doityourselfchristmas.com - User contributions [en]

Vixen How-To's

2008-01-03T17:12:59Z

Xmus:

'''How-To: ''Change the relative intensity of multiple cells at once'''''

With the following shortcuts the user can increase/decrease the relative intensity of multiple cells.

''Ctrl-Up'' / ''Ctrl-Down'' = up / down @ 5% increments (configurable via preferences)

''Ctrl-Alt-Up'' / ''Ctrl-Alt-Down'' = up / down @ 1% increments

'''Example:'''

Two cells are selected one is at 10% the other at 100%. With these shortcuts you can decrease their values by 5% making their new intensities 5% and 95% respectively.

'''Vixen How To Videos'''

Vixen Step 1 - Downloading Vixen and .net Framework
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tCOby8K3HQ

Vixen Step 2 – Installing Vixen and .net Framework
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWiH-j-EeUQ

Vixen Step 3 – Setup Vixen for first use
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTCslI6qmgM

Vixen Step 4 – Creating a basic Renard profile in Vixen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQMwlVMHIt8

Vixen Step 5 – Selecting a picture for adjustable preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_YiFh4VZYA

Vixen Step 6 – Configuring adjustable preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0det88zr-k

Vixen Step 7 – Creating a sequence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_H_raLhh9U

Vixen Step 8 – Assigning names and colors to channels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRYWE3ob7Zg

Vixen Step 9 – Creating a beat track
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJeVXpLMrg

Vixen Step 10 – Basic sequencing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=487NnxO8HOw

Vixen Step 11 – Ramps and fades
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsSGzhE3k-g

Vixen Step 12 – Mirror feature
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS4IEEnkjiw

Vixen Step 13 – Shimmer, Sparkle and Random
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrdtYLcjmXU

Vixen Step 14 – On, Off and Intensity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtloISxpnwc

Vixen Step 15 – Chase
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyJvKRvJrIA

Vixen Step 16 – Wrap-up and Demo of Adjustable Preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FngWlzH-6WI

Vixen Step 17 – Changing channel order in Vixen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttoQ_Uc6XCU

Vixen How-To's

2008-01-03T17:11:34Z

Xmus:

'''How-To: ''Change the relative intensity of multiple cells at once'''''

With the following shortcuts the user can increase/decrease the relative intensity of multiple cells.

''Ctrl-Up'' / ''Ctrl-Down'' = up / down @ 5% increments (configurable via preferences)

''Ctrl-Alt-Up'' / ''Ctrl-Alt-Down'' = up / down @ 1% increments

'''Example:'''

Two cells are selected one is at 10% the other at 100%. With these shortcuts you can decrease their values by 5% making their new intensities 5% and 95% respectively.

Vixen Step 1 - Downloading Vixen and .net Framework
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tCOby8K3HQ

Vixen Step 2 – Installing Vixen and .net Framework
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWiH-j-EeUQ

Vixen Step 3 – Setup Vixen for first use
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTCslI6qmgM

Vixen Step 4 – Creating a basic Renard profile in Vixen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQMwlVMHIt8

Vixen Step 5 – Selecting a picture for adjustable preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_YiFh4VZYA

Vixen Step 6 – Configuring adjustable preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0det88zr-k

Vixen Step 7 – Creating a sequence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_H_raLhh9U

Vixen Step 8 – Assigning names and colors to channels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRYWE3ob7Zg

Vixen Step 9 – Creating a beat track
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJeVXpLMrg

Vixen Step 10 – Basic sequencing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=487NnxO8HOw

Vixen Step 11 – Ramps and fades
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsSGzhE3k-g

Vixen Step 12 – Mirror feature
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS4IEEnkjiw

Vixen Step 13 – Shimmer, Sparkle and Random
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrdtYLcjmXU

Vixen Step 14 – On, Off and Intensity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtloISxpnwc

Vixen Step 15 – Chase
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyJvKRvJrIA

