Selecting a Long-Range Transmitter and Receiver for Your Project

1. Introduction

Once the decision has been made to use a Long-Range pixel control system, the next step is selecting the most appropriate PixLite® Mk3 transmitter and receiver combination to suit your specific project requirements. If you're new to Long-Range systems, or haven't decided if you need one yet, we recommend first viewing our When to use a Long-Range LED Pixel Controller article.

This article explains each of the key components in the Long-Range ecosystem, explores recommended system pairings and topologies, and guides you through the product selection process.

2. Receiver Options

The PixLite® Mk3 Long-Range series includes three receiver models: the R1F-S, R2F-S and R4D-S. Each model provides the same high-level functionality to convert long-range differential data (sent from a "Transmitter") into a pixel-ready signals, but they differ in the physical characteristics and mounting features, quantity and type of pixel output ports, voltage range, and current capacity.

The R2F-S and R4D-S receivers have many similarities including the same physical appearance and size. Both operate within a 5 to 24 VDC input range and support an output current of up to 7.5 A per output.

Where these two receivers differ is in their output configurations. The R2F-S provides two pixel outputs, each of which is compatible with any supported pixel type from our Pixel Glossary. In contrast, the R4D-S offers four outputs that are specifically designed for use with data-only pixel types and are therefore intended to operate within systems configured for Expanded Mode (more on this in section 4 of the article).

The R1F-S receiver is the most compact option in the lineup and is ideal for space constrained installations. It's built for systems requiring a single run of pixels at many discrete locations. Like the R2F-S, its pixel output is compatible with all supported pixel types.

Unlike the R2F-S and R4D-S, the R1F-S offers an extended voltage range of 5 to 48 VDC and can deliver up to 10A total current throughput to your pixels. It also includes additional mounting flexibility, making it a practical choice in installations where space or mounting constraints are a key consideration.

3. Transmitter Options

The PixLite® Mk3 series offers two Long-Range transmitter models, each suited to different system topologies.

The PixLite® T8-S Mk3 designed to connect with up to eight receivers. It is ideal for scenarios where each receiver location needs two to four outputs. This model supports up to 96 universes of pixel data total. The RJ45 pixel outputs connect directly to the receivers, where all 8 pins deliver 4 signals - either two clock signals and two data signals, or four data signals if Expanded Mode is enabled.

Alternatively, the PixLite® T16X-S Mk3 supports up to sixteen receivers and is optimised for systems where each receiver location requires one or two outputs. Like the T8-S, it can also drive up to 96 universes of pixel data total, but this is spread across sixteen outputs for greater distribution. The RJ45 pixel outputs also connect directly to the receivers, however in the case of T16X-S, only 4 of the 8 pins are used, delivering 2 signals - either one clock signal and on data signal, or two data signals if Expanded Mode is enabled.

4. Expanded Mode

A typical PixLite® controller output provides two signal lines: a mandatory data line and a secondary line often used for clock, but sometimes used for a different purpose (like if differential DMX512-D is being used or if the pixel required a "backup" data line). If using a data-only pixel type, Expanded Mode allows you to repurpose the secondary line to serve as an additional data line, allowing twice as many pixel runs to be driven from the same controller.

It's important to note however, activating Expanded Mode has two main implications. First, it means that only pixel types requiring a single data line (data-only pixels) can be used. Second, the maximum number of pixels per run is halved, as both pixel runs now share the available capacity of a single output.

Whether or not Expanded Mode is to be used in your installation significantly influences which transmitter and receiver pairing can be selected also. As we'll explore in the next sections, it's a foundational decision that affects the entire topology of your Long-Range system. For a deeper understanding of how Expanded Mode works and where it's most beneficial, we suggest first exploring our article on Expanded Mode.

5. Possible Pairings

To simplify system design and ensure the success of your project, we recommend a five transmitter and receiver pairings for your Long-Range system. These are illustrated in the diagram below.

On the left side of the diagram, you'll notice two supported configurations that do not use Expanded Mode. These are compatible with all pixel types and can be a maximum or 6 universes worth of data per run.

On the right side are three pairings where Expanded Mode is enabled, allowing for additional pixel runs per receiver, for data-only pixel types. Each run has a maximum of three universes worth of data, instead of six.

While these five recommended configurations should cover most use cases, additional partially supported pairings also exist. For more niche scenarios requiring additional flexibility, please refer to the annex at the end of this article for the full matrix of supported, partially supported and unsupported pairings.

6. Let's Choose your PixLite® Long-Range System

1.1 What you'll need to know.

Selecting the right transmitter and receiver for your installation requires you to have some knowledge of the components in use as a prerequisite. For example, you'll need to know the operating voltage of your pixels, the expected current draw per pixel run, and whether there are any constraints in terms of physical space or mounting options at the receiver location.

