Thirty posts in, we are closing the blog’s first series with the thing people ask us for most: a single map that tells you which ElectroTAS product fits which need, and which path to take when what you need is not in the store but on an SMD line. This post is a hub: every row takes you to the product in the shop and to the post that covers it in depth.
How to use it: find your need in the first table, scroll down to the product family, build your kit from the suggested combos and, if your project is about manufacturing, jump to the SMD lines section. Anchors: shop · custom electronics development · pick and place · Downloads · blog.
Start with what you need
| Need | Family | Products | Read first |
| Control DMX lights from a computer with QLC+, FreeStyler, or other software | USB-DMX interfaces | TZ-Mini · TZ-1U · TZ-2U | What a USB-DMX interface is · real-world compatibility |
| Carry DMX over an Ethernet network, with several universes or a distant FOH | Art-Net to DMX interfaces | TH-2U | What Art-Net is · USB-DMX vs Art-Net |
| Switch loads on and off from the console: haze, curtains, work lights | DMX Relay | D21R · D28R | DMX to 1 and 8 relays |
| Color on RGB LED strips from DMX | DMX RGB | DMX-RGB-AIO | USB to 4 relays and DMX-RGB |
| Relays from a computer over USB: lab, test bench, simple automation | USB Relay | U24R | USB to 4 relays and DMX-RGB |
| Relays and inputs over the network: home automation, buildings, web panel | Ethernet automation | ETHER8R · ETHER8R8I3A | Ethernet I/O controls |
| Integrate with a SCADA system or a PLC over Modbus TCP | Modbus automation | ETHER ModBus 8R8I · Modbus TCP controller with 20 opto inputs | Modbus TCP on ElectroTAS controllers |
| Diagnose the DMX line and terminate it properly | DMX accessories | MTDMX · TDMX · Neutrik to terminal block adapter | Mini tester · terminator and adapters |
| Carry, power, and secure your gear | Accessories | TZ and TH Pro series carrying case · 12 V 1 A power supply · Kensington lock | Rack checklist |
| Build your own electronic product in a short run | Custom development | From spec to finished system | From spec to board · one supplier |
| Run your own SMD line | Zheng Bang pick and place | ZB3245T · ZB3245TS · ZB3245TSS | What a pick and place line is · choosing a machine by volume |
Family 1: USB-DMX interfaces
They turn a USB port on your computer into a DMX512 line for your lighting software. They are the usual way in: one cable, one program, and your first universe up and running.
| Product | What it is, per the store | When to choose it | Post |
| TZ-Mini | USB-DMX 512 interface | Getting started with one universe: rehearsals, small rooms, light setups | First setup, step by step |
| TZ-1U | Opto-isolated USB-DMX interface, 1 universe | One universe with extra protection against noise and mismatched grounds | Optical isolation |
| TZ-2U | Opto-isolated USB-DMX interface, 2 universes | When 512 channels are not enough or you want two separate lines | 1 vs 2 universes |
Before you buy, check the common USB-DMX connection mistakes. To decide by budget and scale, the interface buying guide has the full matrix.
Family 2: Art-Net to DMX interfaces
The TH-2U is a 2-universe Art-Net to DMX node: it receives Art-Net over Ethernet and delivers it as DMX close to the fixtures. It fits when the FOH is far away, when you want to grow by adding nodes, or when the lighting lives on the network of a fixed install.
- TH-2U product guide
- Network topologies for stages and fixed installs
- Universes, IPs, and Art-Net setup
- USB-DMX vs Art-Net: when to choose each
Family 3: DMX Relay and DMX RGB
| Product | What it is, per the store | When to choose it | Post |
| D21R | DMX to 1 relay controller | A single load from one channel: haze machine, sign, extractor fan | DMX to relays |
| D28R | DMX to 8 relay controller | Several loads from the console: curtains, effects, work lights | DMX to relays |
| DMX-RGB-AIO | DMX to RGB controller, 4 modes | RGB LED strips controlled from the console or software | DMX-RGB without the mystery |
With relays, always respect the contact’s maximum voltage and current, or go through a properly sized contactor. Wiring and safe channel assignment are covered in each product’s post.
