Network Design & Capacity
Light-O-Rama Networks
A Light-O-Rama network is a daisy-chain of controllers connected by CAT5/6 cable in a single line, starting with the show playback device (i.e. Computer w/ USB adapter, Director, Touch Player). Your show playback device sends lighting commands down the network to every controller at a fixed speed.
Many show playback devices can control multiple networks simultaneously, letting you run several networks at different speeds. These networks are referred to as Regular, Aux A, Aux B, and so on, up to Aux O.
Understanding ELOR (Enhanced LOR networks)
Most pixel-based displays run on ELOR, an enhanced mode that can be enabled on any standard LOR network. ELOR is required for Motion Effects and high channel count displays, and must operate at 500k or 1000k speed.
- Motion Effects require an ELOR network or an E1.31 network; they cannot run on a standard LOR network
- Input triggers are not supported on ELOR networks
- Easy Light Linkers (ELL) are not supported on ELOR networks
For high pixel-count displays, such as over 10,000 pixels, we recommend using E1.31 networks and devices for faster playback.
Network Speeds
How fast can a controller talk? Think of a data network as a highway with a speed limit. Exceed the speed and unpredictable things can happen. You can mix and match Light-O-Rama controllers on the same data network as long as they all stay at that speed.
Each LOR or ELOR network must be set to run at a specific speed during configuration:
19.2K
57.6K
115K
500K
ELOR compatible
1000K
ELOR compatible
Most 3rd Generation (Gen3) products can operate at 500k or higher. The Network Speeds table, below, shows the product compatibility at LOR / ELOR network speeds. Motion Effects cannot be used on standard low speed LOR networks - ELOR is required.
Jump to Network Speeds Table ↓
Pixel & Channel Capacity
Network performance is determined by multiple factors, including network speed and the complexity of effects used on your props. The limits below represent recommended maximums for best performance in pixel playback. If you notice playback lagging or “tearing” on props when using complex or gradient-heavy effects, reduce your pixel count or move to a higher speed option.
500k ELOR Networks
3,000 pixels
per network using standard effects
2,600 pixels
per network using advanced effects introduced after v6.2.0+
1000k ELOR Networks (Pixie Only)
If your networks consists of only Pixie controllers, you can run at 1000k ELOR for smoother playback. Recommended limits at these speeds for best performance with motion effects:
3,200 pixels
per network using standard effects
2,800 pixels
per network using advanced effects introduced after v6.2.0+
The length of your pixel extensions also affects how many pixels you can connect per Pixie port. Using shorter extensions and lowering your brightness to 30% reduces voltage drop helps to reach the higher capacity. Learn about Pixel Extension Limits →
High Pixel Count Displays
If you have a pixel-dense display, especially over 10,000 pixels, E1.31-based devices will give you significantly better performance than ELOR.
- The PixieLink Adapter supports approximately 32,000 pixels per PixieLink, with up to 17x faster playback than standard ELOR networks. Each PixieLink adapter outputs up to (6) networks, with a capacity of approx. 5300 pixels per network when using faster PixieLink speeds. Learn more in the Pixielink documentation →.
- The Aurora Core controller supports up to 10,000 pixels per controller (max. 1,000 pixels per output). Multiple Aurora Cores (and Aurora Edges) combined together on an IP-based network can control tens of thousands of pixels. LOR also supports integration with most third-party E1.31 controllers.
Both the PixieLink and Aurora Core require a computer or Touch Player as your show center due to IP address based communication and cannot be used with Showtime Directors.
Choosing your Network Speed
Use the Network Speeds Table ↓ below to find the correct speed for your setup:
- Identify the show playback device you want to use (Computer w/ USB adapter, Director, Touch Player, etc.)
