KLSTR.nano Plug-In Integration
By KLSTR Engineering · 2026-03-26 KLSTR.nano Plug-In Integration integration hardware manufacturer
KLSTR.nano Plug-In Integration
Plug-In Version 2.x
Introduction
The KLSTR.nano module is a System-On-Module (SOM) that contains the microprocessor, RS485 drivers, memory, encryption and power components. This drop-in board contains all necessary interconnections on 2× 20-pin 2.54 mm pin headers.
This document covers the integration of the KLSTR.nano and should act as a reference for implementing the module at hardware level.
There are multiple hardware integrations available:
- Standalone: KLSTR.nano — details covered inside this document.
- Dual Mode: KLSTR.nano + KLSTR.one — KLSTR.nano acts as a communication bridge between KLSTR.one and the host CPU. This integration is covered in the KLSTR.one documentation.
About KLSTR.nano
KLSTR.nano is a revolutionary solution for the lighting industry, addressing the limitations and drawbacks of current DMX technology. Unlike traditional DMX setups that suffer from systemic failures, KLSTR.nano employs a small and low-cost PCB with a microprocessor to create a point-to-point connection, enhancing system reliability and eliminating downtime due to malfunctions, without introducing delay.
Its embedded software enables a unique timesaving workflow, providing a real graphic overview of the system and allowing users to assign Fixture IDs instead of dealing with DMX addresses.
The integration of My Virtual Rig (MVR) files and General Device Type Format (GDTF) enriches pre-production workflows, allowing seamless interaction between virtual setups and physical installations.
Moreover, KLSTR.nano ensures stronger connections, full redundancy, and troubleshooting capabilities, making it a plug-and-play system suitable for users with varying levels of expertise. The technology's potential to simplify DMX lighting setups opens up new possibilities for a broader market, enabling users to effortlessly create dynamic atmospheres without extensive technical knowledge.
Hardware Integration
DMX Circuit
The KLSTR.nano module contains three DMX512-A compliant EIA-485 interfaces:
- DMX_IN (Isolated Interface) — Connected directly to the DMX input connector.
- DMX_OUT (Isolated Interface) — Connected directly to the DMX output connector.
- DMX_LAN (Non-Isolated Interface) — Connected directly to the host fixture's EIA-485 transceiver.
Because DMX_IN and DMX_OUT form part of the external DMX daisy-chain, the KLSTR.nano Plug-In PCB includes basic line protection on these interfaces to improve robustness against voltage transients and to improve signal integrity.
DMX_LAN is a short internal EIA-485 interconnect to the host fixture transceiver and therefore does not include the same external line protection. The KLSTR.nano provides an RDM line-biasing network and the signal pair may be routed directly to the host fixture transceiver as a 120 Ω differential pair.
The DMX circuit changes based on the state of the KLSTR.nano:
- Active (Powered)
- DMX_IN is terminated with a 120 Ω resistor.
- DMX_OUT includes an RDM line-biasing network that holds the data lines in a known state when no transmitter is driving the DMX line.
- Inactive (Unpowered)
- DMX_IN is connected to DMX_OUT via a relay bypass path so that daisy-chain continuity is maintained when the KLSTR.nano is not powered.
| Interface | Powered State | Unpowered State |
|---|---|---|
| DMX_IN (Isolated) | Isolated receiver active, 120 Ω termination enabled | Via bypass relay to DMX_OUT, no active termination |
| DMX_OUT (Isolated) | Isolated transmitter active, RDM line-biasing network enabled | Via bypass relay to DMX_IN, no active biasing |
| DMX_LAN (Non-Isolated) | Direct connection to host, RDM line-biasing network enabled | — |
RGB Status LED
Internal (Plug-In)
The KLSTR.nano Plug-In has an RGB LED to visualize the state of the module.
| Color Sequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Red/Green/Blue cycling | RDM identify command triggered. |
| Slow blue pulse | Module active, no DMX signal detected. |
| Solid green | Normal DMX mode active — DMX forwarded from DMX_IN to DMX_OUT. |
| Red blink | No license key detected. |
| Solid cyan | Redundant DMX mode active — DMX forwarded from DMX_OUT to DMX_IN. |
| Solid red | Module is running factory software. Relay bypass active, software update required. |
External (Host Fixture)
Optionally, an external RGB LED can be connected to provide a visual indication of the DMX forwarding direction. When visible on the outside, this LED can also assist while troubleshooting, for example in cases of cable interruption or faulty connections.
| Category | Pin Number | Pin Label | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| STATUS LEDS | 7 | LEDR | RGB LED: RED — MAX. 25 mA |
| 8 | LEDG | RGB LED: GREEN — MAX. 25 mA | |
| 9 | LEDB | RGB LED: BLUE — MAX. 25 mA |
Power
The KLSTR.nano Plug-In module can be powered via VCC (Pin 19) with a voltage ranging from 6.3 to 32 V DC.
