Arduino to DMX Converter

simple $5 3 part USB to DMX adapter using the arduino

i was looking for a way to control some RGB LED Light Strips using connected to a DMX Decoder with my computer and didn't want to buy a expensive USB to DMX adapter so i made this one off the arduino site and it works great:-)

it is quite simple and the MAX485 chip is less then $4

you will need 1x Chip RS485 (Mouser Part #: 700-MAX485EPA) 1x 100ohm Resistor 1x XLR Connector or old cord cut in half

there is no programing required you aren't even using the arduino micro-controller just the USB to Serial Chip so just connect to the RX port on the arduino and install the Enttec driver then start FreeStyler and make a show.

You can install an enttec OPEN DMX Driver and use a free program like FreeStyler to control your DMX Devices

By usLEDsupply
Created on July 6, 2010, 07:10

Category: Digital

Difficulty: kids

License:

Tags: dmx, rgb led

Files

Fritzing Files

OPEN DMX adapter.fz

Comments

kafkep # Oct. 8, 2011, 4:44 a.m.
I. Thank very much for the project. Congratlations.......!! Is possible i have accès to the arduino code? Sorry for my very bad english...... kafkep@gmail.com. Thanks very much. Kafkep, portugal
mHax # Dec. 6, 2011, 10:23 p.m.
Hi Not working with my Uno, I think the difference is the usb serial chip. Atmega8 on a Uno, a Duemilanove use an FTDI FT232. Open DMX driver is fit for the FTDI. Am I wrong?
WILLFLY # April 23, 2013, 5:23 a.m.
Hi, thanks for the post. I am, in fact, on my way to make something to control LED Light Stripes (32 in total). I have an ENTTEC DMX to USB but I don't know anything about the software. Could Arduino help me? Or what software shoul I use to get a fast light controlling of my stripes? thanks, any advice will be sooo useful.
Chris Sipes # May 17, 2013, 12:17 a.m.
Has anyone tried this with the Arduino Mega 2560 r3? I am in the process of making a shield for the Mega and would love to include a DMX out with it! Right now I have it working short distances with out the MAX485 chip but I think that I will run in to problems with a longer distance!
usLEDsupply # May 17, 2013, 12:47 a.m.
I don’t know if it would work with the R3 but it is worth a try If you can get it to work for short distances you should be able to go long distance as well If not you could always add a DMX Signal Amplifier http://usledsupply.com/shop/dmx-amp.html

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