Comparison of DIY Boards
Notes on the use of these charts
- The cost estimates are only that, estimates.
- They are generally based on placing a Mouser order for the parts for one board using the BOM that has been provided.
- They do not include shipping.
- The costs may significantly lower if the parts are obtained through a coop or from other sources.
- The price of electronic components and PCBs changes quickly.
- Individual results will vary.
- My apologies to any/all board designers if I omitted some critical information.
Board Comparison
- The following tables have been updated to only include boards that are actively being supported by the DoItYourselfChristmas.com community. Correct and accurate information concerning boards supported by other forums is best found there.
Light Controllers
Controller Board | Number of Channels | Dimmable | PC Communication Method | Compatible with COOP SSR |
Requires External Power Supply | Estimated cost to populate 1 board |
Board COOP Status | PCB Dimensions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
COOP Olsen 595 | 64 | No¹ | Parallel Port | Yes | Yes | $40-$50 | Boards Available Contact macrosill |
4.4” x 7.8” |
Grinch | 64 | No¹ | Parallel Port | Yes | Yes | $20-$25 | Boards Available Contact wjohn |
2" x 6.8" |
Renard SS8 | 8 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232/RS-485) |
N/A On-board SSRs |
No | $35-$45 | Boards Available Contact Wayne J |
3.4" x 6" |
Renard16 (Xmus16) |
16 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232/RS-485) |
N/A On-board SSRs |
Yes | $50-$60 | Boards Available Contact wjohn |
2.9" x 7" |
Renard SS16 | 16 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232/RS-485) |
N/A On-board SSRs |
No | $50-$60 | Boards Available Contact Wayne J |
4.1" x 8" |
Renard24 | 24 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232/RS-485) |
N/A On-board SSRs |
No | $75-$85 | Boards Available contact fkostyun |
7” x 5.8” |
Renard SS24 | 24 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232/RS-485) |
N/A On-board SSRs |
No | $65-$75 | Boards Available Contact Wayne J |
4" x 11" |
Renard64 | 64 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232/RS-485) |
Yes | Yes * Requires LV AC source |
$55-$65 | Boards Available Contact wjohn |
5" x 6.5" (Rev XC) |
Firegod W/ 4 field Modules |
128 | Yes | Serial Port (RS-232) |
Yes (with latest firmware) |
No | $135-$145 (w/ 4 field modules) |
COOP complete No boards available |
2.5" x 3.8" |
SSROZ V2.d & SSRez V1.3a |
4 | Yes | 4 Sinking inputs from Controller Boards |
N/A | N/A | $10-$12 | Boards Available Contact wjohn |
- Note¹ - Olsen 595 and Grinch can be dimmed by using a Ren-T (or other Zero Cross source) and Ren-C board
Other Boards Available
Board | PC Communication Method | Function(s) | Estimated cost to populate board | Board COOP Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ren-C | Serial Port (RS-232) |
|
$10-$12 | Boards Available Contact wjohn |
LEDTriks | Parallel Port | Used to generate messages/effects on a 16 x 48 grid of LEDs | $20-$25 | Boards Available
|
Board Construction Difficulty
- This information is completely subjective and opinions will vary.
- An empty entry does not imply no problems. It only implies that, at this posting, no first-hand experience was available to make an entry.
Board | Difficulty Level | Construction Issues |
---|---|---|
COOP Olsen 595 | Easy | None |
Grinch | Easy | None |
Renard SS8 | Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
Renard16 (Xmus16) |
Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
Renard SS16 | Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
Renard24 | Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
Renard SS24 | Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
Renard64 | Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
Firegod W/ 4 field Modules |
Moderate | |
COOP SSR & SSROZ V2.d |
Easy | None |
Ren-C | Moderate | - Requires a PIC programmer for the PIC IC |
LEDTriks | Moderate | - LED panel itself a large undertaking |