If you’ve been hunting for reliable ESP32-based WLED controllers, you’ve probably noticed that popular options like the Adafruit Sparkle Motion, Mini Sparkle Motion, and Sparkle Motion Stick are often out of stock. Luckily, new and equally capable alternatives are emerging — including the 2-Port ESP32 ETH0 WLED Controller, which stands out for one big reason: built-in Ethernet connectivity and support for dual LED outputs up to 24V.
This makes it a strong contender for both DIY lighting setups and professional-grade LED installations that demand stable connectivity and flexibility.
Dual-Port LED Control with Power and Protection Built-In
At its core, the 2-Port ESP32 ETH0 WLED Controller uses an ESP32-WROOM-32E-N4 module, featuring a dual-core Tensilica LX6 MCU running up to 240 MHz, with 520 KB SRAM and 4 MB flash memory.
It supports a wide range of addressable LEDs, including WS2811, WS2812, and other compatible series — all controllable through two independent output channels via 3-pin terminal blocks.
Each channel is protected by a 6A resettable polyfuse and includes a fault indicator LED for quick troubleshooting. On top of that, 33Ω resistors on each data line help maintain signal integrity, reducing interference across long LED strips.
The power input (5V–24V) features reverse polarity protection, ensuring the board remains safe from accidental wiring mistakes. An onboard DC-DC converter keeps the ESP32 and logic circuits supplied with a stable 5V rail.
Ethernet and Wi-Fi Connectivity
One of the key upgrades in this board is its 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port (HR911105A RJ45) with integrated magnetics, giving you a wired option for stable, low-latency control — perfect for larger lighting setups or installations where Wi-Fi isn’t reliable.
Still, it retains the ESP32’s native Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 4.2 support for flexible configuration and wireless operation.
Ports and Interface Overview
- Wireless Module: ESP32-WROOM-32E-N4
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
- LED Outputs: Dual 3-pin pluggable terminal blocks
- Voltage Range: 5V–24V DC
- Protection: Reverse polarity, 6A fuses, and fault indicator LEDs
- Programming Port: USB Type-C
- Dimensions: 113.93 × 88.14 mm
- Weight: 44 g (with terminal blocks)
The only missing piece here is an onboard microphone or audio input, something found in a few other WLED boards that enable music-synced lighting. However, this omission keeps the design focused, efficient, and reliable for lighting-only applications.
Software Support and Configuration
The controller ships pre-flashed with WLED firmware, meaning it’s ready to go out of the box. You can configure it easily over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, using the standard WLED web interface.
It also supports ESPixelStick firmware, making it compatible with lighting control systems like xLights, Vixen, and Falcon Player (FPP) for E1.31 and DDP data processing.
All WLED setup guides and documentation for Ethernet configuration are available on GitHub, making it straightforward for anyone familiar with WLED or ESP32 boards.
The 2-Port ESP32 ETH0 WLED Controller is available through Creative-x-Lights on Tindie for $25, positioning it as an affordable, Ethernet-capable lighting controller for makers, lighting designers, and DIY enthusiasts alike.
The 2-Port ESP32 ETH0 WLED Controller checks nearly all the boxes for a reliable, high-performance LED control board:
- Dual output channels
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi support
- Wide 5V–24V input range
- Onboard protection and clean power delivery
Whether you’re building an addressable LED wall, syncing holiday lights, or running a permanent WLED setup, this board offers the perfect balance of functionality, safety, and flexibility — all without breaking the bank.
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