The DPL Classic is the 2025 evolution of the original R-Series DPL.
It is based on a robust Maxim7219 LED driver chip and controlled by an onboard Arduino Nano.
Due to the fact that even today — more than a decade later — outdated DPL versions are still being sold, which unnecessarily rely on an external Arduino board for operation, I decided to develop the DPL Classic.
This new design integrates the Arduino Nano directly on the back of the unit, eliminating the need for additional external boards, messy wiring, and fragile setups.
Uploading your own firmware or updating sketches is now straightforward: simply connect via USB — no FTDI adapter or special programming hardware is required. (The days of using separate Arduino Pro Mini boards are over.)
Compared to my DPL-VU model, the DPL Classic deliberately omits the digital LED section in the left middle segment.
This provides flexibility, allowing users to install their own modules or custom features in that area without interference from pre-installed digital LEDs.
Another key improvement over the original R-Series DPL is the inclusion of three dedicated 3-pin connector ports.
These ports allow for easy expansion and integration of D-DBI, LDPL and CSL, making the DPL Classic even more versatile.
The classic CBI can be connected via the traditional 5-pin header.
In summary, the DPL Classic combines modern integration, simplified user interaction, and expansion capability — while staying true to the original R-Series DPL spirit.
Firmware:
Instructions:
- Use the attached firmware file: “DPL Firmware_Nano-vXXX.hex”.
- Open the attached tool XLoader.
- In XLoader:
- Select the firmware file.
- Choose the correct COM port.
- Set the Device to Nano (ATmega328).
- Set the baud rate to 115200 or 57600 (depending on your Nano board).
- Click Upload.
Configuration Commands:
Updates on commands etc. are at Nextgenastromech.com: https://nextgenastromech.net/?page_id=540#lights
Use serial terminal to connect via USB (see above) to AstroCAN-Module. If your browser supports “Web Serial”, you also can use the terminal available in the Firmware section. Communication speed ist 115200 baud. The following commands are available for configuration and management.
Note: The light configuration parameters differ from the common AstroCAN syntax. This is due to compatibility to the Arduino Nano board with less memory.
Light Configuration Command Structure
/_module_/_param_/_value1_/_value2_/_value…_
Modules
DP – DLP
CB – CBI
DC – D-CBI
CS – CSL
LD – LDPL
VU – VUBar
UA – UAL
Optional additional moduls (available in some special releases)
TB – Top Block (= Yellow and Green Block together)
YB – Yellow Block
GB – Green Block
BL – Blue Lights
BG – BarGraph
RL – Red Lights
WL – White Lights
Parameters
CO – Base Color, 3 separate Values for R/G/B, 0-255 each
BR – Brightness, 1 Value 0-255
AN – Animation Number, 1 Value 0-255
AS – Animation Speed, 1 Value 0 – 65535
EF – Effect, 1 Value 0-255
ES – Effect Speed, 1 Value 0-65535
VM – Voltage Monitor, 1 Value 0/1
VL – Voltage Limits, 4 Values (red, yellow, green, charge)
RR – Resistor Values, 2 Values R1 + R2
Examples
/DP/BR/15 – DPL, Brightness 15 (0-15 for analog modules)
/LD/BR/50 – LDPL, Brightness 50 (0-255 for AstroPixels)
/CS/CO/255/0/0 – CSI, Base Color Red (R/G/B)
/DP/RR/10000.0/1000.0 – R1 = 10K, R2 = 1K
/DP/VL/11.5/12.0/12.5/13.0 – red = 11.5V, yellow = 12.0V, green = 12.5V, charge = 13.0V
Available at shop.printed-droid.com
