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ENTTEC PIXELATOR MINI (70067)

User Manual

eDMX to SPI Pixel Controller: Transmitting up to 32 Universes of SPI Data reliably across long distance.

Safety Information

General Safety

Ensure you are familiarised with all key information within this guide, datasheet and other relevant ENTTEC documentation before specifying, installing, or operating an ENTTEC device. If you are in any doubt about system safety, or you plan to install ENTTEC device in a configuration that is not covered within this guide, contact ENTTEC or your ENTTEC supplier for assistance. ENTTEC’s return to base warranty for this product does not cover damage caused by inappropriate use, application, or modification to the product.

Electrical Safety

  • This product must be installed in accordance with applicable national and local electrical and construction codes by a person familiar with the construction and operation of the product and the hazards involved. Failure to comply with the following installation instructions may result in death or serious injury.
  • Do not exceed the ratings and limitations defined in the product datasheet or this document. Exceeding can cause damage to the device, risk of fire and electrical faults.
  • Ensure that no part of the installation is or can be connected to power until all connections and work is complete.
  • Before applying power to your installation, ensure your installation follows the guidance within this document. Including checking that all power distribution equipment and cables are in perfect condition and rated for the current requirements of all connected devices and factor in overhead and verify that it is appropriately fused and voltage is compatible.
  • Remove power from your installation immediately if accessories, power cables or connectors is in any way damaged, defective, shows signs of overheating or are wet.
  • Provide a means of locking out power to your installation for system servicing, cleaning and maintenance. Remove power from this product when it is not in use.
  • Ensure your installation is protected from short circuits and overcurrent. Loose wires around this device whilst in operation, this could result in short circuiting.
  • Do not over stretch cabling to the device’s connectors and ensure that cabling does not exert force on the PCB.
  • Do not 'hot swap' or 'hot plug' power to the device or its accessories.
  • Do not connect any of this device’s V- (GND) connectors to earth.
  • Do not connect this device to a dimmer pack or mains electricity.
  • Label any PLINK output Cat5/6 connector and DO NOT connect to non-PLINK device (eg Ethernet Switch). Connecting unlike systems could result in serious damage to equipment.

System Planning and Specification

  • To contribute to an optimal operating temperature, where possible keep this device out of direct sunlight.
  • The maximum recommended cable distance between the PIXELATOR MINI’s output and PLINK Injector is 300m (1000ft). ENTTEC advises against running cabling close to sources of electromagnetic interference (EMF) i.e., mains power cabling / air conditioning units.
  • This device has an IP20 rating and is not designed to be exposed to moisture or condensing humidity.
  • Ensure this device is operated within the specified ranges within its product datasheet.

Protection from Injury During Installation

  • Installation of this product must be performed by qualified personnel. If ever unsure always consult a professional.
  • Always work with a plan of the installation that respects all system limitations as defined within this guide and product datasheet.
  • Keep the product and its accessories in its protective packaging until final installation.
  • Note the serial number of each product and add it to your layout plan for future reference when servicing.
  • All network cabling should be terminated with an RJ45 connector in accordance with the T-568B standard.
  • Always use suitable personal protective equipment when installing ENTTEC products.
  • Once installation is completed, check that all hardware and components are securely in place and fastened to supporting structures if applicable.

Installation Safety Guidelines

  • The device is convection cooled, ensure it receives sufficient airflow so heat can be dissipated.
  • Do not cover the device with insulating material of any kind.
  • Do not operate the device if the ambient temperature exceeds that stated in the device specifications.
  • Do not cover or enclose the device without a suitable and proven method of dissipating heat.
  • Do not install the device in damp or wet environments.
  • Do not modify the device hardware in any way.
  • Do not use the device if you see any signs of damage.
  • Do not handle the device in an energised state.
  • Do not crush or clamp the device during installation.
  • Do not sign off a system without ensuring all cabling to the device and accessories has been appropriately restrained, secured and is not under tension.

Wiring Diagrams

Key Installation Guidelines:

  • Ensure all safety guidelines within this User Manual and other product documentation are factored into the design.
  • Controller and PSU can be wired up to 300 metres using Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cable.
  • To reduce the likelihood of voltage being induced on the control signal lines, where possible, run control cabling away from mains electricity or devices that produce high EMF, (i.e. air conditioning units).

The diagram illustrates a typical setup for ArtNet / sACN Lighting Players & Controllers. It shows a PC running ELM Software connected to a PIXELATOR MINI (SKU: 70067) via a Network Switch. The PIXELATOR MINI can be powered by 12-24VDC or PoE. The PIXELATOR MINI connects to PLINK INJECTORS (SKU: 73546/73544) using CAT5/6 Cable (up to 300 meters). The PLINK INJECTORS then connect to Pixel LEDs (e.g., SmartPXL40, Neon Flex SPI) using SPI Data cables (up to 3 meters). DC Power Supplies and protection are shown for various components. The diagram also notes that the 70067 output protocol is uniform between Port 1-4 and Port 5-8.