Family 4: automation over USB, Ethernet, and Modbus TCP
| Product | What it is, per the store | When to choose it | Post |
| U24R | USB to 4 relay controller | Automating from a computer over USB: test bench, lab, exhibit equipment | USB to 4 relays |
| ETHER8R | Ethernet controller, 8 relays | Home automation and fixed installs: switching over the network | Ethernet I/O |
| ETHER8R8I3A | Ethernet controller, 8 relays, 8 digital inputs, and 3 analog inputs | When besides switching you also need to read push buttons and sensors | Ethernet I/O |
| ETHER ModBus 8R8I | Modbus TCP Ethernet controller, 8 relays and 8 inputs | Industrial integration with SCADA or a PLC | Modbus TCP |
| Modbus TCP controller with 20 opto inputs | Modbus TCP Ethernet controller with 20 opto-isolated digital inputs | Reading many states over Modbus TCP: sensors, limit switches, contacts | Modbus TCP |
The 20-input controller is the newest member of the family. Its store page lists: a built-in configurable web server, 20 opto-isolated digital inputs rated 12 to 24 V, reset and default buttons, an operating temperature of -20 °C to 50 °C, and a 153 × 85 × 25 mm board. It is designed to collect data through its inputs in industrial environments.
Family 5: accessories
| Product | What it is, per the store | When to choose it | Post |
| MTDMX | DMX 512 mini tester | Diagnosing cabling and signal presence in minutes | DMX512 mini tester |
| TDMX | DMX 512 terminator | Terminating the line at the end of the bus | DMX terminator |
| Neutrik adapter | Neutrik male and female XLR to terminal block adapter | Going from XLR to terminal block in panels and installs | Neutrik adapters |
| 12 V 1 A power supply | 12 V, 1000 mA switching power supply | Powering devices that call for 12 V 1 A, such as the ETHER8R8I3A per its spec sheet | Ethernet I/O |
| TZ and TH Pro series carrying case | Custom-made carrying case, compatible with the whole TZ and TH series | Touring, rental, and moving gear around safely | Rack checklist |
| Kensington lock | Security lock with a steel cable | Securing compatible gear at FOH, in classrooms, or in shared spaces | Rack checklist |
Suggested starter kits
These are reference combinations built from products in the store. Adjust them to your patch and your network: they are not fixed bundles and carry no special pricing.
| Kit | Who it is for | Base | Add if… |
| Rehearsal, first universe | Band, church, small venue, student | TZ-Mini + TDMX | MTDMX for diagnostics; TZ-1U if there is noise or mismatched grounds |
| Touring with two universes | Freelance tech, rental company | TZ-2U + TZ and TH Pro series case + MTDMX + TDMX | Kensington lock if your gear is compatible and sits at a shared FOH |
| Fixed install over the network | Theatre, venue, architectural lighting | TH-2U + one TDMX per DMX run + Neutrik to terminal block adapter | A network switch and a documented IP plan (universes and IPs) |
| Show with effects | Club, events, stage | USB-DMX interface or TH-2U + D21R or D28R | DMX-RGB-AIO for ambient RGB LED strips |
| Buildings and home automation | Integrators, fixed installs | ETHER8R or ETHER8R8I3A | The 12 V 1 A power supply when the device calls for it |
| Industrial plant | Industrial integrator, maintenance | ETHER ModBus 8R8I + Modbus TCP controller with 20 opto inputs | The integration checklist in the Modbus TCP post |
| Lab bench | Development, testing, education | U24R | MTDMX if the bench also tests DMX |
Quick decision tree
Six questions to get to the right product
- 1. Lights or loads?
- If you control DMX lights, go on to question 2. If you switch loads or read sensors, jump to 4.
- 2. Nearby computer or network?
- If the signal comes from a computer over USB and the FOH is close, a USB-DMX interface is enough. If you need a network, distance, or several output points, go Art-Net with the TH-2U.
- 3. How many universes, how much noise?
- More than 512 channels or two separate lines: TZ-2U or TH-2U. Noise or mismatched grounds: pick an opto-isolated model, TZ-1U or TZ-2U.
- 4. Where do you trigger loads from?
- From the DMX console: D21R or D28R. From a computer: U24R. Over the network or a web panel: ETHER8R or ETHER8R8I3A.
- 5. Is there a SCADA system or a PLC?
- Modbus TCP: ETHER ModBus 8R8I to switch and read, and the 20 opto-input controller to collect many states.
- 6. Nothing fits?
- That is a case for custom development: see the SMD lines section.
