ENTTEC 71521 SPI Pixel Controller User Guide

ENTTEC 71521 SPI Pixel Controller

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: ENTTEC Pixel Controllers
• Models: OCTO MK2 (71521), PIXELATOR MINI (70067), DIN PIXIE (73539)
• Custom Protocol Creation Guide Document Version: 4.0
• Last Updated: 27 June 2024

Product Usage Instructions

ENTTEC Pixel controllers support more than 20-pixel protocols by default. The custom protocol creation feature allows users to create a custom protocol for pixel fixtures when needed.

1. Datasheet: Obtain the datasheet of the desired pixel fixture.
2. Device: Access the device settings page using a computer.
3. For OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI: Obtain the device IP address (DHCP or static) using the ENTTEC EMU app.
4. For DIN PIXIE: Use the EMU Software for configuration.

FAQ

• Q: How can I obtain the datasheet for my desired pixel fixture?
• A: Contact the dealer or manufacturer of the pixel fixture to obtain the necessary datasheet.
• Q: How do I discover the IP address for OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI?
• A: Use the ENTTEC EMU app to discover the device’s IP address based on your network settings.

Custom Protocol Creation Guide
A convenient and time-saving DIY solution for users to control pixel fixtures (two criteria apply).

COMPATIBLE FIRMWARE
Custom protocol creation is featured in the following ENTTEC pixel controllers:

INTRODUCTION

• ENTTEC Pixel controllers support more than 20-pixel protocols by default. In the event of missing protocol, this custom feature allows the users to create a custom protocol for the desired pixel fixture anytime without having to submit a support request for new firmware.
• This feature enables users to adjust the voltage timing based on the supported protocols if the data transmission method matches any of our supported protocols.
• This document provides setup instructions for creating a custom pixel protocol and verifying the criteria.

SETUP REQUIREMENTS

The following are required to create a custom protocol:

1. Datasheet: Obtain the datasheet of the desired pixel fixture to gather the necessary information. Contact the dealer or manufacturer for this document.
2. Device: Use a computer to access the device settings page.
3. For OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI: Obtain the device IP address, which can be either DHCP or static based on your network settings. Discover the IP using the ENTTEC EMU app.
4. For DIN PIXIE: Use the EMU Software for configuration.

GUIDE TO CUSTOM PROTOCOL CREATION
This feature allows users to adjust the data voltage timing to meet specific protocol needs.
To create a custom protocol:

1. Verify the datasheet for the compatible pixel protocol.
2. Navigate to the Device’s User Interface to enable the custom protocol feature.
3. Adjust the pixel fixture’s data voltage timing via the web interface as per the manufacturer’s datasheet.

Step 1: Verify the datasheet for the compatible protocol

1. Verify the data transmission method of your desired protocol from the datasheet.
   The data transmission method implies how the data is forwarded. Below are the common data transmission methods:

The most common method transmits data without additional bits (e.g., D1-D2-D3…Dn).
Example: Information captured from WB2812B’s datasheet

• The datasheet indicates data transmission by D1-D2-D3-D4 between pixels.

• The datasheet shows each D1, D2, and D3 are transmitted with a data batch of 24bit (8bit x 3 channels) without additional bits on the start and end of the data.

• Some protocols, like TM1814, include additional data at the front (e.g., C1-C2-D1-D2…Dn).

Example: Information captured from TM1814’s datasheet

• The datasheet indicates ‘Data receiving and forwarding’ with S1-S2-S3-S4 between pixel (chip)

• The datasheet shows how S1, S2, and S3 are transmitted with extra C1-C2 in the front of the data batch.

• Nominate the matching protocol supported by the device (or choose from the above example) that shares the same data transmission method of your desired pixel protocol.

• Proceed to Step 2 for further configuration.

Step 2: Navigate to Device’s Settings page to enable custom protocol feature
In this step, the OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI and Din PIXIE are guided accordingly due to their distinct interfaces.

For OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI

Access to OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI web interface

1. Google Chrome is suggested as the web browser to access the OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI web interface.
2. Free ENTTEC app, EMU can be used to discover OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI IP address. See the ENTTEC website www.enttec.com to download the app.
3. After entering the IP address of OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI, the user will land on the Home page of OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI’s User Interface.

• Example of the OCTO MK2 homepage in Figure 1 indicates IP address 10.10.3.31, which was assigned by the DHCP server. For out-of-box OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI that is connected directly to a computer (no DHCP server), the default IP address is 192.168.0.10.
• See OCTO MK2/PIXELATOR MINI User Manual ‘Networking’ section for more information.

Navigate to Settings page – Output Setting
Go to the output where the desired pixel fixture is connected to. Pick a pixel protocol from the dropdown list that shares the same transmission method verified in Step 1.

Enable Custom protocol

• Enable the ‘Custom’ tick box to access the data voltage timing setup. Untick to disable the custom protocol.

For DIN PIXIE

1. Connect DIN PIXIE to a computer using USB Type-B.
2. Launch EMU Software.
3. Scan for the device and click on the Conf of the discovered DIN PIXIE.
4. Enable Custom Protocol
   Pick a pixel protocol from the dropdown list that shares the same transmission method verified in Step 1 and enable Custom.

Step 3: Set custom voltage timing

1. Match the voltage timing on the datasheet of your desired protocol. Custom Protocol requires 4 inputs to complete data voltage timing adjustment:
2. Datasheet – Data voltage timing info Example

Datasheet – Data voltage timing info Example

From WB2818B’s datasheet

• Locate the ‘Sequence Time’ table in WB2818B’s datasheet for voltage timing range.
• Fill the voltage timing range in the custom field in Output Settings.

IMPORTANT

• ENTTEC recommends taking the median value of the range for start.
• The user will have to SAVE settings for the modified value to take effect.
• Fine adjustment of value required, followed by actual output test to optimize the custom protocol for pixel fixture control.
• ENTTEC recommends a trial run on the actual setup before finalizing the custom protocol setup.
• Typical issues of incorrect setup include and not limited to failure to light up and output flickering.

CONCLUSION
This guide demonstrated how to set up a custom protocol for eligible ENTTEC devices and provided technical knowledge on verifying the datasheet of your desired pixel fixtures.
By following these steps, users can create a custom pixel protocol not found in the drop-down list without waiting for technical support or a new firmware release. If you have questions or difficulty finding the right information, reach out to our friendly support team at the local offices.

CONTACT

• enttec.com
• MELBOURNE AUS / LONDON UK / RALEIGH-DURHAM USA / DUBAI UAE
• Due to constant innovation, information within this document is subject to change.

References

• ENTTEC | Lighting control experts : ENTTEC
• ENTTEC | Lighting control experts : ENTTEC

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>