Features

Functional Features

  • The PIXELATOR MINI and PLINK INJECTOR enable reliable pixel control over long distance.
  • Supports input protocols: Art-Net, sACN and ESP.
  • Up to 32 Universes (4U per port) pixel control.
  • Easy to configure & update through any web browser.
  • Compatible with multiple asynchronous pixel output protocols with custom voltage timing.
  • Allows creation of custom pixel protocols. (Refer to ‘Custom Protocol Creation Guide’ document)
  • Static or Dynamic (DHCP) IP configuration (DHCP by default).
  • Pixel grouping is configurable for each port (1 to 680 for RGB / 1 to 512 for RGBW).
  • Pixel colour order is configurable for each port.

Hardware Features

  • 8* RJ45 ports (each providing up to 4 Universes output).
  • RJ45 connector (10/100 Mbps).
  • Active IEEE 802.3AF Active PoE or 12-24v DC power input.
  • Power and output status LED indicators.
  • All ports feature ESD surge protection and resettable fuses to block external faults & electrical noise propagation through control infrastructure.
  • 1U Half Width form factor with mounting options for 1U Half Width Rack, 19" Rack, Surface mount, TS-35 DIN mounting.
  • Compatible with ENTTEC CVC4 RGBW auto-addressable LED dimmer.

PLINK INJECTORS (Sold Separately)

The ENTTEC PIXELATOR MINI supports transmission over 300 meters via Cat6 STP cable, ensuring a reliable connection to the PLINK INJECTOR. The ENTTEC PLINK INJECTOR seamlessly converts signals into SPI protocols, effortlessly delivering them up to 3 metres to pixel fixtures. Designed for versatility, the PLINK INJECTOR features DC power input terminals alongside SPI Data, VCC, and GND output connections. With the ability to support external DC power supplies of up to 10 Amps, it ensures compatibility with a wide range of LED tapes and dots, offering exceptional performance and flexibility for diverse installations.

For voltage compatibility, please note the following:

  • SKU 73546 is designed for Pixels with a 5VDC input.
  • SKU 73544 is designed for Pixels with a 12-24VDC input.
  • SKU 73924 is designed for outdoor installation (IP66) featuring adjustable voltage jumper.

Connectivity and Indicators

PLINK Port Data Pinout

PLINK Data is sent over Cat5/6 STP cable over 3 pins within an RJ45 connector. These pins are:

  • Pin 1: Data +
  • Pin 2: Data –
  • Pin 7/8: Ground

Do not use crossover cables with any PLINK device.

LED Status Indicator

The PIXELATOR MINI has one Network LED built-in RJ45 Ethernet port and one forward-facing RGB status LED which indicates the following device states:

ColourStatus
WhiteIdle
GreenOutputting PLINK Data
Blue (Flashing)Identifying
CyanMultiple merge sources
PurpleIP conflict
RedDevice in boot / error

PoE (Power over Ethernet)

The PIXELATOR MINI supports IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet. This allows the device to be powered via the RJ45 Ethernet Connection, reducing the number of cables and the ability to remotely deploy the PIXELATOR MINI without the need for a local power source close to the device.

PoE can be introduced to the Ethernet cable, either through a network switch which outputs PoE under the IEEE 802.3af standard, or through an IEEE 802.3af PoE injector.

Note:

  • DC power input takes precedence over PoE. If the DC power is disconnected, the PIXELATOR MINI will switch to PoE in about 3 seconds.
  • Passive PoE is not compatible with the PIXELATOR MINI.

Initial Setup and Configuration

Out of the Box

PIXELATOR MINI factory default settings:

  • Device name: PIXELATOR MINI
  • DHCP: Enabled
  • Static IP Address: 192.168.0.10
  • Gateway IP address: 192.168.0.254
  • Netmask: 255.255.255.0
  • Input protocol: Art-Net
  • LED protocol: SPXL-8bit
  • Pixel colour: RGB
  • All 8 ports are set to output 2 Universes
  • DMX start address: 1

Networking

The PIXELATOR MINI can be configured for DHCP or Static IP address.

  • DHCP: On power-up with DHCP enabled, the PIXELATOR MINI requests an IP address from the network's DHCP server. If no response is received or no DHCP server is available, it defaults to 192.168.0.10 with a netmask of 255.255.255.0. Use the assigned DHCP address for communication if provided.
  • Static IP: By default (out of the box) the Static IP address will be 192.168.0.10. If DHCP is disabled, the Static IP address becomes the IP address for communication. Please note down the Static IP address after setting.

