DIN Pixie — User Manual

SPI Pixel Strip/Dot controller: controls up to 4 universes of LED pixels over two outputs featuring standalone mode.

Get started

Read this section before installing the DIN PIXIE. Covers electrical safety, system planning, installation guidelines, and the device's physical dimensions and mounting methods.

Safety

Ensure you are familiarised with all key information within this guide 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 an ENTTEC device in a configuration that is not covered within this guide, contact ENTTEC or your ENTTEC supplier for assistance.

Important: 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 device must be operated in accordance with applicable national and local electrical and construction codes.
• This device can be damaged by excess voltage outside the operating range defined within this product's datasheet.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electrical faults do not exceed the ratings and limitations defined in the product datasheet or this guide.
• Ensure there are no opportunities for cables to short circuit and cabling cannot be snagged or pulled.
• Do not over stretch cabling to the device's connectors and ensure that cabling does not exert force on the PCB.
• Isolate your installation from power immediately if accessories, power cables or connectors are in any way damaged, defective, show signs of overheating or are wet.
• Remove power from this product during cleaning or when it is not in use.
• Do not connect this device to a dimmer pack or mains electricity.
• Do not connect any of this device's 0V, V- or GND connectors to earth.
• Ensure your installation is protected from short circuits and overcurrent.
• Ensure all connections are complete and secure before providing power to the device.

System planning and specification

• To contribute to an optimal operating temperature, where possible keep this device out of direct sunlight.
• This unit has an IP20 rating and is not designed to be exposed to moisture or condensing humidity.
• Ensure this device is only operated within the specified ranges within the product datasheet.

Protection from injury during installation

• 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

• This 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 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.

Physical dimensions

Use the dimension drawing below when planning enclosure or rail-clearance requirements.

Mounting methods

The DIN PIXIE supports two mounting methods:

• Mounting Method 1 — DIN Rail Mount: Attach the DIN rail clip with two M3×8 countersunk PH2 Phillips drive screws. Attach unit to a suitable TS35 DIN rail.
• Mounting Method 2 — Wall/Panel Mount: Remove DIN clip if attached. Space 2× M3 screws 40 mm apart horizontally and attach to target surface. Mount unit to exposed M3 screw heads and slide down to lock.

Note: The surface mount tabs have been designed to hold the weight of the DIN PIXIE only. Excess force caused by cable strain can cause damage.

Hardware

Hardware features, RJ45 DMX input pinout, LED status indicator, application diagram, and wiring diagrams for all three operating modes.

Hardware features

• Pluggable screw terminal output connectors.
• Robust USB Type-B connector.
• Wide (5–48 V DC) operating voltage — power from the same source as your pixels.
• All ports feature ESD surge protection and resettable fuses to block external faults and electrical noise propagation through control infrastructure.
• Forward-facing RGB LED status indicator.
• Surface mount or TS35 DIN mount (using provided DIN Clip accessory).

RJ45 pin out to DMX input

The DIN PIXIE features two RJ45 ports for DMX input:

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

Pin numbering in accordance with ANSI E1.27-2.

Important: Label any RJ45 DMX connector and DO NOT connect it to non-DMX ports (e.g. Ethernet switches). Connecting incompatible systems could result in permanent damage to the DIN PIXIE and similar equipment.

LED status indicator

The DIN PIXIE has a forward-facing RGB LED that signals device activity:

Application diagram

The DIN PIXIE receives control data via USB (Art-Net), DMX input (RJ45), or from its internal standalone show file, then outputs SPI pixel data to pixel strips, pixel dots, or neon flex.

Wiring diagrams

Three wiring configurations are shown below. In all cases, pixel strips and dots are powered by a separate DC PSU — the DIN PIXIE provides data only via the SPI output terminals.

Note: Connection via USB port will only power the DIN PIXIE. Pixel power must come from a separate DC PSU connected to the pixel strip's VCC and 0V lines.

Configuration

Operating modes, DMX personalities, factory defaults, and a full walkthrough of the ENTTEC EMU software configuration interface.

Functional features

• Operate between USB Mode, DMX Mode, or Standalone Mode.
• 2U pixel control when receiving 1U DMX512 per port in DMX Mode.
• 4U pixel control when recording or using live input in USB Mode.
• Convert received data into over 20 SPI protocols for pixel strips and dots.
• Allow creation of custom pixel protocols. (Criteria apply — see the 'Custom Protocol Creation Guide' document.)
• Configurable DMX start address and pixel grouping function to minimise control channel requirements.
• Standalone show playback using inbuilt flash memory (4000 frames [~100 seconds]).
• Option to play a show on DMX loss or blackout output.
• Configurable and updatable via USB Type-B.
• DMX input on RJ45 connectors (ANSI E1.27-2).
• Test output sequences via EMU software, eliminating the need for external data sources.
• Backward compatible with the API for USB to SPI control.

USB mode

Priority: High — Data from the USB will take priority over DMX and Playback data.

