Open-Source Artnet LED controller! 2700+ leds @40fps
Open-source ArtNet LED controller using ESP32 + W5500, controls 2700+ WS281x LEDs at 40fps via Ethernet. Web UI, OTA updates, high stability and low latency.
WIZnet - W5500
x 1
🧩 Hardware Configuration
MCU: ESP32-WROOM-32 module
Ethernet Module: WIZnet W5500 (preferred over ESP32-ETH01 for higher stability and performance)
LED Output: Up to 4 output ports, each supporting 4 ArtNet universes (16 universes total)
Supported LEDs: WS2811, WS2812(B), WS2815 (800kHz, single-wire protocol)
Power Design: 12V input stepped down to 5V via buck converter, fuse protection and screw terminals
Debug Display: 128x32 OLED (optional)
Status LED: RGB LED to visualize controller state
💻 Software Stack
Development Environment: Arduino IDE (ESP32 Board Manager v2.0.17 or lower recommended)
Key Libraries:
WebServer_ESP32_W5500: Web server with W5500 Ethernet
I2SClocklessLedDriver: High-speed LED driving
artnetESP32V2: Handles ArtNet protocol
Adafruit_NeoPixel, Adafruit_GFX, Adafruit_SSD1306: LED and OLED support
Features:
Web-based configuration (LED count, output ports, universe mapping)
OTA (Over-The-Air) firmware updates
AP mode for debugging without external network
Static IP support
🔄 Operation Flow
ESP32 boots and connects to the network via W5500
User configures settings through a web interface
ArtNet packets are received and parsed
LED data is pushed out using I2SClocklessLedDriver
Optional OLED and RGB LED display system status
OTA updates can be triggered remotely
⚙️ Role & Value of WIZnet W5500
Hardware TCP/IP Offloading: Frees up ESP32 resources and ensures reliable data transfer
Low Latency: Superior to Wi-Fi for real-time LED control
High Reliability: Less than 1% packet/frame loss, even at high frame rates (40+ FPS for 2700+ LEDs)
Scalability: Supports many universes, ideal for large LED installations
📈 Related Work & Market Relevance
Similar Projects:
phuvf/wireless_artnet_led_controller: Wi-Fi based ArtNet LED controller
cyberboy666/artnet_led_mapper: ArtNet-based LED mapper tool
Applications:
Stage lighting, media facades, interactive installations
Ideal for cost-efficient, high-performance lighting systems