The Aurora Core is an advanced smart RGB controller with ethernet input compatible with the industry standard sACN (E1.31) or Art-Net. The Aurora Core is the new and improved alternative for the original Light-O-Rama E1.31 Pixcon16 controllers. For a simpler smart RGB controller option, consider the Light-O-Rama Assembled Pixie16.
This purchase is only for the Aurora Core Controller - Board Only. No power supply, enclosure, or other assembly supplies are included. Dangles (separate purchase) are required in order to connect to Light-O-Rama smart pixel strings.
This is a 12 Volt controller system compatible with 12V RGB smart pixel strands and devices. Dumb RGB devices or standard LED / Incandescent lights cannot be plugged into the ports of this controller. The Aurora Core can NOT be plugged into a USB-485 adapter or used with a Showtime Director.
Pixels are NOT included with this assembled controller. Smart pixel strands must be purchased separately.
Aurora Core Dimensions
Board Length: 8.6" Board Width: 4.75"
Special Assembly Note: The mounting holes for the Aurora Core controller board are the same dimensions as the discontinued Light-O-Rama Pixcon16 so that the same mounting brackets can be used when replacing the Aurora Core in a previous Pixcon16 build.
Software and pre-programmed sequencing effects are not included with this purchase.The PRO Version of the Light-O-Rama Software Suite is required to use smart pixel "Motion Effects."
The LOR Aurora Core smart pixel controller includes 16 onboard ports, each capable of driving 120-300 pixels*, depending on brightness, as well as 2 dedicated DMX-512 ports. The Aurora Core is designed for E1.31 or Art-Net IP based Ethernet networks.
What kind of smart pixels can you control? In the world of smart pixels, each LED based RGB pixel is individually controlled and each can be any color of the rainbow. The Aurora Core is designed to control any WS281x protocol pixels.
What can the LOR Aurora Core handle?
Ethernet input compatible with industry standard sACN (E1.31) or Art-Net
Supports any WS281X pixels
Two standard DMX-512 universe outputs (providing an E1.31 to DMX-512 bridge) via dedicated RJ45 connectors
Up to 58 Universes of input (~10,000 pixels)
Estimated 300 pixels per port at 30% brightness, 120 pixels per port at 100% brightness*
5-12V range voltage input for each bank 1-8, 9-16 (Assembled package includes 12V system)
On board information screen to show IP address and other information
High current capacity outputs (4A replaceable mini blade fuses)
Per port current monitoring, including pixel count detection
Firmware upgradable over Ethernet data network
Simple network setup including ability to configure and test via Wi-Fi hotspot
Test mode with multiple animations
Advanced configuration options including start universe, start channel, null pixels, reverse pixels, RGB color order, substrings, brightness control and more
Individual outputs with each connector supplying power and data over a single cable
Easy to use screw terminal connectors on all channel outputs
Jumper links allowing selection between “LOR” and “ESTA” wiring on dedicated DMX-512 ports to allow for direct connection to LOR DMX capable controllers (AC Controllers, CMB24D, etc) or direct connection to ESTA standard wired DMX devices
Two split power banks allowing simultaneous support of two different pixel voltages (rated at 32A each for total current capacity of 64A) *Assembled package includes 12V system for both power banks*
*The above estimates are based on standard bullet pixels. These are not hard limits and it may be experienced that depending on the conditions of the installation, these values may be slightly higher or lower. Each output port on the Aurora Core is fused at 4A and can comfortably power 120 standard bullet pixels (.3W) at 100% brightness without power injection. More pixels per port are possible with power injection, see user’s manual for more information. Light-O-Rama is not responsible for implementations of power injection.
How does it all fit together?
The Light-O-Rama ShowTime Sequencing Suite works on your personal computer running Microsoft Windows and allows you to design your own shows. The ShowTime Sequencing Suite then runs your shows and sends the right commands at the right time to the various control channels. The ShowTime Sequencing Suite can even keep music and video synchronized to the controller commands.
Speakers to play the music accompanying your show are attached to the computer sound card.
Your computer communicates to the Aurora Core via an ethernet network. No USB 485 Adapter is used.
Each Aurora Core in your show takes commands via ethernet from your computer and outputs pixels data on the 16 ports as well as DMX on the 2 DMX outputs
Various DMX capable devices can be hooked directly into the DMX outputs
Various pixel props can be connected to the 16 output ports
Various DMX capable LOR controllers such as AC controllers and flood light controllers can be connected directly to the DMX output for control
Should I Buy an Aurora Core or a Pixielink (with Pixies)?
The Aurora Core is best for advanced users. The Light-O-Rama Aurora Core is an advanced smart pixel controller with dozens of user defined variables. This gives you the most versatility but can also make for a complicated configuration. This controller is best for users that have a good understanding of data networking.
The Pixie16 (and Pixie8, Pixie4, or Pixie2) is designed to be simpler-to-use smart RGB controller system, but you can tap into the advanced capabilities and faster speeds with a Pixielink adapter. The Pixie series alone (no Pixielink) is a better choice if you don't need the advanced capabilities of an Aurora Core. If you already own Pixies and want to keep using your controllers, the Pixie controller series and a Pixielink is a great choice.
View the manual for the Aurora Core controller by clicking here.
Find future firmware updates and download instructions on our firmware page.
