Simplest DMX interface!

There are many usb to dmx interface on the market and they are very cheap but if you want to make your own you could make it even cheaper. This interface will be related to the open DMX usb interface.
It will be supported on windows, NOT on osX and i have not tried it on linux.
software that supports open dmx will support this interface.

It is possible to make it with only three parts. i will not make a step by step tutorial but its not hard to make it.

First we need a usb to rs323 module. this module needs to have a FTDI ft232RL chip on it. The Module comes in many different shapes and sizes, there is also usb cables with a chip built in the connector.
the cheapest i can found cost 7 dollars including shipping at aliexpress.com

some picures of ftdi modules:

or

or

then you will need a rs232 to rs485 IC to convert the serial output from the ftdi module to dmx/rs485. I have used max485 or SN75176. you could get them for a couple of dollars or even cheaper.



At last you will ned a 3 or 5 pin female XLR connector.

Schematic:

software

drivers for the interface can be found at ftdichip.com

Ideas of changes of the design

you could leave pin1 not connected and connect pin 2 to ground.
pin1 on the max 485 is receive and pin 2 is receive enable. This interface can not receive dmx any way so thats why they are not needed.

happy soldering!