12V 6-Channel Forward / Reverse LED Chaser with Multi-Board Sync
Out of the box this board runs a 4-LED forward and reverse chase — no programming, no configuration. Connect 12V power and your LEDs and it starts immediately. Two further modes are available by bridging a solder pad on the board.
Every board carries a quartz crystal that locks its timing. Install ten boards across a building and they all run the same pattern at the same moment — with no data cable, no DMX and no master/slave wiring between them. Simply switch every board on together.
Why ordinary chasers drift apart
Most chaser boards are timed by an internal RC oscillator, which varies from chip to chip. Two boards switched on together will visibly separate within seconds. A quartz crystal is accurate to a few parts per million, so every board holds the same rate and they stay together for hours.
Three Operating Modes
The solder pads are marked in the product images.
Key Features
- Forward & Reverse Chasing — the LED block travels in both directions, not one way only
- Multi-Board Sync — ten or more boards stay locked together, with no wiring between them
- Three Modes — 4-LED forward/reverse (default), 2-LED forward/reverse, or 60 Action
- 200 LEDs Per Channel — 4 bunches per port, 1,200 LEDs across the board
- Negative Output — MOSFET low-side switching, common-positive wiring
- Factory-Set Speed — required for multi-board sync, explained below
- Plug & Play — runs from a 12V SMPS or a 12V battery, no software or app
Why the speed is factory-set
This board deliberately has no speed knob. If every unit could be set to a different speed, two boards would never run together and multi-board sync would be meaningless. The speed is therefore fixed in the factory and is identical on every board.
Specifications
| Channels | 6 |
| Input Voltage | 12V DC only |
| Output Type | Negative switching (common positive) |
| Load Per Channel | 200 LEDs — 4 bunches, approx. 40W |
| Total Load | 1,200 LEDs — approx. 240W |
| Designs | 60 actions in the optional playlist mode |
| Speed | Factory-set, identical on every board |
| Synchronisation | Quartz crystal, wireless, unlimited boards |
| LED Type | 12V single colour — strip or 50-LED bunch |
| Mode Selection | Solder pads on board |
Power Supply
Each port drives a maximum of 200 LEDs (4 bunches, roughly 40W). A fully loaded board carries about 24 bunches, or 240W in total. We recommend one 12V 600W SMPS per board — a unit sold as "600W" typically delivers around 400W in practice, which leaves a comfortable margin.
Wiring
- Connect 12V power from an SMPS or battery: VCC to +ve, GND to -ve.
- Join the positive (+ve) wires of all LEDs together and connect them to the supply +ve terminal.
- Connect the negative (-ve) wire of each LED line to the six output channels in sequence. The outputs switch the negative side.
- Use at least 1.5 mm cable from the SMPS output. For bunches spaced about one foot apart, run a 1.5 mm common bus; individual taps may be thinner.
- When installing several boards, switch them all on from one supply or one switch so they start together.
- Apply power — the chase starts automatically.
Applications
- Building and society decoration where several boards run side by side
- Diwali decoration and wedding lighting
- Waterfall effects and sign board lighting
- LED strip running effects, shop borders and stage borders
Complete Your Setup
- 12V Single-Colour LED (strip or 50-LED bunch) — browse all options: 12V Single Colour LED Collection. Popular choice: Copper SMD LED String (50 LED Bunch)
- 12V 600W SMPS — 12V 600W Rainproof Heavy Duty SMPS
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it run both forward and reverse?
Yes. In the default mode a block of four LEDs travels forward and then back, repeating continuously. A 2-LED forward/reverse mode is also provided.
Can two or more boards run the same pattern together?
Yes. Each board has a quartz crystal that locks its timing, so no signal cable, DMX or master/slave setup is needed. Just switch every board on at the same time.
Why is the speed not adjustable?
Synchronisation requires every board to run at exactly the same speed. A speed knob would put each board on a slightly different setting and they would never stay together.
Which mode does the board start in?
With no pad bridged it runs 4-LED forward/reverse. Bridging the 2-LED pad selects 2-LED forward/reverse, and bridging the ACTION pad selects the 60 Action playlist.
Will it drive pixel LED or WS2812?
No. This board is for 12V single-colour LED only — strip or 50-LED bunch.