Vixen Step 16 – Wrap-up and Demo of Adjustable Preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FngWlzH-6WI

Vixen Step 17 – Changing channel order in Vixen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttoQ_Uc6XCU

Comparison of DIY Boards

2008-01-03T01:31:35Z

Xmus: Undo revision 1094 by Xmus (Talk)

== 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===

{| border="1" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!| 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
|-
| [[Olsen 595|COOP Olsen 595]] || 64 || No¹ || Parallel Port || Yes || Yes || $35-$40 || COOP complete No boards available
|-
| [[GRINCH_Controller_Assembly_Instructions|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) Makes its own ZC|| 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
|-
| [[Solid State Relays|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 ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!| Board || PC Communication Method || Function(s) || Estimated cost to populate board || Board COOP Status
|-
| [[Ren-T Assembly Instructions|Ren-T]] || Serial Port (RS-232)
| align="left" | 1) Converts RS232 to RS485 2) Generates Zero Cross (ZC) signal 3) Enables a RS485 pass-thru || $18-$23 || COOP complete No boards available
|-
| [[Renard-595 Converter|Ren-C]] || Serial Port (RS-232)
| align="left" | 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
| align="left" | 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
| align="left" | 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.

{| border="1" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: center;"
!width="125"|
!width="175"|
!width="350"|
|-
!|Board || Difficulty Level || Construction Issues
|-
| COOP Olsen 595 || Easy || None
|-
| Grinch || Easy || None
|-
| Renard8 || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| Renard16 (Xmus16) || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| Renard24 || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| Renard64 || Moderate To Difficult
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC - 3 different options that it can be built to
|-
| Firegod W/ 4 field Modules || Moderate
| align="left" |
|-
| Lynx || Easy
| align="left" | - Manual with pics/ basic soldering skills only
|-
| COOP SSR & SSROZ V2.d || Easy || None
|-
| Ren-T || Easy To Moderate
| align="left" | - 3 different options/cases that it can be built to
|-
| Ren-C || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| LEDTriks || Moderate
| align="left" | - LED panel itself a large undertaking
|}

Comparison of DIY Boards

2008-01-03T01:30:29Z

Xmus: /* Light Controllers */

== 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===

{| border="1" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!| 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
|-
| [[Olsen 595|COOP Olsen 595]] || 64 || No¹ || Parallel Port || Yes || Yes || $35-$40 || COOP complete No boards available
|-
| [[GRINCH_Controller_Assembly_Instructions|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) Makes its own ZC doesn't need ZC| 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
|-
| [[Solid State Relays|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 ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!| Board || PC Communication Method || Function(s) || Estimated cost to populate board || Board COOP Status
|-
| [[Ren-T Assembly Instructions|Ren-T]] || Serial Port (RS-232)
| align="left" | 1) Converts RS232 to RS485 2) Generates Zero Cross (ZC) signal 3) Enables a RS485 pass-thru || $18-$23 || COOP complete No boards available
|-
| [[Renard-595 Converter|Ren-C]] || Serial Port (RS-232)
| align="left" | 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
| align="left" | 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
| align="left" | 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.

{| border="1" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: center;"
!width="125"|
!width="175"|
!width="350"|
|-
!|Board || Difficulty Level || Construction Issues
|-
| COOP Olsen 595 || Easy || None
|-
| Grinch || Easy || None
|-
| Renard8 || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| Renard16 (Xmus16) || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| Renard24 || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| Renard64 || Moderate To Difficult
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC - 3 different options that it can be built to
|-
| Firegod W/ 4 field Modules || Moderate
| align="left" |
|-
| Lynx || Easy
| align="left" | - Manual with pics/ basic soldering skills only
|-
| COOP SSR & SSROZ V2.d || Easy || None
|-
| Ren-T || Easy To Moderate
| align="left" | - 3 different options/cases that it can be built to
|-
| Ren-C || Moderate
| align="left" | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC
|-
| LEDTriks || Moderate
| align="left" | - LED panel itself a large undertaking
|}

File:Xmus.jpg

2007-12-09T05:52:12Z

Xmus:

Electronics Hardware

2007-12-09T05:51:23Z

Xmus: /* Pictures of Various Coop Boards (mostly assembled) */

This is the page to contribute content about the electronics hardware you use to run your display. If it electronic components or solder then it belongs here. Anything from relays and controllers to pic programmers and power supplies.

