The Pharos Designer LPC (Lighting Playback Controller) is an award-winning, all-in-one DIN-rail mounted DMX lighting control solution for themed entertainment and LED lighting installations.
The LPC is supported in Pharos Designer 2.0 or later.
Timelines and scenes
The LPC features individually controllable and independently running timelines and scenes, letting you build dynamic, precise, fully customisable pre-programmed lighting effects with the freedom of real-time manual overrides and the versatility of powerful show control and integration features.
Its compact form-factor and minimal power requirements make the LPC suitable for installation anywhere – including in weatherproof enclosures or even on roller-coaster ride vehicles. Designed for 24/7 operation and total reliability.
Multiple Pharos Designer Controllers can be used together and will synchronise automatically
Additional integration options are supported by our range of Pharos Designer Remote Devices and IO Modules
Installations can be managed locally with the built-in web server, and from anywhere in the world via Pharos Cloud
Available in one, two and four universe eDMX output capacities,
with two local DMX ports on board for convenience
Features
Designer Engine
Based on individually controllable and independently running timelines and scenes, the intelligent Designer Engine gives you complete control, letting you build dynamic, precise, fully customisable pre-programmed lighting displays, all while giving you the freedom of real-time manual overrides, flexible multi-zone control, prioritisation and more.
Designer Trigger
Designer Trigger is a rules engine that uses conditional logic and a broad range of interfaces and protocols so you can control your lighting with responsive, reactive programming. Send and receive any command, to and from any system. Conditional logic is supported, along with a powerful built-in scripting language for unlimited flexibility. Read more
Designer Mapping
Create a map of your fixtures within the Designer 2 software, then use Designer Mapping to control every pixel, create visually striking effects or play video across the entire LED array. Powerful controls allow you to build maps fast with pixel-precise adjustment. Multiple maps can be created to support different zones or for modelling different views of your installation. Read more
Remote Management
Future-proof your lighting projects by connecting your Designer controllers to Pharos Cloud. This allows remote, but direct, control of your controllers from anywhere in the world, letting you check the status, fire triggers, schedule events, upload new projects and much more. All through one portal, accessible at your own Internet domain. Read more
Scalable
The right fit for every installation. Multiple Designer controllers can be seamlessly linked together to work as one via a standard Ethernet network giving impressive scalability. For additional integration options simply add Remote Devices to further extend the network. Whether one controller or many, it’s all easily programmed using our Designer 2 software. Read more
Flexible Outputs
Be limited by your design brief, not your lighting control system. Our products support a vast range of different fixture types and can output multiple DMX-over-Ethernet (eDMX) lighting protocols at the same time.
Custom Interfaces
Create a custom web interface for your lighting installation that gives your users the control they need and the look they expect. Our built-in web server supports an extensive JavaScript API and access control with multiple user levels.
The LPC is programmed and configured using the free Pharos Designer 2 software
Total Reliability
Rugged, compact unit designed for 24/7 operation and total reliability. Designed and manufactured in the UK, with a 5 year warranty.
Install-Friendly
Made for permanent installation, with installer-friendly connectors, easy DIN-rail mounting and flexible 9-48V DC or PoE options.
Fixture Library
Supported fixtures include LEDs in a wide array of colour configurations, moving lights, fountain jets and DALI ballasts.
Multiple Outputs
Outputs a range of DMX and eDMX protocols and supports RDM and DALI.
Unsure which controller to choose? Learn more about the LPC & VLC families here
TECHNICAL INFORMATION & DOWNLOADS
LPC Datasheet
Click on the link below to download the datasheet.
Download Software
Download the latest version of our Designer software.
Comparison Chart
See and compare features and specs of all our products.
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
DALI
Via RIO D4, DALI ballasts, such as single channel, Tc and XY
Output
DMX512
Two ports (max 512 channels each) ANSI E1.11-2008
RDM
Via local ports, Pharos Gateways RIO G4 and EDN, 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
DALI
Via RIO D4, interface limits apply, DALI ballasts do not count towards used channels
Simultaneous
Multiple protocols can be in operation simultaneously
Capacity
Limited by patched channels, not universes used
Scalable
Synchronises with up to 40 Pharos Designer Controllers over network
Triggering & 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 DC voltage source between input and ground (24V maximum; internal 2MOhm pull-down to 0V); software-configurable low/high threshold
Analog In
Connect an external DC 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 D4: transmit and receive DALI commands
Web Interface
Built-in or custom designed
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
* Install-friendly 0.200″ (5.08mm) plug in rising clamp connectors (included)
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, 7W maximum
Configuration
Pharos Designer 2.0 or later
Data Storage
Removable SD Card (supplied)
Temperature
0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Humidity
10-50% relative, non-condensing
Ingress
IP40
Physical
8 unit wide DIN rail mounting enclosure (DIN43880 / EN60715 (35/7.5 rail))
14.4 x 9 x 5.8 cm (5.7 x 3.5 x 2.3 in)
0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)
Shipping
20 x 15 x 12 cm (8 x 6 x 5 in)
0.8 kg (1.8 lbs)
Recovery
Hardware watchdog and recessed reset button
Warranty
5 years
* Install-friendly 0.200″ (5.08mm) plug in rising clamp connectors (included)
Order Code & Variants
LPC 1
Designer Lighting Playback Controller 1 (512 channels DMX/eDMX)
LPC 2
Designer Lighting Playback Controller 2 (1,024 channels DMX/eDMX)
LPC 4
Designer Lighting Playback Controller 4 (2,048 channels eDMX, 2 local DMX ports)