THE OFFICIAL REN64 COOP

[wjohn]

OK,

I! is done! The first COOP has been run, 70 boards have come and gone. There was a good take up from the Commited to Sold, At my count, there were about 22 additional boards required, Do we need to order another batch now?

Feel free to contact me directly (wjohn (at) iinet (dot) net (dot) au.

This PCB will be the August version, will the modifications suggested after the BETA and re-drafted by Phil. Details of the PCB, BOM etc are over in the WIKI.

This is a PCB only COOP, no parts. If you need help with PICs, call out in the RENARD forum. Many have offered to help program PICs for others who don't have the equipment.

As noted by Phil, you will need 16 SSR boards per REN64 Controller, and a REN-T Power supply PCB (from Wayne). If you would like to order 16 SSRs with your REN64, please let me know, so that I can adjust the final order to suit.

The first batch of 70 PCBs were shipped this week (End Aug 2007) to Forum members.

COOP PRICES - The PCBs will be $7.50 each. postage will be $5.00 for 1-2 boards, and the postage will increase up to a parcel rate.

Standard Paypal charges apply, No Money Orders as I cant really accept them.

One REN64 and Post and pack - $13.24
Two REN64 and Post and Pack - $21.01
Three REN64 and Post and Pack - $31.88
Four REN64 and Post and Pack - $39.65
Five REN64 and Post and Pack - $47.41
Six REN64 and Post and Pack - $55.18


TOTAL ( as of 27 Aug 2007) Total REN64 interested in PCBs = 89 Total ordered and paid = 60

Interested but not commited Black Confirmed Green Paid Red

Name Qty
jderba 2 Paid
JerryWS98 2 SSR 32
JeffPenn01 (va Ronp) 4 Paid
RavingLunatic 6 Paid
bonuts 2 Paid
wingrunr 2 Paid
Matt 2
SeanBowf 2
Wayne J 1 Paid
bbayliss 2 Paid
ErnieHorning 4 Paid
stempile 1
grages 5 Paid
bbaylis 3
dgreen 3
BuckeyenNJ 1
Mudsculpter 2 Paid
truma 3
bassboy 4
wirekat 4
Michael 1 16 SSR Paid
LNReeer 5 Paid
Timothy Burbach 1 16 SSR Paid
AZcap21 2
Bill Capaldi 2 16 SSR Paid
tbrenton 3 Paid
briant 2 Paid
Doug-in-the-woods 1 Paid
Kevin Miller 2 16 SSR Paid
dvanteslaar 3 Paid
buck 2 Paid
Macrosill 5
lbro 2
Elmo2resc 2 SSR 16 Paid
BillAd 2Paid

[Sean Bowf]

First post 8)

I am in.

Sean

[bonuts]

Woohoo!

[RavingLunatic]

6 is good for me

Just let me know how much$ and the paypal info and we'll be good to go.

Thanks for taking this on wjohn! :)

[JerryWS98]

I'm in for only 2. You've got me on the board twice, but unless I can do some serious convincing of the wife I'm only going to have 2 boards. Maybe some more next year :roll:

[P. Short]

A couple of points..

First, don't forget that you will need 16 SSR boards to go with each of these boards.

Second, I would recommend that you obtain a transformer board like those created by Wayne. There are alternative methods for providing the zero-crossing signal discussed in the wiki.

Third, each of these boards can draw up to 1A when fully loaded (i.e. with status LEDs and PWM firmware). In that case, plan on using a stand-alone 5V supply with the board (such as a PC power supply).

--

Phil

[Wayne J]

A couple of points..

First, don't forget that you will need 16 SSR boards to go with each of these boards.

Second, I would recommend that you obtain a transformer board like those created by Wayne. There are alternative methods for providing the zero-crossing signal discussed in the wiki.

Third, each of these boards can draw up to 1A when fully loaded (i.e. with status LEDs and PWM firmware). In that case, plan on using a stand-alone 5V supply with the board (such as a PC power supply).

