First Controller - Upgradeable

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DinoChickenSuit

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Joined
Oct 27, 2025
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Hi all, sorry if this is in the wrong forum.

I have run a (very) small 5v display using a few Arduino’s and I am looking to upgrade.

What is a cheap (under 200) controller and show player system (running from Xlights) that could be upgraded in the future? (ie, differential receivers, extra ports, ect)

I understand that I am probably too late to improve this year, planning for 2026.

Thanks,
Dino.
 
The K16-Pro is probably the best option for under $200. https://kulplights.com/product/k16-pro/

16 Local ports in banks of four (so you can have some at 5V and others at 12 if you transition over to 12V) and can do another 32 Strings via the differential ports. Will do audio, runs FPP, can basically run your show.
 
dkulp said:
The K16-Pro is probably the best option for under $200. https://kulplights.com/product/k16-pro/

16 Local ports in banks of four (so you can have some at 5V and others at 12 if you transition over to 12V) and can do another 32 Strings via the differential ports. Will do audio, runs FPP, can basically run your show.
Click to expand...
need an aus stockist Dan :D

its not under $200 AUD, and your site wants $145 for shipping.

Dinochicken I suggest you look at a Baldrick 8 and add a raspberry pi running FPP as your show player

The B8 is $110 at https://www.hansonelectronics.com.au/product/baldrick/
 
Thank you both of you.

I had been looking at some Kulp controllers, as I would like to stick with a mainstream recognisable one.

Dan, do you ship from Au or somewhere else?

Kate, does the Baldrick have DMX? I have knowledge in DMX, and have been eying up fixtures for the endgame.

Thanks,
Dino
 
Hey @DinoChickenSuit,

Happy to talk you through Baldrick and why it might be a good choice for you.

1) It's under 200 AUD and stocked in the AUS, although it doesn't do smart receivers, we've designed the Baldrick to replace them, wherever you'd put a smart receiver, you stick a Baldrick, then you have no fun of dip switches, pixel banks and get a full controller out of the sport (usually for a similar price)

2) We've got an online manual taking you through the setup, common questions and a community with over 1,000 members who use Baldrick, whilst I appreciate it's not 'mainstream recognisable' yet, the Baldrick is battle tested in both residential and commercial.

3) It's founder spends wwwaayy too much time on this forum :)


As for DMX, The Baldrick8 doesn't do DMX, we have a dedicated board for that (called the BaldrickDMX) all of our boards work together using the Turnip Network https://www.baldrickboard.com/en/breakthroughs/turnip-network

Take a look at https://www.hansonelectronics.com.au and let me know if you've any other questions
 
I can attest to the quality of the Baldrick 8. I’ve been putting it through its paces getting ready for my Christmas show this year and it’s performed perfectly so far. It’s affordable and available locally in Australia through Hanson Electronics. Alan (from Hansons) is fantastic, really fast shipping and great service.

Absolutely no affiliation with either company, just a satisfied customer.
 
@DinoChickenSuit - it’s a newer brand, but I suspect there are more Baldricks in Australia than kulp boards.

That could change if @dkulp ever had an Australian stockist - the k16pro does look like a pretty great combo board.

The US market might be different, but in the UK or AU - I think you can consider Baldrick8 to be a mainstream recommendation at this point.
 
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