doityourselfchristmas.com - User contributions [en]

SSRneon-G2-LED

2013-04-19T03:37:58Z

Gmbartlett: /* BOM - Bill of Materials */ Updated U1-U4 on BOM

[[Image:Ssrneon_pcb.jpg|right|Version G2]]

==The SSR with a ''Safety'' Enhancement ! ==


The SSRneon is a 4 port AC Solid State Relay (SSR). It is derived from the same basic design that has been in general use by the DIY community for many years. Most of the DIY SSRs are derived from Sean Bowf's original 4 port SSR. The design has evolved over the years, but the core functions and parts are the same. The SSRneon, SSRoz and SSRez are all such designs.
 
The SSRneon-G2-LED is a variant of the SSRneon-G2. 
(ref: [http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=SSRneon SSRneon-G2 wiki entry] )


The current Versions of the SSRneon are '''SSRneon-G2''' and '''SSRneon-G2-LED'''.

== Safety Features ==

[[Image:Ne-2e_picture.jpg|right|ne-2E]]
[[Image:Neon glow.jpg |right|Neon glow.jpg]]
The main safety feature of any SSR is the main FUSE. (This is discussed in a separate section below.)

The SSRneon contains two NE-2E neon light bulbs.


The point of these neon lamps is they serve as a safety warning that AC voltage (which can be lethal) is present on the SSR PCB.
One bulb lights if AC voltage is correctly attached to the board. Marked ''AC PRESENT'' on the Boards Silkscreen (legend). 
The second bulb lights if AC voltage has successfully passed through the on-board fuse. Marked ''FUSE GOOD'' on the Boards silkscreen (legend).

The presence of the second bulb (FUSE GOOD) serves as a troubleshooting device. If the ''AC PRESENT'' bulb is lit, but the ''FUSE GOOD'' is not, then you know that AC is connected properly, but there is something wrong with the fuse.

Neons are used instead of an incandescent bulbs due to the fact that a neon bulb is very long lived and is much 'tougher' then an incandescent since there is no filament to break.

These bulbs play no role in the basic function of the relay and can be left off the board. If this is done, the two 100K resistors can also be left off the board.
The 100K resistors are needed to keep the bulbs from burning out over time.

== General Features ==
[[Image:SSRneon_G2_LED_smaller.jpg|right|small]]


'''The SSRneon-G2-LED has several key points that differentiate it from the other available SSRs.''' 
'''1. Dual Neon bulbs that indicate the presence of AC Voltage !''' 
'''2. The attachment of the AC wires, in AC pairs, along the bottom of the board with no wirenuts required.''' 
'''3. Individual LED channel activity LEDs.'''
 
'''4. The 2 ounce copper AC traces are mirrored on both sides of the board. This allows for greater current carrying capacity. (8 amps)''' 
 

The board has solder pads on both sides of the board and the holes are through plated. This makes for easy and more error free soldering.

[[image:TA-200.jpg|right|TA-200]]
The SSRneon is designed to mount in the TA-200 enclosure. This enclosure is a proven performer.

The SSRneon fits in the TA-200 Telephone Demarc Enclosure from [http://www.afltele.com/products/copper_apparatus/terminal_enclosures/Keptel_TA-200_Termin_Encl.html www.afltele.com]. 
It is available from Chris Foley's DIY Christmas site:[http://www.wlcventures.com/ WLC Ventures]


All wires attach via terminal blocks. The attachment points are along the bottom of the board facing the enclosure openings.
The wire attachment is different then the other SSRs. Instead of grouping all of the neutrals and all of the 'hots' together, each individual wire 'pair' is terminated on their own terminal block. This avoids the problem of having to cut the hot and neutral wire within a pair to different lengths in order to get them to fit nicely inside the already cramped enclosure. The PCB takes care of tying all of the neutrals together for you.

[[image:heatsink.JPG|right|heat sink]]
A heatsink can be fashioned and attached to the TRIACs. Use of a heatsink should boost the continuous amp capacity from 4 amps to 8 amps. A heatsink should not be necessary unless the load for any single channel (Tirac) exceeds 1 amp. These are usually made from a piece of aluminum since it cuts and drills easily and absorbs heat rapidly. See the example to the right of a couple dozen homemade headsinks.
One safety note about heatsinks. You need to be sure the TRIACs you are using have what is know as an 'isolated tab.' The tab is the exposed metal pad with the hole in it. On some TRIACs the tab is 'hot' or has AC voltage present. You should not use a heatsink that connects all of the TRIACS together unless all the TRIACs have an 'isolated tab'.
The TRIAC listed in the BOM has an 'isolated tab' so it is suitable for use with a heatsink.

 
The board has two points to mount it to the TA-200 enclosure. Great pains were taken to make sure that the screws that come with the enclosure can be used once they have been cut down to a proper length. You can use the screws that come with the enclosure provided you cut them off. The correct length of the cut off shaft BELOW the head is 5/8".

The screws that come with the enclosure are nice in that they have both a hex head and a screw driver slot for installation/removal. (Plus they are free with the enclosure!)
 
'''The Schematic can be viewed by clicking on this link:
[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/images/9/90/SSRneon-G2-LED_Schematic.pdf SSRneon-G2-LED Schematic]'''

.

== Order your own boards ==

You can order your own boards with the information given below, or you can contact: ''gmbartlett'' on the DIYC forum to see if he has any in stock.

The PCB industry has a standard for the definition of a PCB. It's called a 'gerber' file.
This is a set of files that have the actual instructions that tell the machines how to operate.

The Gerbers for the SSRneon-G2-LED are found at this link:
[http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/dynamics/attachment.php?attachmentid=416&d=1333648310 Zip File containing the SSRneon-G2-LED Gerber files]

This is all your should need to order PCBs from any PCB manufacturer.

== Home Etch ==

The SSRneon-G2-LED is a two sided board with tolerances that do not lend themselves to home etching.
 
 
If you want to home etch an SSR, please go to the wiki entry for the SSRneon-G2 which is a home etch friendly design and has design files specifically built for home etching. 
(ref: [http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=SSRneon SSRneon-G2 wiki entry] )


== Fuse Rating ==
[[Image:fuse.jpg|right|fuse]]
The main Fuse exists to protect both people and the components on the board.

Various fuse values have been listed for all the various 4 port SSRs. e.g. SSRneon, Sean Bowf, SSRoz, SSRez.

The fuse value is determined by several factors. Key among these is the amount of current, in total, that is flowing through the SSR. Another factor is the copper weight and size of the main AC traces. (Copper weight is how 'thick' the copper is on the board.) 
The SSRneon-G2 has the largest amount of AC trace copper weight of any of the DIY SSRs to date. (4/22/2012) With that said, a Fuse of 4 amps is a good place to start. If you want to drive more then 1 amp through any individual TRIAC (channel), then you can ramp up to as high as an 8 amp fuse. However, once you move above 1 amp through any single TRIAC (channel), you should put a heat sink on the TRIAC(s). This does not mean you can run 8 amps through a single TRIAC (channel). A single TRIAC can handle 2.0 amps max. You will notice that the copper traces that connect to any one TRIAC are no where near the size of the main AC copper trace. So, just because the TRIAC you use may be rated for 3 or 4 or more amps doesn't mean the SSRneon-G2-LED can safely drive it at that amperage.

It is this authors opinon that you should run as low a fuse value as possible for your needs. For example, this author runs a 100% LED based show and runs several SSRneons with 2 amp fuses.

== Disclaimers ==

'''USE the SSRneon-G2-LED at Your Own Risk !'''
'''The SSRneon-G2-LED has NO warranty expressed or implied'''


== BOM - Bill of Materials ==

The following BOM assumes that the four channel indicator LEDs are RED LEDs. If you want to use other colors for the indicators, see the section after the BOM for a discussion on how to use other colors.