--

Phil


I have the transformer board (Ren-T) drawn up and ready to send for a coop if needed. If you can etch boards yourself, then I have the trace file available along with the BOM.

[Mudsculpter]

I need to scale my order to only two boards since I will be doing the REN-C board coop.

[jderba]

Wjohn,

I'm in for 2


Thanks

Jack

[Ronp]

4 for me thanks John

[buck]

Im good for 2.

Thanks ' Steve

[wingrunr]

I am doing a coop in the PICs. If we get more than 100 (which we should easily with 60+ boards) then we can get the PICs for $1.40 each. I will order the PICs shortly after wjohn places the order for the boards. I'll probably end up ordering a few extra. You can also go to the microchip website and get some samples.

PIC Coop Link:
http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=426

[greenmeanie]

I am in for 2.

[Matt]

Only 2 for me as of now.

-Matt

[ltkhoover]

new to this site , so how and whet do I pay you. and does the board include all the chips or is that a separate order

[ErnieHorning]

Hi again Art and welcome to Do-It-Yourself-Christmas!

This is just the board, but there is a PIC coop. The link is three messages above yours. The rest of the parts can be obtained from Mouser.com or any electronics store.

Note: This board doesn’t contain the TRIAC drivers; those are on a separate board not contained in this Coop.

[wjohn]

Hi again Art and welcome to Do-It-Yourself-Christmas!

This is just the board, but there is a PIC coop. The link is three messages above yours. The rest of the parts can be obtained from Mouser.com or any electronics store.

Note: This board doesn’t contain the TRIAC drivers; those are on a separate board not contained in this Coop.

Yes,

this is a PCB only COOP, Primarily for the REN64. However I can and do provide SSROZ boards as needed. These can be requested at the same time. You would need 16 SSR boards per REN64.

John.

[Michael]

I would like 1 Renard 64 board and 16 SSR's please.

[JerryWS98]

John, what is the cost of the SSROZ boards at this time?

[azcap21]

Please count me in for 2 boards. Let me know cost and paypal account,k I'll submit payment asap.

Thanks,
AZcap21

[wjohn]

Please count me in for 2 boards. Let me know cost and paypal account,k I'll submit payment asap.

Thanks,
AZcap21

Two REN64 and Post and Pack - $21.01 and my paypal is the same as my email noted in the first post (wjohn at iinet . net . au)

Thanks John.

[tbrenton]

I'm new to this site. Please put me down for 3 boards.

[kmiller]

I would like two boards if still available.

[wingrunr]

wjohn, do you have an estimate as to when you will order the boards? I'd like to order the PICs in my coop a few days after. That way they can get there and I can hopefully get them programmed and sent out to people at about the same time as they are getting their boards.

[wjohn]

[quote="wjohn"]OK,


The Order for 70 PCBs was placed today. (Aug 14) You can still have your name added to the order, it just may not be at the price offered first time around. Early adopters get the rewards.

PRICES - The PCBs will be $7.50 each. postage will be $5.00 for 1-2 boards, and the postage will increase up to a parcel rate.

Standard Paypal charges apply, No Money Orders as I cant really accept them.

[wjohn]

The Order for 70 PCBs was placed on Aug 14, You can still have your name added to the order, it just may not be at the price offered first time around. Early adopters get the rewards.

PRICES - The PCBs will be $7.50 each. postage will be $5.00 for 1-2 boards, and the postage will increase up to a parcel rate.

Cheers m John

[wingrunr]

$21.01 coming your way wjohn. I PMed you my address and also included it in the paypal payment.

Everyone looking into the PIC order: now that the PCBs have been ordered, I will order the PICs next Friday. Thanks!

[Doug-in-the-woods]

Am assuming that the ssr boards that are used on the 595 are the same? (Sean's design)
I will order 1 board and 1 transformer board now.
now to order programed pic chips how many needed?
Will check back later today if all is right then will send money via paypal today.

