Sixteen outputs, 16,320 pixels — the economical choice when power is injected separately anyway
The PixLite® E16-S Mk3 is the data controller of the E series: it drives up to sixteen pixel
strings with the full Mk3 feature set but carries no pixel power — you inject the pixel supply directly from the
power supply into the string. In return it is small, light and considerably cheaper than the A series. It is
configured in the browser, and with a microSD card it plays a show even without a computer attached.
Is it right for my project?
What this controller is made for
- Set-ups of up to around 16,000 pixels where the pixel power is injected directly anyway — long strings
with several injection points, Christmas displays, trade-fair stands, stage sets
- Projects on a tight budget: Mk3 processor, 90+ protocols, SHOWTime™ and browser configuration at
an entry-level price
- Little space: 114.5 × 149.5 × 35.5 mm, 200 g, on a flat surface or on a DIN rail with the kit
- Stand-alone shows from microSD when no computer should run permanently
Not for
- Power and data from one unit without separate injection — that is what the A series is for:
A4-S Mk3 with powered outputs and electronic fuses
- Small set-ups up to around 4,000 pixels: the E4-S Mk3 with four outputs is enough and costs less — see
all Art-Net/E1.31 controllers
- Long distances between controller and pixels — that is what the long-range systems are for
(T8-S Mk3, T16X-S Mk3)
- Direct outdoor mounting without an enclosure: the unit is designed for installation, not for rain
Also required: a power supply matching the voltage of your pixels (5 V, 12 V or 24 V) that
feeds both the controller (5–24 V DC, under 4 W) and the pixel strings directly, and the pixels themselves.
Matching
power supplies and
xConnect® cabling
are in our range.
16,320RGB pixels in total (16 × 1,020)
96universes sACN / Art-Net
< 4 Wown consumption — no pixel power through the unit
90+supported pixel protocols
Wiring
Up and running in four steps
-
Power the controller. 5–24 V DC to the + and − terminals — usually from the same power
supply that also feeds the pixels.
-
Connect the pixels. Per output CLK, DATA and GND. For chipsets without a clock line, such
as WS2811, CLK stays free. Inject the pixel power (+ and −) directly from the power supply into the string;
the ground of the power supply is connected to the controller via GND.
-
Connect the network. ETH to the switch or computer. The address is in the quick start
guide.
-
Configure in the browser. Set outputs, universes, protocol and brightness limit, test,
done.
Caution: power supply and pixels must have the same voltage — 12 V on 5 V pixels destroys
them instantly. And: the E16-S has no fuses for the pixel strings; fusing belongs in the injection.
Compatibility
Software
- MADRIX, Pharos, MadMapper, Green Hippo, ArKaos, Resolume, Chromateq, Obsidian, Disguise
- xLights and any other source that outputs sACN or Art-Net — the licences we offer are under
Software
- Configuration without extra software directly in the browser
Pixels and series
- More than 90 pixel protocols, including WS2811, WS2812B, WS2815, SK6812, APA102, TM18xx —
full list and matching pixels
-
E series like this unit: outputs data only, power is injected separately
-
A series (A4-S Mk3): power runs through the controller —
not a direct replacement for each other
Scope of delivery
- PixLite® E16-S Mk3 controller with pluggable terminals
Power supply, pixels, microSD card and DIN rail kit are not included. A conformal-coated
version for harsh environments is available on request.
Documents
Datasheet, processor datasheet, quick start guide, user manual and management guide are in the documents
section on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a power supply as well?
Yes, and it has two jobs: it powers the controller (5–24 V DC, under 4 W) and the pixels
— but the pixels not via the controller, they are fed directly. One power supply in the voltage of your pixels
is enough. As a rule of thumb for sizing: WS2811 pixels draw around 60 mA per pixel at full brightness.
Matching power supplies are under
power supplies.
How does the E series differ from the A series?
The E series outputs data only; the pixel power is injected separately and fuses belong in
the injection. The A series carries the power through the controller, with an electronic fuse per output and
two Gigabit ports. If you inject the power directly anyway, the E series saves money; if you want power and
data from one unit, take the A series.
How many pixels can the unit really handle?
1,020 RGB pixels per output, so 16,320 in total (in expanded mode 32 outputs of 510
pixels each). There is no current limit at the controller — that is set by your power supply and the
injection into the string.
Does a show run without a computer?
Yes, via
SHOWTime™: the show is written to a microSD card and played back by the
controller on its own, with up to 25 triggers. A permanently running computer is not required.
Can I daisy-chain several controllers?
Not directly: the E16-S has one Ethernet port, so each controller needs its own cable to
the switch. Daisy-chaining from unit to unit is possible with the models that have two ports
(
A4-S,
T8-S).
Unsure about power supply, injection and string layout? Describe your project to us — we work out the
power budget and parts list and get back to you with a proposal.
Discuss your project
Product safety information
Manufacturer information:
Advatek
Unit 1, 3 - 5 Gilda Court, Mulgrave
3170 VIC
Australien
support@advateklights.com
