Comparison of DIY Boards: Difference between revisions

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== Comparison of Do-It-Yourself Boards ==
== Notes on the use of these charts ==


=== Disclaimer ===
:'''The cost estimates are only that, estimates.''' 
::*They are generally based on placing a Mouser order for the parts for one board using the BOM that has been provided.
::*They do not include shipping.
::*The costs may significantly lower if the parts are obtained through a coop or from other sources.
::*The price of electronic components and PCBs changes quickly.
::*Individual results will vary. 
:'''My apologies to any/all board designers if I omitted some critical information.'''
<br>


*The cost estimates are only that, estimates.  They are generally based on placing a Mouser order for the parts for one board using the BOM that has been provided, and does not include shipping. The costs may significantly lower if the parts are obtained through a coop or from other sources. Individual results will vary.  My apologies to any/all board designers if I omitted some critical information.


=== Controller Board Comparison ===
== Board Comparison ==
 
 
:The following tables have been updated to only include boards that are actively being supported by the DoItYourselfChristmas.com community.  Correct and accurate information concerning boards supported by other forums is best found there.
<br>
 
 
 
=== Light Controllers===
 




Line 11: Line 26:
|-  
|-  
!| Controller Board || Number of Channels || Dimmable || PC Communication Method  
!| Controller Board || Number of Channels || Dimmable || PC Communication Method  
!| Compatible with <br> COOP SSR || Requires External Power Supply || Estimated cost to <br> populate 1 board || Board COOP Status
!| Compatible with <br> COOP SSR || Requires External Power Supply || Estimated cost to <br> populate 1 board || Board COOP Status || PCB Dimensions
|-
| [[Olsen 595|COOP Olsen 595]] || 64 || No¹ || Parallel Port || Yes || Yes || $40-$50 || Boards Available <br> Contact macrosill || 4.4” x 7.8”
|-
| [[GRINCH_Controller_Assembly_Instructions|Grinch]] || 64 || No¹ || Parallel Port || Yes || Yes || $20-$25 || Boards Available <br> Contact wjohn || 2" x 6.8"
|-
|-
| COOP Olsen 595 || 64 || No¹ || Parallel Port || Yes || Yes || $35-$40 || COOP complete <br> No boards available
| [[The Renard SS8 Controller Board | Renard SS8]] || 8 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || N/A <br> On-board SSRs || No || $35-$45 || Boards & Kits Available <br> Contact Wayne J || 3.4" x 6"
|-
|-
| Grinch || 64 || No¹ || Parallel Port || Yes || Yes || $17-$23 || COOP on-going <br> Contact wjohn
| [[Renard16]] <br> (Xmus16) || 16 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || N/A <br> On-board SSRs || Yes || $50-$60 || Boards Available <br> Contact wjohn || 2.9" x 7"
|-
|-
| Renard8 || 8 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) <br> *Requires a ZC source<br> Ren-T is a good choice || Yes ||  Yes || $20-$25 || No COOP done
| [[The Renard SS16 Controller Board | Renard SS16]] || 16 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || N/A <br> On-board SSRs || No || $50-$60 || Boards & Kits Available <br> Contact Wayne J || 4.1" x 8"
|-
|-
| Renard16 <br> (Xmus16) || 16 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) <br> *Requires a ZC source|| N/A <br> On-board SSRs || Yes || $45-$55 || 2nd COOP <br> Starting <br> Contact xmus
| [[24 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions | Renard24]] || 24 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || N/A <br> On-board SSRs || No || $75-$85 || Boards Available <br> contact g2ktcf || 7” x 5.8”
|-
|-
| Renard24 || 24 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || N/A <br> On-board SSRs || No || $55-$65 || COOP complete <br> No boards available
| [[The Renard SS24 Controller Board | Renard SS24]] || 24 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || N/A <br> On-board SSRs || No || $65-$75 || Boards & Kits Available <br> Contact Wayne J || 4" x 11"
|-
|-
| Renard64 || 64 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) <br> * Requires ZC source || Yes || Yes || $75-$85 || COOP on-going <br> Contact wjohn
| [[REN_32_Controller_Board| REN 32]] || 32 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || Yes || No || $35-$40 || Boards Available <br> Contact Wayne J || 3.625" X 6.5"
|-
| [[Renard64]] || 64 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || Yes || Yes <br> * Requires LV AC source || $55-$65 || Boards Available <br> Contact wjohn or g2ktcf || 5" x 6.5" <br> (Rev XC)
|-
|-
| Firegod <br> W/ 4 field Modules || 128 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232) || Yes <br> (with latest firmware)
| Firegod <br> W/ 4 field Modules || 128 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232) || Yes <br> (with latest firmware)
| No ||  $135-$145 <br> (w/ 4 field modules) || COOP complete <br> No boards available
| No ||  $135-$145 <br> (w/ 4 field modules) || COOP complete <br> No boards available || 2.5" x 3.8"
|-
|-
| Lynx || 16 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (DMX)² || N/A <br> On-board SSRs || No || $80 <br> (complete kit) || COOP <br> Starting <br> Contact RJ
| [[Ren48LSD]] || 48 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || N/A <br> LED Driver || Yes || $50 || Boards available at diyledexpress.com || 4.0" x 7.0"
|-
|-
| COOP SSR <br> & <br> SSROZ V2.d || 4 || Yes || 4 Sinking inputs <br> from Controller Boards || NA || NA || $10-$12 || SSR COOP complete <br> No boards available <br> SSROZ COOP <br> on-going <br> Contact wjohn
| [[Renard Plus 32]] || 32 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || Yes || No || $35 || Boards Available <br> contact g2ktcf  ||  4.3" x 6.15" <br> Pre-Drilled for CG500
|-
| [[Fox_Cub_Overview | FoxCub16]] || 16 || Yes || Serial Port <br> (RS-232/RS-485) || Yes || Yes || $22 || Home Etch || 3.2" x 4"
|-
| [[Solid State Relays| SSRNeon-G2]] || 4 || Yes || 4 Sinking inputs <br> from Controller Boards || N/A || N/A || $10-$12 || Boards Available <br> contact ukewarrior  ||  2.75" x 2.25" <br> Pre-Drilled for TA200
|-
| [[Solid State Relays| SSRez]] || 4 || Yes || 4 Sinking inputs <br> from Controller Boards || N/A || N/A || $7-$10 || Boards Available <br> contact g2ktcf  ||  2.75" x 2.25" <br> Pre-Drilled for TA200
|-
| [[Solid State Relays| SSROZ V2.d]] || 4 || Yes || 4 Sinking inputs <br> from Controller Boards || N/A || N/A || $10-$12 || Boards Available  <br> Contact wjohn
|
|}
<br>