[wjohn]

Hi,

The REN64, Olsen 595, GRINCH, etc all match to the SSR board. i.e. Sink switching

John

[Doug-in-the-woods]

1 renard64 board and 1 transformer board
let me know how much to send

[Macrosill]

John,
Put me down for 5 of these bad boys, if it is not too late. I may need to go this route instead of the Ren-C. So this is my safety net in case the C does not work out this year. I would hate to program all kinds of fades and ramps in Vixen and not have the dimming capability.

[lbro]

John-
I am in for three.
Thanks,
Lou

[Rod_R]

John,
I just saw the new post. I am still in for 2 boards, I will send payment tomorrow.
Brian

[BillAd]

John,

Please mark me down for two boards, thank-you. I'll send paypay shortly.

Bill

[JaysonH]

Or not.. next year for me.. post edited. ;)

[P. Short]

I've been working on and off on a wiki page describing how to hook up the various renard boards, including the Renard64. This is an attempt to provide a step-by-step set of instructions with as many options removed as possible. Any comments (or changes to the wiki, better yet) are welcome.

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Renard_Standard_Setup

--

Phil

[bonuts]

I am still completely confused.

I am going crazy trying to understand how the RenT and REN64 work together. Seem there are at least 6 ways to build the RenT and 3 ways to build the REN64 ( 6 X 3 = 18 combinations) and only certain combinations will work with each other. Can someone answer the following questions, I think it will help me start to understand…

1) Why are there two RJ45 connections on the latest RenT design?

2) What are the RenT’s RJ45’s pinouts?

3) Is there a .pcb file (or .jpg) for the REN64?

[Matt]

bonuts,

1. The REN-T has two RJ45s so there is an option for a data pass-through. This helps when you have a lot of controllers on one line, or a controller after a long stretch of cable.

2. The pinouts are in the schematic on the wiki.

3. The REN64 wasn't done in ExpressPCB, but there is a picture available linked to from the wiki (and I think I reposted it in the forum somewhere in one of the several threads discussing REN64 COOPs.)

-Matt

[lalder]

I take a Renard 64 board please . PM the total price and I'll pay it (paypal).

[JaysonH]

Would there be a sort of copyright infringement to have the transformer circuitry built only a Renard64 board? While I like modular, I have to agree with bonuts, that I am slightly confused as well or perhaps even completely.

Perhaps someone can break it down big bird style for us simpletons. :p

[wjohn]

Easy,

One PC, running Vixen 2.0 (or 1.1)

Serial port, running at 57.6k

Serial cable to a RENT,

RENT,

RJ45 Cable to a REN64 (running standard code)

16x CAT 5 Cables to SSRs,

SSRs

Lights,

Blink Blink.

[Mudsculpter]

I have taken delivery of my REN64s. Thanks

[Macrosill]

John,
I will be making my own serial cables but for those that are buying them, which is the correct serial cable to use? Null, straight, male/female, male/male, .....

[wjohn]

I have taken delivery of my REN64s. Thanks

Thats great, I sent the first 60 on Monday, and you had your boards in 4 days!!!!

[JaysonH]

I have taken delivery of my REN64s. Thanks

Thats great, I sent the first 60 on Monday, and you had your boards in 4 days!!!!

That's amazing, 4 days from Australia to the US. I wont even comment further but I know some know what I'm thinking. ;)

I may just have to take a Renard 64 bro. Sending you an email.

[JaysonH]

Easy,

One PC, running Vixen 2.0 (or 1.1)

Serial port, running at 57.6k

Serial cable to a RENT,

RENT,

RJ45 Cable to a REN64 (running standard code)

16x CAT 5 Cables to SSRs,

SSRs

Lights,

Blink Blink.


Fair enough. Could we (assuming someone else is in the same boat as I am) get a BOM if we were to use the above layout. This is the only road block, my brain is fried at this juncture.

[Mudsculpter]

I have taken delivery of my REN64s. Thanks

Thats great, I sent the first 60 on Monday, and you had your boards in 4 days!!!!

