Ren24 CoOp #3 Starts NOW! ** Open until Sept 4th **

[kostyun]

The NEW Paypal payment is Frank@Kostyun.Com

The Co-Op board cost will be $16.00/board (I am pricing based on a assumed 200 to 300 board order - get it more than that and I'll be able to lower it - it goes down by about $1/board for every hundred) with a flat rate of $5.50 for shipping for up to 10 boards for the United States. PIC sets will be $6.75

This board does include a few more cleanups, and the additional of 12v jumpers for MR16 lamsps. It also includes two more diag LEDs.

The PIC's will be programmed with PWM mode firmware. In my experience, that works fine with both LED's and with Incandescant lights. I ran my entire show on PWM firmware last year with no LED lights. The current firmware is renard-20071229.


This CoOp will End September 4th at 8:00PM MST (The time is so that the order can be placed that night) (Time change due to an awaiting a test order and also mouser parts for a hole change check.)

This IS the order you'll want to jump on to have the boards for Halloween!!!!!

Renard24 Information (http://doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=24_Channel_Renard_with_SSR_Assembl y_Instructions)

Renard24 3.3 BOM (http://doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=24_Channel_Renard_with_SSR_Assembl y_Instructions#BOM)

Renard Forum (http://http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34)




(Please fill out and paste the following in the PayPal Comments Section -
this is to allow me to keep track of the orders better)

-------------------------------------------
Ren 24 Co-Op #3

Forum User Name:

Shipping Information:

Name:
Address:
City:
State:
ZIP:

Boards Ordered:
PIC Sets Ordered:

Is this a change to an existing purchase/Payment. Yes/No?
-------------------------------------------



Board Orders List that have been paid and confirmed:



Forum Name Boards PIC sets
sims101 10 10
PHenagan 2 3
MonteryJack 10 0
Art 1 1
ericwebb 3 3
jimk 2 2
kcbarnes 2 2
ukewarrior 2 1
jasonhuff 5 0
Lizard050 4 1
Mikester 5 5
Buzzkill 2 2
bbayliss 6 0
Ronald Maffei 3 4
crazyightlady 10 0
rlilly 5 0
Braveit1 2 2
Reddy_Kilowatt 2 0
TonyK 4 4
bonuts 4 0
John Moats 1 0




I will update the ordered list as I have time to. I am having some carpel tunnel problems, so bear with me on getting it updated.

Group Buy Rules and Other Various Legal Mumbo Jumbo (http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2919)

By participating in this Group Buy all participants agree to release www.doityourselfchristmas.com, its Owners, Administrators, Moderators or any other staff of any and all liability and waive all rights I may have under all laws and governing bodies. By posting in this thread you agree you are entering a binding contract between the Organizer and the Participant.

[jimk]

I'd be interested in 2 boards and 2 PIC sets.

Thanks very much,
JimK

[rovingmind]

I would be interested in 0 board and pic sets,

edit.
sorry have to back out

[crazylightlady]

Now that the LED test was successful, I need 10 boards. Thanks so much for testing them for me.

Of course now that you have some of the LED replacement C-9s in hand, I know you're going to be switching over as soon as you can. ;-)

[lizard050]

can these boards work with the mr16 lights?

[kostyun]

They will work with mr16s - they need an external 12vac power supply

[rstehle]

can these boards work with the mr16 lights?

You might want to sign up for the Ren 24 LV (Low Voltage) boards that use outboard SSR's. A group buy just started for the also. You can then use either AC or DC SSR's with them. DC SSR's would be the ones to use with the MR16's, along with a 12v power supply. You can get the DC SSR PCB's from wjohn.

[lizard050]

Would that be a better way to go than going with the mr16 dmx controller going on over in DLA?

[BuzzKill]

I would like 2 more of your most awsome Ren24 boards, please.

[Art]

I'd like to get one. how do I order it.

[Penfold]

Art, all ya have to do is say that you would like a board :-). That will put one into reserve for ya and read the first post, as Frank will update that post as new information becomes available about pricing and shipping dates. I would also suggest getting a couple of pre-programmed chipsets too (life savers if you can't get your programmer to work).

[Art]

One board and two chips please.

[kostyun]

I will get the paid list up soon - had 3 injections into the wrist yesterday - so things are still pretty rough (and typing hurts like hell)

[kmc123]

Ouch!
What's going on with your wrist? Carpel Tunnel???

[phenagan]

I'd like to get 2 boards & 3 PIC sets. Thanks so much for doing this!