|}




:*Note¹ - Olsen 595 and Grinch can be dimmed by using a Ren-T (or other Zero Cross source) and [[Ren-C]] board
<br>


=== Other Boards Available ===
=== Other Boards Available ===




{| border="1" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: center;"  
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: center; margin: 1em auto 1em auto"  
|-  
|-  
!| Board || PC Communication Method || Function(s) || Estimated cost to populate board || Board COOP Status
!| Board || PC Communication Method || Function(s) || Estimated cost to populate board || Board COOP Status
|-  
|-  
| Ren-T || Serial Port <br> (RS-232)  
| [[Renard-595 Converter|Ren-C]] || Serial Port <br> (RS-232)  
| align="left" | 1) Converts RS232 to RS485 <br> 2) Generates Zero Cross (ZC) signal <br> 3) Enables a RS485 pass-thru || $18-$23 || COOP complete <br> No boards available
| align="left" |  
#Converts dimming Renard serial data into 595 compatable dimming data
#Creates dimming for the Olsen 595 and Grinch boards
<br>
:*Requires a ZC signal  
|| $10-$12 || Boards Available <br> Contact wjohn
|-  
|-  
| Ren-C || Serial Port <br> (RS-232)
| LEDTriks || Parallel Port  
| align="left" | 1) Converts dimming Renard serial data into 595 compatable dimming data <br> 2) Creates dimming for the Olsen 595 and Grinch boards <br> <br> *Requires a ZC signal (Ren-T a good source) || $10-$12 || COOP on-going <br> Contact wjohn
| align="left" | Used to generate messages/effects on a 16 x 48 grid of LEDs || $20-$25 || Boards Available 
<br> Contact wjohn
|-  
|-  
| LEDTriks || Parallel Port
| LEDTriks LED Panels || N/A
| align="left" | Used to generate messages/effects on a 16 x 48 grid of LEDs || $20-$25 || COOP on-going <br> Contact wjohn
| align="left" | Set of 3 Panels for LED Mounting <br> Makes the LEDTricks Assembly Simple || $45 || Boards Available 
<br> Contact g2ktcf
|-  
|-  
| Pixel || Serial Port <br> (DMX)³
| Ren-W || Serial Port <br> RS-485
| align="left" | RGB LED light device || $10 <br> (board comes completely assembled)
| align="left" | Converts a wired Renard controller into wireless || $27-$70 || Boards Available 
| COOP complete <br> Boards available <br> Contact JEC
<br> Contact <br> dirknerkle
|}
|}


== Board Construction Difficulty ==


*Note¹ - Olsen 595 and Grinch can be dimmed by using a Ren-T and Ren-C board
*Note² - Requires an Entec Pro DMX dongle to convert PC Serial data into DMX
*Note³ - Requires a DMX dongle to convert PC Serial data into DMX


=== Board Construction Difficulty ===
:'''This information is completely subjective and opinions will vary.''' 