'''BOM for 120VAC Operation:'''
<pre style="font-size: 10pt">
QTY Mouser #: Description
2 606-A9A Neon Lamp 65VAC .7mA NE-2E marked NE1, NE2 (See the note below for an alternative source)
1 571-5556416-1 Modular Jacks 8 PCB TOP ENTRY marked J1
4 511-BTA04-700T Triacs 4 Amp 700 Volt marked U1, U2, U3, and U4
OR
511-BTA06-600S Triacs 6 Amp 600 Volt marked U1, U2, U3, and U4
2 534-3517 Fuse Clips and Holders PC FUSE CLIP 5 MM
1 534-3527C Fuse Cover
5 604-WP7104IT LED Standard HI EFF RED TRANS marked LED1, LED2, LED3, LED4, LED5
1 660-CF1/4C681J 1/4Watt Axial Carbon Film Resistors 680ohms 5% marked R9
4 660-CF1/4C221J 1/4Watt Axial Carbon Film Resistors 220ohms 5% marked R1, R2, R3, R4
4 660-CF1/4C181J 1/4Watt Axial Carbon Film Resistors 180ohms 5% marked R5, R6, R7 & R8
2 660-CF1/4C104J 1/4Watt Axial Carbon Film Resistors 100Kohms 5% marked R10, R11
4 859-MOC3023 Optocomponents Optocoupler marked IC1, IC2, IC3 and IC4
4 571-1-390261-1 IC Sockets 6P ECONOMY TIN marked IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4
5 571-2828372 Terminal Blocks 5.08MM PCB MOUNT 2P marked TB1, TB2, TB3, TB4, TB5

Note regarding resistors. You usually want to purchase resistors from Mouser in quantities
of 100 of a specific value. You usually can get 100 resistors for the same price of
20 individual resistors. (You will eventually use them !)

As noted above in the FUSE Section, you have a choice to make.
You only need one fuse per SSRneon.
You should always order extra fuses.

1 504-GMC-2 5mm x 20mm Medium Time Delay Fuses 125VAC 2A Med Time Delay
1 504-GMC-3 5mm x 20mm Medium Time Delay Fuses 125VAC 3A Med Time Delay
1 504-GMC-4 5mm x 20mm Medium Time Delay Fuses 125VAC 4A Med Time Delay
1 504-GMC-5 5mm x 20mm Medium Time Delay Fuses 125VAC 5A Med Time Delay
1 504-GMC-6 5mm x 20mm Medium Time Delay Fuses 125VAC 6A Med Time Delay
1 504-GMC-7 5mm x 20mm Medium Time Delay Fuses 125VAC 7A Med Time Delay
1 504-GMC-8 5mm x 20mm Medium Time Delay Fuses 125VAC 8A Med Time Delay

The following items are NOT available from Mouser.
You can get everything but the TA-200 from your local hardware store or home center.
See above for TA-200 sources.

2 Screw,#8x1/2" Pan Head Sheet Metal
(You can use the screws that come with the TA-200 if you cut them down)
1 TA-200 Enclosure
1 Male Plug Power Cord, Rated for 10A Minimum
4 Female Plug Power Cord, Rated for 4A Minimum

The power cords are often fashioned from standard household extension cords
with one of the ends cut off. You can also make your own with SPT wire
and 'vampire' plugs/receptacles.

</pre>
'''Neon lamp alternative source information:''' 
Jameco, www.jameco.com, sells the NE-2E neon bulb for about half of mousers price. Jameco Part Number: 210260

== How to use LEDs of many colors for the Channel Indicators ==

'''Using other colors than red for the channel indicator''' 
The board was designed and silkscreened to use a 220 ohm resistor and red LED for the the channel indicator.
However, other colors can be used.

Red LEDs have a typical forward voltage (Vf) of 2.0 volts. However, other colors, like green, have a Vf of 3.x volts. Therefore, if you use a LED with a Vf in this range, you should replace the 220 ohm resistor connected to that LED with a 180 ohm resistor.

The basic equation is:
 
R = [V(supply) - Vf(opto) - Vf(LED) - Vol]/0.005
 
V(supply): Supply voltage, in our case 5V
 
Vf(opto): Forward voltage of the opto emitter, 1.5V max, 1.15 typ
 
Vf(LED): Forward voltage of the LED, for the LEDs I use it is 2.0V
 
Vol: Low voltage output level, For the purposes of this calculation, a value of 0.33V max, 0.18V typical was used.
 
So R = [5 - 1.5 - 2.0 - 0.33]/0.005 = 234 ohms or the next lower standard value is 220 ohms
 
This doesn't take into account the tolerances of the resistor but given the worst case values for the opto emitter and Vol this shouldn't matter.
 
So if we look at the typical case the current draw would be:
 
I = [5 - 1.15 - 2.05 - 0.18]/220 = 7.36 mA.
 
This is about 50% more current than the desired 5 mA but the SSR is guaranteed to fire even under the worst case.
 
If you are concerned about the current draw then you can increase the value of R based on the typical values (i.e. to either 270 or 300). However, there is a concern that with the temperature extremes these devices are used in, this would push them closer to the max values and cause erratic behavior.

== Construction Information ==

There are several 'how to build a PCB' self help guides both within this wiki and the web.

Here is a picture of a completed SSRneon-G2: (The fuse cover has been removed)
[[Image:SSRneon_G2_LED_smaller.jpg]]

== Wiring The SSRneon ==

The pin-out for the RJ-45 network cable is the same for all of the Sean Bowf derivative SSRs: 
View looking down on the component side of the PCB:
<table>
<tr>
<td align="left">[[Image:Controller_output_pinout.jpg]]</td>

<td align="left" border="1">

Controller Output Pinout

{| border="1"
| Pin Number
| Connection
|-
| 1
| +5v DC Power
|-
| 2
| Channel 1 Signal
|-
| 3
| reserved
|-
| 4
| Channel 2 Signal
|-
| 5
| reserved
|-
| 6
| Channel 3 Signal
|-
| 7
| Ground
|-
| 8
| Channel 4 Signal
|}
</td>
</tr>
</table>

The following image shows how to connect wires to the SSRneon-G2-LED.

The AC line connects to the far left hand terminal block labeled: ''AC INPUT''

The other four terminal blocks are for the wires that will connect to your lights.
The connector labeled: ''HOT'' is for the 'hot' wire.
The connector labeled: ''NEU'' is for the 'neutral' wire.

Your network interface cable clicks into the RJ45 connector on the top right of the board.
If all is well, you should see both neon bulbs glowing signaling AC voltage is present and flowing through the fuse. The LED should also be lit to indicate that 5 volts DC is being supplied by the lighting controller.

[[Image:Ssrneong2led.jpg‎|left|Version G2]]

[[Category:SSRez]]
[[Category:SSR]]
[[Category:DIYC Index]]

Electronics Hardware

2010-02-22T02:26:51Z

Gmbartlett: /* Helix */

This page contains links to ChristmasWiki entries relating to electronics hardware. It also has an overview of various types of DIY hardware that works with [[Vixen]] software.

==Links==

[[Hardware Design Guidelines]]- The DIYC community standard for hardware design. It is recommended that you check your electronic device and PCB designs against this standard.

[[Co-Op Boards and Assembly Instructions]]- Assembly instructions and documentation on boards that can be obtained through a DIYC COOP.

[[Comparison of DIY Boards]]- Charts that compare statistics on various COOP boards, including their channel count, cost, and COOP status.

[[Renard Main Page]]- Renard is a simple PIC-Based Light Dimmer Controller for use with Vixen.

[[Solid State Relays]]- Solid State Relays (SSRs) are used for switching of mains-voltage lights in a computerized display.

[[DMX to Grinch/595 convertor]]- How to make your Grinch speak DMX.

[[Olsen 595]]- How to make an Olsen 595 controller at home.

[[DMX ROBO Spot Light]]- How to build a Robotic Full Color Spotlight.

[[Control boards and Contacts]]- list of board designs found on DIYC and contact sources for them.

[[Compatible Serial Adapters]]- list of known serial port adapters that will work with our displays.

==Overview of DIY Hardware Approaches That Work With Vixen==

This section provides information about Do-It-Yourself (DIY) hardware that works with the [[Vixen]] software program. Vixen is a Windows (.NET Framework 2) program that runs on a PC, and is used to create and run light shows that may be synchronized to music. Here is a brief list of the DIY approaches that you can take that will work with Vixen.

