Hardware Guide

Aether DMX is hardware-agnostic within recommended specifications. This guide covers everything you need to build a complete system from off-the-shelf components.

Beta Hardware Requirements

Early beta users are expected to be comfortable with basic hardware assembly. We provide recommended parts lists and wiring diagrams, but hands-on work is required. Pre-assembled hardware options are planned for future releases.

Controller Hardware

The controller runs the Aether Core engine and user interface. Choose based on your performance needs and existing infrastructure.

Raspberry Pi 5

Recommended

4GB+ RAM, 32GB+ storage

Best performance for UI and engine. Native 64-bit support.

View Product →

Raspberry Pi 4

Supported

4GB+ RAM, 32GB+ storage

Good performance. Well-tested platform with broad community support.

View Product →

Intel NUC / Mini PC

Supported

i3+ CPU, 8GB+ RAM, SSD

Higher performance for complex installations. Standard x86 compatibility.

DMX Node Bill of Materials

Each DMX node handles 1–2 universes of DMX output. Build as many nodes as your installation requires. All components are available from standard electronics suppliers.

Component	Recommendation	Quantity	Notes
ESP32-S3 DevKit	ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1 or Wemos S3	1 per node	Native USB, dual-core, WiFi/Bluetooth. S3 recommended over base ESP32.
RS485 Transceiver	MAX485 or SN75176 module	1–2 per node	Use modules with built-in termination. One per DMX universe output.
5-Pin XLR Female	Neutrik NC5FAH or equivalent	1–2 per node	Panel-mount for enclosure. 3-pin acceptable but 5-pin preferred.
Power Supply	5V 2A USB-C or 5V regulated PSU	1 per node	Ensure stable 5V supply. Avoid cheap adapters that cause brownouts.
Enclosure	IP65 junction box or 3D-printed case	1 per node	Protect from dust and moisture in rack environments.
Ethernet Module (optional)	W5500 Ethernet module	1 per node	For wired networks. WiFi built-in on ESP32-S3.

Estimated cost per node: $25–$45 USD depending on component choices and supplier. Quantity discounts available on most parts.

Touchscreen Displays

Aether DMX is designed for touch-first operation. Any HDMI display with USB touch input will work, but these are tested and recommended.

7" Official Raspberry Pi Display

Resolution: 800×480

Mounting: Desktop, VESA, custom bracket

Plug-and-play with Pi. Good for compact setups.

10.1" HDMI Touchscreen

Resolution: 1280×800

Mounting: VESA, rack mount kit available

Recommended for rack installations. Ensure capacitive touch.

Elecrow 7" HDMI Display

Resolution: 1024×600

Mounting: Desktop, bracket

Budget-friendly option. Works well for portable setups.

Waveshare 10.1" HDMI LCD

Resolution: 1280×800

Mounting: VESA, rack

High build quality. IPS panel for wide viewing angles.

Network Topology

Aether DMX uses standard Ethernet for communication between the controller and DMX nodes. No specialized networking hardware required.

Local / Offline Network

┌─────────────────┐
│   Controller    │
│  (Raspberry Pi) │
└────────┬────────┘
         │
┌────────┴────────┐
│  Network Switch │
│   (Unmanaged)   │
└──┬─────┬─────┬──┘
   │     │     │
┌──┴──┐┌─┴─┐┌──┴──┐
│Node1││N2 ││Node3│
└──┬──┘└─┬─┘└──┬──┘
   │     │     │
  DMX   DMX   DMX
Fixtures

No internet connection required
All processing happens on local controller
Ideal for secure or air-gapped environments

Hybrid / Cloud Network

         ┌─────────────┐
         │ Aether Cloud│
         │   (AI/Sync) │
         └──────┬──────┘
                │ Internet
┌───────────────┴───────────────┐
│            Router             │
└───────────────┬───────────────┘
         ┌──────┴──────┐
         │   Controller │
         └──────┬──────┘
         ┌──────┴──────┐
         │   Switch    │
         └──┬────┬────┬┘
            │    │    │
          Nodes → DMX → Fixtures

Cloud AI features when online
Continues to function fully offline
Remote monitoring and multi-site sync

Important Disclaimer

Hardware Compatibility: While Aether DMX is designed to work with the hardware listed on this page, we cannot guarantee compatibility with every configuration. Using unsupported hardware, non-recommended components, or custom wiring configurations is at your own risk.

Electrical Safety: DMX nodes involve low-voltage DC electronics. Ensure proper isolation between DMX/RS485 signals and AC power. If you're not comfortable with basic electronics, we recommend waiting for pre-assembled hardware options.

Best Experience: For the most reliable experience and full support, use the recommended components listed on this page. Our team actively tests these configurations and can provide better assistance when troubleshooting.

Ready to Build?

Join the beta to get access to detailed wiring diagrams, firmware downloads, and step-by-step assembly guides.

Apply for Private Beta