If a stable 5 V DC power supply is available in the host fixture, the Plug-In module can be powered directly from that source via 5V0 (Pin 18). When using Pin 18 for supplying 5 V DC, the VCC (Pin 19) should remain unused and disconnected.
| Category | Pin Number | Pin Label | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWER | 17 | 3V3 | 3.3 V output |
| 18 | 5V0 | 5 V input/output | |
| 19 | VCC | Main voltage (6.3–32 V) | |
| 20 | GND | Main ground |
Pinout and Pin Function
| Category | Pin | Label | Function | Function | Label | Pin | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMX INPUT (ISO) | 1 | DMX_IN_A | RS485 A+ | RS485 A+ | DMX_OUT_A | 40 | DMX OUTPUT (ISO) |
| 2 | DMX_IN_B | RS485 B− | RS485 B− | DMX_OUT_B | 39 | ||
| 3 | GND_DMX | Isolated Ground | Isolated Ground | GND_DMX | 38 | ||
| 4 | PC3 | Future Use | Future Use | SCL | 37 | I2C | |
| 5 | PC4 | Future Use | Future Use | SDA | 36 | ||
| 6 | PC5 | Future Use | Heartbeat KLSTR.one | PC2 | 35 | DUALMODE | |
| STATUS LEDS | 7 | LEDR | RGB LED: RED | Reset KLSTR.nano | NRESET | 34 | |
| 8 | LEDG | RGB LED: GREEN | Reset KLSTR.one | PB9 | 33 | ||
| 9 | LEDB | RGB LED: BLUE | Heartbeat KLSTR.nano | PB8 | 32 | ||
| 10 | PC6 | Future Use | Future Use | PB4 | 31 | ||
| 11 | PC7 | Future Use | Programming | PB3_SWO | 30 | ||
| 12 | PC8 | Future Use | Future Use | PD2 | 29 | ||
| 13 | PC9 | Future Use | Future Use | PC12 | 28 | ||
| DUALMODE USB | 14 | USB_N | USB port negative | Future Use | PC11 | 27 | |
| 15 | USB_P | USB port positive | Future Use | PC10 | 26 | ||
| 16 | SWDIO | Programming | Future Use | PA15 | 25 | ||
| POWER | 17 | 3V3 | 3.3 V output | Programming | SWCLK | 24 | |
| 18 | 5V0 | 5 V input/output | RS485 A+ | DMX_LAN_A | 23 | DMX LAN | |
| 19 | VCC | Main voltage | RS485 B− | DMX_LAN_B | 22 | ||
| 20 | GND | Main ground | Ground | GND | 21 |
Connections — Standalone
The KLSTR.nano requires 4 connection blocks to work properly when used as a standalone module:
- DMX IN — External DMX input from daisy-chain
- DMX OUT — External DMX output to daisy-chain
- DMX LAN — Internal connection to host fixture's RS485 transceiver
- MAIN POWER — 6.3–32 V DC or 5 V DC supply
Electrical Parameters
| Parameter | Minimum | Typical | Maximum | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Module supply voltage VCC | 6.3 | — | 32 | V |
| Module supply voltage 5V | 4.9 | — | 5.4 | V |
| Module average power consumption | — | 3.5 | — | W |
| Module current peak | — | 0.88 | — | A |
| Supply current requirement | 0.04 | 0.7 | 0.88 | A |
| Power supply ripple requirement | — | ≤50 | — | mV |
| ESD contact discharge | — | ±2 | — | kV |
| ESD non-contact discharge | — | ±2 | — | kV |
| Operating temperature range | −20 | — | 55 | °C |
| Maximum junction temperature | — | — | 125 | °C |
Storage Conditions
If stored at 0 °C to 40 °C and less than 90 % relative humidity (RH), the shelf life in the sealed bag is 12 months.
After opening the sealed bag, it must be handled as follows before reflow soldering or other high-temperature treatment:
- Either the module has to be installed within 168 hours under factory conditions, i.e. below 30 °C at 60 % RH.
- Or the module should be stored where humidity must be kept below 10 % RH.
If the components are exposed to air for more than 168 hours, baking is necessary. Baking conditions: 125 °C for 8 hours.
Document Changelog
| Version | Scope | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Initial Release | 2025-10-06 |
| 2.0 | Update for KLSTR.nano v2.x with isolated drivers | 2026-03-02 |
| 2.1 | Added additional drawings | 2026-03-26 |