Using dmx 512 (Hardware) controller for WS2811 pixel leds

Some considerations:

  1. According to https://community.element14.com/technologies/open-source-hardware/b/blog/posts/dmx-explained-dmx512-and-rs-485-protocol-detail-for-lighting-applications, the baud rate is 250000 baud. For that you will need to use a hardware serial port. The classic Nano has one hardware serial port and it's also used for communication with the PC (e.g. uploads, debugging, communication with user if needed). Therefore you might be better off with an other board (e.g. nano every, micro, pro micro, mega).
  2. Take into account the the amount of memory needed for your LED strips; I do not know anything about DMX512 but if you want to store a pattern for 500 leds, it will require 1500 bytes of RAM; this will get you to the limits of the Nano.
  3. There is a DMXserial library: DMXSerial - Arduino Reference
  4. If you do a web search for Arduino dmx512 you might find additional information or people who have worked with it; e.g. Arduino as a DMX controller?