SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus DMX to LED Shield

The SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus DMX to LED Shield enables sending and receiving DMX data via an on-board XLR-3 jack or over ArtNet. Designed for developing custom DMX fixtures or adding ArtNet capabilities to existing setups, the shield includes electrical isolation between the controller and communication side to prevent ground loops, meeting the DMX standard requirement.

LED outputs are broken out to poke-home connectors ordered to match APA102 LED strips. A logic level converter between the microcontroller and LED data pins brings the output up to 5 V logic, accommodating 3.3 V Feather-format boards. The shield is compatible with the SparkFun Thing Plus – ESP32 WROOM and any board with a Feather footprint.

Key Features

• DMX via XLR-3 – On-board XLR-3 jack for standard DMX input/output
• ArtNet Support – Send and receive DMX data over the network
• Electrical Isolation – Isolated RS-485 transceiver prevents ground loops
• Poke-Home LED Connectors – Ordered for APA102 LED strip wiring
• Logic Level Conversion – 3.3 V to 5 V shifting on LED data pins
• Feather Compatible – Works with any Feather-footprint microcontroller

Specifications

• DMX Interface – XLR-3 jack (RS-485, electrically isolated)
• LED Output – Poke-home connectors (APA102 pinout)
• Power Input – 5 V via 2-pin 3.5 mm screw terminal (26–16 AWG, ~5–6 mm strip length) or USB from host board
• Logic Levels – 5 V output on LED data pins with on-board level shifter
• Form Factor – Feather-compatible shield

Ideal For

• Custom DMX fixture development
• ArtNet-to-DMX bridge projects
• APA102 LED strip controllers
• Stage lighting and interactive installations

Package Contents

• 1× SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus DMX to LED Shield

Resources

• Hookup Guide