* This information is completely subjective and opinions will vary.  Empty entries does not imply no problems only that at this posting no first hand experience was available to make an entry.
:An empty entry does not imply no problems. It only implies that, at this posting, no first-hand experience was available to make an entry.






{| border="1" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: center;"  
{| border="1" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: center; margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
!width="125"|  
!width="125"| Board
!width="175"|  
!width="175"| Difficulty Level
!width="350"|  
!width="350"| Construction Issues
|-  
|-  
!|Board || Difficulty Level || Construction Issues
|-
| COOP Olsen 595 || Easy || None
| COOP Olsen 595 || Easy || None
|-  
|-  
| Grinch || Easy || None
| Grinch || Easy || None
|-  
|-  
| Renard8 || Moderate  
| Renard SS8 || Moderate  
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-  
|-  
| Renard16 <br> (Xmus16) || Moderate  
| Renard16 <br> (Xmus16) || Moderate  
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| Renard SS16 || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-  
|-  
Line 88: Line 128:
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-  
|-  
| Renard64 || Moderate <br> To <br> Difficult
| Renard SS24 || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC <br> - 3 different options that it can be built to
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| Renard64 || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC  
|-  
|-  
| Ren48LSD || Moderate 
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| Renard Plus 32 || Moderate 
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC <br> and a 40 Pin Socket or ISCP Cable
|-
| Firegod <br> W/ 4 field Modules || Moderate
| Firegod <br> W/ 4 field Modules || Moderate
| align="left" |
| align="left" |
|-  
|-  
| Lynx || Easy
| FoxCub16 || Easy
| align="left" | - Manual with pics/ basic soldering skills only
| align="left" | - Requires an ISP or Arduino for bootloader
|-
| SSRNeon-G2  || Easy  || None
|-  
|-  
| COOP SSR <br> & <br> SSROZ V2.d || Easy || None
| COOP SSR <br> & <br> SSROZ V2.d || Easy || None
|-
| Ren-T || Easy <br> To <br> Moderate
| align="left" | - 3 different options/cases that it can be built to
|-  
|-  
| Ren-C || Moderate  
| Ren-C || Moderate  
Line 107: Line 155:
| LEDTriks || Moderate  
| LEDTriks || Moderate  
| align="left" | - LED panel itself a large undertaking
| align="left" | - LED panel itself a large undertaking
|-
| Ren-W ||  | Easy
|align="left"| -XBee Programmer recommended but not required 
|}
|}
[[Category:DIYC Controllers]]
[[Category:Beginners Info]]
[[Category:General Info]]
[[Category:Renard SS8]]
[[Category:Renard SS16]]
[[Category:Renard SS24]]
[[Category:Renard 24]]
[[Category:Renard 48LSD]]
[[Category:Renard 64XC]]
[[Category:Renard64]]
[[Category:Renard16 (xmus)]]
[[Category:The Grinch]]
[[Category:Olsen 595]]
[[Category:Firegod and Helix]]
[[Category:RPMs DMX Designs]]
[[Category:DIYC Index]]

Latest revision as of 21:42, 28 November 2013

Notes on the use of these charts

The cost estimates are only that, estimates.
  • They are generally based on placing a Mouser order for the parts for one board using the BOM that has been provided.
  • They do not include shipping.
  • The costs may significantly lower if the parts are obtained through a coop or from other sources.
  • The price of electronic components and PCBs changes quickly.
  • Individual results will vary.
My apologies to any/all board designers if I omitted some critical information.



Board Comparison

The following tables have been updated to only include boards that are actively being supported by the DoItYourselfChristmas.com community. Correct and accurate information concerning boards supported by other forums is best found there.