[kostyun]

six doctor visits and they have no clue.. the wrist doc says carpel tunnel, the neuroligst says trigger wrist but - either way I'm in hell of a lot of pain - so it was the corisone and then hoping that helps and call in 2 weeks

[lizard050]

Put me in for 2 boards (no pics) please.

[omzig]

Ouch!
What's going on with your wrist? Carpel Tunnel???Way to go Kevin...make him type some more! :p

Unfortunately, cortisone did little if anything for my CTS. Surgery was the only thing that helped me. It still bothers me a little if I do something that requires a lot of grasping, but nothing like the debilitating pain that I suffered before the surgery.

[rstehle]

I had Arthroscopic Carpal Tunnel Releases done on both wrists in 1999. Best thing I ever did. Haven't had a bit of pain in either hand since.

[kostyun]

I have updated the paid orders list! Let me know if you've sent a paypal and I've missed it.

[MonteryJack]

10 boards no pics please

Paypal sent today

[ericwebb]

Frank,
Just sent you paypal for four boards plus four PIC sets.
Thanks....

[kcbarnes]

I will take 2 boards and 2 sets of chips please.
paypal will follow

[jasonhuff]

I would like 5 boards please. PayPal will follow shortely.
Thanks, Jason

[lizard050]

pleae increase my order from 2 boards (no pics) to 4 boards (no pics)
payment sent.

[lizard050]

actually make that 4 boards 1pic set.

Thanks

[marx1]

Put me down for 2 boards and pic's Payment has been sent!

[Mikester]

Payment sent for 5 boards and 5 pics.

Thanks
Mike

[bbayliss]

6 Boards for me
Paypal sent

[ukewarrior]

paypal has been sent for 2 boards and 1 pic set

[kostyun]

Will be updating the purchase list today!


***** update ***** order will be open until September 4th!!!! I made a hole change on the board and am awaiting a mouser order to verify parts fitment!

[maffeirw]

Paypal Payment sent for
3 - Ren 24 PCBs
3 - Ren 24 LV PCBs
4 - PIC Sets
I combined the shipping for both COOPs to $5.50. If this is a problem e-mail me and I will paypal additional funds.

I will duplicate this message in the Ren 24 LV Coop
Thanks for running this coop It comes at the perfect time.

[kostyun]

shipping is conbined to a total of 10 boards (IE 5 ren24 and 5 ren24lv)

purchase list updated!

[rikerz]

Hey gang, I am new to the forum so please bear with me on the dumb questions until I do more reading and learning: What is a pic set?

[rstehle]

Welcome Rikerz. A pic set is a set of programmable computer chips that we use in the controllers. There is generally one per 8 channels of control, so a 24 channel controller (Ren 24) would have 3 of them.

[rikerz]

Welcome Rikerz. A pic set is a set of programmable computer chips that we use in the controllers. There is generally one per 8 channels of control, so a 24 channel controller (Ren 24) would have 3 of them.

So are you saying that with every board that I ordered I would need to buy 3 sets of pics? Also, please bare with me: Will the pic include "all" the chips that I will need to complete a ren24? Or is there a "kit" that I can buy to complete a board? Sorry for all the "basic" questions but I need to get something together quickly because Halloween is quickly approaching! Any info/advice is greatly appreciated and I will be reading as much as I can to gain as much knowledge as possible. Thanks all......:D

[BuzzKill]

Heh .. saw that question coming.

A PIC is a micro-controller. The PIC for the Ren24 (Renard (http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=Electronics_Hardware#Renard)) is programmed with firmware that allows Vixen (http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=Vixen) to control and dim each of the 24 channels of Ren24 controller. A PIC set contains the 3 PIC chips needed to complete one Ren24 board. When you participate in one of the Co-Op purchase postings here there are generally 3 steps to complete to end up with a complete "kit".


Order the board. You need to purchase the correct circuit board for the type of controller (http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=Electronics_Hardware) you wish to build. In this case it is the Ren24.
Order the PIC chips either pre-programmed or purchase blank PICs and program your own.

Most of the time the person offering the Renard boards also offer a pre-programmed set of PIC chips for the board for a nominal fee.
Otherwise you would need to purchase blank PIC chips, download the firmware from these forums, and program the chips yourself. It is not a horribly difficult task, But it does have a learning curve and does require some special equipment at an additional cost. (About $50)

Purchase the rest of the components to complete the board.