==Links==

[[Hardware Design Guidelines]] A DIYC community standardization

[[Co-Op Boards and Assembly Instructions]]

[[Comparison of DIY Boards]]

[[Renard Main Page]] Simple PIC-Based Light Dimmer Controller for use with Vixen

[[Solid State Relays]]

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

[[All In One Tester]] : A single unit for testing controllers, cables, and SSR's

[[Olsen 595]] : How to make an Olsen 595 controller at home

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

==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. This is a Windows (.NET2) 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.

===Parallel Port Approaches===

These controllers only work with parallel ports that are built into the PC (and also older ISA Parallel Port cards). People have had difficulty getting them to work with PCI Parallel Port cards or USB-Parallel converters.

====SSR Direct Attach====

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). From time to time there are coop buys of SSR boards and/or parts, so reduce your expense.

====Hill320====

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====

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.

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.

====Ledtriks====

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.

===Serial Port Approaches===

There are several controller designs that can be interfaced through the serial port (including USB-Serial converters). These designs support dimming, and are microcontroller-based designs (exclusively PICs so far). These designs are typically more complex than the Parallel Port designs

====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 RS485, so a USB-RS485 (or RS232-RS485) converters are required. 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====

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 with 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.

====rgbLED====

TBA

===DMX Approaches===
====JEC Pixel Displays====
====Lynx====

The Lynx is a DIY dimmer design using DMX as its protocol but uses standard cat5 cable for interconnections. It's designed to be similar to the commercially available dimmers (LOR,AL,ETC) layout and is an all in one unit that has its own power supply and ssr's built into it. You connect you dmx cat5 and plug it in. Then the lights plug into extension cords thats exit from it.

In an effort to prevent variations in the design leading to complications for the newer builders while insuring we can help troubleshoot if you have problems while keeping the total cost as low as possible it is done as a modified coop where the pcb and all parts including the enclosure is included. It has a detailed instruction manual and is intended to allow anyone with just basic soldering skills to build it. The Pic chip comes preprogrammed so a programmer is not necessary.

==Pictures of Various Coop Boards (mostly assembled)==

SSR (solid state relay)

[[Image:SSROZ 2.5a (small).jpg]]

595 Coop Board

[[Image: coop595.jpg]]

Grinch (needs bypass caps)

[[Image: Coopgrinch.jpg]]

Renard (by FKostyun: 24 ports with on-board power supply and SSRs)
[[Image: Ren24.jpg]]

Lynx (DMX dimmer)

[[Image:Lynxsub2_163.jpg]]

[[Image:DSCF5084.JPG]]

Ren16 (xmus)

[[Image:xmus.jpg]]

Renard Main Page

2007-10-25T05:27:26Z

Xmus: /* General Information and How-To's */

===General Information and How-To's===

Renard is the name of a computer-controlled, PIC-based dimmer scheme, and also refers to dimming controllers that people have built based on this scheme. The designs all use mid-range PIC micro-controllers, are generally modular in units of eight channels (dimmable circuits), and use medium-speed, daisy-chainable, one-direction serial communications for input. Renard controllers do not have stand-alone show sequencing capabilities, and rely on a separate computer (usually a PC) to send it real-time sequences of dimmer commands.

