the connector to secure the wire.

Ensure correct polarity (V+ to V+, GND to GND) and connect the data lines (IO pins) to your addressable LED strips. The controller supports up to four independent LED strips.

Three-step diagram showing how to use the quick connect port: 1. Open the connector upwards. 2. Press down after inserting the wire. 3. Wiring is complete. — Figure 4.2: Quick Connect Port Design

Wiring diagrams for connecting one, two, three, or four LED strips to the controller's output terminals. — Figure 4.3: Wiring Diagram for Multiple LED Strips

4.3. Network Connection

The controller can be connected to your network via wired Ethernet or wirelessly via WiFi.

Wired Connection: Insert an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the controller. This provides a stable signal transmission and lower latency.
Wireless Connection: The controller will create a WiFi access point (WLED-AP) upon initial setup or reset. Connect your device to this network to configure the controller's WiFi settings to join your home network.

Image showing two ways to connect the controller to the network: wired via Ethernet cable and wireless via WiFi signal. — Figure 4.4: Two Ways to Connect to the Network

Image demonstrating the plug-and-play Ethernet port on the controller and its configuration within the WLED app. — Figure 4.5: Ethernet Port Connection

4.4. Initial Configuration (WLED App)

After connecting the controller to power and your network, use the WLED app for full configuration. The WLED app allows you to:

Discover and connect to your controller.
Configure LED preferences, including the number of LEDs per output.
Set up network interfaces.
Access over 100 dynamic lighting effects.
Utilize segmented control for individual strip segments.

4.5. Microphone Configuration

The microphone function is configured by default. However, after a factory reset, you may need to reconfigure it. Navigate to the WLED app settings and set the following parameters:

Type: Generic I2S PDM
Pin I2S SD: 32
Pin I2S WS: 15

After configuring, restart the device for the changes to take effect.

Screenshot of the WLED app showing microphone configuration settings, including Type, Pin I2S SD, and Pin I2S WS. — Figure 4.6: Microphone Configuration in WLED App

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. WLED App Control

The WLED app is the primary interface for controlling your LED strips. It offers:

Dynamic Effects: Choose from over 100 built-in dynamic lighting effects to create various atmospheres.
Sync Lighting: Synchronize the lighting effects of all connected LED strips on the same WiFi network.
Segmented Control: Personalize every segment of your LED strip to display different colors or effects independently.

Screenshot of the WLED app showing a list of over 100 dynamic lighting effects. — Figure 5.1: Over 100 Dynamic Effects in WLED App

Comparison image showing LED strips before and after lighting synchronization via the WLED app. — Figure 5.2: Sync Lighting Functionality

Screenshot of the WLED app demonstrating segmented color control, allowing users to personalize different sections of an LED strip. — Figure 5.3: Segmented Color Control

5.2. Remote Control (GL-RC-001WL)

The GL-RC-001WL remote control provides convenient access to basic functions:

ON/OFF: Power on or off the LED strips.
S1/S3/S4: Select preset scenes. Short press to call the preset scene of the APP.
Brightness +/-: Adjust the brightness level.
Night Light: Activate a low-brightness night light mode.

The remote has a control distance of up to 50 meters and requires 2 AAA 1.5V batteries (not included).

Diagram of the GL-RC-001WL remote control, labeling its buttons: Indicator light, Turn on, Turn off, Night light, Brightness +, Brightness -. — Figure 5.4: Remote Control Button Layout

Image showing the battery compartment of the remote control, indicating that 2 AAA 1.5V batteries are needed. — Figure 5.5: Remote Control Battery Installation

5.3. Microphone Function

The built-in microphone allows the LED strips to react to ambient sound and music, creating dynamic audio-reactive lighting effects.

Image depicting two people singing with LED lights reacting to the music, illustrating the microphone function. — Figure 5.6: Microphone Function in Use

5.4. Controller Function Button

The physical function button on the controller provides quick access to essential controls:

Short press: Power on/off.
Long press for 1 second: Switch colors.
Long press for 10 seconds: Reset the WLED controller and activate the WLED-AP hotspot.