In each Co-Op the BOM or Bill Of Materials with all the parts listed to complete the board is posted. The easiest thing to do is go to Mouser Electronics (http://www.mouserelectronics.com/) and open an account. Under your account you can create a project, and within that project you can import a BOM. You simply copy the BOM listed here into your new project at Mouser and purchase the components.

Hope that helps! Welcome and if you have any more questions just ask!

[Braveit1]

I will take 2 pcbs and 2 sets of pics please.
paypal will follow as well.

[TonyK]

Order sent for 4 PCB's and 4 PIC sets. Thanks!

[bonuts]

Paypal order sent to you for 4 PCB's - no PICs

[RavingLunatic]

I'm in for 1, no PIC sets

[kostyun]

Order info is updated. If there are ANY errors on my part please notify me IMMEDIATLY so I can contact the board company to update the totals in an emergency.

At this point the co-op is considered closed.

[kostyun]

Right now ETA of boards to me is Oct 2. There has been a few small changes that needed to be made for manufacturering that took some time to sort out.

[kostyun]

New ETA on the PCB's - and this time its a GOOD ETA!!!

Shipment will arrive TOMMOROW! and PICs are arriving on Friday!

I did order extra Ren24's this time and have put them up in a web shop.

http://store.kostyun.com/prestashop/product.php?id_product=26

[kostyun]

Spent a little time today....

http://store.kostyun.com/prestashop/img/p/26-72.jpg

[kostyun]

Assembly (somewhat a work in process) is here http://data.kostyun.com/PDF/building_ren_24.pdf

[marx1]

Can you let us know when you start shipping the orders? I'm anxious to play with my new toy :)

[kostyun]

I should be shipping tommorow.

[marx1]

LET THE PARTY BEGIN:) Thanks a bunch!

[MonteryJack]

received mine yesterday and looking forward to assembly after our local light talk in Castle Rock. thanks a ton.

[marx1]

Has anyone else gotten their boards yet? I should have received mine by now and I haven't :(

[kostyun]

There' slowly going out as I can get them shipped. There's been two shipment sets so far. and should have the last ones tommorow. Between work and the wrist problems its been a "challenge"

[marx1]

Wellll get better! :) I thought you shipped it all at once. Thanks for the update.

[marx1]

Just got my boards today! And I've gotta say, is the best PCB design I've seen... I sat here for almost 5 minutes saying "It's beautiful" ... my wife was staring at me a little weird :)

[rstehle]

Just got my boards today! And I've gotta say, is the best PCB design I've seen... I sat here for almost 5 minutes saying "It's beautiful" ... my wife was staring at me a little weird :)

Yeah, they just don't seem to appreciate nice circuit boards.........LOL

[Art]

Got mine tuesday anyone knows where the latest BOM list is?

[omzig]

Got mine tuesday anyone knows where the latest BOM list is?http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=24_Channel_Renard_with_SSR_Assembl y_Instructions#BOM

[marx1]

http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=24_Channel_Renard_with_SSR_Assembl y_Instructions#BOM

That is not correct. You need 1 1N5229 that was not on that parts list.

[lizard050]

I had the same question about the 5229 but take a look at this thread. http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3102&highlight=1N5229

[kostyun]

Just a reminder that I do have some boards left from the last co-op.

[kostyun]

All boards are sold out for this year unless there is a "special circumstance"

[MBrynildsen]

All boards are sold out for this year unless there is a "special circumstance"

Can I pre-order for the next coop? Me and a co-worker will be ordering a total of 8 PCB for next year, at the least.

[bmcgeeny]

Can I pre-order for the next coop? Me and a co-worker will be ordering a total of 8 PCB for next year, at the least.

My guess is there will be an update to the board before the next printing. At least if Frank holds true to form. Each time he make them a little better.

[kostyun]

Actually - as of right now - I can't think of any changes to make - there is 1 little quirk of the LED identification pads are backwords - but - thats all.

[kostyun]

Also, I'm starting to look at the "headstart" co-op order time - I'm thinking a 21-28 day open time - ending mid february.

[bmcgeeny]

Also, I'm starting to look at the "headstart" co-op order time - I'm thinking a 21-28 day open time - ending mid february.

So I should get my last ten done because you'll have some more of the pretty blue one n Feb?

[dj merritt]

where do I watch for the next ren 24 pcb coop I plan to purchase 7 of them for my first yr

[rstehle]

You won't be able to miss it.......... LOL. It will be posted in the Group Buy section of the forum.

