Doug Fleenor Design

What Doug Fleenor Design does

Doug Fleenor Design (DFD) is a privately held US manufacturer of DMX512 distribution, interface, and control equipment for the entertainment lighting industry, founded in 1990 by principal engineer Doug Fleenor in Arroyo Grande, California. The company designs, builds, and services its products in the USA, and sells through a global network of theatrical lighting distributors and dealers supplemented by a direct Shopify storefront for select items. Its catalog spans the full DMX512 ecosystem — optical isolators and isolation amplifiers (Model 121, DMXOPTO, DIN-rail units), DMX/RDM splitters (3- to 12-output configurations), Ethernet-to-DMX and Ethernet-to-Ethernet interfaces (E2E, NODE), Ethernet-controlled relays, protocol converters (DMX to DALI, Microplex/LMX, AMX192, Strand D54, analog 0-10V, RS-232, iPlayer), standalone consoles (Preset 8/10/12/18, RERUN, ES2, Apathy Minus), wireless DMX (Marconi TX/SP/LV), DMX testers (GIZMO, DMXTSTR), terminators, dimmers, and LED power supplies.

The company's technology is centered on signal integrity and protocol interoperability: hardware features include 2500V optical isolation, Tranzorb transient protection, slew-rate-limited outputs, RDM bidirectional communication, and support for DMX512-A alongside ArtNet, sACN (E1.31), DALI, KiNeT, Strand Shownet, and legacy analog/digital protocols. Custom and OEM design services complement the standard catalog, with past projects including confetti cannon controllers, fountain solenoid interfaces, Kabuki drop controllers, MRI optical isolation systems, and bespoke DMX512 solutions for marquee entertainment clients (Disney theme parks and studios, Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, Buena Vista Pictures) and OEM partners (ETC, HighEnd Systems, Strand Lighting, Lutron). Products carry a five-year parts-and-labor warranty, well above typical industry terms, and non-warranty repairs are offered at a flat $50 fee plus shipping.

DFD's business model combines unit-priced hardware sales through distributors with project-quoted custom/OEM work and a small recurring repair-services stream from its installed base. Marketing is largely specifier-driven, relying on extensive technical documentation, founder-authored educational content (Doug Fleenor as "Dr. Mux"), and trade show presence at USITT and IAAPA. The company is a member of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), operates exclusively as an independent founder-owned business with no identified institutional investment, parent company, M&A activity, or executive leadership changes on record.

Name

Doug Fleenor Design

Legal name

Doug Fleenor Design

Website

https://dfd.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Doug Fleenor Design manufactures DMX512 distribution, interface, and control equipment — splitters, isolators, protocol converters, Ethernet interfaces, consoles, and testers — for the entertainment lighting industry, sold through global theatrical lighting distributors and supplemented by custom/OEM design services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Arroyo Grande

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Standard Product Sales: Doug Fleenor Design manufactures and sells a comprehensive catalog of DMX512 distribution, interface, and control equipment through theatrical lighting distributors globally. Products include splitters, isolators, mergers, protocol converters, dimmers, relay controllers, architectural control stations, and DMX testers. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales at price points set per unit model. Products are available through distributors worldwide and directly from the company for select items.
2. Custom and OEM Product Design/Manufacturing: The company provides custom design and OEM manufacturing services for unique entertainment industry problems. Custom projects include specialized controllers, protocol interfaces, and bespoke solutions for major entertainment clients. Revenue generated through custom project quotation and one-time OEM manufacturing.
3. Repair Services: The company provides repair services for its products. Warranty repairs are covered for manufacturing defects under a five-year parts and labor warranty. Non-warranty repairs are made for a fixed $50.00 fee plus shipping. This provides a recurring service revenue stream from the installed base.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Doug Fleenor Design manufactures and sells a comprehensive catalog of DMX512 distribution, isolation, interface, conversion, and control equipment for the entertainment lighting industry. The product line includes DMX512 splitters, isolators, mergers, electronic patch bays, protocol converters (ArtNet, sACN, DALI, Microplex, AMX192, Strand D54, RS-232, 0-10V analog), Ethernet-to-DMX gateways, RDM addressing tools, architectural preset consoles and recorders, DMX line testers, and terminators, all backed by a five-year warranty. The company also offers custom design and OEM manufacturing services for unique entertainment-industry control problems.

