When it comes to ESP32-based WLED controllers, some of the best options are boards like the Adafruit Sparkle Motion, Mini Sparkle Motion, and Sparkle Motion Stick, but most of the time, they are out of stock. Thankfully, there are similar alternatives like the xChroma WLED Type-C and HACK Lab HackLED Pro, with similar features and wider availability. Now adding to that list is the 2-Port ESP32 ETH0 WLED Controller, which not only adds Ethernet connectivity but also supports dual outputs and 5V–24V LEDs, making it an excellent alternative to the Adafruit ones.
The board supports both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity and includes an onboard DC-DC converter that delivers a stable 5V supply to the ESP32 and logic circuits. Each output channel is fused with a 6A resettable polyfuse and a status LED that lights up during fault conditions. For added safety, the main power input is protected against reverse polarity, though connected LEDs should still be wired correctly to avoid damage. It also comes with 5.08mm pluggable terminal blocks for clean power and data connections, along with 33Ω resistors on each data line to maintain signal integrity.
2-Port ESP32 ETH0 WLED controller specifications:
- Wireless module – ESP32-WROOM-32E-N4
- SoC – ESP32 dual-core Tensilica LX6 microcontroller @ up to 240 MHz with 520KB SRAM
- Storage – 4MB flash
- Wireless – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 4.2 BR/LE connectivity, built-in PCB antenna
- LED Control
- Supports WS2811, WS2812, and compatible addressable LED series
- Dual output channels (2x 3-pin pluggable terminal blocks)
- Logic level shifting from 3.3V to 5V
- 33Ω resistors on each data line for signal integrity
- Ethernet – 10/100 Mbps Ethernet HR911105A RJ45 jack with integrated magnetics
- USB – USB Type-C port programming
- Misc – Overcurrent indication LEDs
- Power
- 5V–24V DC via onboard DC-DC converter
- Each output is protected by a 6A resettable fuse with a fault indicator LED
- Reverse polarity protection
- Dimensions – 113.93 x 88.14 mm
- Weight – 44g (with terminal blocks)
The board is well and good overall, but it lacks an onboard microphone or a dedicated audio input port, which we commonly find on many other WLED controller boards.
In terms of software support, the 2-Port ESP32 ETH0 WLED Controller comes pre-flashed with WLED firmware and can be configured over both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. The board can run either WLED or ESPixelStick firmware to process E1.31 and DDP data from xLights, Vixen, or Falcon Player. The WLED configuration guides and documentation are available on GitHub.
US-based Creative-x-Lights sells the 2-Port ESP32 ETH0 WLED Controller for $25 on Tindie.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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