Light Controllers

Controller Board Number of Channels Dimmable PC Communication Method Compatible with
COOP SSR		 Requires External Power Supply Estimated cost to
populate 1 board		 Board COOP Status PCB Dimensions
COOP Olsen 595 64 No¹ Parallel Port Yes Yes $40-$50 Boards Available
Contact macrosill		 4.4” x 7.8”
Grinch 64 No¹ Parallel Port Yes Yes $20-$25 Boards Available
Contact wjohn		 2" x 6.8"
Renard SS8 8 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)		 N/A
On-board SSRs		 No $35-$45 Boards & Kits Available
Contact Wayne J		 3.4" x 6"
Renard16
(Xmus16)		 16 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)		 N/A
On-board SSRs		 Yes $50-$60 Boards Available
Contact wjohn		 2.9" x 7"
Renard SS16 16 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)		 N/A
On-board SSRs		 No $50-$60 Boards & Kits Available
Contact Wayne J		 4.1" x 8"
Renard24 24 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)		 N/A
On-board SSRs		 No $75-$85 Boards Available
contact g2ktcf		 7” x 5.8”
Renard SS24 24 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)		 N/A
On-board SSRs		 No $65-$75 Boards & Kits Available
Contact Wayne J		 4" x 11"
REN 32 32 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)		 Yes No $35-$40 Boards Available
Contact Wayne J		 3.625" X 6.5"
Renard64 64 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)		 Yes Yes
* Requires LV AC source		 $55-$65 Boards Available
Contact wjohn or g2ktcf		 5" x 6.5"
(Rev XC)
Firegod
W/ 4 field Modules		 128 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232)		 Yes
(with latest firmware) 		No $135-$145
(w/ 4 field modules)		 COOP complete
No boards available		 2.5" x 3.8"
Ren48LSD 48 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)		 N/A
LED Driver		 Yes $50 Boards available at diyledexpress.com 4.0" x 7.0"
Renard Plus 32 32 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)		 Yes No $35 Boards Available
contact g2ktcf		 4.3" x 6.15"
Pre-Drilled for CG500
FoxCub16 16 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)		 Yes Yes $22 Home Etch 3.2" x 4"
SSRNeon-G2 4 Yes 4 Sinking inputs
from Controller Boards		 N/A N/A $10-$12 Boards Available
contact ukewarrior		 2.75" x 2.25"
Pre-Drilled for TA200
SSRez 4 Yes 4 Sinking inputs
from Controller Boards		 N/A N/A $7-$10 Boards Available
contact g2ktcf		 2.75" x 2.25"
Pre-Drilled for TA200
SSROZ V2.d 4 Yes 4 Sinking inputs
from Controller Boards		 N/A N/A $10-$12 Boards Available
Contact wjohn



  • Note¹ - Olsen 595 and Grinch can be dimmed by using a Ren-T (or other Zero Cross source) and Ren-C board


Other Boards Available

Board PC Communication Method Function(s) Estimated cost to populate board Board COOP Status
Ren-C Serial Port
(RS-232)
  1. Converts dimming Renard serial data into 595 compatable dimming data
  2. Creates dimming for the Olsen 595 and Grinch boards


  • Requires a ZC signal
 $10-$12 Boards Available
Contact wjohn
LEDTriks Parallel Port Used to generate messages/effects on a 16 x 48 grid of LEDs $20-$25 Boards Available


Contact wjohn

LEDTriks LED Panels N/A Set of 3 Panels for LED Mounting
Makes the LEDTricks Assembly Simple		 $45 Boards Available


Contact g2ktcf

Ren-W Serial Port
RS-485 		Converts a wired Renard controller into wireless $27-$70 Boards Available


Contact
dirknerkle

Board Construction Difficulty

This information is completely subjective and opinions will vary.
An empty entry does not imply no problems. It only implies that, at this posting, no first-hand experience was available to make an entry.


Board Difficulty Level Construction Issues
COOP Olsen 595 Easy None
Grinch Easy None
Renard SS8 Moderate - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
Renard16
(Xmus16)		 Moderate - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
Renard SS16 Moderate - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
Renard24 Moderate - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
Renard SS24 Moderate - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
Renard64 Moderate - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
Ren48LSD Moderate - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
Renard Plus 32 Moderate - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
and a 40 Pin Socket or ISCP Cable
Firegod
W/ 4 field Modules		 Moderate
FoxCub16 Easy - Requires an ISP or Arduino for bootloader
SSRNeon-G2 Easy None
COOP SSR
&
SSROZ V2.d		 Easy None
Ren-C Moderate - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
LEDTriks Moderate - LED panel itself a large undertaking
Ren-W Easy -XBee Programmer recommended but not required
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