Product overview

Doug Fleenor Design manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of DMX512 distribution, interface, and control equipment for the entertainment lighting industry. Founded in 1990, the company's offerings span isolators (DMXOPTO, Model 121 series), splitters (3/4/5/7/11/12-output configurations including RDM-enabled variants), Ethernet interfaces (E2E, E1REL20A, NODE), protocol converters (DMX to DALI, Microplex, Analog, AMX192, Strand D54), DMX consoles (Preset 8/10/12/18, RERUN, ES2), test equipment (GIZMO, DMXTSTR, DMXdoohickey), and power supplies. The product line uses protocols including DMX512-A, ArtNet, sACN/E1.31, RDM, DALI, and KiNeT. The company differentiates through custom/OEM design services and NEMA-enclosure mounting options. All standard products carry a five-year warranty and are designed, built, and serviced in the USA.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DMX512 Isolation Amplifier Model 121 Series DMX512 isolation amplifier with separate input and output power supplies, capable of receiving signals as low as 0.2 volts. Available in single, dual, and quad configurations for multi-universe systems, providing 2500V optical isolation and 1500V split-bobbin transformer protection for entertainment lighting installations.
• DMXOPTO Inline Isolator Inline optical isolator for DMX512 signal isolation in cable runs, providing ground-loop and electrical-noise isolation in entertainment lighting installations.
• DINTAP / DININTR DIN-Rail Interfaces DIN-rail mounted DMX512 interfaces with outputs including dry contact relay closure, open collector optical coupler, and DMX512 opto-isolator; supports 0-10V analog and RS-232 on a custom basis for permanent installation environments.
• E2E Ethernet to Ethernet Interface Lighting protocol conversion device supporting four universes of data with E1.31 sACN, draft sACN, ArtNet, Strand Shownet, and KiNeT protocols, configurable per port with DHCP or IPv4 fixed addressing via an internal web server, enabling multi-system interoperability in entertainment lighting installations.
• E1REL20A Ethernet Relay Ethernet-controlled relay using ArtNet and sACN (E1.31) protocols to switch up to 20 amp line voltage loads, with a 30 amp dry contact air-gap relay; available in multiple enclosure options including JBOX and 2POLE variants for architectural and entertainment installations.
• E8ANL-DIN 8-Channel Ethernet to Analog Interface Eight-channel Ethernet to analog interface for converting ArtNet and sACN signals to 0-10V analog control, used to drive analog-controlled fixtures from an Ethernet-based lighting network.
• NODE Ethernet/DMX Interface Ethernet to DMX512 interface for bidirectional communication between Ethernet-based lighting control networks and DMX512 devices, used to bridge Ethernet consoles and DMX-only fixtures.
• DMX Splitter Series (123 / 124 / 125 / 127 / 1211 / 1212) DMX512 splitters available in 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, and 12 output configurations, including enhanced versions (125EE / 125EE-WALL) and RDM-enabled models for bidirectional DMX communication, used to fan a single DMX input to multiple isolated outputs.
• RR Electronic Patch Bay Electronic patch bay for DMX512 signal routing and switching between multiple input and output sources, used for flexible signal routing in entertainment lighting installations.
• 221E DMX Merger Enhanced DMX512 merger supporting 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 input configurations with highest-takes-precedence combining, available in wall mount and JBOX enclosures for combining multiple DMX control sources.
• GIZMO DMX512 Test Box Portable DMX512 line tester and playback device featuring transmit, receive, save and playback capabilities, with a 16-character display, optically isolated input, slew-rate limited output, NiMH rechargeable battery (4 hours), 100 scene storage, and firmware update capability via PIC microprocessor.
• DMXTSTR DMX512 Line Tester Pocket-sized DMX512 line tester that instantly displays the presence of +/- data on DMX lines and feed-through connectors; powered by the DMX line itself for field troubleshooting.
• DMX Terminator Series (TERM / T2 / T-45) DMX512 terminators in XLR (3/4/5 pin) and RJ-45 configurations; TERM includes transient absorbers, RFI protection, and LED indicator; T2 is an economy version; T-45 is for RJ-45 style connectors used with Color Kinetics and Martin fixtures.