===Non-Dimmable Light Controllers===

====SSR Direct Attach====

* Controlled through: Parallel Port
* Documentation: [[Solid State Relays]]

If you need 12 or fewer channels, you can just buy or build SSRs and connect them to the parallel port on your PC, and use them to turn 110VAC light strings (or just plain lamps) on and off (no dimming). These ssrs must be sourced or positive switched. From time to time there are coop buys of SSR boards,but these are usually sinked, and/or parts, to reduce your expense. You could place a couple ULN2803s and use the coop sinked ssrs. For more information on this come over to the forum and/or ask on the LiveChat.

====Kit74====
*Controlled through: Parallel Port

This is a kit with mechanical relays that can be purchased from various places. It is similar to the SSR Direct Attach, although the mechanical relays are noisy and have a limited lifespan. There are probably other similar kits available as well.

====Hill320====
* Controlled through: Parallel Port
* Documentation: http://computerchristmas.com/christmas/link-how_to/HowToId-4/How_To_Build_A_Parallel_Port_Controller_Box

This is a controller originally designed by Hill Robertson http://computerchristmas.com to allow up to 320 channels to be controlled by a PC, and requires an external power supply and SSRs. There isn't any coop board for this design at the moment. It is a more complicated design, and it is not currently recommended for newbies.

====Olsen 595/Grinch====
*Controlled through: Parallel Port
*Documentation: [[The GRINCH Controller]], [[GRINCH Controller Assembly Instructions]]
*Documentation: [[Olsen 595]]

This is a popular controller based on an approach first popularized on the http://computerchristmas.com and/or http://planetchristmas.com forums by Peter Olsen. In its first incarnation it used 8-bit 74HC595 logic chips, often with external buffers, while a later design (Grinch), popularized by Robert Jordan, uses 16-bit chips specialized for this use. There are coop boards available for both of these designs. These coop boards need external power supplies, and work with external (coop) SSR boards to control AC lighting.

There are some variations of this approach that support dimming, but they are not as popular and there aren't any coop boards available. However, using a [[Ren-C]] board can add dimming capability to a 595 or Grinch, which causes the board to operate as a Renard board. There is also an option available to run a Grinch or 595 from DMX, [[DMX to Grinch/595 convertor|here]].

The Grinch board is a good choice if you need more than 12 channels but want a board that is simple to build. It doesn't use very many parts, and is easy to assemble.

===Dimmable Light Controllers===
====Firegod====
*Controlled through : Serial Port
*Documentation: [[Firegod]]

This is a modular system that supports 32 to 128 channels per serial port, in increments of 32 channels, with 100 levels of dimming (using pulse width modulation - PWM). It consists of a host controller module and one to four field modules. The SSRs are not included on these boards, and must be provided separately. The interface to this system is RS-232. This system is available on a coop basis from time to time, with the kits including the boards, the parts, and pre-programmed microcontroller chips (PICs). This board is intermediate in complexity to build.

====Renard====
*Controlled through: Serial Port
*Documentation: [[Renard]]

This is another modular system that supports a varying number of channels, depending on baud rate selection. It supports 256 levels of dimming, and can be configured with or without PWM, or for use in DC applications. There are several coop boards available for this system with varying capabilities. It can be a fairly complex system because there are so many options. More information is available at the link listed above.

====Lynx====
*Controlled through: [[DMX]]
*Manual [[LYNX_Controller_Manual]]
The Lynx is a DIY dimmer design that uses [[DMX]] as its protocol but uses standard Cat5 cable for interconnections. It's designed to be similar to the layout of commercially available dimmers (LOR, AL, etc). It is an all in one unit that has its own power supply and SSR's built into it. You connect your DMX Cat5 and plug it in. Lights plug into female cord connections that exit from the board. It allows for a full 256 levels of dimming. The starting address is programmed via vixen. Since it uses the DMX protocol you can run 512 channels of Lynx on one DMX universe at 25ms timming.

In an effort to prevent variations in the design (leading to complications for the newer builders), insure that troubleshooting help can be provided, and keep the total cost as low as possible it is done as a modified coop. All the parts including the PCB and an enclosure are included. The necessary PIC microprocessor will come with the program preloaded so that the builder will not need a PIC programmer. A detailed instruction manual with pictures is included and should allow anyone with basic soldering skills to successfully build the controller.

====Helix====
*Controlled through: Standalone
*Documentation: [[Helix]]

The Helix is a standalone, networkable, modular system that supports a virtually unlimited number of channels. It supports 256 levels of PWM dimming. A Helix system consists of a Helix Main board and up to three Helix Daughter boards. Each Main board and Daughter board can control up to 32 channels. The Main board and basic Daughter board uses the standard four channel SSR boards. There is a 32ch SSR Daughter board that has the SSRs integrated with a basic Daughter board. If more than 128 channels are needed another Helix system can be added to form a Helix Network. These systems stay sync’d via a wireless XBee link. Up to 251 additional Helix systems can be added to the Helix Network as long as they are within radio range of the first Helix system. This allows up to 32,128 channels in a pure Helix system.

Since it is a standalone system, the Helix is a fairly complex system to build and operate. In an effort to minimize the complexity, the design and firmware are configuration controlled by the original system designer, Gregory Bartlett (gmbartlett). The PCBs and preprogrammed EEPROMs are available from him. All PCBs are bare except for the Helix Main Board. Since it requires a surface mount microSD card socket, this part comes presoldered.

===Other Controllers (Signs, Servos, etc.)===
====Ledtriks====
*Controlled through: Parallel Port
*Documentation: [[LedTriks Controller Assembly Instructions]] [http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/images/8/8e/LEDTriks_Wiring_Schematic.pdf LedTriks Wiring Diagram]

This is a controller to control low-voltage LED panels, designed by Robert Jordan. These panels are typically 16 LEDs high by 48 LEDs wide, for a total of 768 LEDs. Vixen can control up to four panels through one parallel port, and can even display text.

====Triks-C====
*Controlled through: Serial port or standalone
*Documentation: [[TRIKSC]], [http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Image:TRIKSC_CONTROLLER_v.0.1_manual.pdf Manual in PDF format]

This is a an add on controller/process for the Ledtricks. One of the problems with the original LEDTRIKS design was the load placed on the PC to chunk the data out the parallel port. The TRIKS-C uses a ATMEL process to take a LEDSTRIKS file and send it out to the LEDTRIKS Controller, via the serial prot.

====JEC Pixel Displays====
*Controlled through: [[DMX]]

Pixels are a stand-alone lighting fixture controlled by DMX-512. Each pixel has banks of red, green and blue wide-angle LEDs, currently six of each. Firmware is available in two versions: 3 and 4 channel. 3 channel requires a dmx channel for red, green and blue intensity. Four channel adds master intensity control to the original three.

Pixels require a stiff +12v switching power supply. Each circuit board draws ~ 130 mA at full brightness. Pixels chain together using standard CAT5 networking cable. Per the DMX spec, no more than 32 pixels should be connected together without using an optosplitter / signal buffer.

LED refresh rate is nearly 100 Hz.

More details can be found at http://www.response-box.com/rgblights

Currently in progress is a version of the firmware which will allow the DMX address to be changed in the field. Currently the address is hard-coded.