In USB mode, the DIN PIXIE is connected to a computer via the USB Type-B port. Users can configure and manage the device using ENTTEC's EMU software. USB mode is useful for recording standalone shows or sending test data during installation and lighting design. In USB Mode, the DIN PIXIE unlocks its full potential, offering 4U pixel control.

ENTTEC also provides an API for the DIN PIXIE, allowing users with programming expertise to integrate DIN PIXIE controls into their software applications. Visit the ENTTEC website for the API guide document.

DMX mode

Priority: Medium — Incoming data from the DMX ports will take priority over Playback data. DMX data will be overridden by USB data.

In DMX mode, the DIN PIXIE is connected to DMX512 sources via its 2 RJ45 DMX ports. A single DMX Universe (512 channels) can be received from each DMX port. In DMX Mode, the DIN PIXIE efficiently converts 2 DMX Universes into 2U SPI pixel output.

The DIN PIXIE offers flexibility in controlling its output through four Personalities within the EMU software. This facilitates precise data distribution across its 2 output ports:

Standalone mode

Priority: Low — Data from Standalone Mode will be overridden by both USB and DMX data.

In Standalone mode, the DIN PIXIE offers consistent playback without the need for a computer or external controller. The DIN PIXIE can either record a sequence from Art-Net or import/export show files across other DIN PIXIEs through EMU software in USB mode. All configuration and management are handled through ENTTEC EMU software.

Out of the box — factory default

By default, the DIN PIXIE is configured as follows:

Configuration software — ENTTEC EMU

ENTTEC offers the EMU Software, a versatile tool for configuring, troubleshooting, testing, and updating the DIN PIXIE. EMU is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems (macOS 10.13 or later) and can be downloaded for free from the ENTTEC website.

Discover the device

From EMU Software, navigate to the Preference window. It will either pop up upon opening, or can be accessed by clicking the gear icon in the top-right corner. From the Preference Window Output page, click the Scan for devices button to search for the DIN PIXIE connected to the computer. When detected, select the gear icon next to the device to configure it.

Config tab

This page provides information about the DIN PIXIE's state and the ability to configure the device.

• DIN PIXIE Serial Number: The serial number of the connected device is shown at the top of the configuration window.
• DMX Personality: Choose a Personality for precise DMX output distribution (see DMX Mode).
• 1 DMX pixel equals: Manage up to 2 universes of pixel output per port with reduced data input by grouping multiple LEDs per pixel. For example, setting 2 LED strips means 1 DMX pixel (170 RGB pixels) controls 340 RGB LEDs.

• Start Address: Offset the DMX start address. Increments are based on pixel type:
  • RGB-8bit: increments of 3, allowed value up to 510
  • RGBW-8bit: increments of 4, allowed value up to 509
  • RGB-16bit: increments of 6, allowed value up to 507
  • RGBW-16bit: increments of 8, allowed value up to 505
• LED Strip Protocol: Choose the relevant SPI protocol to match your pixels. More than 20 protocols are supported.
• Custom Protocol: Tick Custom to adjust the voltage timing of the chosen protocol. The adjustable values are:
  • Bit 0 High Time (T0H): Voltage high time required to indicate code 0.
  • Bit 1 High Time (T1H): Voltage high time required to indicate code 1.
  • Overall Bit Time: Total voltage time for a single bit (TH + TL).
  • Reset Time: Total voltage low time required to reset data transmission between each data batch.

Example — the WS2812B data transfer time values from the datasheet map to EMU's custom fields as shown:

• Run Show on DMX Loss: If no DMX signal is received for 3 seconds, any standalone show saved on the DIN PIXIE will be played back.
• Blackout Output: If no DMX or USB signal is received for 30 seconds, the channels will be set to 0.
• Pixel Ordering: Default is RGB. Set this to match your pixel colour order — any combination of RGB and RGBW is supported.
• Make Parameters Defaults: Restores the device to default settings.
• Set DMX Parameters: Sends the configured settings to the DIN PIXIE.
• Get DMX Parameters: Retrieves the DIN PIXIE's current DMX settings.

Send tab

The Send tab allows actively sending data to the device for design and testing purposes.

Source:

• Test Patterns: Select pre-programmed test patterns from the Select Pattern drop-down list to test the DMX output.
• Live Art-Net: The DIN PIXIE listens for an Art-Net broadcast through the loopback IP address (127.0.0.1). Users can also patch faders in EMU and drag channels to test the output.

Output: Select Output 1 or Output 2 as the output destination. The First pixel section controls up to 170 RGB or 128 RGBW pixels; the Second section handles the remaining pixels with the same capacity.

Note: The Send tab is a troubleshooting tool, not full lighting control software. Close EMU before opening your preferred lighting control software — the DIN PIXIE can only be recognised by one software at a time.

Firmware tab

Use the Firmware tab to update the DIN PIXIE to the latest firmware, or to recover it if it becomes stuck or stops responding.

1. Launch EMU Software and select the DIN PIXIE.
2. In the Firmware tab, select the default firmware from the drop-down list, or click Choose Firmware to locate a firmware file from another source.
3. Click Update Firmware and wait for the update to complete. Do not remove the USB cable until the update is finished — progress is displayed on the page.
4. Once finished, close the page. The firmware update is complete.

