SM18512 DMX512 led strip light

Product Description:

What is DMX512 LED strip?

 The DMX512 LED strip is a high-end professional lighting product that uses the DMX512 international standard control protocol and can achieve independent and precise programmable control of each LED pixel (or pixel group) on the light strip.The DMX512 LED strip uses parallel signal transmission, so a local fault does not affect the overall effect, and it has strong anti-interference capabilities. It can achieve smooth and delicate dynamic colors, chasing effects, flowing water, and other complex light show effects.

 What is an SM18512 DMX LED strip?

The SM18512 DMX LED strip is an addressable digital LED strip with a built-in SM18512 series DMX512 control chip.

It uses the DMX512 (Digital Multiplexed) control protocol for lighting control. Unlike ordinary SPI/addressable strips (such as the WS2812), it uses the DMX512 protocol standard (RS-485 differential signal) to transmit control information.

Typically, each pixel is controlled by one IC to control a certain number of LEDs (some ICs control 6 LEDs, or each segment is a single pixel segment), thus allowing independent color control for each segment.

Easton Technology's SM18512 DMX512 LED strip is available in RGB and RGBW specifications, with PCB widths of 10mm or 12mm, selectable voltages of 12V/24V, and can be cut to size as needed. This product offers multiple protection ratings, including IP20/IP65/IP67/IP68, suitable for various applications. Easton also provides power supplies, controllers, aluminum profiles, and other related accessories. Furthermore, Easton offers customization services, including adjustments to cable length, PCB width, LED quantity, connector specifications, labeling, packaging, and strip length.

 Product Specifications:

Note:
SM18512 DMX led strip must be controlled with a DC12V/24V power supply and LED controller!
There are solder joints every 0.5 meters, please pay attention!
PCB color:
White: white PCB; Black: black PCB
Protection level:
(1) IP20 --- not waterproof, indoor use
(2) IP65 --- silicone coating, easy to cut, outdoor use
(3) IP67 --- silicone tube, needs to be resealed after cutting, outdoor use
(4) IP68 --- waterproof by glue filling, can work underwater

Core Features and Working Principle of DMX512 LED Strips：

 The performance of DMX512 LED strips is built upon the DMX512 protocol, an international standard digital dimming protocol developed in 1990 to address compatibility issues between devices from different manufacturers. Its core advantages include:

 1.）Powerful System Capabilities: A standard DMX control "domain" can support 512 control channels. Considering that controlling one RGB LED pixel requires three channels (one each for red, green, and blue), a single controller can easily manage hundreds of independent pixels, making it ideal for creating grand and continuous lighting scenes.

 2.）Stable Long-Distance Transmission: The protocol is based on an RS-485 bus and uses differential signal transmission, offering strong anti-interference capabilities. Reliable signal transmission distances up to 1000 meters without repeaters meet the needs of large-scale projects.

 3.）Efficient Parallel Control: Data is broadcast to the bus, and each pixel "picks up" the corresponding instruction based on its set address. This master-slave architecture and parallel transmission mode ensure that even if a pixel is damaged, the signal can still be transmitted to subsequent pixels without any obstacles, resulting in extremely high system stability.

 Key Features of the SM18512 DMX512 LED Strip:

 1. Uses the standard DMX512 control protocol.

This means it can be used with professional lighting consoles and Artnet/SACN controllers for large-scale system control environments such as theaters, building facades, and event lighting.

 2. Parallel signal transmission for greater stability and interference resistance.

The DMX512's differential signal lines (A/B) transmit in parallel, unlike serial SPI LED strips, supporting longer data transmission distances and stronger interference resistance; damage to one segment typically does not affect other pixels.

 3. Independently addressable pixel segments.

Each pixel segment (e.g., every 6 LEDs per segment) can be independently controlled for color and brightness, enabling dynamic effects and color changes.

 4. Supports multiple color modes and power levels.

Common versions include RGB, RGBW (including independent white light), and even more complex color temperature combinations, selectable according to needs; voltage support includes 5V/12V/24V versions.

 5. Flexible physical cutting intervals and installation. It can be cut to the actual length, but the cutting point is usually the entire segment of the pixel structure (e.g., every 100 mm or every 6 LEDs).

 DMX512 LED Strip vs SPI LED Strip：

How to Choose a DMX512 LED Strip ？

 When purchasing, in addition to determining the required length, color temperature, and pixel density (number of LEDs per meter), the following points require special attention:

 1.）Key Hardware and Manufacturing Process：

 1.1）Potting Material and Waterproofing: For outdoor or humid environments, the waterproof rating must be considered (IP65 or higher is recommended). Use PU glue with strong adhesion and high hardness instead of silicone, as it effectively prevents moisture penetration and short circuits.

 1.2）Wires and Connectors: The quality of the signal cable directly affects stability. Choose connectors with solid silver-plated pins and full-size copper core wire (e.g., 0.75 square millimeters) to avoid poor contact or oxidation.

 1.3）Lamp Body Structure: For outdoor use, the thickness of the aluminum alloy casing should be at least 1.2mm to ensure sufficient structural strength to resist installation stress and thermal expansion and contraction.

 2.）Necessary Supporting Equipment：

 The DMX512 LED strip requires a control system to operate, mainly including:

 2.1.）DMX Controller: The "brain" used for programming and sending control signals.

 2.2.）Decoder: Converts the DMX digital signal from the controller into a PWM drive signal that the LED strip can recognize.

 2.3.）Signal Amplifier/Repeater: Used to amplify and reshape the signal to prevent attenuation during ultra-long-distance cabling.

 2.4.）Technical Capability Assessment: It is essential to understand that the design of a DMX512 system (such as address code allocation and cabling planning), effects programming, and post-debugging typically require a certain level of professional technical knowledge or support from professionals. This complexity arises from its powerful functionality.

How to Choose and Precautions SM18512 DMX Led Strip？

When choosing this type of strip, consider the following points:

1. Confirm Operating Voltage

Commonly available are 12V/24V versions.

24V is more suitable for longer strips and reduces voltage drop.

2. Pixel Density and Brightness

For example, specifications like 60LED/m, 120LED/m, etc. Different densities affect brightness and the number of LEDs controlled.

3. Pixel Segment Design

Consider how many LEDs each pixel segment controls (commonly 6 LEDs/pixel), directly affecting the number of DMX channels and control granularity.

4. Controller Compatibility

Requires a controller that supports DMX512 addressing/control. Some strips can be automatically addressed.

5. Cutting Spacing and Installation Ease

Note the cuttable length of each segment (e.g., every 100 mm).

6. Accessories

Check if connectors and power cords are included, and whether a separate DMX address programming cable is required.

 7. Application Scenarios Matching

For professional lighting systems (stage/architecture/media wall), the DMX512 is the standard choice;

For DIY or microcontroller-controlled projects, the SPI type is simpler to consider.

Main Application Scenarios: Thanks to its precise, stable, and scalable control capabilities, DMX512 LED strips are primarily used in professional fields with high standards for lighting effects:

 1.）Architectural Landscape Lighting: Used to outline building contours, render wall facades, and create dynamic light shows for urban landmarks, such as large shopping malls and office buildings.

 2.)Stage and Entertainment Venues: Core equipment for creating atmosphere and immersive visual experiences in theaters, concert halls, television studios, bars, and nightclubs.

 3.）Themed cultural tourism projects: Used in theme parks, scenic spots, and large fountains to create synchronized, story-driven, dynamic lighting narratives.

 4.）High-end commercial displays: Used in brand flagship stores, showrooms, hotels, and other spaces to enhance the technological and artistic feel of the environment through lighting changes.

SM18512 DMX512 led strip product details: