Pharos LPC 4 - Designer Lighting Playback Controller 4 with 2,048 DMX Channels and DIN-Rail Mounting in Black Finish

The Pharos LPC 4 (Lighting Playback Controller 4) is a sophisticated and robust control solution tailored for themed entertainment and LED lighting installations, equipped with an extensive 2,048 DMX channels and designed for DIN-rail mounting in a sleek black finish. This award-winning controller stands at the forefront of lighting control technology, enabling users to craft intricate, fully customizable pre-programmed lighting effects with the flexibility of real-time manual overrides. Its powerful capabilities make it ideal for both complex installations and dynamic environments, allowing for the creation of captivating lighting displays that engage and mesmerize audiences.

At the core of the Pharos LPC 4 is the advanced Designer Engine, which transforms light fixtures into dynamic canvases for visual artistry, enabling the integration of creative effects and video playback. The accompanying Designer 2 software provides users with the tools to rapidly construct their fixture layouts with pixel-precise adjustments, ensuring every detail is meticulously controlled. With the ability to run independently, each timeline and scene can be programmed to deliver dynamic lighting sequences that are synchronized across the installation, significantly enhancing the overall visual impact.

The LPC 4's Designer Trigger system is a highlight feature, offering the capability for responsive and reactive programming based on real-time stimuli. This rules engine leverages conditional logic and accommodates a wide range of interfaces and protocols, ensuring seamless communication with other systems. The built-in scripting language offers unmatched flexibility, enabling users to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique demands of their projects. Moreover, the ability to create custom web interfaces through the built-in web server ensures that user control aligns with both functional needs and aesthetic preferences.

Future-proofing installations is straightforward with the LPC 4's remote management capabilities. By connecting to Pharos Cloud, users can monitor and control their controllers from anywhere globally, allowing for real-time updates, event scheduling, and project uploads. Each controller is equipped with a local web interface that provides access to real-time statuses, logs, and trigger functionalities, making it easy to manage complex installations.

Designed for scalability, the LPC 4 can easily connect with multiple Pharos Designer Controllers over a standard Ethernet network, accommodating a wide range of installation sizes, from single units to extensive networks. Its self-sufficient hardware and firmware eliminate the need for a dedicated PC on-site, ensuring that the controller remains operational 24/7. The compact 1U enclosure is built for permanent installations, fitting seamlessly into 19-inch racks while maintaining a rugged construction that can withstand the rigors of continuous use.

The Pharos LPC 4 also excels in output capabilities, supporting various protocols including DMX512, sACN, Art-Net, and DALI. This broad compatibility ensures integration with numerous lighting fixtures, such as RGB, RGBW, and intelligent moving lights. Additionally, the extensive online fixture library, featuring over 30,000 profiles, facilitates effortless integration of luminaires into lighting designs. The controller's comprehensive triggering and integration features further enhance its versatility, allowing for extensive automation and interaction with external systems, thereby maximizing its utility in a variety of applications.

Features

• The LPC 4 supports 2,048 DMX channels and features DIN-rail mounting for streamlined installation.
• Independently running timelines enable dynamic, pre-programmed lighting effects with real-time manual overrides.
• Powered by the Designer Engine for creative effects and video playback across light fixtures.
• Designer 2 software allows for quick setup and pixel-precise adjustments to fixture layouts.
• Designer Trigger enables responsive programming with conditional logic and a built-in scripting language.
• Create custom web interfaces for user-friendly control tailored to specific installation needs.
• Remote management through Pharos Cloud enables global monitoring and event scheduling.
• Designer Mapping feature provides pixel-precise control and stunning visual effects across fixtures.
• Scalable architecture supports linking multiple LPC 4 units over Ethernet for extensive installations.
• Reliable hardware and firmware designed for 24/7 operation without the need for a dedicated PC.
• Compatible with various output protocols: DMX512, sACN, Art-Net, and DALI.
• Extensive fixture library with over 30,000 profiles for easy integration of lighting fixtures.
• Comprehensive triggering and integration capabilities enhance automation and external system communication.
• Compact 1U enclosure designed for standard 19-inch rack mounting.
• Power supply options include 9V-48V DC or PoE, with a typical power consumption of 4W.
• Five-year warranty ensures reliability and support for all installations.