Diagram showing the function button on the controller and its various operations: short press for power, 1s long press for color, 10s long press for reset. — Figure 5.7: Controller Function Button

5.5. DIY IO13 Port

The IO13 port can be used for advanced DIY projects, allowing connection to external push switches, sensors, and more. This port corresponds to GPIO 13.

Pushbutton:
- Short press: Adjust mode.
- Double-tap: Adjust color in mode.
- Long press: Adjust brightness.
Switch: On/Off functionality.

Diagram illustrating the DIY IO13 port and its connection to external pushbuttons or switches, with corresponding WLED app settings. — Figure 5.8: DIY IO13 Port Functionality

6. Maintenance

Cleaning: Gently wipe the controller and remote with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
Fuse Replacement: The controller includes a 20A pluggable fuse for overcurrent protection. If the fuse blows, it can be replaced with a new one of the same rating. Ensure the power is disconnected before attempting replacement.
Firmware Updates: The Type-C port can be used for firmware updates. Refer to the official WLED documentation for instructions on updating the firmware.

Detailed view of the controller's circuit board, highlighting components like the ESD chip, 20A pluggable fuse, Ethernet chip, and input reverse polarity protection. — Figure 6.1: Excellent Circuit Design (showing fuse location)

Image showing a laptop connected to the controller via a Type-C cable for UART download, indicating firmware programming. — Figure 6.2: Type-C UART Download for Firmware Updates

7. Troubleshooting

No Power: Check all power connections and ensure the input voltage is within the DC 5-24V range. Verify the 20A pluggable fuse is intact; replace if blown.
LEDs Not Lighting Up: Double-check all wiring connections, especially V+, GND, and data lines. Ensure the LED strip type is supported (WS2811, WS2812, SK6812, WS2815). Verify the correct number of LEDs is configured in the WLED app.
Network Connection Issues: If using WiFi, ensure the controller is within range of your router. If using Ethernet, check the cable connection. Try resetting the controller (long press function button for 10 seconds) to re-enter WiFi AP mode for setup.
Microphone Function Not Working: After a reset, ensure the microphone configuration (Type, Pin I2S SD, Pin I2S WS) is correctly set in the WLED app and the device has been restarted.
Remote Control Not Responding: Ensure the remote has fresh 2*AAA batteries installed with correct polarity. Check if the remote is within the 50m control distance.
Wiring Error Protection: The controller is designed with input reverse polarity protection and circuit protection against wiring errors at the input terminal. If a wiring error occurs, correct it to prevent damage.

8. User Tips

For independent control of multiple LED strips connected to the 4 outputs, remember to set up segment control within the WLED app. This allows you to customize each strip individually.
The microphone function is pre-configured, but if you perform a factory reset, you'll need to re-enter the specific I2S PDM pin settings in the WLED app for it to work again.
Utilize the Ethernet port for critical installations where stable signal transmission and lower latency are paramount, especially for complex lighting setups or long runs.
Explore the DIY IO13 port to integrate physical buttons or sensors, adding another layer of interactive control beyond the app and remote.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I reset the controller to factory settings?: A: Long press the function button on the controller for 10 seconds. This will reset the device and activate the WLED-AP hotspot for initial setup.
Q: What types of LED strips are compatible with this controller?: A: The controller supports WS2811, WS2812, SK6812, and WS2815 Digital Addressable RGB IC LED strip lights.
Q: Can I control each of the 4 outputs independently?: A: Yes, the WLED app allows for detailed segment control, enabling you to personalize each output and even segments within a single LED strip.
Q: Is the remote control included with the controller?: A: The package contents may vary based on your purchase option. Please refer to your specific order details. If purchased separately, the remote control model is GL-RC-001WL.

10. Warranty and Support

For any technical assistance, warranty claims, or further inquiries, please contact the seller or manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

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SAGE LU MEI GL-C-618WL