====rgbLED====
TBA

==Pictures of Various Coop Boards (mostly assembled)==
<gallery caption="Coop Boards (mostly assembled)" widths="150px" heights="150px" perrow="4">

Image:SSROZ 2.5a (small).jpg|[[4_Channel_SSROZ_Assembly_Instructions | SSR (solid state relay)]]
Image:SSRez.jpg|[[SSRez | SSR (solid state relay ez)]]
Image: coop595.jpg|[[64_Channel_Olsen_595_Controller_Assembly_Instructions | 595 Coop Board]]
Image: Coopgrinch.jpg|[[GRINCH_Controller_Assembly_Instructions | Grinch]]
Image: Ren24.jpg|[[24 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions | Renard by FKostyun: 24 ports with on-board power supply and SSRs]]
Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS8_Complete.jpg|Renard SS 8
Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS16_Completed_Board.jpg|Renard SS 16
Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS24_Completed_Board.jpg|Renard SS 24
Image:xmus.jpg|[[16_Channel_Renard_with_SSRs | Ren16 (xmus)]]

</gallery>

==Commercial Products Supported By Vixen==

===Digital Input/Output Cards===

*[[PCI-DIO-96]] by National Instruments
*[http://www.elexol.com/IO_Modules/USB_IO_24.php Elexol USB I/O 24] - ([http://lights.onthefive.com/vixen-plugins Plugin] by Jonathon Reinhart)
*[http://www.elexol.com/IO_Modules/Ether_IO_24.php Elexol Ether I/O 24] - ([http://lights.onthefive.com/vixen-plugins Plugin] by Jonathon Reinhart)

Helix

2010-02-05T03:02:38Z

Gmbartlett: /* Helix Main Board */

== Overview ==
The Helix is one of the most advanced DIY light controllers available. It is a standalone, networkable, distributed light controller that can control a virtually unlimited number of channels. The sequences are created using Vixen. A full Helix system consists of one Main board, three Daughter boards and 32 four channel random-phase turn-on Solid State Relay (SSR) boards for a total of 128 light channels. There is an optional 32ch SSR Daughter board (essentially a Daughter board with integrated SSRs) that can replace one or more of the regular Daughter boards. Each channel has 256 levels of dimming for maximum control of your display.

The main thing that sets the Helix apart is its ability to operate as a standalone controller. With the Helix you can store the sequences, MP3 songs and a show schedule onto a microSD card. This microSD card plugs into a socket on the main board. The Helix will read the show schedule off of the card and at the correct time start displaying the show. The songs are played on a MP3 player that plugs into the main board. The output of this MP3 player can be connected to a small FM radio transmitter so everyone can enjoy your show from the comfort of their vehicle. The show repeats until the scheduled shut down time. All of this automatically happens every day until it is time to take the display down.
=== What if You Need More Than 128 Channels?===
This is where the real power of the Helix comes into play. Each Helix main board is equipped with a Digi (formerly MaxStream) [http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-series1-module.jsp XBee-Pro] RF module. The XBee-Pro is a low cost, low power radio transceiver with a very good range (approximately 1 mile line of sight). This radio is used to wirelessly network two or more Helix systems together. This allows a virtually unlimited number of channels(1) to be synchronized together and with a range of about 1 mile it should be possible to synchronize the lights on every house on a city block!(2)

Note 1: The current protocol limits the number of channels to 32,256; however, if more channels are needed the protocol can easily be expanded to support over 8,000,000 channels. (I can't even conceive of trying to sequence 32,000 channels let alone 8,000,000. So as far as I'm concerned the current protocol is virtually unlimited.)

Note 2: This is theoretically possible but has not been tested yet. gmbartlett will provide all of the technical assistance necessary to the first person that wants to give this a try.

===Complexity===
The Helix system is fairly complex to build and operate. It requires hand soldering of surface mount components. It requires an understanding of the limitations of the XBee wireless radio protocols and an understanding of the Helix Network. It also requires multiple extra steps to get from a sequence created with Vixen to a working show on the Helix. To minimize this complexity the hardware and firmware are configuration controlled by the designer, Gregory Bartlett (aka gmbartlett). Any suggestions for upgrades or changes should be addressed to him.
To further minimize the complexity, the Helix Main boards are provided with the surface mount microSD card socket presoldered. They also come with a preprogrammed EEPROM.
==Terminology==
The following terms with their associated definitions will be used throughout the rest of this Wiki and should be used in the forum discussions.

===Helix Main Board===
[[File:Helix_V1_Main_Board.jpg|150 px|thumb|right|Helix V1 Main Board]]
This is the “brains” of each Helix System. The main board consists of a power supply, AC Zero crossing circuit, Parallax Propeller processor, EEPROM, XBee radio and three channel bank ports (each a triple RS422/485 driver). If the Main board is also the Helix Network Controller (HNC) it has a MP3 player and Real Time Clock (RTC). All Main boards have a microSD card socket where the firmware, system configuration file, sequence data for its system and, in the case of the HNC, the MP3 songs and schedule are stored. The Main board can directly control 32 channels using the standard four channel random-phase turn-on SSR boards. The SSR boards are connected to the Main board via a standard Cat5 cable. Each of the channel banks can control one of the Helix Daughter boards.

Currently there are two versions of the Helix Main board. Both boards are virtually identical and are interoperable. The main differences between the versions are:

1) The V2 board has a couple of test points that make assembly and troubleshooting easier.

2) The V2 board has a horizontal fuse holder as opposed to the vertical fuse holder on the V1 board.

3) The V2 board has a XBee TX LED that shows when the Propeller chip is transmitting to the XBee

4) The V2 board has the MP3 player powered by 5VDC as opposed to 3.3VDC on the V1 board.

5) The V1 board had three surface mount quad RS422 drivers and the V2 board has three through-hole quad RS485/422 drivers.

6) The V2 board is 1/2" taller than the V1 board.

7) The V2 board has a port for an external trigger that can be used to start a show. (This feature exists in hardware but hasn’t been implemented in the firmware yet)

8) The V2 board has a port that can be used to drive a MiniRDS board. (This feature exists in hardware but hasn’t been implemented in the firmware yet)

The Helix Main board easily fits in a CG-1500 enclosure.

===Helix Daughter Board===
This board is little more than a channel driver, there is no intelligence on this board. It is connected to the Helix Main board via a standard Cat5 cable. It receives its signals via the triple RS485/422 drivers on the Main board. The Daughter board can directly control 32 channels using the standard four channel random-phase turn-on SSR boards. The SSR boards are connected to the Daughter board via a standard Cat5 cable. It requires an external 5VDC power supply. It easily fits in a CG-1000 enclosure.

===Helix 32ch SSR Daughter Board===
This is a standard Helix Daughter board with 32 SSRs integrated on the board. There are four banks of eight random-phase turn on SSRs. Each bank of eight SSRs can be independently powered via a 15A, 120VAC input giving you the ability to switch up to 60A. Each channel should be limited to a max of about 1.75A (with appropriate heat sinks of course). Alternatively all four of the SSR banks can be jumpered together and powered from a single AC input. Any combination between one and four AC inputs can be used. This board will easily fit in a CG-1500 enclosure.

===Helix System===
One Helix Main board, up to three Daughter boards and the associated SSR boards

===Helix Network===
Two or more Helix Systems wirelessly linked together using the XBee radios

===Helix Network Controller===
This is the first Helix System in a Helix Network. It is responsible for starting and stopping the show, playing the MP3s and providing a sync message to all of the other Helix Systems in the network.

===Helix Network Node===
This is a Helix System that is part of a Helix Network and is not the Helix Network Controller. It is only responsible for controlling its channels under the timing of the Helix Network Controller.

===Sequence===
This is a music and light performance, created with Vixen that has the lights synchronized with music. The music is divided into discrete time slots called events. The time between events is called the event period. A typical event period is 50ms or 20 time slots per second. The lights are divided into different channels. Each channel is an element of your overall display. The state of each light channel can be changed at each event. The collection of all of the state changes for every event is the sequence.

===Helix Show===
This is an ordered list of sequences and pauses between sequences that are played on the Helix. There can be up to 99 sequences and pauses in a Helix Show.

===Helix Playlist===
This is an ordered list of MP3 songs that the Helix plays between Helix Shows. There can be up to 99 songs in a Helix Playlist.

===Helix Schedule===
This is an ordered list of Helix Shows and Helix Playlists with associated start and stop times. There can be up to a total of 9 Helix Shows and Playlists for each day of the week. The one major limitation at this time is that the Helix Show or Playlist must start and stop in the same day.

