Starting small

[ctmal]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this(as most can probably already tell) and have been doing some research on the wiki and forums. I think I've got the right idea in my mind but I do have a couple of questions and would feel better with some confirmation that I'm on the course before ordering parts.

Im not looking to do a full light display but am planning on making light figures that sing along to the music(but of course I'm already starting to feel the addiction to this so who knows).

Anyway, to start I only need 8 to 16 channels to pull it off but I like the Ren 64 setup with the external SSR's so I think that is where I'm heading.

Here are my pre-ordering questions.
1. I plan on using one of the hard drive connectors to power the Ren 64. I don't need to worry about ZC, do I?

2. Since I am only planning on using at most 16 channels to start, can I build the complete Ren 64 and 4 SSR's? I don't need to have 16 SSR's connected for it to work properly, do I?

I am thinking right now that I will only need to build a Ren 64 and 4 SSR's to get going. If that sounds right to you guys, I think I'm ready to take the plunge.

Thanks for your help,
Chris

[DavidHenry]

I'd go with the xmus 16 board if you want dimming. It's much less hardware to build (only 1 board) and will fit your needs. It can even be build so only 1/2 of it is populated making it 8 channels. I think on all of the boards, you can leave out the optocoupler/triac and the resistors between those two components, and the only problem would be that the channel with the missing parts wouldn't work.

When you're ready to expand, you can chain on more xmus or most other Renard boards on to the chain.

David

[RavingLunatic]

Welcome to DIYC!! Enjoy the addiction! :D

1) Yes, you will still need to have a ZC signal. The ZC deals with the dimming not the input power.

If you get the current Ren64 (XB) you will need a source for your ZC, most likely a Ren-T. The next version (XC) will be an all-in-one board, eliminating the need for the Ren-T.

2) You can build the complete Ren64 or you could just put in the first 2 pics and get your 16 channels. The Ren64 will operate properly with or without the SSRs attached, so you attach 1 or 16, its up to you.

[ctmal]

Thanks for the input! You guys are quick! Ok, I guess I have a decision to make.
If I go with the Ren 64, I will have to make the Ren-t, the Ren 64 and 4 SSR's. I think this would make wiring outside easier for me and would give me cheap upgradeability since I would only have to make more SSR's. It's probably better for the long run but I may just wait for the all in 1 board if I need it.

On the other hand, with the Ren16 I would only have to build that 1 board. I'm thinking being a complete beginner, this may be the smartest way to go. Not to mention, it looks like it would be a cheaper way to get my feet wet.

Unless I'm missing something I'm thinking the Ren16 might be better for me as a beginner.

Thanks for your help,
once again you guys are great.
Chris

[P. Short]

If you are using the XC revision of the Ren64, you won't need the Ren-T unless the distance from your PC to the Ren64 is more than, say, 100 feet. This distance factor applies to the Ren16 and Ren24 as well...

That said, I do think that the Ren16 will be an easier board to assemble, and I would recommend that if you aren't very experienced at soldering.

--

Phil

[ctmal]

Excellent, thanks. That pretty much seals the deal, I'll go with the Ren 16. Thanks again for everyone's help

Chris