GL-C-015WL-D
Gledopto GL-C-015WL-D ESP32 WLED Controller 15A with Mic
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Buy on Shopee → ↓ Download installation manual (PDF)Overview
The GL-C-015WL-D ships with WLED firmware pre-installed. Connect power, connect your addressable LED strip to GPIO16 and join WiFi, and the controller is live in under two minutes. It needs no hub, cloud service or account.
The built-in digital microphone enables real-time music-reactive effects via the WLED AudioReactive usermod. The UART port on the board allows serial firmware flashing and debugging with a USB data cable, useful for custom WLED builds or ESPHome migrations. The case must be opened to reach it. For the identical hardware with a USB Type-C UART port instead, see the GL-C-016WL-D.
15A total output handles medium to long addressable strip runs. Two output channels: GPIO16 (primary data) and GPIO2 (secondary). The on-board regulator and MOSFET relay mean no separate 5V USB is needed, and the relay cuts power to the strip outputs when WLED is off.
Technical Specifications
| Model | GL-C-015WL-D |
|---|---|
| Chip | ESP32 (dual-core, 240MHz) |
| Wireless | WiFi 2.4GHz (802.11 b/g/n): no Zigbee |
| Firmware | WLED (pre-installed): also accepts ESPHome |
| Input Voltage | DC 5V – 24V (constant voltage) |
| Total Output Current | 15A max (shared across all channels) |
| Per-Channel Output | 10A max |
| Output Channels | GPIO16 (primary) · GPIO2 (secondary), plus one extended GPIO input pin |
| Max ICs | 800 |
| Microphone | Built-in digital mic (AudioReactive usermod) |
| UART Port | Micro-B USB (serial firmware flash / debug) |
| Standby | Relay cuts power to the strip outputs when WLED is off |
| Dimensions | 108 × 45 × 18mm |
| IP Rating | IP20 (indoor) |
| Operating Temp | −20°C to +45°C |
| Safety Mark | N/A: not Safety Mark certified |
Supported LED Strip Protocols
The GL-C-015WL-D supports all single-wire addressable (NeoPixel-style) protocols. It is not compatible with analogue (non-addressable) LED strips.
| Protocol | Notes |
|---|---|
| WS2812B / WS2812 / WS2813 / WS2815 | Most common: 5V or 12V variants |
| SK6812 (RGBW / RGBNW) | 4-channel including white |
| WS2811 | 12V addressable, 3-LED pixel groups |
| SM16703P | Compatible single-wire protocol |
| TM1814 | RGBW, 12V |
| FCOB / COB addressable | Check WLED device page for configuration |
Maximum 800 ICs per output. For longer runs, use power injection at multiple points and set the WLED LED count per segment accordingly.
Home Assistant Integration
WLED integrates with Home Assistant via the native WLED integration (no YAML, no custom component). Once the controller is on your network, Home Assistant auto-discovers it and creates a light entity with full brightness, colour, and effect control.
Advanced users can also flash ESPHome directly via the Micro-B UART port to use ESPHome entities and automations. This means opening the case and connecting a USB data cable, then using the ESPHome CLI or dashboard.
Supported control methods: WLED web UI · WLED iOS/Android app · Home Assistant (WLED integration) · MQTT · HTTP JSON API · E1.31/Art-Net DMX (network)
Wiring: Addressable LED Strip
For a standard single-wire addressable strip (e.g. WS2812B at 5V or 12V):
| Terminal / Pin | Connect to |
|---|---|
| V+ (input) | PSU positive (5V, 12V, or 24V DC) |
| V− (input) | PSU negative / ground |
| GPIO16 (data) | Strip DIN (data in): primary channel |
| Strip GND | Shared PSU ground (run a GND wire alongside data) |
| GPIO2 | Optional second strip DIN: secondary channel |
Always share a common ground between the PSU, controller, and LED strip. For strips over 2–3m, inject power directly at the strip (not only through the controller) and keep data and ground wires short. Use a constant-voltage PSU rated at least 20% above total strip load.
FAQ
Does this work without a hub?
Yes, WLED runs fully local over WiFi. No Zigbee coordinator, no Philips Hue bridge, and no cloud account is needed. Control via the WLED web UI or app directly. Home Assistant integration is optional.
What is the difference between GL-C-015WL-D and GL-C-016WL-D?
Hardware revision only. The GL-C-016WL-D has a USB Type-C UART port (versus Micro-B here) and orange housing. All performance specs are identical: ESP32, 15A, microphone, strip support. Choose Type-C if you prefer not to keep a Micro-B cable.
Can I flash ESPHome instead of WLED?
Yes. Open the case, connect a USB data cable to the UART port, and flash ESPHome via the CLI or dashboard. On units with a Micro-B socket, the manual says to remove the jumper cap first and refit it afterwards. The ESP32 is fully accessible. Pre-flashed WLED configuration is not preserved after a reflash.
Does the microphone work out of the box?
Yes, the AudioReactive usermod is pre-enabled in the WLED firmware on this unit. Apply any AudioReactive effect preset and the mic is active immediately. No additional configuration is required for basic music sync.
How long a strip can I run?
Depends on strip voltage and wattage per metre. At 12V with WS2812B at 9W/m: 15A ÷ (9W ÷ 12V) ≈ 20m before derating. Always apply 20% thermal headroom. For runs over 5m, inject power at both the start and end of the strip: do not run all current through the controller's output terminals.