v0.1.0 is deprecated — use v0.2.0. v0.1.0 remains available for existing installs but is no longer maintained.
HomeMaster RGB-621-R1
The HomeMaster RGB-621-R1 is a smart RGB + CCT LED controller module designed for HomeMaster automation systems and other Modbus RTU networks. It features five high-current PWM outputs with 12-bit + gamma-corrected smooth dimming for RGB and Tunable White (CCT) LED control, two IEC 61131-2 compliant digital inputs for wall switches or sensors, and one relay output for switching external loads or LED drivers.
Powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2350A microcontroller, the module supports RS-485 (Modbus RTU) communication and configuration via WebConfig over USB-C — no drivers or external software required. Configuration is stored in on-device flash (LittleFS) and survives power loss and reboots. It connects directly to HomeMaster MicroPLC and MiniPLC controllers or operates as a standalone Modbus slave in any automation network.
Through a MiniPLC or MicroPLC running ESPHome, the module appears in Home Assistant over the native ESPHome API — no MQTT broker, no Modbus register mapping in Home Assistant and no custom converters. Entities are ready to use within seconds, with low latency and no cloud.
Local logic keeps running even if the network or the Home Assistant server goes down — the controller does the thinking, the server only visualizes.
Quick Overview
- RGB + CCT LED control module for Modbus automation systems
- DIN-rail form factor with 24 V DC supply
- 5 PWM outputs (R, G, B, CW, WW), 2 IEC 61131-2 digital inputs, 1 relay
- RS-485 Modbus RTU communication
- Local configuration via USB-C WebConfig interface
- Isolated I/O, surge and short-circuit protection
Typical Applications
- RGB and tunable white (CCT) lighting control
- Ambient and architectural lighting
- LED strip and fixture dimming
- Scene control with wall switch inputs
- Daylight and human-centric lighting
- Status indicators and alarm signaling
- Building and home automation
- PLC lighting expansion module
Tech Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | RP2350A dual-core microcontroller |
| Storage | External QSPI Flash (32 Mbit) |
| Power Input | 24 V DC nominal (18–30 V DC recommended) |
| Input Protection | Reverse polarity diode, TVS surge suppression, EMI filtering; LED PS path internally fused (rating not published — project/board mismatch) |
| Main Logic Supply | Buck regulator 24 V → 5 V (~4.96 V nominal), 3.3 V LDO regulator |
| LED Outputs | 5 × low-side MOSFET outputs (R, G, B, CW, WW) |
| LED Output Voltage | External 12–24 V DC supply |
| LED PS input | Separate 12/24 V supply, up to 10 A per module (shipping board). Strip load depends on length and W/m — not a fixed module wattage. |
| LED strip sizing | Size external LED PSU for strip length and W/m. Do not share LED PS with module logic V+/0V. |
| PWM Frequency | ≈1 kHz (1000 Hz), fixed — all five channels |
| Digital Inputs | 2 × IEC 61131-2 compliant 24 V digital inputs (ISO1212 front-end) (DIx + GND), dry-contact (module-wetted); per-channel PTC fuse, TVS surge suppression, reverse-polarity protection, EMI filtering |
| Relay Outputs* |
Dry-contact relay output (C / NO). Rated load (system limit): 3 A @ 250 V AC (resistive); max 750 VA @ 250 V AC, 90 W @ 30 V DC. Relay components (informative only) rated up to 16 A @ 250 V AC (resistive); rating does not apply to the complete module. |
| User Interface | 2 buttons, 8 LEDs (power, 2 user, RX, TX, 1× relay, 2× DI) |
| Communication | RS-485 Modbus RTU (MAX485, half-duplex), non-isolated; TVS surge protection, PTC fuses, common-mode choke, fail-safe biasing |
| USB | USB-C, 5 V logic, ESD protected |
| Typical Power Consumption | 0.2–0.5 W (logic only); maximum approximately 1 W |
| Modbus Address Range | 1–247 (default: 3); 248–255 are reserved by the Modbus specification — values outside 1–247 are clamped |
| Modbus Baud Rate | 9600–115200 (default: 19200) |
Note: Relay outputs are not internally fused. Use external overcurrent protection per applicable standards and installation requirements.
