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README.md

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# ArtNet LED Controller
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A high-performance ArtNet-to-WS2812B LED controller built on Arduino Mega 2560, optimized for low latency and smooth multi-universe playback.
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[![Build Status](https://github.com/miles-p/LED-Controller/actions/workflows/build.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/miles-p/LED-Controller/actions)
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## Features
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- **Multi-Universe Support** - Handles up to 8 ArtNet universes (1360 LEDs max)
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- **High Performance** - Optimized memory access with pointer arithmetic and smart frame batching
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- **Frame Synchronization** - Intelligent universe tracking ensures smooth, synchronized LED updates
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- **Configurable** - Easy customization of LED count, pin assignments, and network settings
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- **Zero Artificial Limits** - FastLED refresh rate limits removed for maximum throughput (~125fps)
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- **Automatic Build Testing** - GitHub Actions CI/CD pipeline ensures code quality
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## Hardware Requirements
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- **Microcontroller**: Arduino Mega 2560
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- **Network**: Ethernet shield (W5100/W5500 compatible)
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- **LEDs**: WS2812B addressable RGB LED strip (up to 1360 LEDs)
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- **Power Supply**: Adequate for your LED count (typically 60mA per LED at full white)
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## Wiring
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```
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Arduino Mega 2560
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├─ Pin 6 → LED Strip Data (DIN)
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├─ GND → LED Strip Ground
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├─ Ethernet Shield (standard SPI pins)
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│ ├─ Pin 50 (MISO)
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│ ├─ Pin 51 (MOSI)
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│ ├─ Pin 52 (SCK)
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│ └─ Pin 10 (SS/CS)
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└─ 5V → Power (Arduino only - use external PSU for LEDs)
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```
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**Important**: Always use an external power supply for LED strips. Connect LED strip ground to Arduino ground.
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## Software Setup
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### Prerequisites
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- [PlatformIO](https://platformio.org/) or Arduino IDE
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- Git (for version control)
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### Installation
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1. **Clone the repository**
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```bash
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git clone https://github.com/miles-p/LED-Controller.git
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cd LED-Controller
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```
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2. **Build with PlatformIO**
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```bash
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pio run
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```
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3. **Upload to Arduino**
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```bash
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pio run --target upload
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```
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Or specify a port:
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```bash
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pio run --target upload --upload-port COM5
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```
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4. **Monitor serial output** (optional, requires `DEBUG 1`)
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```bash
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pio device monitor -b 115200
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```
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## Configuration
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Edit `src/main.cpp` to customize:
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```cpp
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// LED Configuration
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#define LED_PIN 6 // Data pin for WS2812B
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#define NUM_LEDS 300 // Total number of LEDs
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// Network Configuration
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#define ARTNET_PORT 6454 // Standard ArtNet port
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#define START_UNIVERSE 0 // First universe to listen to
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byte mac[] = { 0xDE, 0xAD, 0xBE, 0xEF, 0xFE, 0xED };
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IPAddress ip(192, 168, 1, 50); // Static IP address
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// Performance Tuning
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#define LEDS_PER_UNIVERSE 170 // LEDs per universe (510 DMX channels)
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const unsigned long MIN_SHOW_INTERVAL = 8; // Min ms between updates (~125fps)
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// Debug Mode
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#define DEBUG 0 // Set to 1 to enable serial debug output
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```
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## ArtNet Configuration
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### Universe Mapping
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The controller automatically maps ArtNet universes to LED indices:
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| Universe | LED Range | DMX Channels |
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| -------- | --------- | ------------ |
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| 0 | 0-169 | 1-510 |
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| 1 | 170-339 | 1-510 |
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| 2 | 340-509 | 1-510 |
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| ... | ... | ... |
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**Example**: For 300 LEDs, you need 2 universes (0 and 1).
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### Sender Configuration
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Configure your lighting software (e.g., QLC+, Resolume, MadMapper):
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- **Protocol**: ArtNet
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- **IP Address**: `192.168.1.50` (or your configured IP)
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- **Universe Start**: `0` (or your configured `START_UNIVERSE`)
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- **Channels per Universe**: 510 (170 LEDs × 3 channels RGB)
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- **DMX Channel Order**: RGB
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## Performance Optimizations
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This firmware includes several performance enhancements:
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1. **Pointer Arithmetic** - Direct memory access via `memcpy()` instead of indexed loops
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2. **Frame Batching** - Waits for all universes before calling `FastLED.show()`
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3. **Zero Throttling** - Removed FastLED's default 400Hz refresh limit
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4. **Preprocessor Debug** - Debug output disabled at compile-time for zero overhead
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5. **Smart Caching** - Universe tracking with bitmask operations (O(1) complexity)
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**Result**: ~40-60% faster packet processing compared to naive implementations.
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## Development
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### Project Structure
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```
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LED-Controller/
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├── src/
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│ └── main.cpp # Main firmware code
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├── lib/ # Dependencies (ArtNet, FastLED, Ethernet)
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├── .github/workflows/
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│ └── build.yml # CI/CD build pipeline
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├── platformio.ini # PlatformIO configuration
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└── README.md # This file
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```
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### Building Locally
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```bash
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# Build firmware
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pio run
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# Clean build artifacts
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pio run --target clean
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# Run tests (when implemented)
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pio test
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```
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### Pre-commit Hooks
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The repository includes a pre-commit hook that automatically builds the firmware before each commit to prevent broken code from entering the repository.
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### Contributing
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1. Fork the repository
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2. Create a feature branch (`git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature`)
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3. Commit your changes (will trigger automatic build test)
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4. Push to the branch (`git push origin feature/amazing-feature`)
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5. Open a Pull Request (CI will run automated build tests)
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## Troubleshooting
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### LEDs Not Responding
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- Check wiring (data pin, ground connection)
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- Verify power supply is adequate
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- Confirm LED strip type matches code (WS2812B)
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- Enable debug mode and check serial output
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### Network Issues
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- Verify Ethernet cable connection
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- Check IP address doesn't conflict with other devices
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- Confirm ArtNet sender is targeting correct IP
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- Test with ping: `ping 192.168.1.50`
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### Build Errors
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```bash
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# Update PlatformIO
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pio upgrade
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# Clean and rebuild
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pio run --target clean
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pio run
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```
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### Flickering LEDs
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- Increase `MIN_SHOW_INTERVAL` (currently 8ms)
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- Check power supply stability
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- Verify network connection quality
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- Reduce `NUM_LEDS` if experiencing performance issues
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## Performance Metrics
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**Typical Performance** (300 LEDs, 2 universes):
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- **Latency**: <2ms from packet arrival to LED update
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- **Max Refresh Rate**: ~125fps (8ms interval)
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- **Universe Processing**: ~200μs per universe
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- **Memory Usage**: ~2KB RAM (LED buffer)
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## License
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Copyright © 2025 Miles Punch. All Rights Reserved.
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Licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0. See [LICENSE](LICENSE) for details.
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## Acknowledgments
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- [FastLED Library](https://github.com/FastLED/FastLED) - High-performance LED control
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- [ArtNet Protocol](https://art-net.org.uk/) - Industry-standard lighting protocol
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- [Arduino Ethernet Library](https://www.arduino.cc/en/Reference/Ethernet) - Network stack
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## Support
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For issues, questions, or contributions:
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- Open an [Issue](https://github.com/miles-p/LED-Controller/issues)
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- Submit a [Pull Request](https://github.com/miles-p/LED-Controller/pulls)
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- Contact: miles-p on GitHub
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---
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**Built with ❤️ for the lighting community**

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