Pknight ArtNet DMX Ethernet Lighting Controller Interface, 19-inch 1 U Rack-mount, 8-Universe Art-Net to DMX512 Output-Only Node (No RDM)

Works as designed, the software is a bit sketchy chineseium but if you can figure out how to interface with it by paying attention to the manual and online videos, you’ll have no problems!

It took me HOURS to get this to work with Mac OSX and QLC+. Here's the trick, change the default IP address on the PKnight to 010.201.006.101 and in the settings on Mac change it manually to the same as well as entering the subnet mask as 255.0.0.0. After that it's a breeze and performs flawlessly. Note that Output 1 (or Node) on the PKnight is "ARTNET Universe 0" so be aware that QLC+ defaults to Universe 1 being Node 1 and you may want to change settings in QLC+ or on the PKnight.

I’ve been running large-scale holiday light displays for years, and as my setup has grown more complex, I've needed a solid way to expand my DMX channels without signal dropouts or headaches. This ArtNet DMX interface delivers exactly what I was looking for—professional-grade performance, flexible configuration, and rock-solid reliability. The 8 optically isolated XLR outputs are a major plus, keeping my control system safe from electrical interference while ensuring smooth transitions and effects across hundreds of fixtures. I can run everything from intricate pixel-mapped sequences to synchronized moving heads, and this unit handles it all without a hitch. The signal remains strong even over long runs, and I haven’t encountered a single flicker or lag. Setup was straightforward (as long as you know your way around ArtNet), and the onboard LCD screen makes tweaking settings on the fly easy. The ability to independently configure each DMX universe gives me a level of control I didn’t easily have before, and being able to position this closer to my lights while running Ethernet from my control software has cleaned up my wiring setup significantly. I also appreciate the rack-mount design. It integrates seamlessly with my other gear, keeping everything neat and protected. While this interface is packed with features, it’s not necessarily beginner-friendly—there’s a learning curve if you’re new to ArtNet and DMX networking. But if you know what you’re doing, or are willing to invest the time to learn, this is a fantastic piece of hardware. My holiday displays have never looked better, and I know I’ve got room to expand even further next year. This is the kind of reliability and control I need for serious lighting setups.

Warning, this isn’t as plug and play as it might seem. I was out of options with my USB DMX adapter as my lighting inventory grew. I decided to take the plunge with an Art-Net unit, and QLC+ recommended this one. It took me a while because you have to manually change your network adapter if you’re plugging directly into this, or change your network. I read tutorials, watched videos, tried options from forums, finally had to call in a friend. Once the unit was talking to the computer via the network, things went smoothly. I have up to 8 universes to use which should last a while. No issues as of yet, seems to be the upgrade I was hoping for. Knocked one star off because of the setup and the manual leaves a lot to be desired. Also, it would have been nice if it was RDM compliant like most of their splitters. Works fine so far with QLC+ and ETC Eos, so seems compatible.

Let me start off with my summary: I like this. A few things that are nice: - rack mountable (good for portable racks) - reasonable power usage - 8 artnet channels - works with QLC+ (if you have the right plug-in) - IP v4 Also notable: - the manual is pretty thin. so if you are familiar with similar devices you will be able to set this up, otherwise give yourself some time to play with it before you need it - there is nothing in the manual about operating temps but it does appear to be sensitive to cold. Most notable is the display is laggy when the device is cold. More important if you have to move equipment and it was outside. I would make sure you warm it up a few hours before its needed. - the subnets are predefined. If you need something that is not a normal config, beware. I might suggest using your own non-routable network for something like this anyways Its a good size for both portable equipment and permanent setups. I think if you have enough equipment that you are traveling with, you probably already have something like this. I like that I can put this closer to the lights and such then use ethernet to run it from like 100M away (or further with a mesh). So I really see this being most valuable in more permanent setups where you have 1000s of features you will want to control (where each light might have 4 to 30ish features).

This device takes your lighting project to the next level with control for multiple universes and the ability to separate your control station from the lighting rig with only an ether net cable between them. Your computer connects to this device over ethernet which then connects to your lights. A good understanding of ArcNet is needed to use this and the manual doesn't cover this since this is an industry standard protocol that already has plenty of documentation. Just as can manuals don't tell you how to drive, this one doesn't teach you ArcNet. I like that it's rack mountable as a professional device like this should be. You can mount it with your other gear to keep things protected and organized.