Knowledge Base:  
Knowledge Base > Controller Related Information (RGB, DC and AC Based) --> Knowledge Base > Controller Related Information (RGB, DC and AC Based)
Running Legacy RS485 Light-o-Rama Controllers and RS485 Based DMX (E1.11) and Ethernet Based (E1.31) DMX Controllers Together
Last Updated: 07/13/2017
If you have an existing LOR network or controllers and would like to integrate modern, standards based controllers into that network, this page shows a variety of different options available to you.

NOTE: If you have an LOR "Director", please see this article.

  • LOR Controllers (LOR Protocol over RS485) + E1.31 DMX Pixel Controllers (DMX Protocol over Ethernet) (Preferred / Easiest)
    • PROS: Easiest to setup since your existing LOR sequences do not need to be modified - just add the new DMX controllers to your existing sequences. No re-wiring or adaptors required.
    • CONS: Requires two separate network cables from your PC (Ethernet port on PC and LOR dongle).
    • HOW: You leave your entire LOR setup including your current LOR dongle(s) in place and then just add the E1.31 pixel controllers to your display
    • This diagram shows how the above method is commonly used. Your specific network may differ slightly:





  • LOR Controllers (LOR Protocol over RS485) + E1.11 DMX Controllers (Complex)
    • PROS: Easiest to setup since your existing LOR sequences do not need to be modified - just add the new DMX controllers to your existing sequences. No re-wiring or adapters required.
    • CONS: Requires two separate network cables from your PC (DMX dongle and LOR dongle). Requires the purchase of at least two dongles - one for DMX and one for LOR controllers (you may have more depending on the number of LOR and DMX controllers/channels).
    • HOW: You leave your entire LOR setup including your current LOR dongle(s) in place and then you add in a DMX output device (dongle):
      • ActiDongle - This dongle is used for customers that don't use an existing E1.31 controller that already has a "dongle" built in. It allows you to control up to 512 DMX channels. It plugs into the USB port on the computer and then has a CAT5 cable that goes out to the RS485 based DMX controllers (dumb and pixel based).
      • If using a AlphaPix controller as the DMX RS485 source, see this article for specific setup instructions.
      • This diagram shows how the above method is commonly used. Your specific network may differ slightly:


Additional information:



How helpful was this article in answering your question?

Comments / Feedback / Corrections (please, no questions):
 

Related Articles
 > DC Controllers - Basics (Presentation)
 > Testing DMX output using your HolidayCoro DMX Programmer/Dongle (video)
 > Programming your HolidayCoro DMX Controller using your HolidayCoro Programmer/Dongle (video)
 > What lighting controllers do your products work with?
 > Wiring Up and Programming your HolidayCoro DMX Controller (flow chart and videos)
 > DIP Switch Addressing Chart
 > ActiDongle USB Serial Port Drivers (Item #53)
 > Setting up the ActiDongle for use with xLights
 > Wireless Networking Options for E1.31 and E1.11 Controllers
 > Voltages and Plugs Available from HolidayCoro
 > Why do HolidayCoro Pixels Turn Blue Sometimes?
 > AlphaPix Evolution vs. HinksPix Pro
 > HinksPix Setup and Instructional Page
 > Light-o-Rama LOR CTB16PC Comparison with HolidayCoro AC Controllers
 > Stand Alone / Play on Controller Options for Holiday Displays
 > Are your controllers LOR Compatible?