Installation, Environmental & Mechanical
| Category | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Specifications | Terminal type | Pluggable screw terminal blocks, 5.08 mm pitch |
| Wire cross-section | 0.2–2.5 mm² (AWG 24–12) | |
| Tightening torque | 0.4–0.6 Nm | |
| Environmental Ratings | Operating temperature | 0 °C to +40 °C |
| Storage temperature | −10 °C to +55 °C | |
| Relative humidity | 0–90 % RH, non-condensing | |
| Ingress protection | IP20 (inside cabinet only) | |
| Maximum altitude | 2000 m | |
| Pollution degree | 2 | |
| Mechanical & Packaging | Product dimensions | 52.5 × 90 × 59 mm (L × W × H) |
| DIN width | 3 modules (3 × 17.5 mm) | |
| Mounting | 35 mm DIN rail (EN 50022) | |
| Enclosure | PC/ABS, UL94-V0 | |
| Net weight | TBD | |
| Gross weight | TBD | |
| Pack size | 140 × 125 × 94 mm (L × W × H) | |
| Notes | All dimensions in millimeters |
Install only inside a control cabinet with ventilation; the cabinet must include a protective front plate covering all module connection terminals and a closing protective door; not for outdoor or exposed installation.
All wiring terminals must be protected against accidental contact by an insulating front plate, wiring duct, or terminal cover. Exposed live terminals are not permitted.
Home Assistant / Modbus / Web Config Integration
The RGB-621-R1 supports flexible integration with:
- HomeMaster MicroPLC and MiniPLC controllers
- PLC and SCADA systems via Modbus RTU
- Home Assistant using ESPHome or Modbus integration
- Direct USB-C configuration using browser-based WebConfig tool
Configuration parameters are stored persistently in onboard flash and automatically restored at power-up.
Quick Setup Process (USB-C WebConfig)
- Mount & Power – Mount the module on a DIN rail and connect 24 V DC.
- Connect USB-C – Connect USB-C cable to the module.
- Open WebConfig – Open WebConfig page in Chrome or Edge browser.
- Connect Device – Click Connect and select the device.
- Configure – Set Modbus address and baud rate.
- Test I/O – Test LED channels, relay, and digital inputs.
- Save & Disconnect – Save settings and disconnect USB-C.
Features:
- Driverless browser-based configuration
- Live configuration and diagnostics
- Persistent flash storage
- No external software required
WebConfig v0.2.0 — gesture engine, hold-to-dim, scenes, 12-bit gamma, and relay FOLLOW (USB-C; settings stored in flash).
Minimal ESPHome YAML (Controller side)
Use this on the MiniPLC/MicroPLC (ESPHome). It enables the RS-485 bus and imports the RGB-621-R1 package.
uart:
id: uart_modbus
tx_pin: 17
rx_pin: 16
baud_rate: 19200
parity: NONE
stop_bits: 1
modbus:
id: modbus_bus
uart_id: uart_modbus
turnaround_time: 100ms
send_wait_time: 250ms
packages:
rgb1:
url: https://github.com/isystemsautomation/homemaster-dev
ref: main
files:
- path: RGB-621-R1/Firmware/v0.2.0/default_rgb_621_r1_plc/default_rgb_621_r1_plc.yaml
vars:
rgb_prefix: "RGB#1"
rgb_id: rgb_1
rgb_address: 3
refresh: 1d
ESPHome 2026.7.0 raised the Modbus client defaults —
turnaround_timefrom 100 ms to 600 ms andsend_wait_timefrom 250 ms to 2000 ms (PR #11969).At the 600 ms default the bus carries only about 1.5 Modbus transactions per second, whatever the UART speed, because the controller stays silent for 600 ms after every response. Two modules on one RS-485 bus become slow to respond. With three or more, one module can stop being polled altogether — with no timeout and no CRC error in the log.
On ESPHome 2026.7.0 and newer, set both values explicitly as shown above. On earlier releases these were the defaults and the two lines are not required.
rgb_address must match the Modbus address configured in WebConfig.
Full Modbus register map and integration details are in the RGB-621-R1 README.
Documentation
The RGB-621-R1 is open-source hardware. Hardware and firmware files are available.
Hardware Documentation
| File | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Field board schematic | RGB-621-R1 field I/O / power stage | RGB-621-R1-FieldBoard.pdf |
| MCU board schematic | RGB-621-R1 controller / MCU board | RGB-621-R1-MCUBoard.pdf |
| Datasheet (RGB-621-R1) | Module specifications and electrical characteristics | Download datasheet (PDF) |
Compliance Documents
| File | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) | Signed EU Declaration of Conformity per Reg. (EC) 765/2008 and Decision 768/2008/EC | DoC_RGB-621-R1.pdf |
| Datasheet | Technical specifications and electrical characteristics | RGB-621-R1_Datasheet.pdf |
Firmware & Software
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Firmware Source Code | Firmware and configuration tools | GitHub repository |
| Integration Guide | Setup and configuration documentation | README.md |
| WebConfig Tool | Browser-based configuration interface | Built-in USB interface |
Cabling and Wirings
Power Supply
Module power (V+ / 0V): The RGB-621-R1 logic and communication operate from 24 V DC SELV/PELV only. Connect +24 V and 0 V (GND) to the terminals marked V+ and 0V (top block).