Mine probably had a nice tailwind

[Doug-in-the-woods]

In one piece.
Usually it takes 1-2 extra days to get anything to Salmon, Idaho.
You mailed the board on Monday?
oh whats with the "printed matter"? only way to ship highly clasified technology outta Australia?? lol
THANKS now I just need to order the parts for 32 ssrs and the Ren64 and Ren-T

[Elmo2resc]

I recieved my boards today. Will this BOM work for my SSROZ boards v2.5d. I tried to assemble this the best i could. There isn't a parts list I could find with part numbers so I was hoping somebody could help me out.

571-5202514 1
604-wp132xit 1
660-cf1/4c681j 5
512-moc3023m 4
511-bta08-400b 4
660-cf1/4c181j 4
441-r324-gr 1
651-1935161 1
651-1935174 1
571-3902611 4

Thanks for any help. Jerome

[JerryWS98]

John,

Got my boards in today! Thanks for running the coop!

Sincerely,
Jerry

[buck]

I also received my toys today.
Thanks John
Steve

[Rod_R]

I received my boards on Saturday.
Thanks,
Brian

[wjohn]

Mouser part # Qty
571-5202514 1
538-39890-0302 1
538-39890-0303 1
571-3902611 4
511-BTA08-400B 4
859-MOC3023 4
660-CF1/4C181J 4
660-CF1/4C751J 5
441-R324-GR 1
504-GMC-5 1
604-WP7104IT 1

Hi,

This is what I have down. I dont order my parts from Mouser for the SSRs, but this was correct back in Jan2007.

John.

[JaysonH]

Easy,

One PC, running Vixen 2.0 (or 1.1)

Serial port, running at 57.6k

Serial cable to a RENT,

RENT,

RJ45 Cable to a REN64 (running standard code)

16x CAT 5 Cables to SSRs,

SSRs

Lights,

Blink Blink.


Fair enough. Could we (assuming someone else is in the same boat as I am) get a BOM if we were to use the above layout. This is the only road block, my brain is fried at this juncture.

Please. :) BOM for the REN64 that is. Thank you in advance guys!

[wjohn]

WIKI

http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Renard64

all there in the wiki

[ErnieHorning]

I received my boards. Thanks John!

Just curious, what was the intended mounting for this board; I only see two holes? It looks like I can make some kind of rail systems to hold it in my enclosure. I got 4 steel watertight conduit hub box freebies from work that should hold these boards nicely. It should look like these boards were specifically made for these boxes.

[JaysonH]

WIKI

http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Renard64

all there in the wik

Right, it could be written better in my opinion. There are 6 alternative ways to apparently do things.

I'll give it another whirl, perhaps my brain is simply fried from all that is going on, I don't know. I was hoping for a "Renard 64 for Dummies" at this point.

[JaysonH]

Easy,

One PC, running Vixen 2.0 (or 1.1)

Serial port, running at 57.6k

Serial cable to a RENT,

RENT,

RJ45 Cable to a REN64 (running standard code)

16x CAT 5 Cables to SSRs,

SSRs

Lights,

Blink Blink.


Fair enough. Could we (assuming someone else is in the same boat as I am) get a BOM if we were to use the above layout. This is the only road block, my brain is fried at this juncture.


Tell ya what, I'll make someone a deal. If I am using two REN-T's what would I "pick and choose" from when it comes to these parts:



ZC Alternative 1 (if zero-crossing is brought in on J17 or through J3/J4, preferred)
1 299-10K-RC 10K Resistor, 1/8 W, Axial R9
1 512-2N3904TFR 2N3904 Transistor Q1

ZC Alternative 2 (if 12VAC is brought into J1 as the zero-crossing source)
1 571-640454-2 AMP Polarized Header (2-Pin, Straight Post) J1
1 782-H11AA1 Optoisolator U6
2 299-1.5K-RC 1.5K Resistor, 1/8 W Resistor R1,R2

ZC Alternative 3 (if 110VAC is brought into J1 as the zero-crossing source, discouraged).
1 571-640454-2 AMP Polarized Header (2-Pin, Straight Post) J1
1 782-H11AA1 Optoisolator U6
2 71-CCF60-15K-E3 15K Resistor, 3/4 W, MF Resistor R1,R2


As you can see, it would seem I have quite a bit of choices there. :p

I must be the only one having an issue with this, now I really feel stupid, that or no one else is speaking up. I'm probably just stupid.

