Pi Power
The rPi-MFC can be powered from either 5V DC or 12V DC although the 12V is actually tolerant of any
voltage in the range of 9V to 24V. The connected Raspberry Pi is powered from the same power source.
You can power the rPi-MFC
off the Raspberry Pi’s power input if absolutely necessary or desired. If
powering the Pi and rPi-MFC from the Pi power input at least a 2.3A power supply is recommended.
If running the rPi-MFC from 5V then connect the power to the 0V and 5V terminals of CN5 the 3 pin PWR
terminal block. A 3A fuse is recommended in series.
If running off 12V (see range above) then connect the power to the 0V and 12V terminals of CN5. A 1A-2A
fuse is recommended in series.
The pluggable pixel connectors is rated at 10A so a fuse of no higher than 10A should be in series with the
power input. The board is shipped with a 7.5A fuse fitted.
Connecting 12V to the 5V power input will damage components on the pcb and may damage the
Raspberry Pi. Connecting 5V to the 12V input will cause the board to not work due to insufficient
voltage. Connecting the power in reverse can also damage the board and/or Pi. Connecting both the
Pi micro USB power input and the rPi-MFC power input may cause damage.
Pixel power
The pixel power connector is simply passed through to fuse to the matching pixel output connector with the
positive not being connected to anywhere else. The power connectors are each labelled with 0V and +.
The pixel output is fused with an ATO automotive fuse. 7.5A fuse is supplied fitted with a maximum size of
10A permissible.
The positive voltage for the pixel power can be 5V, 12V or 24V to suit whatever voltage the pixels require.
The pixel output connector is pluggable and the function of the pins is labelled on the pcb.
Panel power
The panel output does not supply power to the connected panel/s. The rPi-MFC and Pi are connected to a
common ground between their power supplies via ground connections on the panel output connector.
There should be no need to supply a separate ground connection between the power supply running the
rPi-
MFC and if it’s a separate supply the one/s running the panels.
DMX output
The RS485 output of the rPi-MFC is wired according to the ESTA pinout with pin 1 being Data +, pin 2
being Data-
and pins 7 and 8 being gnd. It’s possible in the FPP setup to configure the data type as DMX,
LOR or Renard. It will be necessary to use an adaptor or crossover cable to connect to these other style of
controller. The RS485 driver IC is in an IC socket and can be easily replaced if damaged. The DMX output
is not electrically isolated from the Pi.
rPi-MFC showing power and
pixel labels
Underside of rPi-MFC
RTC uses CR2032 battery (not
supplied or installed)
