Renard Chaos

[lemaster63]

After hours of researching the subject, considering D-Light and Light-O-Rama, I have decided to go totally DIY with a Renard. Here’s the problems I have found:

1. The Renard 64 seems to be the most popular but unless you got in on a Coop order months ago you can’t get the PCB to build one
2. I can’t try my hand at etching one since I can’t find the pattern in a format I can use (Black & white jpg or Express PCB format)
3. Then there is the phenomenal Renar16 with on-board SSRs... however, some of the parts are no longer available from Mouser and I’m not sure what a suitable substitute would be

I’m not complaining because I understand how awesome it is that so many have shared so much info. I am however frustrated as I have poured through hundreds of threads spanning several websites and can’t seem to put the whole thing together (thus the tiltle of this post). I really would like to dive into this as a Christmas project but can't seem to get past the shallow end.

Does anyone know where I can find the recourses to build the Renard64 (PCB diagram for etching and complete BOM) or a good BOM for the Renard16SSR.

Thanks,
Bill

[zaker]

For a Ren 64 board, http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1066

John may still have some. You will also need to make SSR's.

The following info in the wiki should help:

Ren 64 http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Renard64
Ren T http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ren-T_Assembly_Instructions
SSRs http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Solid_State_Relays

Ren-T and SSR's you can home etch, I have done both. Ren 64, buy a board.

Tom

[lemaster63]

Thanks for the quick response Tom.

I have been to each of these sites and the info convinced me that the Ren 64 is the way to go.

The Ren 64 site was what I was referring to when I said I was not able to use the picture to make a board. The colors are silk-screened together and I have no clue how to pull out what I need.

[zaker]

You're welcome Bill, you'll find all the answers you need here, everyone helps.

The Ren64 might be a little tough to home etch. I recently bought two, just too much work..:) AFAIK, there are no files available to etch them yourself. The Ren-T and SSR's are easy to etch, files to make them are here on the forum, just made about 30 SSR's this week at school with my students so they can get some lights going at home this year.

Tom

[xmus]

what parts are not available for the REN16 w/ SSR's?
I can add some replacement parts to the BOM.

[P. Short]

I don't recommend home etching the Renard64 because the trace width and spacing is too fine (.010"). See if wjohn still has boards, I suspect that he does.

--

Phil

[lemaster63]

XMUS, this is spooky...I was just getting the info to PM you and your post popped up.

The problem parts are
1. 512-H11AA1 (Obsolete) There is a 60mA version (512-H11AA1M ) but I don't know the circuit well enough to make a change.
2. 571-3902611 (Looks like you can't buy online) I found the 571-1-390261-1 and thought maybe the origional number was simply missing a dash.
3. 15-43-8588 (Out of stock until 08) I would like to use a substitute but not sure what is required to fit the board.
4. 538-39890-0302 (Out of stock)

Bottom line...I was gearing up to make the order but just wasn't sure if had things in correctly enough to drop the bucks.

BTW...thanks for the help.

Bill

[P. Short]

1) No need to make any circuit change.

2) Use either 571-390261-1 or 571-1-390261-1 (if you prefer lead-free).

3) I don't have the catalog in front of me to select another part.

4) 571-2828362 might work...it appears to be very similar in dimensions, and a few pennies cheaper.

--

Phil

[lemaster63]

You guys are amazing. This post has only been up for a couple of hours.
Thanks for the help as you pretty much got me unstuck.

This is going to be fun!

[lemaster63]

Thanks again everybody. Everything is on order as of this morning for the Renard 64.

Question: is the Renard 16 compatible as an add-on to the 64? If so I may try my hand at building a couple of those also.

[Macrosill]

Bill,
Contact wjohn via PM for some Renard 64 pcbs. believe he still has some available. He usually keeps a stock on hand.