Ren64 vs Ren-C + Grinch

[P. Short]

Just a quick comment...

In general, it will be a lot better (in my opinion) for people to build Ren-64 boards (especially t he XC version) than to build the Ren-C plus Grinch combination. Some of the newer people might have been led to think that it is better the other way around, so I thought that I'd post this brief message.

There are a number of features that are available on the Ren-64 that are not available on the Ren-C (and probably never will be):

1) Programmable output polarity
2) DC-only operation
3) Possible future DMX operation
4) Built-in power supply (Ren64-XC has everything except the transformer on-board).
5) Absence of sensitive interconnect cables (Ren-C to Grinch cables have high-speed signals and are quite sensitive).

Both schemes have PICs that need programming, so there isn't any advantage one way or another.

The only situation where I think that the Ren-C is a good idea is if you bought Grinch or 595 boards without the intention of dimming, and then changed your mind later on. In almost every other circumstance the Ren64 is a better choice, I think (and I have no ulterior motive in recommending one design over the other, since I created both and do not get any monetary benefit from either one).

--

Phil

[Macrosill]

I would like to comment here as well.

The Ren-C was designed as a way to recycle older controllers, like the Olsen 595, that you may already have instead of letting them go to waste. The Ren-C was not designed as a way to start out as your 1st controller. If you want to start out with dimming then you should be going with a Renard board such as the Ren-64, Ren-24 or Ren-16. You are being foolish if you purchase a new Grinch or 595 and add a Ren-C to it as a scheme for dimming. The Grinch and 595 should only be purchased with no dimming intentions.

[Wayne J]

I completely agree! I think that a common misunderstanding for new comers is that to get dimming, you need a Grinch, Ren-C and Ren-T and that they are easier to build and use.
IMO... the way to start is with one of the Renard boards, they are no more complicated than the Ren-C combo and are cheaper to build.

[DJzrule]

This is why I went the Ren24 route! :) Dimming and blinky flashy whenever I choose with no addition hardware.

[deplanche]

D'oh. Wish I knew this before ordering all the PCBs and parts.

I went with a Grinch for ease of construction and price originally. If I can get it to run off my old PC with a parallel port, I will probably stop there this year. Have the Ren-C and Ren-T to connect to USB to serial for newer computer if not, and get the added bonus of dimming.

But if there is one thing I have learned here, is that as soon as I think I understand something, someone throws out a curve. :)

[P. Short]

Deplanche,

Things should work out the way that you are going, it's just not the optimal path (if there is such a thing) IMHO. The difference between what you are doing and my idea of the optimal method is not all that great, so don't worry.

--

Phil

[deplanche]

No biggie, my goals is animated lights, not necessarily the most efficient or optimal path there.

[WWNF911]

it will be a lot better (in my opinion) for people to build Ren-64 boards (especially t he XC version)


Hey Phil,
I hadn't heard that this board was released yet? Did I miss it?

Leon

[synnie]

Ok, at the end of the day what i would like to be able to do is dim LEDs. Can the REN 64 do this by switching ULN's? i know i keep pushing the same subject, is just i am looking at a simple way of switching and dimming my lights, without having to make a heap of SSR's.

[P. Short]

WWNF911,

There isn't any formal 'release' procedure around here, but as far as I'm concerned that board is good to go. It's up to the coop process now.

Synnie,

Assuming that you are still talking about using 24VDC...

The Ren64 does not have on-board ULN chips, but it could drive them readily if you were to put the ULN parts on a separate board. Unlike the Ren-C / Grinch combo, Ren64 can be programmed to drive the ULN parts without needing an intermediate (inverter) chip.

--

Phil

[WWNF911]

WWNF911,

There isn't any formal 'release' procedure around here, but as far as I'm concerned that board is good to go. It's up to the coop process now.

As far as I was concerned Phil the formal 'release' was when you annouced is was good to go. LOL

BTW in case I've never formally mentioned it, Thanks for all you do here.

Leon

[Macrosill]

Leon, You have now taken this thread off topic! I am going to have to give you a time out. :lol:

Sorry, I had to put this in here, it was too easy. We need some light hearted humor around here.

[BuzzLightyear]

I've ordered all the Grinch parts because I have not soldered anything since the eigth grade. I figured this would give me an inexpensive project which might just end up controlling some Christmas lights. If not I'm out very little money and will have a few ssr's ready for my my next project. If in fact I do move on to anther controller this will make a great gift to give my father or brother along with a couple ssr's to start one of them up, if they show any interest.


Buzz

[WWNF911]

Leon, I am going to have to give you a time out. :lol:

I'm sorry. I'll be good. Can I come out now?:mrgreen:

[jeff.ott]

All:

I started this crazy, addicting hobby just after christmas 2006. When I started my research the Olsen 595 seemed to be a great way to get started. While I'm a computer professional, I've haven't built any electronics in a very long time. My display this last Christmas was with 2 595 controllers. I learned alot in 2007. Unfortunately, due to other hobbies last summer, I missed out on all the Ren-T and Ren-C discussions. After Christmas this year and the trememdous success it was, (everyone loved it!:cool:) I had to make plans to update this next year. So I started researching again and found the Ren-24. (I personally like this model and we will just leave it at that as they all have there pros and cons.) So I bought 5 of them for this year. However, I didn't want to just throw away my 2 595's. The Ren-T and Ren-C seemed to be a logical choice to give me complete dimming control. In fact, I just got my first 595 to dim this evening! :D I guess what I'm trying to say is that this whole thing (computer controlled lighting) is evolutionary. Like any technology, it gets smaller, faster, more robust and cheaper each year. So enjoy the ride. . . . . Oh, and thanks to everyone here who contributes knowledge so the masses can enjoy a great hobby. . . .

Jeff

[jeffathompson]

My two cents. I didn't know which was best, so I just bought five of everything.

[dnesci]

Maybe this is a question I should direct to Phil, but there are a lot of knowledgable people on the site. I understand the advantage of programing the Ren 64, but it has eight PICs. This seems to be the most expensive chip and due to programming the most volitale chip to fail. Would it be worth considering combilning the "C" and "T" on a Grinch board? There would only be one PIC and the connection cables problem would be eliminated.

As for cost, I have not priced a combined board to a Ren 64 so I'm not taking that into consideration. I also, am not sure why one PIC works with the Grinch, but it takes 8 for the Ren 64. I'm new the the PIC generation and just curious.

I'm running 2 Grinch, 2 Ren C and a Ren T combination. They do take up some space and require a heck of a hook-up. But they do the job.

Thanks for the clarification.

Don

[craftylag]

You guys and lady are giving me a headache. My wife has looked into a divorce attorney because of my addiction to blinky flashy christmas lights. My neighbor asked me why his lights in his house are dancing to my music( Should I asked him for a donation or go ahead and bill him for service rendered?). I want to dim, I am running two grinchs (with one spare) I am confused on the best why to go. Thanks, You guys are super and when I see the eyes of even one child glare at the lights and smile I think to myself JOB WELL DONE.
Thanks again for everything that people comment on good or bad. It does make a difference. God Blessed Terry