• DMX512 Consoles (Preset Series, RERUN, ES2, Apathy Minus) Standalone DMX512 control stations including Preset 8/10/12/18 snapshot playback consoles, RERUN architectural recorder/playback system storing up to ten 40-minute shows, ES2 Entry Station Two, and Apathy Minus single-channel controller for architectural and live entertainment control.
• RAD Remote Addressing Device Remote Device Management (RDM) tool for setting DMX addresses on compatible RDM-enabled products; RAD-ZIPI variant available for Altman Spectra PAR and Color Kinetics ColorBlast fixtures.
• DMX2DALI Interface DMX512 to DALI converter with opto-isolated input and two DALI output ports, each capable of addressing 64 DALI devices, supporting broadcast mode, stand-alone operation, and fixture addressing for DALI-controlled architectural fixtures.
• DMX2MPX Microplex/LMX Interface DMX512 to Microplex converter supporting Sunn, ETA, NSI, Leprecon, Lightronics, LMX 64, LMX 128, Multiplex, and Ultraplex formats with jumper-configurable output timings, used to integrate legacy analog consoles into modern DMX systems.
• DMX96ANL / DMX12ANL DMX to Analog Converters DMX512 to 0-10V analog converters available in 12-channel and 96-channel versions; each output can source or sink up to 15mA with optical isolation from the DMX input.
• DMX2iPLAY Interface DMX512 to iPlayer interface converting DMX512 signals to RS-232 commands for Color Kinetics iPlayer 2, iPlayer 3, and Light System Manager products.
• DMXDECELERATOR II DMX512 isolator and re-timing device that produces relaxed timing output signals required by non-compliant DMX receiving devices.
• DMX96OC 96-Channel Open Collector Interface DMX512 to open-collector converter driving 96 consecutive channels for solenoids and relays; each output sinks up to 100mA with optical isolation and miswiring protection up to 120 volts.
• 2322DMX RS-232 to DMX Interface Bidirectional RS-232 to DMX512 interface allowing A/V control systems and computers to operate DMX512 devices via ASCII protocol communication at 9600 baud, with preset recording and playback capabilities.
• LED Power Supplies (LED100 / LED300 / LED400 / LED600) 24V power supplies available in 100W (battery/wirewall capable), 300W, 400W, and 600W capacities for LED lighting installations.
• Rack Kits (RK Series) Rack mounting kits for installing DFD products in 19-inch equipment racks; available in various sizes (RK6-1, RK8-1, RK16-1) to accommodate different product widths.
• JBOX Factory Mounting Service Factory mounting service placing products in NEMA Type I enclosures (12x12x4 or 12x18x4) with high/low voltage separation barriers for immediate on-site installation.
• Marconi Wireless DMX512 System Wireless DMX512 system including Marconi TX transmitter, Marconi SP 3-way splitter, and Marconi LV low voltage receiver for wireless DMX distribution where running cable is impractical.
• DMX Dimmers (DMX8DIM / DMX12DIM-ELV / DMX24DIM) DMX-controlled dimmers in 8-channel NEMA1, 12-channel, and 24-channel configurations for direct DMX-driven dimming of lighting loads in entertainment and architectural applications.
• DMX Relay Controllers (DMX1REL20A / DMX6REL / DMX2REL5A / DMX6REL1A) DMX-controlled relay controllers in 1-channel, 2-channel, and 6-channel line- and low-voltage configurations for switching non-dimmed loads from a DMX512 signal.
• EDISON 25-Lamp Arrayable Fixture 25-lamp arrayable lighting fixture produced by Doug Fleenor Design for entertainment lighting applications.
• Wall Plates (WP-O / WP-I Passive XLR; DFDNET Buffered DMX) Passive XLR wall plates (WP-O / WP-I) and buffered DMX512 wall plates (DFDNET) for terminating DMX runs at architectural faceplates.
• Custom Design and OEM Manufacturing Services Custom design and OEM manufacturing services for unique entertainment-industry problems. Past projects include confetti cannon controllers, fountain solenoid interfaces, Kabuki drop controllers, MRI optical isolation systems, and a custom single-universe remote A/B switch for a Paris theme park. Serves major entertainment clients including Disney, Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and entertainment equipment OEMs such as ETC, High End Systems, Strand Lighting, and Lutron.