LED power (+ / −): The LED supply terminals (LED PS or + / − on the top block) accept 12 V or 24 V DC. Use a separate supply for the LED strip; supported LED strips are 12/24 V DC common-anode.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Module (V+ / 0V) | 24 V DC ±10 % (20–30 V) — logic and module only |
| LED supply (+ / −) | 12 V or 24 V DC — for LED strip; separate from module power |
| Protection | PTC fuses, reverse polarity (STPS340U), TVS (SMBJ33A) |
| Ground reference | Field return GND_FUSED; do not bridge to logic GND externally |
Terminal Block Layout
Top row (LED PS | 24Vdc | RELAY | DI 24Vdc)
| Pos | Label | Group | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | + | LED_PS | LED PSU positive (12 or 24 V) |
| 2 | - | LED_PS | LED PSU negative |
| 3 | V+ | POWER | 24 V DC input |
| 4 | 0V | POWER | 24 V DC return |
| 5 | NO | RELAY | Relay normally open |
| 6 | C | RELAY | Relay common |
| 7 | I1 | DI | Input 1 |
| 8 | GND | DI | Input return |
| 9 | I2 | DI | Input 2 |
Bottom row (LED | RS-485)
| Pos | Label | Group | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | + | LED_OUT | Common anode for all channels |
| 2 | R | LED_OUT | Red channel |
| 3 | G | LED_OUT | Green channel |
| 4 | B | LED_OUT | Blue channel |
| 5 | CW | LED_OUT | Cool white channel |
| 6 | WW | LED_OUT | Warm white channel |
| 7 | COM | RS485 | RS-485 signal reference |
| 8 | A | RS485 | RS-485 data + |
| 9 | B | RS485 | RS-485 data - |
Ports & service interfaces
| Id | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C | USB-C is for WebConfig setup and firmware update. It may be connected at any time, including while the module is powered from its 24 V supply. Not a field power or data bus. |
Housing notes
- Relay is SPST-NO. There is no NC terminal - this is not an SPDT equivalent.
- LED channels are labelled R G B CW WW, not CH1..CH5.
- Common anode: one + terminal shared by all five channels.
- The LED strip needs its own PSU on LED PS. The module supply cannot power it.
Top block: LED + / − (12 or 24 V DC LED supply), V+ / 0V (24 V DC module supply), Relay NO/C, I1 / GND / I2 (digital inputs). Bottom block: R, G, B, CW, WW (low-side PWM), COM (LED + common, 12/24 V), A, B, COM (RS-485).
LED Output Wiring
LED channels (R, G, B, CW, WW) are low-side PWM sinks. Connect the LED strip + to COM (positive from your 12 or 24 V LED supply) and each color cathode to its channel. Supported LED strips: 12/24 V DC common-anode. LED PS accepts 12 or 24 V DC up to 10 A per module (shipping board). Size the external LED PSU for strip length and W/m. Do not share with module logic supply.
LED Strip Connections
RGB Connection
- Connect the LED strip common positive (12/24 V) to the COM terminal.
- Connect individual channels: R → Red, G → Green, B → Blue.
- All outputs are low-side switching (sinking), meaning the module controls the negative side of each LED channel.
RGB + CW Connection
- Same as RGB, with an additional CW → Cool White channel.
- Used for tunable white + RGB applications.
RGB + CW + WW (RGBCCT)
- Full 5-channel configuration: R, G, B, CW, WW.
- LED strip must be common-anode (shared positive via COM).
- This is the native operating mode of the module.
CWWW (Dual White)
- Only CW and WW channels are used.
- Allows color temperature control (CCT) without RGB.
Relay Wiring
Dry-contact relay output (C / NO). Rated load (system limit): 3 A @ 250 V AC (resistive); max 750 VA @ 250 V AC, 90 W @ 30 V DC. For inductive loads, add an external flyback diode or RC snubber. Keep relay conductors away from signal wiring.
⚠️ External protection required: The relay output MUST be protected by an external fuse or circuit breaker sized for the load and wiring. Relay output circuits are not internally fused. External overcurrent protection is mandatory for safe operation.
