XMUS CO-OP -> 16Ch Renard w/ SSR's

[xmus]

Xmus here,

Well pic dimmer is LOCKED, so i can not continue that thread, i hope all the folks participating in the co-op figure out that THIS IS THE NEW OFFICAL thread to watch.

I've added a chapter on "how to assemble" here:
http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/
(look for the Theory of operation document)

I hope Jayson can ship soon, I've offered to program the PIC's for him, to save him some time, he is buried in parts, and his pic programmer croaked.

---------------
Name #PCBs #Kits lbs Collect Note
BillAd 6 4 1.6 $45.74 (+ 2 PCBs paid twice) PAID
boarder3 6 4 1.6 $65.50 PAID
buck 4 4 1.4 $45.74 PAID
crperryjr 10 10 3.2 $110.00 PAID
EdWalser 5 5 1.7 $54.05 PAID
JaysonHansen 4 0 0.6 $42.45 SHIPPED
JeffPen01 4 4 1.4 $45.74 PAID
Johnbyrne 9 9 2.9 $95.13 PAID
jscheve 6 4 1.6 $65.50 PAID
MarkL 3 3 1.1 $33.80 PAID
Michael 9 9 2.9 $98.17 PAID
mnmnm1951 10 0 1.2 $105.01 SHIPPED
mwarnimont 4 4 1.4 $45.74 PAID
njamateur 17 17 5.3 $181.26 PAID
phantom9999 6 0 0.8 $63.44 SHIPPED
pixeldigger 4 4 1.4 $45.74 PAID + pics programmed
rice66 4 0 0.6 $43.68 SHIPPED
sandy 4 4 1.4 $45.74 PAID + 4 pics programmed
darewood (AKA Terry) 4 4 0.6 $43.68 + $5 (SHIPPED PCBs in error. Must ship kits and program pics)
Toaster 2 0 0.4 $23.92 PAID
trubdv 10 10 3.2 $110.00 PAID
wjohn 1 0 0.3 $14.05 SHIPPED
XmasInGalt 8 6 2.2 $88.29 PAID
DeanCollins 4 4 1.4 $60.09 PAID
Agregory 5 0 0.7 $53.56 SHIPPED
David_Henry 5 3 1.3 $55.62 PAID
jcoll549 1 0 0.3 $14.05 SHIPPED

PIC PROGRAMMING:
4 sandy confirmed yes - PWM=0 57600 extosc
4 pixeldigger yes - PWM=0 57600 extosc
4 daredwood (AKA Terry) confirmed yes - PWM=0 57600 extosc
4 boarder3

Should you desire ALL the painful details of this co-op
http://picdimmer.17.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=77&start=0
Remember that link is OLD and OUT-OF-DATE.

Thanks,
Dave

[buck]

Xmus,
If it would save you some time, you can forgo programming my PIC's.
I have got a programmer and I think I have it figured out.

Thanks
Steve

[BillAd]

xmus,

I can program my chips as well, save the time.

Bill

[jscheve]

Add me to the list of people who can program their own chips so there is no need to program mine as well.... :)

[DeanCollins]

Xmus,
Any news on a possible estimated date? and if anyone needs PICs programmed in australia for any of the renard variations then I can do it for free, just PM me and I will send you the details.

Thanks,
-Dean

[xmus]

Hi All,

Great news that you guys can do some pic programming. I need to work with Jayson to get the list of folks that requested it, so i can cross you guys off.

Jayson posted today that he may ship on Thursday! If so, i might receive it Tuesday or Wednesday.

Assuming the kits are individually packaged, i should be able to ship the same day or the next day.

Now if someone requires pic programming, it may take me a little while longer because we would need to decide internal or external oscillator, and what baud rate.... my gut feeling would be to use the internal osc at 38400 baud because that is pretty darn stable... but i think the max number of channels that way is about 64 (off the top of my head....).
So that could get a little interesting.

I need to talk with Phil and see if there are any new releases of the Renard FW.... I've been completely out of the loop for about 5 months I think.

Well good to hook up with you all again. The only news on my end is that I'm planning a vacation for 10 days in mid September, other than that, my shipping of the kits should be pretty predictable and quick. I do have a 3 day vacation planned end of this week, but next week i plan on being in town for the weekend..... So if the kits come next week, that should be fine, if they come a week later, worst case, they would sit in my office for 10 days without being shipped while I'm on vacation.... But I hope to avoid that.

It has been a LONG TIME since folks paid me, if your address has changed PLEASE let me know, i will ship to your confirmed PAYPAL address at the time of sale (Feb/March approximately). If you payed by check/etc i will ship to the return address on the envelope.