===Helix Network Supervisor===
This is a Microsoft Windows application that is used for several aspects of managing the Helix System. Its primary functions are to convert the Sequences created by Vixen to a format that the Helix can use and create the Helix Shows, Helix Playlists and Helix Schedules. It is also used to set the time on the RTC, run test routines, start/stop a Helix Show and check the status of a Helix Network. The Helix Network Supervisor requires a XBee radio and XBee USB carrier board to perform the setup and testing functions.

File:Helix V1 Main Board.jpg

2010-02-05T02:55:48Z

Gmbartlett: Helix V1 Main Board

Helix V1 Main Board

Helix

2010-02-05T02:36:49Z

Gmbartlett:

== Overview ==
The Helix is one of the most advanced DIY light controllers available. It is a standalone, networkable, distributed light controller that can control a virtually unlimited number of channels. The sequences are created using Vixen. A full Helix system consists of one Main board, three Daughter boards and 32 four channel random-phase turn-on Solid State Relay (SSR) boards for a total of 128 light channels. There is an optional 32ch SSR Daughter board (essentially a Daughter board with integrated SSRs) that can replace one or more of the regular Daughter boards. Each channel has 256 levels of dimming for maximum control of your display.

The main thing that sets the Helix apart is its ability to operate as a standalone controller. With the Helix you can store the sequences, MP3 songs and a show schedule onto a microSD card. This microSD card plugs into a socket on the main board. The Helix will read the show schedule off of the card and at the correct time start displaying the show. The songs are played on a MP3 player that plugs into the main board. The output of this MP3 player can be connected to a small FM radio transmitter so everyone can enjoy your show from the comfort of their vehicle. The show repeats until the scheduled shut down time. All of this automatically happens every day until it is time to take the display down.
=== What if You Need More Than 128 Channels?===
This is where the real power of the Helix comes into play. Each Helix main board is equipped with a Digi (formerly MaxStream) [http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-series1-module.jsp XBee-Pro] RF module. The XBee-Pro is a low cost, low power radio transceiver with a very good range (approximately 1 mile line of sight). This radio is used to wirelessly network two or more Helix systems together. This allows a virtually unlimited number of channels(1) to be synchronized together and with a range of about 1 mile it should be possible to synchronize the lights on every house on a city block!(2)

Note 1: The current protocol limits the number of channels to 32,256; however, if more channels are needed the protocol can easily be expanded to support over 8,000,000 channels. (I can't even conceive of trying to sequence 32,000 channels let alone 8,000,000. So as far as I'm concerned the current protocol is virtually unlimited.)

Note 2: This is theoretically possible but has not been tested yet. gmbartlett will provide all of the technical assistance necessary to the first person that wants to give this a try.

===Complexity===
The Helix system is fairly complex to build and operate. It requires hand soldering of surface mount components. It requires an understanding of the limitations of the XBee wireless radio protocols and an understanding of the Helix Network. It also requires multiple extra steps to get from a sequence created with Vixen to a working show on the Helix. To minimize this complexity the hardware and firmware are configuration controlled by the designer, Gregory Bartlett (aka gmbartlett). Any suggestions for upgrades or changes should be addressed to him.
To further minimize the complexity, the Helix Main boards are provided with the surface mount microSD card socket presoldered. They also come with a preprogrammed EEPROM.
==Terminology==
The following terms with their associated definitions will be used throughout the rest of this Wiki and should be used in the forum discussions.

===Helix Main Board===
This is the “brains” of each Helix System. The main board consists of a power supply, AC Zero crossing circuit, Parallax Propeller processor, EEPROM, XBee radio and three channel bank ports (each a triple RS422/485 driver). If the Main board is also the Helix Network Controller (HNC) it has a MP3 player and Real Time Clock (RTC). All Main boards have a microSD card socket where the firmware, system configuration file, sequence data for its system and, in the case of the HNC, the MP3 songs and schedule are stored. The Main board can directly control 32 channels using the standard four channel random-phase turn-on SSR boards. The SSR boards are connected to the Main board via a standard Cat5 cable. Each of the channel banks can control one of the Helix Daughter boards.

Currently there are two versions of the Helix Main board. Both boards are virtually identical and are interoperable. The main differences between the versions are:

1) The V2 board has a couple of test points that make assembly and troubleshooting easier.

2) The V2 board has a horizontal fuse holder as opposed to the vertical fuse holder on the V1 board.

3) The V2 board has a XBee TX LED that shows when the Propeller chip is transmitting to the XBee

4) The V2 board has the MP3 player powered by 5VDC as opposed to 3.3VDC on the V1 board.

5) The V1 board had three surface mount quad RS422 drivers and the V2 board has three through-hole quad RS485/422 drivers.

6) The V2 board is 1/2" taller than the V1 board.

7) The V2 board has a port for an external trigger that can be used to start a show. (This feature exists in hardware but hasn’t been implemented in the firmware yet)

8) The V2 board has a port that can be used to drive a MiniRDS board. (This feature exists in hardware but hasn’t been implemented in the firmware yet)

The Helix Main board easily fits in a CG-1500 enclosure.

===Helix Daughter Board===
This board is little more than a channel driver, there is no intelligence on this board. It is connected to the Helix Main board via a standard Cat5 cable. It receives its signals via the triple RS485/422 drivers on the Main board. The Daughter board can directly control 32 channels using the standard four channel random-phase turn-on SSR boards. The SSR boards are connected to the Daughter board via a standard Cat5 cable. It requires an external 5VDC power supply. It easily fits in a CG-1000 enclosure.

===Helix 32ch SSR Daughter Board===
This is a standard Helix Daughter board with 32 SSRs integrated on the board. There are four banks of eight random-phase turn on SSRs. Each bank of eight SSRs can be independently powered via a 15A, 120VAC input giving you the ability to switch up to 60A. Each channel should be limited to a max of about 1.75A (with appropriate heat sinks of course). Alternatively all four of the SSR banks can be jumpered together and powered from a single AC input. Any combination between one and four AC inputs can be used. This board will easily fit in a CG-1500 enclosure.

===Helix System===
One Helix Main board, up to three Daughter boards and the associated SSR boards

===Helix Network===
Two or more Helix Systems wirelessly linked together using the XBee radios

===Helix Network Controller===
This is the first Helix System in a Helix Network. It is responsible for starting and stopping the show, playing the MP3s and providing a sync message to all of the other Helix Systems in the network.

===Helix Network Node===
This is a Helix System that is part of a Helix Network and is not the Helix Network Controller. It is only responsible for controlling its channels under the timing of the Helix Network Controller.

===Sequence===
This is a music and light performance, created with Vixen that has the lights synchronized with music. The music is divided into discrete time slots called events. The time between events is called the event period. A typical event period is 50ms or 20 time slots per second. The lights are divided into different channels. Each channel is an element of your overall display. The state of each light channel can be changed at each event. The collection of all of the state changes for every event is the sequence.

===Helix Show===
This is an ordered list of sequences and pauses between sequences that are played on the Helix. There can be up to 99 sequences and pauses in a Helix Show.

===Helix Playlist===
This is an ordered list of MP3 songs that the Helix plays between Helix Shows. There can be up to 99 songs in a Helix Playlist.

===Helix Schedule===
This is an ordered list of Helix Shows and Helix Playlists with associated start and stop times. There can be up to a total of 9 Helix Shows and Playlists for each day of the week. The one major limitation at this time is that the Helix Show or Playlist must start and stop in the same day.

===Helix Network Supervisor===
This is a Microsoft Windows application that is used for several aspects of managing the Helix System. Its primary functions are to convert the Sequences created by Vixen to a format that the Helix can use and create the Helix Shows, Helix Playlists and Helix Schedules. It is also used to set the time on the RTC, run test routines, start/stop a Helix Show and check the status of a Helix Network. The Helix Network Supervisor requires a XBee radio and XBee USB carrier board to perform the setup and testing functions.

