GLEDOPTO AeX2gis Dual-Channel WLED Controller (GL-C-116WL / GL-C-116WL-RF)

Meet the next generation of open-source addressable LED control. The GLEDOPTO AeX2gis GL-C-116WL series evolves GLEDOPTO’s dual-output WLED hardware with critical architectural upgrades: independent dual relays, an expanded 20A continuous power stage, standardized I2S digital audio sensing, and dedicated DIY sensor/button headers.

Engineered for pixel installations (WS2812B, WS2811, SK6812, WS2815), it arrives factory-flashed with native WLED firmware, delivering instant out-of-the-box integration with Home Assistant, local web controls, and dynamic sound-reactive effects without manual firmware compiles.

What’s New in the AeX2gis Generation

• True Dual-Relay Isolation: Unlike earlier dual-channel controllers that relied on a single shared relay, the GL-C-116WL features two independent hardware relays (Relay0: GPIO21 and Relay1: GPIO19). Shutting down one zone physically cuts standby power to that specific strip, eliminating parasitic idle draw without affecting the active channel.

• Upgraded 20A Power Capacity: The internal power bus and trace layout have been redesigned to handle up to 20A total output (10A max per channel). Run two high-density strips simultaneously at full load without board-level thermal throttling.

• Expanded Physical Remote Options (ESP-NOW vs. 2.4GHz RF):

  • The base GL-C-116WL pairs natively with WLED ESP-NOW remotes like the GL-RC-001WL, giving you fast, hub-free wireless handheld control directly over Wi-Fi channels.

  • The upgraded GL-C-116WL-RF adds a dedicated 2.4GHz RF receiver module, supporting both ESP-NOW remotes and legacy/standard GLEDOPTO 2.4GHz RF remotes and wall panels (e.g., GL-RC-009S, GL-RC-208) for zero-latency, wall-switch-style family operation.

• Refined Digital AudioReactive Circuit: Gone are the analog microphone quirks of previous iterations. The board integrates a digital Generic PDM I2S microphone mapped directly to GPIO32 (I2S SD) and GPIO15 (I2S WS), ensuring instant, low-latency beat synchronization with mainline WLED AudioReactive presets.

• Dedicated DIY Automation Header: Added exposed expansion terminals for IO5, IO18, and IO33 (3.3V logic) alongside an auxiliary 5V / 300mA power tap, making it simple to wire physical push-buttons, toggle switches, or external PIR presence sensors.

• Versatile Triple-Input Power Architecture: Power your project via high-current screw terminals (up to 20A), a DC 5.5×2.1mm barrel jack (up to 5A), or a convenient USB Type-C port (5V/3A) for workbench testing and flashing.

Key Features

• Dual Data Outputs: Drive two addressable zones independently via dedicated data pins (IO2 and IO16) supporting up to 800 ICs per line (1,600 ICs total).

• Native Smart Home & Local Control: Discovers seamlessly in Home Assistant, MQTT, and E1.31/DDP networks. Configure segment maps, color palettes, and 100+ effects via the native WLED app or web browser.

• Onboard Fuse & Relay Protection: Built-in hardware fusing paired with relay switching protects low-voltage strips from continuous current stress when inactive.