It's also essential to determine whether your system will use Expanded Mode, as this affects both compatibility with certain pixel types and the possible transmitter and receiver pairings outlined in the previous section. Additionally, consider how many discrete locations you'll be installing receivers in, and how many pixel runs are needed at each of those locations.

This information will inform not just which receiver model is suitable, but also how many transmitter outputs are required (and therefore, how many transmitters are needed for the complete system).

1.2 Selecting the Receiver.

Let's walk through the system design and product selection process step by step. We'll start with reviewing the requirements of the receiver as its the key component in building your Long-Range system.

Step 1: What voltage do your pixels need?

If you're using greater than 24V, up to 48V, the only receiver that supports this is the R1F-S. Now move on to select the transmitter.

If your voltage is within 5-24V, all receivers are possible options.

Step 2: How much current per pixel run?

If you need greater than 7.5A, up to 10A, you'll need the R1F-S, as it's the only receiver that supports that amount of current throughput. Now move on to select the transmitter.

If your pixel runs are under 7.5A each, all the receivers are possible options.

If you need up to 10A, you'll need the R1F-S, as it's the only receiver that supports that amount of current throughput.

Step 3: Are you limited on space at the installation location?

If yes, The R1F-S may be helpful as it's a more compact option.

The R2F-S and R4D-S are physically the same size, both a little larger than the R1F-S.

If you need a smaller option, select the R1F-S and move on to select the transmitter.

Step 4: Are you planning to use Expanded Mode?

If yes, you can select from the following receiver options depending on how many pixel runs you need per receiver location:

• Need 4 outputs? - Use R4D-S
• Need 2 outputs? - Use R2F-S or R1F-S
• Need 1 output? - Use R1F-S

If your pixel runs are >5A use the R2F-S. Optionally, if the pixel runs are <5A you could use the R1F-S as a more cost-effective option (wiring two pixel runs into the one connector), however the R2F-S remains the most convenient in this situation from a wiring perspective as you have a dedicated connector per pixel run.

If you're not using Expanded Mode, you can select from the following receiver options depending on how many pixel runs you need per receiver location:

• For 2 outputs - Choose R2F-S
• For 1 output - Choose R1F-S
• For 4 outputs, consider using 2x R2F-S per location, or switch away from the Long-Range topology, using a device such as a PixLite® A4-S Mk3 or PixLite® E4-S Mk3. The R4D-S is not a supported option in this situation because it only works with Expanded Mode enabled.

1.3 Selecting the Transmitter

Once you've locked in your receiver, move on to the transmitter.

Transmitter selection depends on two things:

• Which receiver model you're using
• Whether Expanded Mode is enabled

Step 5: Which transmitter do you need?

If you've selected the R4D-S receiver, use the T8-S transmitter.

If you've selected the R2F-S receiver:

• With Expanded Mode - use the T16X-S transmitter.
• Without Expanded Mode - use the T8-S transmitter.

If you've selected the R1F-S, use the T16X-S transmitter.

Step 6: How many transmitters do you need?

Use the quantity of receivers to determine how many transmitter units are required for your installation. The following simple formulas can be used, with the result rounded up to the nearest whole number:

• Number of T8-S transmitters = number of receivers divided by 8
• Number of T16X-S transmitters = number of receivers divided by 16

7. Annex

To further assist the system design and product selection process, we've developed a detailed matrix of supported, partially supported, and unsupported Long-Range pairings for reference.

8. Still Have Questions

If you're still unsure which Long-Range products are best suited to your application, or you're working on a complex installation requiring further support, our team of product specialists is here to help. reach out to Advatek for project-specific guidance on system design and compatibility to ensure you get the most out of your PixLite® Long-Range control system.

PixLite® T8-S Mk3

With a data transmission range of 300 meters, this user-friendly long range pixel controller system is the high-impact solution for professional installations.

PixLite® T16X-S Mk3

The PixLite® T16X-S Mk3 features 16 output connectors. The T16 spreads its signals across more connectors than the T8-S Mk3, enabling more receivers to be connected.

PixLite® R1F-S

The R1F-S is a versatile receiver, designed for slim-line installations where space is limited. Its small form factor makes it ideal for integrating with different elements.

PixLite® R2F-S

The R2F-S has two outputs, connecting to two runs of pixels and the long-range potential allows receivers to be located up to 300 meters away from the transmitter.

PixLite® R4D-S

Designed to bring sizable projects to life, the R4D-S receiver works together with the T8-S Mk3 transmitter to drive up to 2,040 RGB pixels for larger-scale installations.