⚠️ Hazardous voltage: Relay terminals may carry mains AC or high-voltage DC depending on the connected load. Installation and servicing must be performed by qualified personnel in accordance with local electrical codes.
Digital Input Wiring
Inputs use an ISO1212 IEC 61131-2 digital-input front-end (not galvanic isolation). Connect potential-free (dry) contacts — wall switches, push buttons, or relay / open-collector / transistor outputs that simply close I1/I2 to GND. The module supplies the wetting current from its own 24 V rail; do not feed external voltage into the input. Three-wire sensors must be powered from your own supply, with their switching output wired to the input (the module provides no sensor-supply rail). Each input has a PTC fuse, TVS, and reverse protection.
RS-485 / Modbus RTU
Terminal order differs across the HomeMaster range. Always read the silkscreen - do not wire by habit from another module. On this module the order is COM-A-B. Swapping A and B damages nothing but the node will not communicate. COM is required on every node.
All HomeMaster controllers and modules share the same RS-485 front end.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Transceiver | MAX485CSA+T, half-duplex |
| Galvanic isolation | None — the transceiver shares the device's logic ground |
| Common-mode range | −7 V … +12 V referred to the device's own ground (MAX485 limit) |
| Terminals | A / B / COM |
| Surge protection | 3 × SMAJ6.8CA TVS (A–COM, B–COM, A–B) |
| Overcurrent | 2 × resettable PTC, 1.5 A hold, in series with A and B |
| EMI filtering | Common-mode choke on the A/B pair; COM referenced through 1 MΩ ∥ 4.7 nF |
| Idle state | Fail-safe biasing on board — do not add external bias resistors |
| Termination | 120 Ω at the two physical ends of the bus only |
Bus wiring rules — apply to every device on the bus:
- One twisted pair for A/B, 120 Ω characteristic impedance.
- Run COM to every node. Required, not optional: the ports are not isolated, and COM is what bounds the common-mode voltage the transceivers see.
- Prefer one power supply for the whole bus, distributed in star topology. With separate supplies, additionally tie the 0 V references together at a single point.
- Bond the cable shield to cabinet PE at one end only. Never land a shield on A, B or COM.
- Where the bus crosses into a different electrical installation with its own earthing reference — a utility or billing meter, another building, another cabinet's PE system — fit an external galvanic RS-485 isolator at that boundary. The on-board components are transient protection, not isolation, and will not survive a sustained ground-potential difference.
Cable Recommendations & Shield Grounding
General Routing Rules
- Route low-level signal cables (RS-485, DI) separately from power and LED wiring.
- If crossing power cables is unavoidable, cross at 90°.
- Keep cable runs as short as practical; avoid parallel runs with high-current conductors.
RS-485 (Modbus) Cable
- Twisted pair recommended (120 Ω characteristic impedance).
- Shielded cable recommended in industrial environments.
- Use one twisted pair for A/B and a third conductor for COM. COM must be run to every node.
- Examples: J-Y(ST)Y 2×2×0.5 mm² or LI2YCY PiMF 2×2×0.50.
Shield Grounding
- Bond cable shield(s) to cabinet PE/EMC ground at one end (PLC side recommended).
- Do not connect shields directly to signal terminals (A/B/COM).
System Architecture & Pinout
Safety and Installation Notes
- Module logic: use only SELV/PELV 24 V DC on V+ / 0V. LED supply (+ / −) can be 12 or 24 V DC.
- Install inside control cabinet; protect wiring terminals from accidental contact.
- Each module must have its own 24 V DC supply for V+ / 0V; do not bridge GND_FUSED and logic GND externally.
- Never connect mains voltage to any terminal.
- Use upstream fusing and snubbers for inductive loads on the relay.
- Size LED supply and wiring for the strip load (length × W/m), within the LED PS ceiling of 10 A per module; use appropriate external fusing.
- Installation and servicing by qualified personnel only.
Compliance & Certifications
The RGB-621-R1 module is CE marked. ISYSTEMS AUTOMATION S.R.L. (HomeMaster® brand) maintains the technical documentation and a signed EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) available for download in the Documents and Resources section above.
- EMC Directive 2014/30/EU — EN 55032:2015 (Class B emissions), EN 55035:2017 (immunity), tested by Idvorsky Laboratories Ltd. (Job #1648)
- Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU — EN 62368-1:2020 + A11:2020, in-house dielectric and isolation testing by ISYSTEMS AUTOMATION compliance laboratory
- RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU — EN IEC 63000 technical documentation
- HomeMaster® — registered EU trademark (EUTM No. 019082911, EUIPO, registered 15 January 2025)
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