LPC
The Pharos LPC (Lighting Playback Controller) is an award-winning, all-in-one control solution for themed entertainment and LED lighting installations. It 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.
The LPC is designed for 24/7 operation and total reliability, with a rugged DIN rail mounting enclosure and install-friendly connectors. Its compact form-factor and minimal power requirements make it suitable for installation anywhere – including in weatherproof enclosures or even on roller-coaster ride vehicles.
It is at the heart of the fully scalable Pharos system which can be tailored to the needs of your project. Multiple Controllers can be used together and will synchronise automatically. Additional integration options are supported by our range of Remote Devices. The LPC is programmed using the free Pharos Designer 2 software and existing installations can be managed from anywhere using its built-in web server.
Pharos Engine
The intelligent Pharos Engine gives you complete control of your installation. Based on individually controllable and independently running timelines and scenes, it lets 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.
Pharos Mapping
Design the big picture; control every pixel. Create a map of your fixtures within the Designer software, then use Pharos Mapping to create visually striking effects or play video across the entire 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.
Pharos Trigger
Timing is everything. Whatever the stimulus, Pharos Trigger can handle it. You can control your lighting with responsive, reactive programming. Pharos Trigger is a rules engine that uses conditional logic and a broad range of interfaces and protocols. 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.
Scalable
The right fit for every installation. Multiple Pharos 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 software.
Flexible
Be limited by your design brief, not your 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. No other system gives you this level of flexibility and control over your project.
Remote Management
The control you need in your browser – from anywhere. Pharos Controllers can be connected to a network, making it possible for you to remotely manage your installation. The built-in web server lets you check the Controller’s status, inputs and outputs, trigger timelines, view a full history log and much more.
Custom Interfaces
Create a custom web interface for your 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.
Pharos Designer
Programmed and configured using the free Pharos Designer 2 software – available for Windows or Mac OS X – with upload over Ethernet or USB.
Reliable
Hardware and firmware are self-sufficient, so no PC needs to be left on site. Rugged, compact unit designed for 24/7 operation and reliability.
Installer Friendly
Made for permanent installation, with installer-friendly connectors and easy DIN rail mounting.
Firmware
Microprocessor-based system supports firmware updates via the network from Designer software or the web interface.
5 Year Warranty
Designed and manufactured in the UK, with quality and reliability our top priority.
Certifications
CE compliant; ETL/cETL listed; California Title 20/24 Compliant
Pharos control products are highly flexible, customiseable and scalable. Our controllers work seamlessly with our remote devices and accessories for a huge range of protocol options.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for below, please get in touch with one of our sales team who will be happy help you build a solution for your project.
Supported Fixtures
LEDs
LEDs in any colour configuration (RGB, RGBW, 8-bit, 16-bit, tuneable white)
Automated
Moving heads, yokes or scanners
Generic
Downlights, spotlights, uplights, etc. via controllable dimmers, relays or ballasts
Fountain Jets
Fountain jets for fountain animation or other animatronics
Fixture Library
Pharos offers a cloud library with over 13,000 fixture profiles, for easy download of your luminaires
Output
DMX512
2 ports (max 512 channels each) USITT E1.11-2008
RDM
Supports discovery and addressing via Designer software
sACN
ANSI E1.31 (with per fixture priority) standard
Art-Net
ArtNet, ArtNet II and ArtNet III (configurable broadcast override)
KiNET
KiNET V1 (DMX out) and V2 (Port out); PDS/Data Enabler discovery
Pathport
Pathway Connectivity protocol
Scalable
Synchronises with up to 40 Pharos Controllers over network
Simultaneous
Multiple protocols can be in operation simultaneously. Limited by patched channels, not universes used
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 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
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 Timecode
DMX
Trigger on changes within a range or entering a range
eDMX
sACN or Art-Net (option to pass-thru on local DMX output)
Web Interface
Built-in or custom designed
Conditions
Full conditional logic support
Scripting
Lua scripting for total flexibility
If you have questions about any of the below, please get in touch with one of our sales team who will be happy to help.
Specifications
Certifications
CE compliant, ETL/cETL listed
Power
9V to 48V DC * or PoE (IEEE802.3af, Class 2) 4W typical
Data Storage
Removable SD Card (supplied)
Temperature
0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Physical
8 unit wide DIN rail mounting enclosure (DIN43880 / EN60715 (35/7.5 rail))
Weight
0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)
Shipping
20 x 15 x 12 cm (8″ x 6″ x 5″)
0.8 kg (1.8 lbs)
Recovery
Hardware watchdog and recessed reset button
Warranty
5 years
Interfaces
Ethernet
RJ45 socket for 10/100Base-TX Ethernet with Link/Data LEDs; Fixed IP or DHCP; Dual IP address for eDMX
DMX512
Two isolated DMX ports, RDM compatible *
Serial
RS232 / RS485 / DMX in *
Inputs
Eight inputs, individually selectable operating mode for contact closure, digital or analogue input *
MIDI In & Out
MIDI via 5-pin DIN 41524 socket
USB-B socket
USB 1.1 for connection to PC
* Install-friendly 0.200″ (5.08mm) plug in rising clamp connectors (included)
If you have questions about any of the below, please get in touch with one of our sales team who will be happy to help.
Order Code & Variants
LPC 1
Lighting Playback Controller 1 (512 channels DMX/eDMX)
LPC 2
Lighting Playback Controller 2 (1,024 channels DMX/eDMX)
LPC 4
Lighting Playback Controller 4 (2,048 channels eDMX incl 1,024 ch DMX)