- Identify the controller(s) you wish to use
- Find the matching column in the table which supports all selected devices and use that speed for your network
Setting your Network Speed
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| Computer-based show | Director (w/ SD card) show | Touch Player show |
|---|---|---|
|
Supports LOR, ELOR, and E1.31 Networks. |
Supports LOR and ELOR Networks. |
Supports LOR, ELOR, and E1.31 Networks. |
Set network speeds in the LOR Control Panel → Networks tab. 
Set network speeds in the LOR Control Panel → SD Cards tab dialog.
Set network speeds in the Touch Player's Networks tab.Network speed is set at the network level — not in a sequence or preview file.
Network Speeds Table
The following table identifies the operable network speeds for each Light-O-Rama device or controller. Each device must be updated to its latest firmware to guarantee compatibility. Learn more about firmware →
Adapters & Directors
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Adapters/Converters |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX Output |
E1.31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| • 1 USB RS485 Adapter Port Needed Per Network • The Touch Player has a built-in equivalent of 4 USB485-HS Adapters + 2 additional USB Ports • The Pixielink connects to the ethernet port of a Computer or Touch Player. |
||||||
| USB485-HS | USB to RS485 High Speed Adapter red case before 2021; black case with "High speed" sticker 2022+ |
Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| USB485-HS-4 | USB to RS485 High Speed Adapter - 4 Port | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| USB485B | USB to RS485 Adapter with Booster | Y | Y | |||
| USB485-ISO | USB to RS485 Isolated Adapter | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| RS485REP | RS485 Network Repeater purchased during or after 2017 |
Y | Y | Y | ||
| PixieLink | E1.31/sACN Adapter to RS485 Inputs E1.31, outputs ELOR/DMX across 6 ports. |
Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Director |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX Output |
E1.31 | |
| N4-G4-MP3-Director | Generation 4 deluxe show director with MP3 player and real-time clock powering 4 built-in networks | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| N2-G4-MP3-Director | Generation 4 deluxe show director with MP3 player and real-time clock powering 2 built-in networks | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| uMP3g4-miniDirector | Generation 4 show director with MP3 player powering 1 built-in network | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
Controllers & Accessories
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Pixel Controllers - E1.31 |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX Output |
E1.31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Core | E1.31 / sACN RGB pixel controller with 16 pixel outputs Note: The Aurora Core cannot natively output ELOR protocol, but it can support most LOR controllers in DMX mode |
Y | Y | |||
| Aurora Edge | Long-range pixel receiver with 4 pixel outputs | Y | L | |||
| Limited: The Aurora Edge doesn't natively connect via E1.31; it operates as an expansion board from an E1.31 controller. | ||||||
Pixel Controllers - ELOR |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX Input |
E1.31 | |
| Pixie2 | Smart RGB pixel controller with 2 pixel ports | L | Y | Y | L | |
| Pixie4 | Smart RGB pixel controller with 4 pixel ports | L | Y | Y | ||
| Pixie8 | Smart RGB pixel controller with 8 pixel ports | L | Y | Y | ||
| Pixie16 | Smart RGB pixel controller with 16 pixel ports | L | Y | Y | ||
|
Limited: Pixie Controllers can operate on non-ELOR networks in compatibility mode using resolution, color effects and macros channels. To use any motion effects, you must run on 500k or 1000k. Limited 2: 100 pixels per port in DMX mode. |
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Cosmic Color Bulbs/Pixels/Floods/Ribbons |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX Input |
E1.31 | |
| RGB-Flood-50W | High Power Cosmic Color (RGB) Flood Light | Y | Y | Y | ||
| UV-Flood-50W | High Power Ultraviolet Flood Light | Y | Y | Y | ||