Note: Ensure your EMU Software is updated to the latest version before performing a firmware update.

Boot mode

Boot mode is required for firmware updates or factory resets when the device has unstable firmware. To access boot mode:

1. Wire both data output ports together.
2. Connect the DIN PIXIE to a computer via USB cable. The LED will flash red, indicating it is in boot mode.
3. Launch EMU Software and select the DIN PIXIE.
4. EMU Software will prompt you to access the boot page for firmware updates or other maintenance tasks.

Standalone tab

The DIN PIXIE Standalone feature can play back up to 2 Universe sequences recorded from the DMX port, or up to 4 Universes using ENTTEC EMU Software. Recordings can be generated from a DMX console or through the DIN PIXIE's USB input using EMU software (Art-Net internal loopback IP 127.0.0.1). The DIN PIXIE only records changing frames to maximise recording length.

Playback can be triggered from within EMU Software or automatically on power-up.

Record

The Record page sets input and output configuration for the recording. These settings cannot be modified after recording begins.

• Show Name: Name to identify the show being recorded.
• Play Count: Total number of times the show is played back (1 to Forever).
• Loop Delay: Seconds of delay between each loop playback.
• Play on Powerup: If enabled, the show automatically starts when power is supplied.
• DMX Channels: Number of channels to record per DMX frame — fewer channels equals longer recording duration.
• Output on ports: Specifies which outputs the recording will play back on.
• Input: Select which source the device records from.
• Art-Net Universe: The specific Art-Net universe to record from.
• Recording Control: Optionally use an Art-Net trigger (Universe, Channel, Value threshold) to start and stop recording automatically.

Recording process:

1. At recording start, the number of recorded frames and estimated duration are displayed. Recording stops automatically if memory is full.
2. Click Stop recording to finish.
3. Click Upload to DIN PIXIE to transfer the show to the device. Do not interrupt the upload — wait until progress is finalised.
4. Once complete, the page confirms a show is stored. The recording page can be revisited after deleting the stored show.

Playback

The Playback page shows information based on the currently recorded show, reflecting settings from the recording process.

• Play: Initiates playback in Standalone Mode.
• Stop: Stops Standalone Mode playback.
• Export Show to File: Downloads the show from the DIN PIXIE to a binary file on the connected computer.

Export

Exports the show from the DIN PIXIE to a .pshow file on the connected computer. This file can be imported to duplicate the show on another DIN PIXIE.

Import

Imports a .pshow file from the computer to the DIN PIXIE. File extension must be .pshow.

Delete

Deletes the current show from the DIN PIXIE, ready for a new recording. To prevent any output when the device powers up, delete the pre-loaded standalone show.

Reference

Servicing and maintenance guidelines, cleaning instructions, revision history, package contents, and ordering information.

Servicing, inspection & maintenance

Important:

• The device has no user-serviceable parts. If your installation has become damaged, parts should be replaced.
• Power down the device and ensure a method is in place to stop the system from becoming energised during servicing, inspection and maintenance.

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 the ability for a device to dissipate heat and can lead to damage.
• The replacement device should be installed in accordance with all steps within the installation guide. To order replacement devices or accessories, contact your reseller or message ENTTEC directly.

Cleaning

Dust and dirt build-up can limit the device's ability to dissipate heat, resulting in damage. Clean on a schedule fit for the operating environment — the more extreme the environment, the shorter the interval between cleanings.

Before cleaning: Power down the system and ensure a method is in place to stop the system from becoming energised until cleaning is complete. Do not use abrasive, corrosive, or solvent-based cleaning products. Do not spray the device — it is rated IP20.

To clean an ENTTEC device, use low-pressure compressed air to remove dust, dirt, and loose particles. If necessary, wipe with a damp microfibre cloth.

Factors that may require more frequent cleaning:

• Use of stage fog, smoke, or atmospheric devices.
• High airflow rates (e.g. in close proximity to air conditioning vents).
• High pollution levels or cigarette smoke.
• Airborne dust (from building work, the natural environment, or pyrotechnic effects).

If any of these are present, inspect the system soon after installation, then check at frequent intervals to determine a reliable cleaning schedule.

Revision history

Please verify your device's serial number and artwork to ensure proper firmware support:

• DIN PIXIE Revision A (SKU: 73539) — serial number prior to 2358764: update firmware up to version 1.2 only. New firmware versions are not backward compatible with DIN PIXIE Rev A.
• DIN PIXIE Revision B (SKU: 73539) — serial number 2358765 and above: ensure firmware version 2.0 or later is loaded, and that EMU version 23.10.17.8 or later is installed.

Package contents

• DIN PIXIE
• DIN mounting clip + screws
• USB Type A → USB 2.0 Type B cable

Ordering information

For further support and to browse ENTTEC's range of products, visit www.enttec.com.

Note: Due to constant innovation, information within this document is subject to change.