Note: When configuring multiple devices on a Static network to avoid IP conflicts, connect and configure one device at a time. If using DHCP, ENTTEC recommends sACN Multicast or Art-Net Broadcast to ensure data reception if the DHCP server changes its IP address. Unicasting data to a DHCP-assigned IP address is not recommended for long-term installations.

Web Interface

The PIXELATOR MINI is configured via an intuitive web interface, accessible through any modern web browser (Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome are recommended).

Accessing the Web Interface:

  • Identified IP address: Type the PIXELATOR MINI’s IP address directly into the web browser's URL field.
  • Unidentified IP address: Use discovery methods on a local network:
    • ENTTEC EMU software (Windows/MacOS) discovers ENTTEC devices and displays their IP addresses.
    • IP scanning software (e.g., Angry IP Scanner) can list active devices.
    • Art Poll (e.g., DMX Workshop) can discover devices.

The device default IP address (192.168.0.10) is printed on the physical label on the product.

Note: The web browser will display a ‘Not secure’ warning as the PIXELATOR MINI hosts a web server without an SSL Certificate. Ensure your controller and configuration device share the same LAN and IP address range (e.g., if PIXELATOR MINI is 192.168.0.10, your computer should be around 192.168.0.20). Maintain consistent Subnet Mask settings.

Web Interface Navigation and Features

Top Menu

The top menu allows access to all PIXELATOR MINI web pages. The currently active page is highlighted in blue.

The top right corner features two buttons:

  • Dark Mode: Toggles a dark background for the user interface.
  • Identify: Identifies connected pixels without sending control data, useful for checking wiring. The timer does not restart if pressed consecutively.

Home Page

The Home page displays the configuration overview, including:

System Information:

  • Node Name
  • Firmware version on device
  • System uptime

Network Information:

  • DHCP status (enabled/disabled)
  • IP address
  • Netmask
  • Gateway
  • Mac Address
  • Link Speed

Pixel Mapping Information:

  • Input Protocol
  • Pixel protocol
  • Universe
  • Colour Order
  • Mapped Pixels
  • Group Pixels
  • DMX Start Address

You can select a Universe number to view the current DMX buffer, with options for manual refresh or auto-refresh for real-time channel viewing. Up to 2 Universe buffers can be viewed simultaneously.

Settings Page

The Settings page is for main configuration. Changes require saving to take effect.

  • Node Name: Assign a name for identification.
  • DHCP: Enabled by default. If no DHCP server is available, it defaults to 192.168.0.10.
  • IP Address / Netmask / Gateway: Configure static network settings when DHCP is disabled. These must be compatible with other devices on the network.
  • LED Protocol: Select the SPI (Pixel) protocol from the drop-down list or set a custom value. Up to 2 different protocols can be output simultaneously, grouped by Port 1-4 and Port 5-8.
  • Custom LED Protocol: Tick 'Custom' to enable voltage timing adjustments for specific pixel protocol requirements, referencing the protocol's datasheet.
  • Colour Order: Configure how RGB/RGBW colours are mapped. 'Autofill' can apply a global setting.
  • Mapped Pixels: Define the number of mapped pixels each port controls.
  • Global Brightness: For specific protocols (TM1814, SJ1221), sets maximum brightness without hindering DMX range.
  • Input Protocol: Choose between Art-Net, sACN, and ESP.

Universes: By default, 2 Universes per port. Overdrive mode allows up to 4 Universes per port, activated automatically when configured for more than 2 Universes. Universes can be shared across outputs or configured uniquely. The 'Autofill' function helps manage group port settings. Only the first universe needs to be specified; subsequent universes are assigned automatically.

  • Art-Net: Supports Art-NET 1/2/3/4. Universe range: 0-32767.
  • sACN: Universe range: 1-63999.
  • ESP: Universe range: 0-255. (Details at www.enttec.com)

Group Pixels: Controls multiple pixels as one 'virtual pixel', reducing input channels. For example, grouping 10 pixels means sending one RGB pixel value controls the first 10 LEDs.

Note: The maximum physical LED pixels per port is 680 (RGB) or 512 (RGBW). Grouping reduces control channels, not the physical pixel limit.

DMX Start Address (DSA): Assigns the first DMX channel for listening to DMX values within the universe. Applies only to the first universe if multiple are used. An offset may split pixel channels (e.g., R in one universe, GB in another). ENTTEC recommends offsetting DSA to a number divisible by channels per pixel (e.g., increments of 3 for RGB, 4 for RGBW).

Network Stats

The Network Stats page shows statistics for the selected input DMX protocol.

