# DFRobot EDGE201 DMX512 ESP32-S3 Lighting Controller > ESP32-S3-based DMX512 lighting programming controller with dual-core architecture, 8 optically isolated inputs, RS485, relay output, WiFi/Bluetooth, and DIN-rail mounting in an alloy steel enclosure. Designed for stage, theater, and venue lighting automation. ## Quick Facts - **Brand:** DFRobot - **Board Type:** IoT Controller - **Price:** ~$59 - **CPU:** Xtensa LX7 dual-core @ 240MHz, FPU, AI vector extensions, HW crypto (AES/SHA/RSA) - **CPU Architecture:** Xtensa LX7 - **CPU Cores:** 2 - **RAM:** 512KB SRAM - **Flash:** 16MB - **USB:** USB-C (programming) - **Power:** 12-24V DC (DC2.1 / Terminal Blocks) - **Operating Voltage:** 3.3V - **Dimensions:** 158 x 83 x 37mm - **Weight:** 400g - **Antenna:** SMA ## Connectivity - **Wifi:** 802.11 b/g/n - **Bluetooth:** BLE 5.0 ## Use Cases - stage-lighting-control - venue-lighting-automation - dmx512-lighting - home-automation - industrial-automation ## Components - **ESP32-S3** (mcu): Xtensa LX7 dual-core processor at 240MHz with WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and BLE 5.0, handling user programming and wireless communication. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espressif.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdocumentation%2Fesp32-s3_datasheet_en.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller&source=md-export) - **DMX512 Protocol Processor** (dmx512-controller): Independent DMX512 protocol chip handling real-time lighting control signal generation, communicating with the ESP32-S3 via I2C. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwiki.dfrobot.com%2FSKU_DFR0944_DMX512_Programming_the_Controller&ref=openhardware.directory&product=dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller&source=md-export) - **RTC** (rtc): Onboard RTC with ±3 seconds per 30 days accuracy and 12-hour backup power for time-based lighting schedules. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwiki.dfrobot.com%2FSKU_DFR0944_DMX512_Programming_the_Controller&ref=openhardware.directory&product=dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller&source=md-export) - **Optocoupler Array** (optocoupler): 8 optically isolated digital input channels compatible with PNP industrial sensors for automated lighting triggers. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwiki.dfrobot.com%2FSKU_DFR0944_DMX512_Programming_the_Controller&ref=openhardware.directory&product=dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller&source=md-export) - **Relay** (relay): One relay output (NO/COM) controlled via IO46 for switching high-power external loads. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwiki.dfrobot.com%2FSKU_DFR0944_DMX512_Programming_the_Controller&ref=openhardware.directory&product=dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller&source=md-export) ## GPIO Map | Pin | Name | Type | Functions | |-----|------|------|-----------| | GPIO1 | I2C SDA | I2C | digital-input, digital-output | | GPIO2 | I2C SCL | I2C | digital-input, digital-output | | GPIO4 | GPIO | — | digital-input, digital-output, adc | | GPIO5 | GPIO | — | digital-input, digital-output, adc | | GPIO6 | UART TXD / DI1 | UART | digital-input, digital-output | | GPIO7 | DI2 (isolated input) | — | digital-input | | GPIO8 | UART RXD | UART | digital-input, digital-output | | GPIO18 | DI3 (isolated input) | — | digital-input | | GPIO21 | BLINK LED | — | digital-output | | GPIO35 | DI4 (isolated input) | — | digital-input | | GPIO36 | DI5 (isolated input) | — | digital-input | | GPIO37 | DI6 (isolated input) | — | digital-input | | GPIO38 | DI7 (isolated input) | — | digital-input | | GPIO39 | DI8 (isolated input) | — | digital-input | | GPIO46 | Relay Control | — | digital-output | ## Description ## Overview The DFRobot EDGE201-DMX512 (SKU: DFR0944) is a professional-grade lighting programming controller built around the ESP32-S3 dual-core processor paired with a dedicated DMX512 protocol chip. The dual-core architecture separates user programming (handled by the ESP32-S3 with WiFi and Bluetooth) from real-time DMX512 signal generation (handled by the dedicated chip), communicating internally via I2C for maximum reliability. The controller features 8 optically isolated digital inputs compatible with PNP industrial sensors, enabling automated lighting triggered by motion, sound, or other environmental sensors. A single relay output allows switching high-power devices, while RS485 with selectable master/slave modes and a 120-ohm termination switch supports daisy-chained communication. The onboard RTC maintains time with less than 3 seconds drift per month, enabling time-based lighting schedules even during brief power outages. Housed in a rugged alloy steel enclosure with DIN-rail and ear-mount options, the EDGE201 is built for permanent installation in stage venues, commercial spaces, and entertainment environments. It accepts 12-24V DC power and programs via USB-C, supporting both Arduino and ESPHome firmware for flexible integration into existing smart lighting and home automation ecosystems. ## Where to Buy - [DFRobot](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfrobot.com%2Fproduct-2876.html&ref=openhardware.directory&product=dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller&source=md-export) — $59.00 - [DigiKey](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digikey.com%2Fen%2Fproduct-highlight%2Fd%2Fdfrobot%2Fesp32-s3-based-dmx512-smart-lighting-controller&ref=openhardware.directory&product=dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller&source=md-export) — $59.00 ## Resources - [product](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfrobot.com%2Fproduct-2876.html&ref=openhardware.directory&product=dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller&source=md-export) - [wiki](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwiki.dfrobot.com%2FSKU_DFR0944_DMX512_Programming_the_Controller&ref=openhardware.directory&product=dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller&source=md-export) ## Images ![DFRobot EDGE201 DMX512 ESP32-S3 Lighting Controller](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller/c2f4b45fa199.jpg) ![DFRobot EDGE201 DMX512 ESP32-S3 Lighting Controller](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller/f3d335027cfe.jpg) ![DFRobot EDGE201 DMX512 ESP32-S3 Lighting Controller](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller/9194f346a643.jpg) ![DFRobot EDGE201 DMX512 ESP32-S3 Lighting Controller](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller/bea11ad3ab29.jpg) ![DFRobot EDGE201 DMX512 ESP32-S3 Lighting Controller](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller/f8d9a5bc43f5.jpg) --- [View full device page](https://openhardware.directory/devices/dfrobot-edge201-dmx512-esp32-s3-controller)