WANTED: Assembled/Programmed Renard 24 Controller

[Superfreak3]

Hello all,

I know this is a DIY site, and believe me, noone likes to tinker more than me (As a kid I disassembled/reassembled all types of home gadgets, driving my parents nuts.), but...

... the reason I would like to buy an assembled controller is because I'm afraid I will screw it up. I really want this thing to work so my plans will come to fruition.

I already ordered/paid for my board and pre-programmed PICs through the Co-op so if noone can help me, I guess I'll embark on the great adventure when it arrives along with the needed parts from Mouser.

If anyone can help out, I would appreciate it. I'm sure if I did build it my self, the feeling of accomplishment would make the whole season and display that much more enjoyable, but, I'm a chicken!

[hutchijw]

Last year was my first real attempt at soldering circuit boards. My advise would be to do it yourself. If your not use to soldering, do the ssr boards first (if your doing "off board" ssr's). Otherwish, find something to pratice solder on.

You will have alot more self pride doing it yourself.

The UPS guys said to me one say after asking a few questions...., " You must be pretty proud of this!" I replied, "Im trying to be modest & humble but it's pretty tough" lol

I will assist with the soldering if you need it.

[fkostyun]

Well, the boards are not too hard to solder - its actually a simple design. I am going to do a how-to with step by step photo's this year.

[JEEPGUY]

Superfreak,

This obsession (err hobby) that I started in November last year is my first attempt at electronics and soldering. Building the boards has been easy. Don't be afraid. Start with the SSR's and then test them.


If anyone can help out, I would appreciate it. I'm sure if I did build it my self, the feeling of accomplishment would make the whole season and display that much more enjoyable, but, I'm a chicken!

Don't be a chicken!

[Superfreak3]

There is supposedly some kit at Toys R Us that is a practice soldering kit. As lame as this may seem, I was thinking of picking that up to see if soldering is doable for me.

I guess I'm worried about what actual damage I could possibly do to the board itself or one of the components or if mistakes are fixable.

[Dan Ross]

If you have a radio shack near you they have some kits you can practice soldering on.

[DynamoBen]

I agree with everyone else its not a difficult task, however people learn by making mistakes. This is a DIY forum and in general we frown on folks building equipment for others. However we are all willing to give you the assitance and advice you need. :)

[grages]

Soldering really is not that hard and I had never done it right until I started this hobby. I put it off for a while, then I found this video

How_To_Solder (http://curiousinventor.com/guides/How_To_Solder)

I found a unpopulated pcb at a salvage store and practiced soldering wire until I felt comfortable. If you cant find something like that get a perf board from Radio Shack and some wire and practice soldering wire to the perf board. Do that until you can do it just like the video, and you will be amazed how easy it is.

Perf Board (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103804&cp=2032058.2032230.2032265&parentPage=family)

Then I realize the Ren24 doesn't use SSR's but I started with one of these to make it a little less daunting. I didn't stop until I had a bunch of them done.:)

[grages]

Oh Yea, get a decent soldering iron , look in the recommended tools and equipment section.

[TERBObob]

I would also suggest getting some solder wick or a solder sucker ( aka - de-soldering bulb ) - as both are cheap and are good for the over-globs or goofs .

[WWNF911]

There is supposedly some kit at Toys R Us that is a practice soldering kit. As lame as this may seem, I was thinking of picking that up to see if soldering is doable for me.

I guess I'm worried about what actual damage I could possibly do to the board itself or one of the components or if mistakes are fixable.

In my area we have electronics stores (little mom and pop) and they sell inexpensive (couple of bucks) little kits which are very small electronic projects. These are great to learn on and you won't have to worry if you damage it.

[WakeFan]

I too was worried about soldering, but I've found its pretty hard to mess something up. I have a cheap iron from radio shack. The main thing I would say is buy small solder. I used really thick stuff to begin with, and it made things very difficult. I, like the previous poster would recommend solder wick, it makes unsoldering a breeze.(for those mistakes). It really is easy, once you get going.

[Virtus]

Hope you got one of Frank's Ren24s.

[mrpackethead]

does someone have an idea for a 'useful' but very simple blinky project, that we coudl develop , so people like this could get into the diyc thing with a gentle learning curve..?

A simple project, like a blinking LED? Componetns worth < $5. PCB, worth < $1.

Id' thought of a simple christmas tree shape made out of LEDS, red, greeen and white star on top..

Could make it, so it runs all by itself, just as a cut thing to hang in the window, or you coudl extend it later, to make it controllable..

Theres a lot of good lessons and learning in electronics for a project like this, as well as the practical skills of getting a project going..

Whatcha think?

[Ronp]

http://www.quasarelectronics.com/light_effects.htm

[deplanche]

I like the ideas there, but the shipping to US makes it too much. Anyone know of a similiar US product? If not, would be great if someone could come up with a way to make the tree a cheap DIY.

[joneslights]

Not really too much blinky flashy, but try adafruit.com I built some of the spokepovs from there. They have a few less expensive projects. Lady Ada (the owner) is very responsive when you need help as well.

[deplanche]

After a little searching I came up with this...http://www.apogeekits.com/christmas_tree_mk100.htm
under $10 with shipping. Probably not something very useful in the long run, but I have never soldered a PCB before, and I think I'd rather try something like this than the light controllers to start with.