Simple Renard 24/6 and SSR6

[tstraub]

I have came up with a modified version of the Simple Renard 24 (http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?12630-Simple-Renard-24) in an effort to save on cabling for my 2011 display.

This controller is identical to the original Simple Renard 24 except the following changes. The channel output has been split up across four RJ45 connectors 6 channels each. I removed the GND from pin7 of the RJ45's to run the too extra channel traces around the back of the connectors and keep the board single sided and easily home etchable. The channel map has also changed so the firmware from the SR24 will not work on the SR24/6. Mac has made a new version of the firmware and everything works Great.

The SSR6 is a custom 6 channel SSR designed to be used with The SR24/6. It uses the same optos and triacs as most of the SSRs used around here. All the required files to etch the controller and SSRs are in the copper section of the File Library. direct link Here (http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/dynamics/showentry.php?e=133&catid=8)
I have also attached a Picture of the controller and SSR. Any questions, comments or criticism welcom
10175
Tyler

[alanf]

Looks like a good idea. I want one

[kychristmas]

Since I can't do it I hate to criticize, but I think when this changes the basic "Standard" concept of 4 Channel SSR wiring, it ceases to be "Simple" I assume there's not danger in plugging a 4 Channel SSR into this (except 2 wasted channels) or plugging a 6 channel SSR into a standard "Simple" design or a Ren 64?

Believe me, I am completely appreciated of all your efforts. I have etched and will use 8 of the original Simple 16 designs. So I know there's value in the concept and basic design.

[P. Short]

At this point I am unaware of any SSR or Renard board (or Grinch/595 board) that has anything connected to those two pins.

Anyway, this is all DIY, with not a whole lot of standardization and a whole lot of individual and unique efforts. Maybe the name could be changed, but I applaud taking the initiative to change and modify designs to meet individual needs. Onne of my objectives in releasing the original Renard design and firmware (and subsequent developments) in the way that I did was to encourage innovation and customization. It is doubtless confusing for people just coming into this, but I like the wide (and expanding) variety of designs based on Renard.

[P. Short]

At this point I am unaware of any SSR or Renard board (or Grinch/595 board) that has anything connected to those two pins.

Anyway, this is all DIY, with not a whole lot of standardization and a whole lot of individual and unique efforts. Maybe the name could be changed, but I applaud taking the initiative to change and modify designs to meet individual needs. Onne of my objectives in releasing the original Renard design and firmware (and subsequent developments) in the way that I did was to encourage innovation and customization. It is doubtless confusing for people just coming into this, but I like the wide (and expanding) variety of designs based on Renard.

[kychristmas]

Yes, I totally agree Phil. I didn't mean to imply that his efforts weren't excellent for the community. The proof of that is that I have downloaded everyone one of his (their) designs just to make sure I have them. My questions were two-fold: 1. Making sure that their would be no issues with the "Standard" 4 channel SSRs and 2, Does "simple" name still apply. I know you answered the first and you probably answered (or at least gave your opinion) on the second.

Since i can't do it, I am always appreciate of EVERY effort made towards controller designs. Especially the open designs provided. Just using the File Library and some solid Home Etch tecniques, any member can create his own custom setup. Its amazing what is in there.

At this point I am unaware of any SSR or Renard board (or Grinch/595 board) that has anything connected to those two pins.

Anyway, this is all DIY, with not a whole lot of standardization and a whole lot of individual and unique efforts. Maybe the name could be changed, but I applaud taking the initiative to change and modify designs to meet individual needs. Onne of my objectives in releasing the original Renard design and firmware (and subsequent developments) in the way that I did was to encourage innovation and customization. It is doubtless confusing for people just coming into this, but I like the wide (and expanding) variety of designs based on Renard.

[tstraub]

This board will be used in my display for chasing mini incandescent ice cycle lights across the roof line of my house. My ice cycle lights are 300 count strings. They will be broken up into 100 count sections and controlled as three channels for each string. Using four channel SSRs just did not make a lot of since too me It would use a lot of Cat5 cable to make it work. So by modifying the Simple Renard 24 to control 6 channel SSRs I can control two strings with each SSR. I only need 1 controller and 4 SSRs to chase the roof line. The open designs of controllers around this forum are part of what makes this site so great.

There is no issues with plugging a 4 channel SSR into this controller. In fact I used 4 channel SSRneons for a lot of the early testing of this controller. I could only see 16 channels at a time but it worked well enough to prove that it was a working controller until I got the 6 channel SSRs built.

As for the name it was chosen only because the original file I started with was named Simple Renard 24. As I was working on this design I added the divided by 6 to keep the files separated and it just stuck.

Tyler

[Mactayl]

Yes, I totally agree Phil. I didn't mean to imply that his efforts weren't excellent for the community. The proof of that is that I have downloaded everyone one of his (their) designs just to make sure I have them. My questions were two-fold: 1. Making sure that their would be no issues with the "Standard" 4 channel SSRs and 2, Does "simple" name still apply. I know you answered the first and you probably answered (or at least gave your opinion) on the second.

Since i can't do it, I am always appreciate of EVERY effort made towards controller designs. Especially the open designs provided. Just using the File Library and some solid Home Etch tecniques, any member can create his own custom setup. Its amazing what is in there.


This is more or less a reply to item #2 since item #1 has been addressed.. and this is just my own opinion about the Simple Renard's,, I believe that any of the designs that came from the original Simple Renard 16 that have been migrated to what they have developed into today,,, Simple Renard 24, 32, 24/6, RGB and RGB+W. while keeping a very small PCB Format roughly 4"x4 1/2" should be called Simple Renard's, we are continuously trying to keep the cost per channel down as low as possible...we are also working on two new designs which are the Simple Renard Strobe Burst and Simple Renard Icicle.. We are also trying our best to keep them as Simple as possible (no pun intended) maybe the name could be change to Renard SR 24,32 etc. that should be Phil's call after all they all started from his original design along with Scorpia's help.

BTW ,,Brian (budude) sparked my interest in the Simple Renard's last year and that made a lasting impression on the PIC18Fxxxx capabilities for the Simple Renard's

just my 2 cents worth..:)