Take care,
Dave

[JaysonH]

Assuming the kits are individually packaged, i should be able to ship the same day or the next day.


That would be a safe assumption bro. They will be individually packaged (or should I say "bagged" so-to-speak). That said, back to my part in all of this.

[xmus]

4 sandy
4 pixeldigger
4 daredwood
4 boarder3

Do you guys still need your pics programmed?
Have your login names changed?

(Joking here) Please say "No thanks Dave, i figured it out".

However if your answer is still "Yes", I'm going to use Phils new code that has defaults of:
External OSC used
57600 baud
PWM turned off

More details on this renard code and configuration/status can be found here: http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=451


Thanks,
Dave

[sandy]

OK If you insist,
ahem . . .
(Joking here) Please say "No thanks Dave, i figured it out".

but sorry to say,
I actually do still need them programmed for me.
I'm not an electronics noob,
but I don't have any programmers at my immediate use.
I'm planning on buying one of the pic programmers,
but that's one of those 'round-tuit' stories.

Thanks again for doing this for us.

oh, and my email and my pm's are still the same.

[xmus]

OK If you insist,
ahem . . .
(Joking here) Please say "No thanks Dave, i figured it out".

but sorry to say,
I actually do still need them programmed for me.
I'm not an electronics noob,
but I don't have any programmers at my immediate use.
I'm planning on buying one of the pic programmers,
but that's one of those 'round-tuit' stories.

Thanks again for doing this for us.

oh, and my email and my pm's are still the same.


No problem Sandy, thanks, i've updated the first post.

[JohnByrne]

Hey Dave,

Do you know if the SSR kits I purchased in the parts coop will piggyback to you and ride along with the PCB and Xmus parts?

Also I have to go back and check but I added parts to my order when Jason allowed it late in the game. I think I will be getting more than you have listed but I will verify this.

Thanks
John

[xmus]

Hey Dave,

Do you know if the SSR kits I purchased in the parts coop will piggyback to you and ride along with the PCB and Xmus parts?

Also I have to go back and check but I added parts to my order when Jason allowed it late in the game. I think I will be getting more than you have listed but I will verify this.

Thanks
John

Howdy John,

Jayson will ship all parts kits to me, and then i will box them with the PCB's and ship to folks. I did not calculate shipping costs for SSR kits, so I think Jayson will ship those to you. I'm only shipping "XMUS kits" with XMUS PCB's.


Last I heard he will ship Thursday (tomorrow), he is east coast, I'm west coast, so maybe 4-5 days shipping? So lets say I get them on Aug 23rd (5 day ship not including sat and Sunday). I am going backpacking that weekend I think (maybe not, I cant remember) but anyway, I should get it all shipped out by the end of the month, actually I would hope the box would be on your doorstep by end of august if all goes well.

Things to remember,

1) If I'm programming a pic for you, you may have slightly delayed shipping.
2) make sure your address hasn't changed since you paid me
3) please double check your quantities on the first post....

Thanks,
Dave

[daredwood]

Please program my pics for me... You have sent my boards to me but I guess you are now waiting on my kits and pics. My name you have is Terry and the name Jayson has is daredwood. Whichever address you have will work for shipping....thanks again

[xmus]

Please program my pics for me... You have sent my boards to me but I guess you are now waiting on my kits and pics. My name you have is Terry and the name Jayson has is daredwood. Whichever address you have will work for shipping....thanks again

I've updated the first post with your info.
In the first post I didn't have you recorded as receiving any kits. How many kits are you getting? Please double check with Jayson on this, I wasn't aware of your kits..... Would you be willing to kick in another 5 bucks for shipping? My "reserve" is non-existent now. (Shipping prices have increased, and I kicked in about $100 to Jayson to pay for an upgrade for 485 chips with ESD protection). I realize this is kind of a gray area, it might be my fault that it wasn't recorded.... but my intent is not to point figures, if you can kick in 5 bucks great, if not, no problem. Don't feel obligated to reply to everyone on this topic, just PM me, not trying to strong arm you. Paypal to (PM for my email addr)

Thanks,
Dave

[JohnByrne]

Hi Dave

You have me down for 9 PCBs and 8 Kits. I did check with Jason and I do have 9 coming to you. If you need more $ for shipping let me know.

Thanks
John

[xmus]

Hi Dave

You have me down for 9 PCBs and 8 Kits. I did check with Jason and I do have 9 coming to you. If you need more $ for shipping let me know.

Thanks
John

I've updated post 1 with your info, won't change your ship costs, you went from 2.7 to 2.9 pounds, still under 3 pounds...


Thanks for the heads up.

I'm so excited to get this stuff I cant even say....

Counting the DAYS till I ship (hopefully!).

