After reading up some on how existing DMX interfaces handle communication, it looks like having an additional microcontroller to handle the output of messages via the RS485 is needed. So, in order to ensure stable communication via DMX regardless of any hiccups the cpu on the wi-fi board may experience (basically the host computer if this were a USB to DMX interface), an atmega microcontroller will be used as a buffer chip that will act like an interface between the wi-fi board and the chips used for RS485 communication.