ESP32 basic DMX controller with wifi control

[timsabre]

I have an application where it would be really handy to program up an ESP32 as a basic DMX controller - wired DMX output, but control from a browser on a phone via wifi - just a few faders to program a state and a few scene buttons to recall states. Power up automatically into the last used state. Given the variety of ESP32 software out there I am surprised that nobody's already done this but I can't find anything, everyone is busy mucking about with pixels, do any of the tech dabblers on here know of something?

I have various DMX libraries and I could write my own but why reinvent the wheel if someone's already done it...

Edited February 22, 2022 by timsabre

[pmiller056]

Have a look with your favoutie web searcher for 'Wled' by 'Aircoookie'. I've had good experiences playing around with it. Do remember that an ESP32 is a 3.3V device, so you need to be careful using it in conjunction with 5V devices/systems.

[timsabre]

Yeah I've played with wled for pixelly stuff. This is just to control 48 dimmers, like an old fashioned lighting desk!

I normally use a 3.3V RS485 chip to link DMX to ESP32 and it seems to work fine both ways.

Edited February 22, 2022 by timsabre

[richardash1981]

Not what you wanted and no idea what it's like on a phone, but https://www.openlighting.org/ola/ serves a web GUI with faders, and will drive a range of DMX outputs from a proper USB to DMX dongle, to the Pi's on-board UART just needing a level shifter. Run on a Raspberry Pi with WiFi and you are most of the way there.

[timsabre]

Thanks that's worth looking at. There's also QLC software which will run on the pi.