Product Description
The Allanson ACL-MC-MP-V1 is a multi-protocol master controller built around a 10.1" capacitive touchscreen. It runs DMX and SPI at the same time, which means one controller can drive addressable modules, RGB/RGBW fixtures, and rigid or flexible border tubing across a whole property rather than one system per protocol.
The part that changes how a sign company operates: it is browser-based with remote internet and cloud access and user account control. Programs get updated, schedules get changed, and displays get checked from the office instead of from a bucket truck.
Why this controller rather than a stand-alone one
- Both protocols at once. Most controllers make you pick DMX or SPI. This one runs them concurrently, so a mixed installation stays on one platform.
- Capacity that does not run out. Unlimited modules on DMX; 16,000 addressable pixels per ARTNET-SPI converter.
- Remote and cloud management. Change a customer's program without a site visit — the basis for a service agreement rather than a one-time sale.
- User access control. Give the customer the buttons they should have and keep the programming to yourself.
- Time scheduling. Business-hours color, after-hours program, holiday sets, all automated.
- Fanless aluminum enclosure. No fan means no filter, no bearing, and nothing to fail in a dusty environment.
Specifications
| Part number | ACL-MC-MP-V1 |
| Display | 10.1" LED-backlit LCD, true flat capacitive touch, 1280 x 800 |
| Protocols | DMX and SPI, supported concurrently via converter |
| Module capacity — DMX | Multiple DMX universes, unlimited sub-channels, unlimited RGB/RGBW modules |
| Module capacity — SPI | Unlimited addressable modules; 16,000 RGB addressable modules per ARTNET-SPI converter |
| Operating voltage | 12V DC, 5A power supply (included) |
| Maximum power | 15W |
| Ethernet | 2 x Gigabit LAN |
| USB | 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 |
| Serial | 1 x COM |
| Video out | 1 x VGA |
| DC input | 2-pin phoenix terminal |
| Construction | Rugged aluminum enclosure, fanless |
| Dimensions | 10.29" x 6.87" x 1.52" (261.5 x 174.6 x 38.6mm) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
| Mounting | VESA 75 wall mount and panel mount |
| Operating temperature | -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F) |
| Ingress protection | IP65 compliant, front panel |
| Certifications | CE, FCC |
| Warranty | 1 year |
What ships in the box
- Master controller unit
- 12V DC 5A 60W power adapter
- Mounting bracket
SPI control needs a converter that is not in the box. To drive addressable modules you also need an ACL-ARTNET-SPI-KIT 4 or 6. Long runs additionally need the ACL-SPI-SA signal amplifier. If your job involves addressable modules, the controller alone will not run them — call us and we will quote the full chain so nothing is missing on install day.
Mounting location matters — read this one
Rated to 122°F (50°C). Allanson's LED modules are rated to 140°F; this controller is not. An unconditioned raceway, an attic space, or a west-facing enclosure in a Phoenix summer will exceed 122°F on a regular basis. Mount it indoors, in a conditioned or well-ventilated space, and network it out to the fixtures. That is how the product is designed to be used, and it is the single most common way an installation like this goes wrong in our market.
The IP65 rating applies to the front panel, not the whole enclosure — it protects the touchscreen face from dust and washdown where it is panel-mounted, and does not make the unit weatherproof.
The low end matters in some of our territory too: -10°C is 14°F. That is fine across the Phoenix and Las Vegas valleys, but northern Arizona, northern New Mexico and most of Colorado see colder than that. Same answer — put it inside.
System design
The controller sits on the client network behind the customer's firewall and router, with network switches feeding out to DMX sub-controllers and ARTNET-SPI converters. From there the DMX side runs fixtures, sub-controllers and wallwashers, and the SPI side runs addressable module signs. Internet and cloud access ride the same connection.
Practically, that means a network drop where the controller lives and a network path to each converter or sub-controller. Involve whoever manages the customer's network early — a controller behind a firewall nobody can change is a controller that cannot be reached remotely, and remote access is most of why you bought it.
Programming
The controller works with Allanson's pixel mapping software, and pixel mapping files can be loaded to the unit. Allanson also builds custom programs from your artwork — on a large installation this is usually worth taking them up on. Send us the vector files with the order and we will start that process.
Where it fits
- Multi-sign properties and campuses — retail centers, hotels, entertainment venues, stadium and arena exteriors
- Mixed installations running addressable modules alongside DMX fixtures and border tubing
- Sign companies managing a portfolio of customer signs who want to service them remotely
- Architectural lighting at a scale where stand-alone controllers stop being practical
- Installations needing scheduled programs across seasons, holidays and business hours
Frequently asked questions
No. SPI control requires an ACL-ARTNET-SPI-KIT 4 or 6 converter, sold separately. Ask us to include one.
Yes. Running both protocols concurrently is the point of this controller.
No. It is rated to 122°F and only the front panel carries an ingress rating. Mount it indoors in a conditioned or well-ventilated space and run the network out to the fixtures.
Unlimited on the DMX side across multiple universes. On the SPI side, 16,000 addressable modules per ARTNET-SPI converter, and you can add converters.
Not to run — scheduling and stored programs work locally. Internet access is what enables remote and cloud management, which for most buyers is the reason to choose this controller.
It carries CE and FCC certification. If your jurisdiction requires a UL or ETL listing on the control equipment for a permitted sign, confirm with your inspector before specifying it.
1 year on the controller. Note that Allanson's LED modules carry 5 years — the control electronics are on a different term.
Ordering
This is a system purchase, not a single part. Send us the scope — how many signs, which module types, DMX or addressable or both — and we will quote the controller, converters, amplifiers and supplies as one package so nothing is missing on install day. Email Sales@kgsupplies.com or call (602) 272-8655. KG Supplies delivers overnight throughout Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado, and ships nationwide via UPS.