Quantifiable outcome

• Hundreds of Preset 10 units installed globally
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Pacific Lighting LTD (Hong Kong)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer representing Doug Fleenor Design products in Hong Kong. Located in Chai Wan.
• Ushio Lighting Inc. (Japan)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer representing Doug Fleenor Design products in Japan. Located in Ibaraki.
• Audio Light Asia PTE LTD (Singapore)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer representing Doug Fleenor Design products in Singapore.
• Desisti Asia PTE LTD (Singapore)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer representing Doug Fleenor Design products in Singapore.
• Pacific Lighting Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer representing Doug Fleenor Design products in Singapore.
• C&C Lightway (South Korea)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer representing Doug Fleenor Design products in South Korea. Located in Seoul.
• Technopro LLC (UAE)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer representing Doug Fleenor Design products in the United Arab Emirates. Located in Dubai.
• TMB (UK)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational dealer representing Doug Fleenor Design products in the United Kingdom and Western Europe. Located in Southall, England.
• Pro Audio Video, Inc (USA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline-only dealer covering South America and Mexico markets. Located in Florida, USA.
• Full Compass (USA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline-only US and Canada dealer storefront for Doug Fleenor Design products.
• Stage Lighting Store (USA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline-only US and Canada dealer storefront for Doug Fleenor Design products.
• TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)minorOthersDoug Fleenor Design is a proud member of the Themed Entertainment Association, indicating alignment with the theme park and attraction industry which is a significant customer segment.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• City Theatrical: US-based manufacturer of DMX splitters, wireless DMX, RDM tools, and entertainment lighting accessories. Closely mirrors DFD's DMX distribution, isolation, and wireless DMX product lines for the same theatrical and architectural customers.
• Goddard Design: Long-standing specialty manufacturer of DMX512 splitters, isolators, mergers, and protocol interfaces for entertainment lighting. Direct competitor in DMX distribution hardware with overlapping OEM and theatrical customers.
• LSC Lighting Systems: Australian manufacturer of DMX splitters, mergers, dimmers, and power distribution for entertainment lighting. Comparable product breadth and dealer-mediated GTM in the same DMX distribution niche.
• Artistic Licence: UK-based specialist in DMX/RDM, ArtNet, and sACN gateways, splitters, and protocol converters. Highly comparable as a protocol-bridging specialist serving theatres, studios, and architectural installations.
• Pathway Connectivity (Acuity Brands): Manufacturer of DMX/RDM networking, gateways, and architectural lighting interfaces (now part of Acuity Brands). Direct overlap with DFD's DMX distribution and protocol conversion products for fixed-installation and theatrical markets.
• ELC Lighting: Manufacturer of DMX splitters, mergers, and show-control interfaces used in theatre and live entertainment. Closely comparable niche specialty manufacturer competing for the same integrator spec.
• Swisson: Swiss maker of DMX measurement, splitters, and RDM tools for entertainment lighting professionals. Comparable as a specialist DMX hardware vendor serving production and rental users.
• LumenRadio: Sweden-based specialist in wireless DMX/RDM and CRMX distribution products for entertainment lighting. Direct peer in the protocol distribution layer with strong overlap on RDM-enabled distribution hardware.

Broad incumbents

• Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC): Major full-line theatrical and architectural lighting control manufacturer offering consoles, splitters, gateways, and architectural stations. Broader incumbent overlapping DFD in distribution and consoles but with a much wider product portfolio.
• MA Lighting: German manufacturer of grandMA lighting control consoles and networking products widely used in entertainment and broadcast. Adjacent incumbent that competes indirectly with DFD for the same lighting-control specification.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DFleenorDesign
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/doug-fleenor-design-incorporated

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Doug Fleenor Design