Specifications

Supported Fixtures

• LEDs: Any colour configuration e.g. RGB, RGBW, 8-bit, 16-bit, tuneable white
• Generic: Downlights, spotlights, uplights, etc. via controllable dimmers, relays or ballasts
• Intelligent: Moving and multi-parameter fixtures
• Fountain Jets: Fountain jets for fountain animation or other animatronics
• Fixture Library: Pharos offers an online fixture library with over 30,000 fixture profiles, for easy download of your luminaires

Output

• DMX512: Two ports (max 512 channels each) USITT E1.11-2008
• RDM: Via local ports or Art-Net, supports discovery and addressing via Designer 2 software
• sACN: ANSI E1.31 (with per fixture priority) standard
• Art-Net: Art-Net I, Art-Net II, Art-Net 3, Art-Net 4 (transmit only). Configurable broadcast override
• KiNET: KiNET V1, V2, V3; PDS/Data Enabler discovery
• Pathport: Pathway Connectivity protocol
• EDN: Via EDN: natively integrate, and output DMX, with the EDN
• SPI: Via EDN + SDI: synchronous and asynchronous serial data output
• DALI: Via RIO D
• Simultaneous: Multiple protocols can be in operation simultaneously. Limited by patched channels, not universes used
• Scalable: Synchronises with up to 40 Pharos Designer Controllers over network

Triggering and Integration

• Startup: Commences programmed playback automatically on receiving power
• Contact Closures: Connect an external volt-free switch between input and ground (internal 2.2k pull-up to 5V)
• Digital In: Connect an external voltage source between input and ground (24V maximum; internal 2MOhm pull-down to 0V); software-configurable low/high threshold
• Analog In: Connect an external voltage source between input and ground (24V maximum); software-configurable range
• Outputs: Via RIO: isolated relay outputs (48V, 250mA)
• Clock: Battery-backed real-time clock for calendar and time-based triggers
• Astronomical: Sunrise/Sunset/Twilight and Lunar phases
• Ethernet: UDP, TCP, Multicast; send/receive any Ethernet message
• Serial Data: RS232, RS485; configurable port; send/receive free syntax in ASCII, HEX or decimal
• MIDI: MIDI Notes, SysEx or MIDI Time Code
• Timecode: Via RIO A: Linear Timecode (SMPTE, Film, EBU, NTSC)
• Audio Level: Via RIO A: stereo 30-band spectrum analysis
• DMX: Trigger on changes within a range or entering a range
• eDMX: sACN or Art-Net (option to pass-thru on local DMX output)
• DALI: Via RIO D: transmit and receive DALI commands
• Web Interface: Built-in or custom designed
• Wall Stations: Integrate with BPS, TPS 5 or TPS 8
• Conditions: Full conditional logic support
• Scripting: Lua scripting for total flexibility
• IO Modules: Supports our extensive IO Module library for easy integration
• Scalable: Supports Pharos Designer Remote Devices

Interfaces

• Ethernet: RJ45 socket for 10/100Base-TX Ethernet with Link/Data LEDs; Static IP or DHCP; Dual IP address for eDMX; Supports IEEE 802.1Q VLAN Tagging
• DMX512: Two isolated DMX ports, RDM compatible
• Serial: RS232 / RS485 / DMX in
• Inputs: Eight inputs, individually selectable operating mode for contact closure, digital or analog input *
• MIDI In & Out: MIDI via standard 5-pin DIN
• USB-B socket: USB 1.1 for connection to PC

Specifications

• Certifications: CE compliant, UKCA compliant, ETL/cETL listed, may be used as part of a Title 24 compliant lighting control system
• Power: 9V-48V DC * or PoE (IEEE802.3af, Class 2), 4W typical
• Configuration: Pharos Designer 2
• Data Storage: Removable SD Card (supplied)
• Temperature: 32F to 122F
• Humidity: 10-50% relative, non-condensing
• Ingress: IP40
• Physical: 5.7 x 3.5 x 2.3 inches, 1.1 lbs
• Shipping: 8 x 6 x 5 inches, 1.8 lbs
• Recovery: Hardware watchdog and recessed reset button
• Warranty: 5 years