We have three series of SPI pixel light controller:

1. Artnet to SPI pixel light controller,BC-204 or BC-216 model, is dedicated to converting the Ethernet signal to SPI pixel signal,which is designed foe large project with high-density pixel light,such as matrix panel lights,construction contour lamps,ect.

2. Mini pixel light controller,BC-201 model with small size strong function and has a variety of dynamic lighting effect.

3. DMX to SPI signal decoder, BC-802 or BC-820 model, which adapts the most advantage microchip technology,to convert the universal standard DMX512/1990 signal into various LED driving IC signals,and allows the LED lamps controlled by DMX512 protocol.

Q1:What’s the different between BC-204 and BC-216? How many lights can be connected to?

A: BC-204,  4 channels SPI outputs, each output current is 7A, it can control up to 680 pixels per channel if the lamp is RGB,total 680*4CH=2720pxiels, or 512 pixels if the lamp is RGBW,total 512*4CH=2048pixels.

BC-216,16 channels SPI outputs, each output current is 3A,it can control up to 340 pixels per channel if the lamp is RGB,total 340*16CH=5440pxiels, or 256 pixels if the lamp is RGBW,total 256*16CH=4096pixels.

How many lights can be connected depends on the pixel of the lamp, which is calculated by pixel.

Q2: How far is it from SPI output port of BC-216/204 to the lamp? How to connect the cable?

A: It’s better that the distance be less than 60M, and the actual environment of the project should be considered. Also pay attention to avoid signal interference,for example, the signal line should be used shielding wire and away from the electric supply;power supply is sufficient and so on.

Please refer to the picture below：

Connection method:

Q3:What software master can be used for BC-216/204?

A：Madrix, FreeStyler, Resolume,Madmapper, Arena, Arkaos, XLIGHTS and more are all compatible with V1 version of BC-216/204. In general,Any software that supports the Artnet protocol can be used.

Q4:When does BC-216/204 need to use a switch?

A:This is not necessary when connecting one BC-216/204, but a switch is required when connecting multiple BC-216/204.

Q5:What IC types can BC-216/204 mainly control? Can each SPI output port of the BC-216/204 be set to a different IC？

A:The main control IC types are 2811,2801,6803,8806,3001,9813，APA102,5603,1914,1814,2904,8904,16714. Each SPI port output can be set to a different IC,as long as it is the same type of mutually compatible IC model, incompatible IC models are not acceptable.

Q6: Can half of the output ports of BC-216/204 be connected to WS2811 lamp of 12V and the rest to WS2812 of 5V?

A:Yes, it can, because WS2811 and WS2812 are compatible,as long as the lamps are powered independently,and the negative electrode(GND) of the lamp also needs to be connected to the GND output port of the BC-216. However, it can’t be connected in this way for incompatible ICs.

Q7:What are the main highlights of BC-201? How to control wiring?

A：BC-201 is a small size but with powerful function LED dream color controller, it can be controlled by touch key and digital tube display, easy to use. At the same time, it supports RF remote control. It can control all the LED lights which is driven by IC. It can choose the IC type, set up the control pixel points and support the RGB/RGBW pixel strip . It has a variety of built-in dynamic color change effects.

Connection method:

Q8: How many pixels can BC-201 control?
A: BC-201 can control 1000 pixels, the controller default is 360 pixels. If it is more than 360 pixels, it needs to be set on the controller. Beyond 1000 pixels, it can be used in parallel connection to control more lamps.

Q9: What is the difference between BC-802 and BC-820?

A: The BC-820 has a small appearance, digital tube display, and 26 built-in change modes, supporting DMX master/slave mode. 8 types of IC can be switched freely.

BC-802 is iron shell appearance, through the DIP switch set DMX address code. DMX512 socket has standard XL-3R port and RJ45 port optional. The IC type can’t be switched freely, so it needs to be noted before placing an order.

Q10. How many pixels can BC-802/820 control?

A:It can control 170 pixels if the lamp is RGB, and 128 pixels if the lamp is RGBW.This is determined by the DMX512 signal, because DMX512 has a total of 512 channels, and each pixel occupies 3 channels or 4 channels, so it can only control 512/3 or 512/4 at most.

Q11: Can BC-820 be used as the main control? What can be done?

A:BC-820 can support DMX master mode or slave mode,but only one decoder is allowed to work as a master.There are 26 internal change effects when under the master mode.It also can connect the DMX console/software to realize more change effects.

Q12: How many units can BC-802/820 connect to continuously? What is the connection distance?

A：32 units can be connected, more than 32 units of DMX decoder connections require a signal amplifier.The wiring distance between decoders within 150 meters is better, and the distance between the decoder and the pixel lamp is recommended to be within 50 meters.

These are FAQ with our SPI pixel series controllers, if you have other questions, please contact BINCOLOR by phone: +86 0756-3338971,or email us bc@bincolor.com.Thanks!