introduction

Thank you for choosing WsMax.

WsMax is a two-piece inline extender for WS281x LED data lines. It transports data over differential signaling through standard 3-pin XLR DMX cable, improving stability and usable distance compared to direct single-wire runs.

package contents

WsMax transmitter unit
WsMax receiver unit
quick wiring sheet

device overview

WsMax consists of:

transmitter unit (controller side)
receiver unit (strip side)

transmitter unit interfaces:

JST-SM 3-pin female to controller side wiring
XLR 3-pin male to long cable link

receiver unit interfaces:

XLR 3-pin female from long cable link
JST-SM 3-pin male to LED strip input

pinout reference

JST-SM side:

pin 1: +5 V
pin 2: DATA
pin 3: GND

XLR side:

pin 1: GND or shield reference
pin 2: DATA-
pin 3: DATA+

before you start

verify controller output is compatible with WS281x data signaling
verify LED strip input is compatible with WS281x data signaling
use DMX-grade 120 ohm cable for the XLR link
officially supported link length is up to 1000 m, depending on cable quality
verify JST pinout and polarity before powering the system
keep both WsMax units powered at 5 V DC from their respective local side

quick start

Power off controller and strip power supplies.
Connect WsMax transmitter JST-SM to the controller-side LED output wiring.
Connect WsMax receiver JST-SM to the strip data input wiring.
Connect both WsMax units with a 3-pin XLR DMX cable.
Power on controller and strip side supplies.
Send a simple test pattern from the controller.
Verify stable strip response across the full cable length.

recommended wiring practice

route DMX cable away from mains and high-current motor lines
avoid sharp cable bends and high-strain connector mounting
avoid patching through unknown XLR splitters without signal verification
keep all grounds referenced as intended in your controller and PSU design
for permanent installs, lock wiring and document tested pinout

normal operating behavior

WsMax does not alter WS281x color data by design
WsMax does not generate effects or timing on its own
link quality is determined by controller timing, cable quality, power, grounding, and EMI conditions

troubleshooting

no output on strip

verify both WsMax units receive 5 V and GND on their JST side
verify DATA line is connected to the correct JST pin
verify XLR cable continuity and pin order
verify controller output works with a short direct strip connection

unstable or flickering output

use DMX-grade 120 ohm cable instead of audio microphone cable
improve grounding and reduce noise coupling from nearby power wiring
shorten cable temporarily to isolate site-specific EMI issues
verify power supply stability at controller and strip side

wrong colors or shifted pixels

verify strip type and controller timing profile match
verify channel order and color mapping in controller configuration
verify no extra level shifter or protocol bridge conflicts in the line

works direct, fails over long cable

verify transmitter and receiver are not swapped
verify XLR pin assignment is pin 1 GND, pin 2 DATA-, pin 3 DATA+
retest using a known-good DMX cable and clean power source

safety and handling

use only within specified low-voltage DC wiring systems
do not use in wet environments without suitable enclosure protection
disconnect power before rewiring
do not force connectors or reverse-polarity JST wiring

maintenance

keep connectors clean and dry
inspect cable strain relief periodically
replace damaged cables and connectors immediately

notice

Specifications and features may change without prior notice.