Helix

2010-02-05T02:22:07Z

Gmbartlett: Created page with '== Overview == The Helix is one of the most advanced DIY light controllers available. It is a standalone, networkable, distributed light controller that can control a virtually …'

== Overview ==
The Helix is one of the most advanced DIY light controllers available. It is a standalone, networkable, distributed light controller that can control a virtually unlimited number of channels. The sequences are created using Vixen. A full Helix system consists of one Main board, three Daughter boards and 32 four channel random-phase turn-on Solid State Relay (SSR) boards for a total of 128 light channels. There is an optional 32ch SSR Daughter board (essentially a Daughter board with integrated SSRs) that can replace one or more of the regular Daughter boards. Each channel has 256 levels of dimming for maximum control of your display.

The main thing that sets the Helix apart is its ability to operate as a standalone controller. With the Helix you can store the sequences, MP3 songs and a show schedule onto a microSD card. This microSD card plugs into a socket on the main board. The Helix will read the show schedule off of the card and at the correct time start displaying the show. The songs are played on a MP3 player that plugs into the main board. The output of this MP3 player can be connected to a small FM radio transmitter so everyone can enjoy your show from the comfort of their vehicle. The show repeats until the scheduled shut down time. All of this automatically happens every day until it is time to take the display down.
=== What if You Need More Than 128 Channels?===
This is where the real power of the Helix comes into play. Each Helix main board is equipped with a Digi (formerly MaxStream) <a href="http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-series1-module.jsp" target="_blank" title="Digi.com">XBee-Pro</a> RF module. The XBee-Pro is a low cost, low power radio transceiver with a very good range (approximately 1 mile line of sight). This radio is used to wirelessly network two or more Helix systems together. This allows a virtually unlimited number of channels1 to be synchronized together and with a range of about 1 mile it should be possible to synchronize the lights on every house on a city block!2
Note 1: The current protocol limits the number of channels to 32,256; however, if more channels are needed the protocol can easily be expanded to support over 8,000,000 channels. (I can't even conceive of trying to sequence 32,000 channels let alone 8,000,000. So as far as I'm concerned the current protocol is virtually unlimited.)
Note 2: This is theoretically possible but has not been tested yet. gmbartlett will provide all of the technical assistance necessary to the first person that wants to give this a try.

===Complexity===
The Helix system is fairly complex to build and operate. It requires hand soldering of surface mount components. It requires an understanding of the limitations of the XBee wireless radio protocols and an understanding of the Helix Network. It also requires multiple extra steps to get from a sequence created with Vixen to a working show on the Helix. To minimize this complexity the hardware and firmware are configuration controlled by the designer, Gregory Bartlett (aka gmbartlett). Any suggestions for upgrades or changes should be addressed to him.
To further minimize the complexity, the Helix Main boards are provided with the surface mount microSD card socket presoldered. They also come with a preprogrammed EEPROM.
==Terminology==
The following terms with their associated definitions will be used throughout the rest of this Wiki and should be used in the forum discussions.

===Helix Main Board===
This is the “brains” of each Helix System. The main board consists of a power supply, AC Zero crossing circuit, Parallax Propeller processor, EEPROM, XBee radio and three channel bank ports (each a triple RS422/485 driver). If the Main board is also the Helix Network Controller (HNC) it has a MP3 player and Real Time Clock (RTC). All Main boards have a microSD card socket where the firmware, system configuration file, sequence data for its system and, in the case of the HNC, the MP3 songs and schedule are stored. The Main board can directly control 32 channels using the standard four channel random-phase turn-on SSR boards. The SSR boards are connected to the Main board via a standard Cat5 cable. Each of the channel banks can control one of the Helix Daughter boards.

Currently there are two versions of the Helix Main board. Both boards are virtually identical and are interoperable. The main differences between the versions are:
1) The V2 board has a couple of test points that make assembly and troubleshooting easier.
2) The V2 board has a horizontal fuse holder as opposed to the vertical fuse holder on the V1 board.
3) The V2 board has a XBee TX LED that shows when the Propeller chip is transmitting to the XBee
4) The V2 board has the MP3 player powered by 5VDC as opposed to 3.3VDC on the V1 board.
5) The V1 board had three surface mount quad RS422 drivers and the V2 board has three through-hole quad RS485/422 drivers.
6) The V2 board is 1/2" taller than the V1 board.
7) The V2 board has a port for an external trigger that can be used to start a show. (This feature exists in hardware but hasn’t been implemented in the firmware yet)
8) The V2 board has a port that can be used to drive a MiniRDS board. (This feature exists in hardware but hasn’t been implemented in the firmware yet)

The Helix Main board easily fits in a CG-1500 enclosure.

===Helix Daughter Board===
This board is little more than a channel driver, there is no intelligence on this board. It is connected to the Helix Main board via a standard Cat5 cable. It receives its signals via the triple RS485/422 drivers on the Main board. The Daughter board can directly control 32 channels using the standard four channel random-phase turn-on SSR boards. The SSR boards are connected to the Daughter board via a standard Cat5 cable. It requires an external 5VDC power supply. It easily fits in a CG-1000 enclosure.

===Helix 32ch SSR Daughter Board===
This is a standard Helix Daughter board with 32 SSRs integrated on the board.

===Helix System===
One Helix Main board, up to three Daughter boards and the associated SSR boards

===Helix Network===
Two or more Helix Systems wirelessly linked together using the XBee radios

===Helix Network Controller===
This is the first Helix System in a Helix Network. It is responsible for starting and stopping the show, playing the MP3s and providing a sync message to all of the other Helix Systems in the network.

===Helix Network Node===
This is a Helix System that is part of a Helix Network and is not the Helix Network Controller. It is only responsible for controlling its channels under the timing of the Helix Network Controller.

===Sequence===
This is a music and light performance, created with Vixen that has the lights synchronized with music. The music is divided into discrete time slots called events. The time between events is called the event period. A typical event period is 50ms or 20 time slots per second. The lights are divided into different channels. Each channel is an element of your overall display. The state of each light channel can be changed at each event. The collection of all of the state changes for every event is the sequence.

===Helix Show===
This is an ordered list of sequences and pauses between sequences that are played on the Helix. There can be up to 99 sequences and pauses in a Helix Show.

===Helix Playlist===
This is an ordered list of MP3 songs that the Helix plays between Helix Shows. There can be up to 99 songs in a Helix Playlist.

===Helix Schedule===
This is an ordered list of Helix Shows and Helix Playlists with associated start and stop times. There can be up to a total of 9 Helix Shows and Playlists for each day of the week. The one major limitation at this time is that the Helix Show or Playlist must start and stop in the same day.

===Helix Network Supervisor===
This is a Microsoft Windows application that is used for several aspects of managing the Helix System. Its primary functions are to convert the Sequences created by Vixen to a format that the Helix can use and create the Helix Shows, Helix Playlists and Helix Schedules. It is also used to set the time on the RTC, run test routines, start/stop a Helix Show and check the status of a Helix Network. The Helix Network Supervisor requires a XBee radio and XBee USB carrier board to perform the setup and testing functions.

Electronics Hardware

2010-02-05T02:19:33Z

Gmbartlett:

This page contains links to ChristmasWiki entries relating to electronics hardware. It also has an overview of various types of DIY hardware that works with [[Vixen]] software.

==Links==

[[Hardware Design Guidelines]]- The DIYC community standard for hardware design. It is recommended that you check your electronic device and PCB designs against this standard.

[[Co-Op Boards and Assembly Instructions]]- Assembly instructions and documentation on boards that can be obtained through a DIYC COOP.

[[Comparison of DIY Boards]]- Charts that compare statistics on various COOP boards, including their channel count, cost, and COOP status.

[[Renard Main Page]]- Renard is a simple PIC-Based Light Dimmer Controller for use with Vixen.

[[Solid State Relays]]- Solid State Relays (SSRs) are used for switching of mains-voltage lights in a computerized display.

[[DMX to Grinch/595 convertor]]- How to make your Grinch speak DMX.

[[Olsen 595]]- How to make an Olsen 595 controller at home.

[[DMX ROBO Spot Light]]- How to build a Robotic Full Color Spotlight.

[[Control boards and Contacts]]- list of board designs found on DIYC and contact sources for them.

[[Compatible Serial Adapters]]- list of known serial port adapters that will work with our displays.

