Comparison of DIY Boards

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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 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 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 fkostyun
7” x 5.8”
Renard SS24 24 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)
N/A
On-board SSRs
No $65-$75 Boards Available
Contact Wayne J
4" x 11"
Renard64 64 Yes Serial Port
(RS-232/RS-485)
Yes Yes
* Requires LV AC source
$55-$65 Boards Available
Contact wjohn
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"
SSRNeon-G2 4 Yes 4 Sinking inputs
from Controller Boards
N/A N/A $10-$12 Boards Available
Contact wjohn
SSROZ V2.d
&
SSRez V1.3a
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

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
Firegod
W/ 4 field Modules
Moderate
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