Renard is strictly a do-it-yourself project, and there aren't any commercial (hardware or software) products available. There are, however, a number of PCB designs that people have created and made available for others to order on a coop basis. These include:

Renard8 - a small 8-channel (single PIC) board for use with external SSRs.
Renard16 - a 16-channel (two-PIC) board with integrated SSRs (pcb design by xmus)
Renard24 - a 24-channel (three-PIC) board with integrated SSRs (pcb design by fkostyun)
Renard64 - a 64-channel (eight-PIC) board that uses external SSRs.
Ren-T - a transformer board for use with Renard to supply power, zero-crossing signal, and/or RS485 conversion
Ren-C - a board that converts a 595/Grinch (normally non-dimming) board to a dimming 64-channel board.

[[Renard]]: General Overview

[[Renard Standard Setup]]: Simplified Connection Instructions

[[Renard Firmware]]: Description and Download

[[Renard8]]: PCB Documentation (schematic, layout, BOM)

[[Renard16]]: PCB Documentation (schematic, layout, BOM, Firmware, Assembly Instructions)

[[Renard64]]: PCB Documentation (schematic, layout, BOM)

[[Renard-595 Converter]]: Description of a Board for 192-level Dimming of the 64-Channel Olsen Coop Controller

[[Renard Connection Instructions]]

[[Ren-T Assembly Instructions|Ren-T]]: A transformer board that can supply power and ZC for the Renard boards.

=== Co-Op Boards and Assembly Instructions===

[[16 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions]]

[[24 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions]]

Renard16

2007-10-25T05:26:31Z

Xmus: New page: http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/

http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/

Renard Main Page

2007-10-25T05:26:14Z

Xmus:

===General Information and How-To's===

Renard is the name of a computer-controlled, PIC-based dimmer scheme, and also refers to dimming controllers that people have built based on this scheme. The designs all use mid-range PIC micro-controllers, are generally modular in units of eight channels (dimmable circuits), and use medium-speed, daisy-chainable, one-direction serial communications for input. Renard controllers do not have stand-alone show sequencing capabilities, and rely on a separate computer (usually a PC) to send it real-time sequences of dimmer commands.

Renard is strictly a do-it-yourself project, and there aren't any commercial (hardware or software) products available. There are, however, a number of PCB designs that people have created and made available for others to order on a coop basis. These include:

Renard8 - a small 8-channel (single PIC) board for use with external SSRs.
Renard16 - a 16-channel (two-PIC) board with integrated SSRs (pcb design by xmus)
Renard24 - a 24-channel (three-PIC) board with integrated SSRs (pcb design by fkostyun)
Renard64 - a 64-channel (eight-PIC) board that uses external SSRs.
Ren-T - a transformer board for use with Renard to supply power, zero-crossing signal, and/or RS485 conversion
Ren-C - a board that converts a 595/Grinch (normally non-dimming) board to a dimming 64-channel board.

[[Renard]]: General Overview

[[Renard Standard Setup]]: Simplified Connection Instructions

[[Renard Firmware]]: Description and Download

[[Renard8]]: PCB Documentation (schematic, layout, BOM)

[[Renard16]]: The XMUS board, PCB Documentation (schematic, layout, BOM, Firmware, Assembly Instructions)

[[Renard64]]: PCB Documentation (schematic, layout, BOM)

[[Renard-595 Converter]]: Description of a Board for 192-level Dimming of the 64-Channel Olsen Coop Controller

[[Renard Connection Instructions]]

[[Ren-T Assembly Instructions|Ren-T]]: A transformer board that can supply power and ZC for the Renard boards.

=== Co-Op Boards and Assembly Instructions===

[[16 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions]]

[[24 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions]]

16 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions

2007-10-25T05:16:31Z

Xmus: /* Computer feed/power cable */

== Overview ==
*Assembly Time: 2 hours
*Skill Level: Medium

== Disclaimer ==
ALL INFORMATION WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. I DO NOT GUARANTEE ANY INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS ACCURATE, AND IT SHOULD BE USED FOR ABSTRACT EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

THIS FILE IS DISTRIBUTED IN THE HOPE THAT IT WILL BE USEFUL, BUT WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; WITHOUT EVEN THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

The standard ChristmasWiki [[Disclaimers]] also apply.