[mwo040]

Actually - as of right now - I can't think of any changes to make - there is 1 little quirk of the LED identification pads are backwords - but - thats all.

Would it be possible to add an extra Neutral hook up. I wanted to power mine with 2 separate circuits and the one screw down does not provide enough space to put 2 16gauge wires in the same terminal.

The other thing that would be nice is a pass through hot connection to power the tune to signs without using a channel.

What do you think?

[Penfold]

I have two 16 gauge wires in two boards right now. (white 6' extension cords gotten from the local Wally Mart). I didn't tin the wire and just hooked up the wire right after stripping it. It's a little tough to get both wires in there, but you can get them in there. You might try twisting two wires together and then trying to put it in the screwdown terminal.

As far as your tune to sign just run an extension cord out to it on the yard. That's what I did with mine and it works great.

[BuzzKill]

Would it be possible to add an extra Neutral hook up. I wanted to power mine with 2 separate circuits and the one screw down does not provide enough space to put 2 16gauge wires in the same terminal.

Make a pig tail. Put your 2 neutrals with a third short wire together with a wire nut and then only put the single shorter wire into the wire block.

And sorry, but adding a pass through connection is a bad idea. These boards are not a power distribution system.

[mwo040]

Make a pig tail. Put your 2 neutrals with a third short wire together with a wire nut and then only put the single shorter wire into the wire block.

And sorry, but adding a pass through connection is a bad idea. These boards are not a power distribution system.

That is the way I actually did the neutrals I just was trying to add Ideas for any possible revisions to the board.

The idea of the pass through was from the idea of already using almost every spare extension cord I have already and one of my ideas was to mount one of my Ren24's to the back of my Tune to sign since it will be mounted close to one of the parts of my display where I was looking to use all of the 24 available channels for my Mini trees.

They technically already have the pass through on them as it is the J lead. That one is powered by the main H lead when you are powering the entire board off of 1 cord.

[jmccoh]

And sorry, but adding a pass through connection is a bad idea. These boards are not a power distribution system.

Not to get to far off topic and while not a pass through question, on my REN24's I contol one string of minis per channel - so just over 8 amps total. I used one power cord and jumped the hots with a 16 gauge wire on the board itself. Bad idea?

[Penfold]

I have two Ren24s in my enclosure with a GFCI outlet and it works just fine. I would keep on eye on total amps used as you inch up towards your outlet's amp threshold (usually around 20 amps). I would recommend that you try to stay at least 3 amps under the threshold, but other then that you should be ok with a 16 gauge wire jump the hots.

[mwo040]

Not to get to far off topic and while not a pass through question, on my REN24's I contol one string of minis per channel - so just over 8 amps total. I used one power cord and jumped the hots with a 16 gauge wire on the board itself. Bad idea?

That is why the Jumper is built onto the board. If you run 2 seperate power cords you can run up to 30 amps on the board. In the configuration using the jumper it would be possible to draw more than 15 amps across the single lead causing a possible over amperage of the cord. The configuration using 1 16gauge cord is rated to 13amps. In either case if you are only using 1 strand of minis per channel you are very safe. I have 3 100 count strands on almost every channel except in my megatree. If i have everything on at full intensity I am over the 15 amps of a single cord. Thankfully I have programmed everything at almost half brightness when i am in an all on configuration. The bonus to dimming.

[jmccoh]

Thanks guys - I just build stuff and turn it on and then start thinking about it after reading other stuff. Oh and I am using Ver 3.0 so I don't have the "J" to wire up in the block to connect the sides.

[taybrynn]

I'll admit my ignorance up front.

So for the Ren24 in 2009 ... do you normally do the PCB + pics buys first, then later do stuff like the parts packs at a separate group buy? I also saw another item for the Ren24 cable group buy, but that item was disabled on the storefront. I'm just trying to understand the sequencing of things from start to finish. Thanks!

[kostyun]

I normally only do the PIC's and the PCBs - and leave the parts/etc to someone else. The cable group buy............. Its something I've thought of doing - but - have decided to pass on for the time being.

[phenagan]

I'll admit my ignorance up front.

So for the Ren24 in 2009 ... do you normally do the PCB + pics buys first, then later do stuff like the parts packs at a separate group buy? I also saw another item for the Ren24 cable group buy, but that item was disabled on the storefront. I'm just trying to understand the sequencing of things from start to finish. Thanks!


There's a parts buy starting here - http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5970