[azcap21]

John,

Ren and SSR boards arrived. They are excellent quality.

I'm looking forward to building these babies and torturing my neighbors.

You did an excellent job project managing this coop. Job Well Done!

Thanks,
Bill :D :D

[ErnieHorning]

I’m using ‘Alternative 1’. With this method, the Cat5 cable carries the power and the serial communications and I only need to send one thing out the wall of my house. I’m using the standard Renard code (not PWM) which uses the least amount of current, so power can easily be supplied by two thin wires in a Cat5 cable.

If you want to have LED’s flashing on your Renard, then you need to use the PWM version of the code and you need to use one of the other two methods. Personaly, I don’t want to have 120 volts near my controller so I would choose ‘Alternative 2’ in that case.

[JaysonH]

I’m using ‘Alternative 1’. With this method, the Cat5 cable carries the power and the serial communications and I only need to send one thing out the wall of my house. I’m using the standard Renard code (not PWM) which uses the least amount of current, so power can easily be supplied by two thin wires in a Cat5 cable.

If you want to have LED’s flashing on your Renard, then you need to use the PWM version of the code and you need to use one of the other two methods. Personaly, I don’t want to have 120 volts near my controller so I would choose ‘Alternative 2’ in that case.

Ernie, thank you very much, now I have enough insight (I believe) to make a decision and get a clue as to what is going on. So busy dealing with everything, I haven't made/had the time to truly learn what is going on circuit wise with any of the Renard's (yes that includes the one I ran the parts co-op for lol). Now onto reading the pros/cons of using the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) code or not.

John, once I get a full grip on all of this, I'll pass onto you some text for the wiki bro, once I understand something, I'm usually quite good at breaking things down Big Bird style. ;)

Also thanks again for everything inside and outside of this co-op bro. TTYL.

[P. Short]

Right now I'm trying to aim people towards using a single, standard setup scheme.

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Renard_Standard_Setup

--

Phil

[Michael]

I got my REN64 and 16 SSROZ yesterday and they look great. Thank you!

- Michael

[bonuts]

I must be the only one having an issue with this, now I really feel stupid, that or no one else is speaking up.


Right now I'm trying to aim people towards using a single, standard setup scheme.
http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Renard_Standard_Setup

Maybe you should just stick to Phil's guide, but here is my understanding of two main choices...

Scenario 1) Use a RenT for serial data and zero crossing but not power. You will need to supply +5VDC to the Ren64 by some other means, e.g. your computer's power supply. I think this is the method Phil is documenting in his link above. Given it's coming from Phil it's probably a good idea to go this route. You would use the PWM code, you can use your LED's on the Ren64 (they will dim too), and is the method you'll want to use if you plan on using LED christmas lights (although you might want to leave off the Ren64 LED's). If you opt for this method, you'll need everything from the BOM plus...


ZC Alternative 1 (if zero-crossing is brought in on J17 or through J3/J4, preferred)
1 299-10K-RC 10K Resistor, 1/8 W, Axial R9
1 512-2N3904TFR 2N3904 Transistor Q1


Scenario 2) You can use a RenT for serial data, zero crossing and power. You will absolutely have to use the non-PWM code. AND, I think you must leave the LED's off the Ren64. If you're planning to use LED christmas lights you DO NOT want to use this scenario. If you opt for this the RenT is only going to be able to supply power to a total of 2 Ren64's. If you opt for this scenario you'll need everything from the BOM and the following...