DC Controllers |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX Input |
E1.31 | |
| CMB16D | 16 channel DC controller board | Y | Y | Y | ||
| CMB24D* | 8 RGB pixel controller board | Y | Y | Y | ||
| *The CMB24D cannot connect to standard smart pixels. It is designed for dumb RGB or other DC connections. | ||||||
DMX Bridge |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX Output |
E1.31 | |
| idmx1000 | DMX-512 bridge to Light-O-Rama data network | Y | Y | Y | ||
Easy Light Linker (ELL) |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX | E1.31 | |
| RF-V6 | Easy Light Linker (version 6, current generation) | Y | ||||
| RF-V5 | Easy Light Linker (version 5) | Y | ||||
| RF-V4 | Easy Light Linker (version 4) | Y | ||||
Light Controllers — Professional Series (AC) |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX Input |
E1.31 | |
| LOR160xWG3 | Professional Generation 3, 16 channel commercial controller (metal box). UL Listed. 15 or 30a capacity |
Y | Y | Y | ||
| LOR1602WG3-MP3g4 | Professional Generation 3, 16 channel commercial controller (metal box) with built-in Showtime Director. UL Listed. 30A capacity, 2 networks |
Y | Y | Y | ||
Light Controllers — Residential Series (AC) |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX Input |
E1.31 | |
| CTB04PC | Residential 4 channel controller | Y | Y | Y | ||
| CTB04PC-ELL | Residential 4 channel controller with internal Easy Light Linker (ELL) | Y | L | |||
| CTB16PCg3 | Residential Generation 3, 16 channel controller | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Limited: The CTB-04PC-ELL cannot use DMX input if the ELL is connected. If operating without the ELL, the unit may operate using DMX input | ||||||
Servo Control |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX Input |
E1.31 | |
| ServoDog | ServoDog servo controller board | Y | Y | |||
InputPup |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX 512 |
E1.31 | |
| InputPup | InputPup with 8 trigger inputs | Y | ||||
Discontinued Products
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Discontinued Products |
19.2K-57.6K-115K | 500k (ELOR) | 1000k (ELOR) | DMX 512 |
E1.31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC485RJ45X | RS-232 to RS485 Serial Adapter | Y | ||||
| RS485REP | *RS485 Network Repeater purchased before 2017 | Y | ||||
| USB485 | USB to RS485 (black) Adapter | Y | Y | |||
| G3-MP3-Director | Generation 3 deluxe show director with MP3 player and real-time clock | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| DC-MP3-Director | Deluxe show director with MP3 player and real-time clock | Y | Y | |||
| uMP3g3 miniDirector | Generation 3 show director with MP3 player | Y | Y | Y | ||
| miniDirector | mDC-MP3 stand-alone show director with MP3 player | Y | ||||
| CCB-100 | Cosmic Color Bulb controller | Y | Y | Y | ||
| CCC-II | Cosmic Controller II | Y | Y | L | ||
| CCP-100 | Cosmic Color Pixels controller | Y | Y | Y | ||
| CCR-150 | Cosmic Color Ribbon controller | Y | Y | Y | ||
| CTB16PCg2 | Residential Generation 3, 16 channel controller. Note: board printing says "g2" — this is actually a G3 controller. | Y | Y | Y | ||
| CTB16PC | Residential 16 channel V2 controller boards. | Y | Y | |||
| CTB08 | Professional 8 channel commercial controller board | Y | Y | |||
| CTB16 blue | Professional 16 channel blue V7 controller board. Latest firmware version — if your board already has firmware 4.40 or higher it cannot use 4.30 or lower. | Y | Y | |||
| CTB16 green | Professional 16 channel green controller board. | Y | ||||
| CTB32LDg3 | Professional Generation 3, 16 channel commercial controller board. | Y | Y | Y | ||
| CTB16PC-Kit | Residential 16 channel kit-built controller boards. | Y | Y | |||
| LOR1600/1602 | Professional 16 channel commercial controller (metal box). | Y | Y | |||
| LOR800Wg3 | Professional Generation 3, 8 channel commercial controller (metal box). | Y | Y | Y | ||
| DIO32 | Digital I/O motherboard and daughter boards. | Y | Y | |||
| PixCon16 | 16 pixel ports and 4 DMX-512 ports, with 170 pixels per port (ELOR), 340 pixels per port (E1.31). | Y | Y | Y | ||