== Reference Material ==
=== Tools ===
*Bench Soldering Iron
*Silver Solder
*Flat cut dykes
*Desoldering bulb

=== Other Requirements ===
* You will need an RS232 to RS485 converter. I would suggest [http://www.ebay.com EBAY]

=== Related Documents/Links ===
* [http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-RS232-To-RS485-Data-Communication-Adapter_W0QQitemZ300121293785QQihZ020QQcategoryZ41993QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem RS485 Converter from Ebay]
*[http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/16cPicDimmedSSR_Parts_List_Rev1.9.xls Parts List]
* [http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/16CPicDimmedSSR_Theory_of_Operation_Rev1.9.pdf Theory of Operations]
* [http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/16CPicDimmerSSR_Rev1.9.pdf Image of Board]
* [http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/16CPicDimmerSSR_Rev1.9_TOP.pdf Top of PCB]
* [http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/16CPicDimmerSSR_Rev1.9_BOTTOM.pdf Botton of PCB]
* [http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/16CPicDimmerSSR_Rev1.9_SILK.pdf Silk Screen]
* [http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=36 Latest PIC Code]

== Build Steps ==
{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"
!align=center |Install Item||align=center|Qty||align=center|Mouser P/N||align=center|Location||Notes
|-
|nowrap|1. IC sockets 6 pin ||align=center|17||align=center|571-3902611||align=center|U3-U19||Make sure they are oriented the same way as the silk screen image. U19 is oriented opposite of the others.
|-
|nowrap|2. IC Sockets 8 Pin||align=center|2||align=center|575-193308||align=center|U20 & U21||.
|-
|nowrap|3. IC Sockets 14 Pin||align=center|2||align=center|575-199314||align=center|U1 & U2||.
|-
|nowrap|4. Bossman Fuse Holder||align=center|4||align=center|504-1a3399-10||align=center|H1 & H2 pads||Make sure the notch on the fuse holder is oriented so one is on the top and the other on the bottom to properly hold the fuse.
|-
|nowrap|5. Euro Sytle Terminal Blocks||align=center|11||align=center|538-398890-0302||align=center|Lower Edge of Board||.
|-
|nowrap|6. 15Kohm resistors||align=center|2||align=center|71-ccf60-15k-e3||align=center|R17 & R18||.
|-
|nowrap|7. 178ohm resistors||align=center|16||align=center|273-178-rc||align=center|R1 - R16||Orient the colored bands all the same way for ease of troubleshooting later.
|-
|nowrap|8. 10pin 680ohm bus resistor||align=center|2||align=center|266-680||align=center|above U7 & U15||.
|-
| colspan=5 align="center"|Numbered Photo - Numbers correspond to the build steps
[[Image:16Channel_Renard_SSR.jpeg]]

|-
|nowrap|9. 2 ping jumper mount||align=center|4||align=center|571-3-644456-2||align=center|J1 - J4||.
|-
|nowrap|10. Green LED||align=center|2||align=center|604-wp7104gt||align=center|Ch2Diag #1 & #2||The short leg of the led goes to the flat side of the silkscreening
|-
|nowrap|11. Monolithic Radial Capacitor||align=center|2||align=center|81-rpee41h105m4k1e12||align=center|C1 & C2||.
|-
|nowrap|12. Amp Modular Jacks rj45||align=center|2||align=center|571-5520251-4||Upper Right and Left||.
|-
|nowrap|13. Coated axial ceramic capacitors||align=center|2||align=center|80-c410c104m5u||C3 & C4||.
|-
|nowrap|14. Voltage Regulator||align=center|1||align=center|821-TS7805C2||5vReg||.
|-
|nowrap|15. 8 amp Triac||align=center|16||align=center|511-BTA08-400b||Bottom of board||Be sure to solder these well as they will be carrying 110v A/C
|-
|nowrap|16. 1K ohm resistors||align=center|3||align=center|660-mf1/4dc1001f||align=center|R20, R21 & R24||.
|-
|nowrap|17. Crystal Clock oscillator||align=center|1||align=center|520-tck1843-x||align=center|OSC1||.
|-
|nowrap|18. 22k ohm resistor||align=center|3||align=center|660-mf1/4dlt52r2702f||align=center|R19, R22 & R23||.
|-
| colspan=5 align="center"|Numbered Photo - Numbers correspond to the build steps
[[Image:16Channel_Renard_SSR_2.jpeg]]