ZC Alternative 1 (if zero-crossing is brought in on J17 or through J3/J4, preferred)
1 299-10K-RC 10K Resistor, 1/8 W, Axial R9
1 512-2N3904TFR 2N3904 Transistor Q1

Optional (if using on-board regulator with unfiltered power brought in through J4, see note 1 below)
1 625-1N5819-E3 50v 1A Schottky Diode D1
1 511-L4940V Regulator, LDO, 5V, 1.5A U1
1 140-XRL16V1000-RC 1000 uF, 16V Radial-Lead Elect. Cap C1


So personally, I am going to buy for Scenario 2 (because it includes everything you'd need for eiher scenario). Right now I'm leaning toward going with Scenario 2 this year and then I'll think about switching to Scenario 1 sometime in the future. Switching will require some desoldering / reconfiguring of parts off the Ren64.

I hope I got that all right. Good Luck.

[Rod_R]

Could someone please tell me the orintation of the LED's on the REN64 board. I know that the square hole is PIN 1 but is that for the Anode or the Cathode?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Brian

[stempile]

Could someone please tell me the orintation of the LED's on the REN64 board. I know that the square hole is PIN 1 but is that for the Anode or the Cathode?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Brian

This information is posted in the Wiki:
http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Renard64

ms

[zaker]

wjohn,

Are there any Ren64 boards left? If so, how much for 2? I've been out of the loop this summer and want to see if I get get some dimming this year in addition to my 595.

Thanks
zaker

[grages]

wjohn,

Are there any Ren64 boards left? If so, how much for 2? I've been out of the loop this summer and want to see if I get get some dimming this year in addition to my 595.

Thanks
zaker

Pm wjohn, he did the coop and he usually buys extras.

Shawn

[wjohn]

i have a few board left, and will bring in some more for november.

[thetoolman]

wjohn; How can I get a Ren64 board or two? I'm brand new to this but a buddy turned me on to this site.

Do I get the SSR boards here, too?

Thanx!

Jeff

[wjohn]

PM sent to Jeff.

[Wombat]

I would like 2 boards as well?

Is there any available

Wombat

[wjohn]

I would like 2 boards as well?

Is there any available

Wombat

PM Sent,

I still have boards.

[shocker]

if there some board left i would like to get 2

[Michael]

I have the following boards I got as a spare system in case my REN16's did not work. I was keeping them around if I got bored and wanted to solder some more, but if someone really wants them, it is everything needed to get started for boards except the parts.

1 - REN64
1 - REN-T
16 - SSR

It looks like my cost was about $48. Just add shipping and they are yours. Paypal only please (no extra fee). I would like to sell it as a full kit. PM me if you are interested.

UPDATE:
SOLD - 11-30-2007 2:51pm central

- Michael

[Nudge]

Are any of these boards left wjohn?

[wjohn]

yes nudge. PM Sent

[AaronG]

wjohn I would like 2 ren 64 if you have them. :?:
also a 1 ren-T and 32 srs

[robmtl1]

If there are any left, I would like 2 - Ren 64, 1 - Ren T and 16 - SSR

thanks...

[crowbird]

Hi, I'm interested in purchasing

1 - Renard 64 Board
1 - Ren-T Board
16 - SSR boards

If you have them, how much would this be?

Thanks,

Andrew

[mval]

I'm interested in purchasing if you have any left.
I'm currently using Olson 595's and would liek to add some dimming channels to my display.

2 - Renard 64 Board
2 - Ren-T Board

Thanks, Mike

[CJBurton]

I am interested in 1 if you have any left.

Thanks Clint

[simultekie]

I would be interested in ordering some boards, just not sure how much the process works into Canada. I would like to order a renard 64 to start, Home etching the ssr boards.
thanks
Pete

[Trip]

just pm wjohn, he usually has em in stock for shipping

[Rivenheart]

John,
I would like to order 4 of the boards if you have any left or have some "new Stock". I also am doing a home etch of the ssr boards out of some 2oz single sided board.
Thanks
Rob