Art-Net Stats:

  • Total Packets Received
  • Poll Packets Received
  • Data Packets Received
  • Sync Packets Received
  • Last IP where Art-Net packets were received from
  • Last port data received from

ESP Stats:

  • Total Packets Received
  • Poll Packets Received
  • Data Packets Received
  • Last IP where ESP packets were received from
  • Last port data received from

sACN Stats:

  • Total Packets Received
  • Data Packets Received
  • Sync Packets Received
  • Last IP where sACN packets were received from
  • Last port data received from

Firmware and Reset

Update Firmware

Select the 'Update Firmware' tab to enter firmware update mode. This mode displays device information (Firmware Version, Mac Address, IP Address). Download the latest firmware (.bin file) from www.enttec.com. Use the 'Browse' button to select the file and click 'Update Firmware'. The web interface will reload to the Home tab upon successful completion.

Reset to Factory Defaults

The PIXELATOR MINI can be reset via the web interface or the reset button.

Resetting via Web Interface:

Navigate to the 'Settings' tab and click 'Reset to Defaults'. Confirm the action in the pop-up window. Manually refresh the page after resetting.

Resetting by Reset Button:

This resets network configuration to factory defaults.

  1. Power off the unit.
  2. Press and hold the Reset button.
  3. While holding the button, power up the unit.
  4. Keep holding for approximately 3 seconds.
  5. Release the Reset button after the LED turns yellow.
  6. Power cycle the unit.

Troubleshooting and Support

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m unable to connect to the PIXELATOR MINI web interface.

Ensure the PIXELATOR MINI and your computer are on the same subnet. To troubleshoot:

  1. Connect the PIXELATOR MINI directly to your computer using a Cat5 cable and power it on.
  2. Assign your computer a Static IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.20).
  3. Set your computer's Netmask to 255.255.255.0.
  4. Open ENTTEC EMU software.
  5. Once EMU finds the PIXELATOR MINI, you can access its webpage and configure it.

If issues persist, perform a Factory Reset using the reset button. The factory default sets the device to static IP 192.168.0.10, Netmask 255.255.255.0, with DHCP enabled. If DHCP is enabled but no server is available, it falls back to 192.168.0.10.

What if my LED strip protocol is not in the drop-down list? How to add a new LED strip protocol?

The PIXELATOR MINI allows selection of pixel output protocols not found in the list. Visit the ENTTEC Website for the 'Custom Protocol Creation Guide' document for detailed instructions.

Maintenance and Ordering

Servicing, Inspection & Maintenance

The device has no user-serviceable parts. If damaged, the device should be replaced.

  • Power down the device and ensure a method is in place to prevent accidental energization during servicing.
  • Key areas to examine during inspection:
    • Ensure all connectors are mated securely and show no sign of damage or corrosion.
    • Ensure all cabling has not obtained physical damage or been crushed.
    • Check for dust or dirt build-up on the device and schedule cleaning if necessary. Dirt or dust build-up can limit heat dissipation and lead to damage.

To order replacement devices or accessories, contact your reseller or ENTTEC directly.

Cleaning

Dust and dirt build-up can impede heat dissipation, leading to damage. Regular cleaning ensures product longevity.

  • Before cleaning, power down the system and ensure it cannot be accidentally energized.
  • Do not use abrasive, corrosive, or solvent-based cleaning products.
  • Do not spray the device or accessories; it is an IP20 product.
  • Use low-pressure compressed air to remove dust, dirt, and loose particles. If necessary, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

Environmental factors increasing cleaning frequency include:

  • Use of stage fog, smoke, or atmospheric devices.
  • High airflow rates (e.g., near air conditioning vents).
  • High pollution levels or cigarette smoke.
  • Airborne dust (from construction, natural environments, or pyrotechnics).

Inspect the system regularly, especially if these factors are present, to determine a reliable cleaning schedule.

Product Information

Package Content

  • PIXELATOR MINI (70067)
  • 1 x Cat5 cable (79102)
  • 1 x 12V PSU adaptor with international plugs
  • 2 x Rack mounting bracket (79161) + 6 screws
  • 2 x Surface/Din mounting bracket (79162) + 4 screws
  • 2 x Din Clip + 4 screws

Revision History

Check your serial number and artwork on your device for support:

  • PIXELATOR MINI (SKU:70067) SN up to 0050C20845D6: use firmware up to V1.12.
  • PIXELATOR MINI (SKU:70067) released after SN: 2392325 (7-digit SN format): use firmware version V2.0 onwards only.

Ordering Information

For further support and to browse ENTTEC’s product range, visit the ENTTEC website.

ItemSKU
PIXELATOR MINI70067
PLINK INJECTOR (5v)73546
PLINK INJECTOR (12v-24v)73544

Information within this document is subject to change due to constant innovation.

Models: 70067, 70067 Pixelator Mini Ethernet to SPI Pixel Converter, 70067, Pixelator Mini Ethernet to SPI Pixel Converter, Mini Ethernet to SPI Pixel Converter, Ethernet to SPI Pixel Converter, SPI Pixel Converter, Pixel Converter, Converter

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