|-

|nowrap|19. zener diode||align=center|1||align=center|78-in5239b||align=center|D2||.
|-
|nowrap|20. zener diode||align=center|1||align=center|512-1n5229b-t50a||align=center|D1||.
|-
|nowrap|21. 120 ohm resistor||align=center|1||align=center|660-mf1/4dct52r1200f||align=center|R26||.
|-
|nowrap|22. VR/50v diode||align=center|1||align=center|625-1n4001-e3||align=center|D3||.
|-
|nowrap|23. red led||align=center|1||align=center|604-wp7104ec||align=center|Top Center||.
|-
|nowrap|24. H11aa1||align=center|1||align=center|782-h11aa1||align=center|U19||.
|-
|nowrap|25. Rs485||align=center|2||align=center|837-isl81487eip||align=center|U20 & U21||.
|-
|nowrap|26. Pic Chips||align=center|2||align=center|11-11||align=center|#2||.
|-
|nowrap|27. fuses||align=center|2||align=center|504-gma-5||align=center|H1 & H2||.
|-
|nowrap|28. Heat Sink||align=center|1||align=center|532-574502B00||align=center|5vReg||.
|-
| colspan=5 align="center"|Here is a picture of the final product

[[Image:16Channel_Renard_SSR_Final.jpeg]]

|-

|}

== Options ==
=== 240 or 24 volt Conversion ===
The original controller was designed for operation on 110VAC and many of the parts were specified for 110V. The board will operate at other voltages, however a number of changes need to be made.

The first decision to be made is what voltage you want to switch. The triacs are responsible for switching the primary voltage. The is no reason that the primary voltage for the TRIACs could not be 240VAC or 24VAC, however the circuit will need to be modified.

One of the major changes is the ZC detect section of the controller. The original circuit specified a H11AA1 for the optoisolator, with two 15k ohm 1watt resistors for current limiting. Details on the H11AA1 can be found here

[http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/H1%2FH11AA1-M.pdf H11AA1 Datasheet]

I understand that the 15kΩ values are calculated as follows:

I(fwd-peak) = 5mA

V(rms) = 110 VAC RMS

V (peak) = V(rms) * 1.41 = 150VAC

R = V(peak) / I (fwd-peak) = 150V / 0.005 A = 30k ohm Two resistors of 15 k each for a total of 30k.

P = I(peak)(squared) * R = 0.005 * .005 * 15000 / 2 = 0.2W per resistor.

====12VDC switching.====

====12VAC switching.====
The peak voltage for a 12 VAC line is 12 x 1.414 = 17 V, so R = 17 V / 1 A = 17 ohms minimum. At 12VAC, rounded to 22 ohms for a standard value.

====24VAC switching.====

Parts Required and changes.

Gate Resistors - The original value for the gate resistors (item 7) was 180 ohms. For 24VAC operation, the gate resistors need to be changed to 33 ohms.

H11AA1 limiting resistors - These will need to be changed to 3.3k 1/4 watt.

====240VAC switching.====

Parts Required and changes.

Gate Resistors - The original value for the gate resistors (item 7) was 180 ohms. For 240VAC operation, the gate resistors need to be changed to 360 ohms.

H11AA1 limiting resistors - I am going to make a suggestion for the board to operate on 240VAC that will require a number of physical and electrical changes to the ZC circuit on the controller. This modification is designed to use a low voltage transformer to derive the ZC signal from, instead of the 240VAC Hot rail.

1. ''' Fit two R18s to the PCB.''' Now that the PCB has been modified, you need to fit two new R18s, appropriate for the ZC voltage the H1AA1 will be sensing.

