Hardware Guide
Everything you need to build your Lights Pi controller
Complete Shopping List
Minimum Setup
~$200
Pi 3 + basic setup
Recommended Setup
~$250
Pi 4 + case
With Wireless DMX
~$450-750
Full wireless setup
Example Setups
Budget Setup
$200
- ✓Raspberry Pi 3B+
- ✓ENTTEC USB Pro
- ✓2x LED par cans
- ✓Basic cables & power
Creator Setup
$500
- ✓Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB)
- ✓ENTTEC USB Pro
- ✓4x RGB LED panels
- ✓Wireless DMX transmitter
Professional Setup
$1,500
- ✓Raspberry Pi 4 (8GB)
- ✓ENTTEC USB Pro
- ✓8+ fixtures (moving heads, pars, strips)
- ✓Wireless DMX system
- ✓Backup Pi
Raspberry Pi Selection
Both the Raspberry Pi 3B+ and Pi 4 work great for Lights Pi. The Pi 4 offers better performance and more RAM, but the Pi 3B+ is perfectly capable for most setups.
Choose Pi 4 if:
- • You have 10+ fixtures
- • You want faster web interface
- • You plan to run additional services
Choose Pi 3B+ if:
- • You're on a budget
- • You have fewer than 10 fixtures
- • You want to minimize power consumption
ENTTEC DMX USB Pro
The ENTTEC DMX USB Pro is the recommended DMX interface. It's reliable, well-supported by QLC+, and widely available. Make sure to buy from authorized dealers to avoid counterfeits.
Avoid counterfeits: Buy from B&H Photo, Amazon (sold by ENTTEC), or authorized dealers. Counterfeit units may not work properly with QLC+.
DMX Cables
Use quality DMX cables for reliable operation. Most fixtures use 3-pin XLR, but some professional fixtures use 5-pin. Cable quality matters for longer runs.
- •Maximum cable length: 300-500 feet total
- •Use termination resistor for long runs
- •Avoid running DMX cables parallel to power cables