How to control LED pixels from your computer!

If you're fairly new to the world of lighting control and design, creating simple colour washes using DMX lights or constant voltage LED strip can be good fun and bring an amazing ambience to any space. However, for a truly immersive experience where you get to individually control what happens to every single LED pixel in your setup, you'll want to make the step up to the wonderful world of PIXEL MAPPING.

But don't panic - it's not as scary as it might sound! Join electrical engineer Jordan - from ENTTEC's Australian R&D facility - as he takes you on an introductory journey using a simple lighting rig (including our award-winning ELM software) that anybody can source online and set up with ease at home.

Be warned though: pixel mapping can be addictive - and we can't be held responsible for how crazy your future projects may become!

Appearing in this video:

[LAGASTEST]

How many tubes of that length could be connected to that controller?

[francescofabiani]

Hi Jordan,
first of all thanks for all the precious informations that you're sharing in these videos.
This series of tips and tricks really helped me a lot!
I'm about to start my first project with Led strips, and i'm going to buy my first control interface.
I was wondering when it is more convenient to use a Usb - Dmx interface like the "Ode mkii" and when it's better to use an ethernet one like the Octo. In my case i would control everything from a computer.
In the near future i wish to project a stage light design for my live music set and i was wondering what is the best way to communicate with led strips without losing too much data on stage.
Thanks for your time and for sharing your knowledge!

[bundysax]

Can I use that program to create a graphic equalizer that I use pandora with ?

[jaspermelly]

Hi Jordan, thanks a lot for this video, really inspiring. Question, i want to build some small led screens using 16x16 pixel panels myself. I would like to control them myself from stage, I’m already running other stage lights trough ableton and lightkey and now looking how i can best add the led panel configuration. Any thoughts?

[liteglow]

This is awesome ! But I need some help where to start ! I need a controller box + led strip that can be used together! what will you recommend ? also, can I skip the pixel mapping software, and control the same LED strips with DMX (for simple effects and small show) thanx for all help.

[JG-mjfb]

Hi Jordan

Could this be used for an architectural model where up to 1500 individual units will have their own addressable light installed? The end result is to be used by the potential client(home buyer) to select individual units or groups of units on a touch screen and the corresponding lights will light up on the model.
Must be able to use a tablet to operate selections, We want a tasteful user interface
In addition to this, there will be large display screens that are also connected so that when an apartment is selected corresponding images will be displayed on the wall tv.
Software to connect the sales data to the model, so that when an apartment is sold this will be updated on the model's lighting.