==Overview of DIY Hardware Approaches That Work With Vixen==

This section provides information about Do-It-Yourself (DIY) hardware that works with the [[Vixen]] software program. Vixen is a Windows (.NET Framework 2) program that runs on a PC, and is used to create and run light shows that may be synchronized to music. Here is a brief list of the DIY approaches that you can take that will work with Vixen.

===Non-Dimmable Light Controllers===

====SSR Direct Attach====

* Controlled through: Parallel Port
* Documentation: [[Solid State Relays]]

If you need 12 or fewer channels, you can just buy or build SSRs and connect them to the parallel port on your PC, and use them to turn 110VAC light strings (or just plain lamps) on and off (no dimming). These ssrs must be sourced or positive switched. From time to time there are coop buys of SSR boards,but these are usually sinked, and/or parts, to reduce your expense. You could place a couple ULN2803s and use the coop sinked ssrs. For more information on this come over to the forum and/or ask on the LiveChat.

====Kit74====
*Controlled through: Parallel Port

This is a kit with mechanical relays that can be purchased from various places. It is similar to the SSR Direct Attach, although the mechanical relays are noisy and have a limited lifespan. There are probably other similar kits available as well.

====Hill320====
* Controlled through: Parallel Port
* Documentation: http://computerchristmas.com/christmas/link-how_to/HowToId-4/How_To_Build_A_Parallel_Port_Controller_Box

This is a controller originally designed by Hill Robertson http://computerchristmas.com to allow up to 320 channels to be controlled by a PC, and requires an external power supply and SSRs. There isn't any coop board for this design at the moment. It is a more complicated design, and it is not currently recommended for newbies.

====Olsen 595/Grinch====
*Controlled through: Parallel Port
*Documentation: [[The GRINCH Controller]], [[GRINCH Controller Assembly Instructions]]
*Documentation: [[Olsen 595]]

This is a popular controller based on an approach first popularized on the http://computerchristmas.com and/or http://planetchristmas.com forums by Peter Olsen. In its first incarnation it used 8-bit 74HC595 logic chips, often with external buffers, while a later design (Grinch), popularized by Robert Jordan, uses 16-bit chips specialized for this use. There are coop boards available for both of these designs. These coop boards need external power supplies, and work with external (coop) SSR boards to control AC lighting.

There are some variations of this approach that support dimming, but they are not as popular and there aren't any coop boards available. However, using a [[Ren-C]] board can add dimming capability to a 595 or Grinch, which causes the board to operate as a Renard board. There is also an option available to run a Grinch or 595 from DMX, [[DMX to Grinch/595 convertor|here]].

The Grinch board is a good choice if you need more than 12 channels but want a board that is simple to build. It doesn't use very many parts, and is easy to assemble.

===Dimmable Light Controllers===
====Firegod====
*Controlled through : Serial Port
*Documentation: [[Firegod]]

This is a modular system that supports 32 to 128 channels per serial port, in increments of 32 channels, with 100 levels of dimming (using pulse width modulation - PWM). It consists of a host controller module and one to four field modules. The SSRs are not included on these boards, and must be provided separately. The interface to this system is RS-232. This system is available on a coop basis from time to time, with the kits including the boards, the parts, and pre-programmed microcontroller chips (PICs). This board is intermediate in complexity to build.

====Renard====
*Controlled through: Serial Port
*Documentation: [[Renard]]

This is another modular system that supports a varying number of channels, depending on baud rate selection. It supports 256 levels of dimming, and can be configured with or without PWM, or for use in DC applications. There are several coop boards available for this system with varying capabilities. It can be a fairly complex system because there are so many options. More information is available at the link listed above.

====Lynx====
*Controlled through: [[DMX]]
*Manual [[LYNX_Controller_Manual]]
The Lynx is a DIY dimmer design that uses [[DMX]] as its protocol but uses standard Cat5 cable for interconnections. It's designed to be similar to the layout of commercially available dimmers (LOR, AL, etc). It is an all in one unit that has its own power supply and SSR's built into it. You connect your DMX Cat5 and plug it in. Lights plug into female cord connections that exit from the board. It allows for a full 256 levels of dimming. The starting address is programmed via vixen. Since it uses the DMX protocol you can run 512 channels of Lynx on one DMX universe at 25ms timming.

In an effort to prevent variations in the design (leading to complications for the newer builders), insure that troubleshooting help can be provided, and keep the total cost as low as possible it is done as a modified coop. All the parts including the PCB and an enclosure are included. The necessary PIC microprocessor will come with the program preloaded so that the builder will not need a PIC programmer. A detailed instruction manual with pictures is included and should allow anyone with basic soldering skills to successfully build the controller.

====Helix====
*Controlled through: Standalone
*Documentation: [[Helix]]

The Helix is a standalone, networkable, modular system that supports a virtually unlimited number of channels. It supports 256 levels of PWM dimming. A Helix system consists of a Helix Main board and up to three Helix Daughter boards. Each Main board and Daughter board can control up to 32 channels. The Main board and basic Daughter board uses the standard four channel SSR boards. There is a 32ch SSR Daughter board that has the SSRs integrated with a basic Daughter board. If more than 128 channels are needed another Helix system can be added to form a Helix Network. These systems stay sync’d via a wireless XBee link. Up to 251 additional Helix systems can be added to the Helix Network as long as they are within radio range of the first Helix system. This allows up to 32,256 channels in a pure Helix system.

Since it is a standalone system, the Helix is a fairly complex system to build and operate. In an effort to minimize the complexity, the design and firmware are configuration controlled by the original system designer, Gregory Bartlett (gmbartlett). The PCBs and preprogrammed EEPROMs are available from him. All PCBs are bare except for the Helix Main Board. Since it requires a surface mount microSD card socket, this part comes presoldered.

===Other Controllers (Signs, Servos, etc.)===
====Ledtriks====
*Controlled through: Parallel Port
*Documentation: [[LedTriks Controller Assembly Instructions]] [http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/images/8/8e/LEDTriks_Wiring_Schematic.pdf LedTriks Wiring Diagram]

This is a controller to control low-voltage LED panels, designed by Robert Jordan. These panels are typically 16 LEDs high by 48 LEDs wide, for a total of 768 LEDs. Vixen can control up to four panels through one parallel port, and can even display text.

====Triks-C====
*Controlled through: Serial port or standalone
*Documentation: [[TRIKSC]], [http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Image:TRIKSC_CONTROLLER_v.0.1_manual.pdf Manual in PDF format]

This is a an add on controller/process for the Ledtricks. One of the problems with the original LEDTRIKS design was the load placed on the PC to chunk the data out the parallel port. The TRIKS-C uses a ATMEL process to take a LEDSTRIKS file and send it out to the LEDTRIKS Controller, via the serial prot.

====JEC Pixel Displays====
*Controlled through: [[DMX]]

Pixels are a stand-alone lighting fixture controlled by DMX-512. Each pixel has banks of red, green and blue wide-angle LEDs, currently six of each. Firmware is available in two versions: 3 and 4 channel. 3 channel requires a dmx channel for red, green and blue intensity. Four channel adds master intensity control to the original three.

Pixels require a stiff +12v switching power supply. Each circuit board draws ~ 130 mA at full brightness. Pixels chain together using standard CAT5 networking cable. Per the DMX spec, no more than 32 pixels should be connected together without using an optosplitter / signal buffer.

LED refresh rate is nearly 100 Hz.

More details can be found at http://www.response-box.com/rgblights

Currently in progress is a version of the firmware which will allow the DMX address to be changed in the field. Currently the address is hard-coded.

