Comparison of DIY Boards
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COOP Olsen 595 | 64 | No¹ | Parallel Port | Yes | Yes | $35-$40 | COOP complete No boards available |
| Grinch | 64 | No¹ | Parallel Port | Yes | Yes | $17-$23 | COOP on-going Contact wjohn |
| Renard8 | 8 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232/RS-485) *Requires a ZC source Ren-T is a good choice |
Yes | Yes | $10-$12 | Beta COOP only |
| Renard16 (Xmus16) |
16 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232/RS-485) *Requires a ZC source |
N/A On-board SSRs |
Yes | $45-$55 | 2nd COOP Starting Contact xmus |
| Renard24 | 24 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232/RS-485) |
N/A On-board SSRs |
No | $55-$65 | COOP complete New COOP in 2008, contact Frank |
| Renard64 | 64 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232/RS-485) * Requires ZC source |
Yes | Yes | $75-$85 | COOP on-going Contact wjohn |
| 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 |
| Lynx | 16 | Yes | Serial Port (DMX)² |
N/A On-board SSRs |
No | $80 (complete kit) |
COOP Starting Contact RJ |
| COOP SSR & SSROZ V2.d |
4 | Yes | 4 Sinking inputs from Controller Boards |
NA | NA | $10-$12 | SSR COOP complete No boards available SSROZ COOP on-going Contact wjohn |
Other Boards Available
| Board | PC Communication Method | Function(s) | Estimated cost to populate board | Board COOP Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ren-T | Serial Port (RS-232) |
1) Converts RS232 to RS485 2) Generates Zero Cross (ZC) signal 3) Enables a RS485 pass-thru |
$18-$23 | COOP complete No boards available |
| 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 (Ren-T a good source) |
$10-$12 | COOP on-going Contact wjohn |
| LEDTriks | Parallel Port | Used to generate messages/effects on a 16 x 48 grid of LEDs | $20-$25 | COOP on-going Contact wjohn |
| Pixel | Serial Port (DMX)³ |
RGB LED light device | $10 (board comes completely assembled) |
COOP complete Boards available Contact JEC |
- 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.
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 |
| Renard8 | Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
| Renard16 (Xmus16) |
Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
| Renard24 | Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
| Renard64 | Moderate To Difficult |
- Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC - 3 different options that it can be built to |
| Firegod W/ 4 field Modules |
Moderate | |
| Lynx | Easy | - Manual with pics/ basic soldering skills only |
| COOP SSR & SSROZ V2.d |
Easy | None |
| Ren-T | Easy To Moderate |
- 3 different options/cases that it can be built to |
| Ren-C | Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
| LEDTriks | Moderate | - LED panel itself a large undertaking |