2. '''Cutting a track.''' Looking at the copper side of the PCB, you will notice a small track common from the HOT rail to the inside H1AA11 resistor (R18). There are two R18s, and I'll refer to them as Inside and Outside R18s. The Outside R18 is the one closest to the edge of the PCB. (I'll see if I can take a picture of my board.). By cutting this track, the H11AA1 will be floating with reference to the HOT on the TRIAC (240VAC in this example).

3. '''Fitting a jumper wire.''' With the original design, you only needed to connect the White (neutral) to the 2 pole terminal block. The terminal block is located on the right hand side of the PCB, and has a '''N''' and and a '''NC''' marked on the silkscreen overlay. using a short piece of jumper wire, solder a connection between the '''NC''' on the terminal block and the hot side of the Inside R18. This will replace the track you cut in Step 2.

3. ''' Fit two R18s to the PCB.''' Now that the PCB has been modified, you need to fit two new resistors to the ZC circuit. I am going to use a 30VAC CT transformer to power my board (via a Diode rectifier circuit). Taking a tap from the transformer

=== Computer feed/power cable ===
Now you have installed all the parts, the next decision is how you will connect the controller to the PC, and how you will power the board.

The majority of the controller is run from a 5 volt DC regulator that is located on the PCB. The regulator is a 7805, and will provide a regulated 5VDC supply. The input voltage for the controller needs to be at least 9 VDC and no more than 15 VDC.

Checking the datasheet for the 7805, the minimum input voltage must be 2.0V greater than the V(out) = 7.0 V and with the input power diode (1N4001) having a Maximum Instantaneous Forward Voltage Drop of 1.1V, the absolute minimum is 8.1V. However, the system was analyzed with a VOM and a variable output power supply, and to assure 5.0VDC minimum at TP6, it is recommended to stay above 7.5VDC at TP2.

Co-Op Boards and Assembly Instructions

2007-08-23T05:51:33Z

Xmus:

[[16 Channel Renard with SSRs]]

[[4 Channel SSROZ Assembly Instructions]]

[[64 Channel Olsen 595 Controller Assembly Instructions]]

[[64 Channel Olsen 595 Controller Parts List]]

[[LedTriks Controller Assembly Instructions]]

16 Channel Renard with SSRs

2007-08-23T05:50:57Z

Xmus: New page: Howdy, For the 16 Channel Renard with SSR's (The XMUS board), assembly documentation can be found here: http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/16CPicDimmedSSR_Theor...

Howdy,

For the 16 Channel Renard with SSR's (The XMUS board), assembly documentation can be found here:

http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/16CPicDimmedSSR_Theory_of_Operation_Rev1.9.pdf

Thanks,
Dave

Co-Op Boards and Assembly Instructions

2007-08-23T05:49:35Z

Xmus:

[[4 Channel SSROZ Assembly Instructions]]

[[64 Channel Olsen 595 Controller Assembly Instructions]]

[[64 Channel Olsen 595 Controller Parts List]]

[[LedTriks Controller Assembly Instructions]]

[[16 Channel Renard with SSRs]]

16 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions.

2007-08-14T01:08:38Z

Xmus:

A chapter has been added to the Theory of Operation documentation on "How to assemble"

at:

http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/16CPicDimmedSSR_Theory_of_Operation_Rev1.9.pdf

All documents are here:
http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/

Thank you,
Xmus

16 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions.

2007-08-14T01:07:19Z

Xmus:

A chapter has been added to the documentation on "How to assemble"

at:

http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/

Thank you,
Xmus

16 Channel Renard with SSR Assembly Instructions.

2007-08-13T01:09:24Z

Xmus: New page: Hello this is XMUS, I've never used Wiki before, but here it goes :) Watch for this page to be populated over the coming days. Thanks, Dave

Hello this is XMUS, I've never used Wiki before, but here it goes :)
Watch for this page to be populated over the coming days.
Thanks,
Dave