====rgbLED====
TBA

==Pictures of Various Coop Boards (mostly assembled)==
<gallery caption="Coop Boards (mostly assembled)" widths="150px" heights="150px" perrow="4">

Image:SSROZ 2.5a (small).jpg|[[4_Channel_SSROZ_Assembly_Instructions | SSR (solid state relay)]]
Image:SSRez.jpg|[[SSRez | SSR (solid state relay ez)]]
Image: coop595.jpg|[[64_Channel_Olsen_595_Controller_Assembly_Instructions | 595 Coop Board]]
Image: Coopgrinch.jpg|[[GRINCH_Controller_Assembly_Instructions | Grinch]]
Image: Ren24.jpg|[[24 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions | Renard by FKostyun: 24 ports with on-board power supply and SSRs]]
Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS8_Complete.jpg|Renard SS 8
Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS16_Completed_Board.jpg|Renard SS 16
Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS24_Completed_Board.jpg|Renard SS 24
Image:xmus.jpg|[[16_Channel_Renard_with_SSRs | Ren16 (xmus)]]

</gallery>

==Commercial Products Supported By Vixen==

===Digital Input/Output Cards===

*[[PCI-DIO-96]] by National Instruments
*[http://www.elexol.com/IO_Modules/USB_IO_24.php Elexol USB I/O 24] - ([http://lights.onthefive.com/vixen-plugins Plugin] by Jonathon Reinhart)
*[http://www.elexol.com/IO_Modules/Ether_IO_24.php Elexol Ether I/O 24] - ([http://lights.onthefive.com/vixen-plugins Plugin] by Jonathon Reinhart)

Control boards and Contacts

2010-02-03T03:02:31Z

Gmbartlett: /* Lighting Control Board Source Listing */

'''
== Lighting Control Board Source Listing ==
'''

Below is a list of board designs found on DIYC and contact sources for them.

<table border="1"><tr><td>'''Non-Dimming'''</td></tr>

<tr><td>Board</td><td>Description/wiki Link</td><td>Contact</td><td>Associated Forum</td></tr>

<tr><td>Olsen 595</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=64_Channel_Olsen_595_Controller_Assembly_Instructions 64 channels requires external SSRs]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=2 Macrosill]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=10 DIYC:Olsen 595 Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Grinch</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=GRINCH_Controller_Assembly_Instructions 64 channels requires external SSRs]</td><td> [http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=31 DIYC:Grinch Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>'''Dimming'''</td></tr>

<tr><td>Board</td><td>Description/wiki Link</td><td>Contact</td><td>Associated Forum</td></tr>

<tr><td>Renard 64</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Renard64 64 channels requires external SSRs]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Ren16</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=16_Channel_Renard_with_SSRs 16 channels with on board SSR]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Ren-C</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=REN-C_PCB_ASSEMBLY_INSTRUCTIONS Adapts Olsen/Grinch boards for dimming]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Ren24</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=24_Channel_Renard_with_SSR_Assembly_Instructions 24 channels with on board SSR],[http://data.kostyun.com/PDF/building_ren_24.pdf PDF:Assembly Instruction from kostyun.com ]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=4 fkostyun]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Ren24lvl</td><td>24 Channels requires external SSR</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=4 fkostyun]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>RenSS 8</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS8_Complete.jpg 8 channels with on board SSR]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=6 waynej]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>RenSS 16</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS16_Completed_Board.jpg 16 channels with on board SSR]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=6 waynej]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>RenSS 24</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS24_Completed_Board.jpg 24 channels with on board SSR]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=6 waynej]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>FG128</td><td>128 channel with external SSR Modules</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=71 Firegod]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=32 DIYC:Firegod Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Helix</td><td>128 channel standalone controller with external SSR Modules</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=44 gmbartlett]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=65 DIYC:Helix Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>'''Misc.'''</td></tr>

<tr><td>Board</td><td>Description/wiki Link</td><td>Contact</td><td>Associated Forum</td></tr>

<tr><td>LEDtrik</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=LedTriks_Controller_Assembly_Instructions LED sign (Animation and scrolling text)] </td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13 DIYC:LEDtrik Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td> LEDtrik-c</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Tricks-C_Controller_Assembly_Instructions Serial port or standalone adapter for the LEDtriks ]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13 DIYC:LEDtrik Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>SSROZ</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=4_Channel_SSROZ_Assembly_Instructions 4 Channel SSROZ]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11 DIYC:SSR Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>DCSSR</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=4_Channel_DCSSR_Assembly_Instructions 4 Channel DCSSR]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11 DIYC:SSR Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>SSRez</td><td>4 Channel SSRez for TA-200 Enclosure</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=1606 g2ktcf]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11 DIYC:SSR Forum]</td></tr>
</table>

Open Design Disclaimer: Here at DIYC (www.DoityourselfChristmas.com, we work on an open design concept. This means that any design brought to the Forums or chatroom on DIYC and openly discussed for development and later distributed, is expected to have its schematics openly shared and publicly published somewhere on the site. Any actual PCB board design is the property of the author.

Control boards and Contacts

2010-02-03T03:01:41Z

Gmbartlett: /* Lighting Control Board Source Listing */

'''
== Lighting Control Board Source Listing ==
'''

Below is a list of board designs found on DIYC and contact sources for them.

<table border="1"><tr><td>'''Non-Dimming'''</td></tr>

<tr><td>Board</td><td>Description/wiki Link</td><td>Contact</td><td>Associated Forum</td></tr>

<tr><td>Olsen 595</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=64_Channel_Olsen_595_Controller_Assembly_Instructions 64 channels requires external SSRs]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=2 Macrosill]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=10 DIYC:Olsen 595 Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Grinch</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=GRINCH_Controller_Assembly_Instructions 64 channels requires external SSRs]</td><td> [http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=31 DIYC:Grinch Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>'''Dimming'''</td></tr>

<tr><td>Board</td><td>Description/wiki Link</td><td>Contact</td><td>Associated Forum</td></tr>

<tr><td>Renard 64</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Renard64 64 channels requires external SSRs]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Ren16</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=16_Channel_Renard_with_SSRs 16 channels with on board SSR]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Ren-C</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=REN-C_PCB_ASSEMBLY_INSTRUCTIONS Adapts Olsen/Grinch boards for dimming]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Ren24</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=24_Channel_Renard_with_SSR_Assembly_Instructions 24 channels with on board SSR],[http://data.kostyun.com/PDF/building_ren_24.pdf PDF:Assembly Instruction from kostyun.com ]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=4 fkostyun]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Ren24lvl</td><td>24 Channels requires external SSR</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=4 fkostyun]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>RenSS 8</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS8_Complete.jpg 8 channels with on board SSR]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=6 waynej]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>RenSS 16</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS16_Completed_Board.jpg 16 channels with on board SSR]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=6 waynej]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>RenSS 24</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Image:Wiki_-_Renard_SS24_Completed_Board.jpg 24 channels with on board SSR]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=6 waynej]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34 DIYC:Renard Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>FG128</td><td>128 channel with external SSR Modules</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=71 Firegod]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=32 DIYC:Firegod Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>Helix</td><td>128 channel standalone controller with external SSR Modules</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=44 GMBartlett]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=65 DIYC:Helix Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>'''Misc.'''</td></tr>

<tr><td>Board</td><td>Description/wiki Link</td><td>Contact</td><td>Associated Forum</td></tr>

<tr><td>LEDtrik</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=LedTriks_Controller_Assembly_Instructions LED sign (Animation and scrolling text)] </td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13 DIYC:LEDtrik Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td> LEDtrik-c</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Tricks-C_Controller_Assembly_Instructions Serial port or standalone adapter for the LEDtriks ]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13 DIYC:LEDtrik Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>SSROZ</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=4_Channel_SSROZ_Assembly_Instructions 4 Channel SSROZ]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11 DIYC:SSR Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>DCSSR</td><td>[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=4_Channel_DCSSR_Assembly_Instructions 4 Channel DCSSR]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=11 wjohn]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11 DIYC:SSR Forum]</td></tr>

<tr><td>SSRez</td><td>4 Channel SSRez for TA-200 Enclosure</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=1606 g2ktcf]</td><td>[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11 DIYC:SSR Forum]</td></tr>
</table>

Open Design Disclaimer: Here at DIYC (www.DoityourselfChristmas.com, we work on an open design concept. This means that any design brought to the Forums or chatroom on DIYC and openly discussed for development and later distributed, is expected to have its schematics openly shared and publicly published somewhere on the site. Any actual PCB board design is the property of the author.