NovaStar MCTRL300 LED Display Controller
DVI input, 2× Gigabit Ethernet, light sensor
article number: 11043 | manufacturer number: MCTRL300
The NovaStar MCTRL300 is a compact LED display controller for professional NovaStar LED walls and belongs to the established standard control boxes for small to medium LED installations. Technically, the controller is based on the properties of the NovaStar MSD300 Sending Card, but is supplied as a standalone device in an external housing with an integrated power supply.
The MCTRL300 features a single-link DVI input, an audio input, and two Gigabit Ethernet outputs for driving compatible NovaStar receiving cards. A single controller supports input signals up to 1920×1200 at 60 Hz. The maximum load is up to 650,000 pixels per Ethernet port, making the controller particularly suitable for manageable LED walls, fixed installations, mobile applications, and event technology.
For higher resolutions or the combined control of multiple controllers, several MCTRL300 units can be cascaded via the UART IN/OUT interfaces. This allows the controller to be flexibly integrated into larger LED wall systems. The connection to a PC is made via the USB Type-B port, and configuration is typically carried out using NovaStar software.
A compatible NovaStar light sensor, for example the NS048, can be connected via the light sensor port. This allows the ambient brightness to be detected and the brightness of the LED wall to be adjusted automatically. This is particularly useful in changing lighting conditions, such as in event venues, shop windows, sports venues, or mobile LED applications.
- Control of small to medium NovaStar LED walls
- Fixed installations, events, stage and exhibition construction
- LED video walls with DVI signal feed
- Cascaded systems with multiple MCTRL300 controllers
- Installations with automatic brightness adjustment via light sensor
- External control box with integrated power supply
- Technically comparable to the NovaStar MSD300 Sending Card
- 1 × DVI input for video signals
- 1 × Audio input
- 2 × Gigabit Ethernet outputs for LED receiver cards
- USB Type-B port for PC connection
- Light sensor port for automatic brightness control
- UART IN/OUT for cascading multiple units
- Suitable for rental, fixed installation, and professional LED applications
Real product can look different to picture
techn. Specs▲
| Device | Model | NovaStar MCTRL300 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | LED Display Controller / External Sending Box | |
| System | NovaStar LED Control System, technically comparable to MSD300 Sending Card | |
| Video | Input | 1 × Single-Link DVI |
| Maximum Input Resolution | up to 1920×1200 @ 60 Hz | |
| Custom Resolutions | supported, depending on width, height and frame rate | |
| Interlaced Signals | not supported | |
| Signal Processing | 8 Bit RGB 4:4:4 with Single-Link DVI | |
| Audio | Input | 1 × Audio Input |
| Outputs | LED Outputs | 2 × RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Maximum Load | up to 650,000 pixels per Ethernet port | |
| Redundancy | redundancy between Ethernet ports is supported | |
| Control | PC Connection | 1 × USB Type-B, USB 2.0 |
| Cascading | UART IN / UART OUT | |
| Serial Interfaces | 2 × UART for cascading | |
| Maximum Cascading | up to 20 devices | |
| Software | configuration via NovaStar software, e.g. NovaLCT | |
| Sensor | Light Sensor Connection | 1 × connection for compatible NovaStar light sensor, e.g. NS048 |
| Function | detection of ambient brightness for automatic brightness adjustment of the LED wall | |
| Calibration | Function | pixel-accurate brightness and chroma calibration in conjunction with NovaLCT and NovaCLB |
| Power Supply | Input Voltage | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | approx. 3 W | |
| Power Supply Unit | integrated | |
| Operating Environment | Temperature | -20 °C to +60 °C |
| Humidity | 10 % to 90 % RH, non-condensing | |
| Housing | Dimensions | 204.0 × 160.0 × 48.0 mm |
| Weight | approx. 1.04 kg | |
| Scope of Delivery | Accessories according to manufacturer | power cable, cascading cable, USB cable, DVI cable |
| Certifications | Manufacturer Specification | EAC, RoHS, CE, FCC, IC, PFOS, CB |
Questions & Answers▲
What type of input signal does the MCTRL300 accept?
The MCTRL300 accepts a single-link DVI input signal. It supports resolutions up to 1920×1200 pixels at 60 Hz. Additionally, an audio input is available on the device.
How many Ethernet outputs does the controller provide, and what is the maximum pixel load per port?
The controller is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet outputs for connecting compatible NovaStar receiving cards. Each Ethernet port supports a maximum load of up to 650,000 pixels, making the device well suited for small to medium LED wall setups.
Is the MCTRL300 a standalone device or does it require a separate PC card slot?
The MCTRL300 is a standalone external sending box housed in its own enclosure with an integrated power supply. It does not need to be installed inside a PC, unlike sending cards such as the NovaStar MSD300, which it is technically based on.
How is the MCTRL300 connected to a computer for configuration?
The connection to a PC is established via the USB Type-B port on the device. Configuration is typically performed using NovaStar software, which allows adjusting display parameters and managing the connected LED wall.
Can multiple MCTRL300 units be combined to control larger LED installations?
Yes, several units can be cascaded using the UART IN and UART OUT interfaces. This allows the combined control of multiple controllers, enabling support for higher resolutions or larger LED wall systems beyond what a single unit can handle.
Does the MCTRL300 support automatic brightness adjustment?
Yes, a compatible NovaStar light sensor, such as the NS048, can be connected via the dedicated light sensor port. The sensor detects ambient brightness and adjusts the output brightness of the LED wall automatically, which is particularly useful in environments with changing lighting conditions.
Which NovaStar receiving cards are compatible with the MCTRL300?
The MCTRL300 is designed to work with compatible NovaStar receiving cards connected via its Gigabit Ethernet outputs. For confirmed compatibility with specific receiving card models, it is recommended to consult the official NovaStar compatibility documentation or contact the supplier.
What are typical use cases for the MCTRL300?
The controller is suitable for controlling small to medium NovaStar LED walls in a variety of environments. Typical applications include fixed installations, event technology, stage and exhibition construction, shop window displays, sports venues, and mobile LED applications where a reliable DVI-based signal feed is required.
What is the maximum supported input resolution of the MCTRL300?
The maximum supported input resolution is 1920×1200 pixels at 60 Hz via the single-link DVI input. This resolution limit applies to the signal fed into the controller from a connected source device such as a PC or media server.
Is the MCTRL300 suitable for mobile or touring LED applications?
Yes, the compact form factor and standalone design make the MCTRL300 a practical choice for mobile and touring applications. It can be used in event technology setups where equipment needs to be transported and set up repeatedly, as long as the LED wall system uses compatible NovaStar receiving cards.
Does the MCTRL300 have an integrated power supply?
Yes, the device comes with an integrated power supply built into its external housing. This distinguishes it from bare sending cards and simplifies deployment, as no separate power unit is required for the controller itself.
What software is used to configure and manage the MCTRL300?
Configuration is typically carried out using NovaStar software, which is connected to the device via the USB Type-B port. The software allows users to set display parameters, manage brightness, and coordinate settings across multiple cascaded controllers if applicable.
documents, files, links▲
novastar-controller-chart_2019.pdfproduct safety (GPSR)▲