SMD lines: two ways to manufacture
The other half of ElectroTAS is not in the store: it is manufacturing. If what you need is to produce boards, there are two paths, and it pays to choose with your own numbers.
| Path | What it includes | Who it is for | Read |
| Build with ElectroTAS | Custom development from spec to finished system in four stages (planning, design and development, prototype, and production), on a high-capacity SMD line plus semi-automatic THT and testing lines; every unit verified and tested | Companies that want their own product in short runs, typically 50, 100, or 200 boards, without setting up a factory | From spec to board · one supplier · MOQ and batches |
| Run your own line | ElectroTAS is the official Zheng Bang representative in Argentina: ZB3245T, ZB3245TS, and ZB3245TSS pick and place machines, stencil tables, and reflow ovens, with advice, official warranty, and technical support | Small and mid-sized manufacturers that want in-house SMD capacity and control over their production schedule | What an SMD line is · productivity · choosing a machine |
| Model | How the hub describes it | Typical fit |
| ZB3245T | Small, nimble, and easy to handle; the entry model of the range | Prototypes and small production runs |
| ZB3245TS | 27 feeders, 2 precision cameras, HIWIN linear guides, and closed-loop servo motors | Production runs that demand high quality and efficiency |
| ZB3245TSS | 54 built-in feeders, 4 precision cameras, no external components needed to run | The most complete model ElectroTAS offers |
To compare both paths with your own numbers, cross-check productivity versus manual assembly, quality and yield , and lead time and hidden costs. We do not publish generic prices: quotes are based on your volume, via the pick and place hub or custom electronics development.
Reading map: the blog by topic
- Fundamentals
- USB-DMX
- Art-Net and networks
- Automation and I/O
- Accessories, racks, and support
- Choosing and applying
- SMD and manufacturing
What this post is NOT
- It is not a spec sheet: specifications, connections, and manuals live on each product page and in Downloads.
- It does not list prices: current prices are in the store and may change.
- It does not replace the in-depth posts: it connects them in one place.
Frequently asked questions
1. Where do I start if I have never used DMX?
Read what DMX512 is , and glossary, then start with a one-universe interface such as the TZ-Mini plus a TDMX terminator. The first setup guide walks you through it.
2. USB-DMX or Art-Net?
It depends on distance, how many universes you need, and whether a network is involved. With a nearby computer and one or two universes, USB-DMX; with a network, distance, or growth by nodes, Art-Net. The full comparison helps you decide.
3. What is the difference between the TZ-Mini and the TZ-1U?
According to the store, the TZ-1U adds optical isolation. That matters when there is electrical noise or gear on different grounds; we explain it in the optical isolation post.
4. Can I mix lights and relays in the same system?
Yes. The D21R and D28R DMX relays take channels from your universe, so the console or software drives lights and loads together. Details and safe channel assignment are in the DMX relay post.
5. Which Ethernet controller should I pick?
For home automation with a web panel, the ETHER8R, or the ETHER8R8I3A if you also need inputs. For SCADA or a PLC, the Modbus TCP models: ETHER ModBus 8R8I to switch and read, and the 20 opto-input unit to collect many states.
6. Where can I find manuals and drivers?
In Downloads. What to look for and how to use it is covered in the manuals, drivers, and firmware post.
7. Do you ship, and how do I pay?
The store states worldwide shipping with the rate calculated at checkout, and payment through MODO and Mercado Pago. For volume purchases or questions, write to info@electrotas.com.
8. What if I need something that is not in the store?
That is what custom developmentis for: from your spec to a finished system, in short runs. Write to desarrollos@electrotas.com and we will review it in the planning stage.
A map to come back to every time your system grows
With this hub we close the blog’s first series: USB-DMX and Art-Net interfaces for lighting, relays and Ethernet and Modbus controllers for automation, accessories that keep the DMX line reliable, and two SMD paths for manufacturing. Bookmark it and come back when you add a universe, a load, or a product of your own. If you are unsure what to pick, the shop and custom electronics development are the place to start.
Coming next on the blog: product-by-product deep dives, starting with the USB-DMX family.
ElectroTAS · Martínez, San Isidro, Argentina · info@electrotas.com · desarrollos@electrotas.com · +54 (011) 3221-4474 · WhatsApp +54 9 11 2245-2000 · shop · blog.