Dave

[xmus]

Last minute correction:

This email only concerns you if you ordered other kits besides the XMUS kit in the parts coop:

1) If you are "my customer" Jayson will ship ALL your stuff to me
2) This includes other kits you may have purchased (XMUS kits, olsen kits, SSR's etc)
3) I will ship ALL kits to you with your XMUS boards.
4) I only collected shipping for the weight of the XMUS kits and boards
5) I have no idea what the "other" kits weigh so I can't really access addition cost yet
6) I'm going to switch some of you folks to "flat rate shipping" which will hopefully resolve this whole thing instantly.
7) Just be aware that I promised priority 2-3 day shipping, but in some cases you may see your package arrive by a different form of shipping.

I think in the end, I shouldn't have to ask for any more money, which will save us all the headache of logistics and communication. But if I do ask for money, it will be trivial, like $1 to $3 dollars per person I'm guessing.

I really hate to start doing the logistics of recalculating everything; hopefully you all can live with the shipping method adjustment above? I just wanted to clarify and give everyone a heads up.

Thanks,
Dave

[kkmm]

Which ever works best for you Dave. Paypal stands ready if you need more for shipping. :) (Getting excited!! 93 days to LIGHTS ON!!)

[JohnByrne]

Same here. If it takes a few days longer and cost a few bucks that is fine. Let me know if I need to chip in and help out with a few bucks.

Thank much

John

[xmus]

I've added a chapter on "how to assemble" here:
http://www.ritzfam.com/ChristmasMadness/Renardx16SSR/Release/
(look for the Theory of operation document)


I've updated the documentation again.... Nothing major, just added a bunch of new pictures to aid in assembly. When i was building my Ramsey Wayne J posted a picture of the completed PCB, man was that helpful... so I've done the same for you guys.

You'll also see some new pictures of the production PCB top and bottom and my computer, demonstrating how to hook up the CAT5 to the RS485 dongle and power supply.

And here is picture just to get you drooling: (soon soon they will be in your hands...) see attachment....

[BillAd]

Dave,

Nice! Question - I anticipate the RJ45 socket that will be supplied with the kits have a side entry (horizontal) for the plug? Using the board layout that you posted it appears a top entry (vertical) socket will reduce the amount of space needed between the PCB and the case at the top and bottom. I realize the ordering and purchase of this change is my responsibility and no problem there. Yet I would like your opinion, am I missing something obvious? Thanks.

Bill

[xmus]

I believe you are correct, the kits are shipping with a side-entry jack.
I've soldered all my top entry jacks on before the kits came, because I purchased them myself. The Orbit Master cases are really thick, there is actually room for side-entry, I just like top-entry. Just personal preference.

[xmus]

Hey folks,

I'll be out of town Thursday August 30th until September 9th. I may or may not have email access, don't panic if you don't hear from me for 10 days.

Jayson indicates I should receive the box any day now...
There is a chance the parts could arrive just before I leave. I will work day and night to ship all I can if that happens. I may not have time to program pics in that time, but i will ship the "easy" orders as fast as possible.

Anyway, just know that I'm standing by on this end and I'll do my best.

One way or the other, I think Jayson can definitely get the parts here before I return on sept 9th, and in that case, it should just be a couple of days to ship stuff out to you. So maybe it would be fair to say "worst case" I should have everything shipped out Sept 12th assuming I receive the parts before Sept 9th.

I'm going to PM everyone over the next day or two with what i think your real name and mailing address is, kindly reply with a thumbs up or down.

Thanks,
Dave

[pixeldigger]

Ah!
I found the thread! :oops:

Yes, if possible, I DO still need my pics programmed.

Thanks

[JohnByrne]

Ahhh yea. Jason has posted that our stuff is about to ship. Can't wait. Not sure what the heck I can do but if you need anything David let me know :)

[MarkL]

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4249#4249

So has anyone heard anything from Jayson since the "send me money for shipping" PM? He hasn't responded to my PM or email. I'd just like to know how many people have paid since it sounds like if 20 pay and 1 doesn't, the 20 of us who did pay still don't get our parts.

[xmus]

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4249#4249

So has anyone heard anything from Jayson since the "send me money for shipping" PM? He hasn't responded to my PM or email. I'd just like to know how many people have paid since it sounds like if 20 pay and 1 doesn't, the 20 of us who did pay still don't get our parts.


My understanding is that 10 have not paid.

Typically, about 1/3 of you respond to emails instantly, about 1/3 respond in <3 days, and the other 1/3 take about a week....

Today I'm installing 20AMP receptacles on the outside of the house.... Yesterday I made my backlit "lights to music" sign. It only cost about $25, and it looks great.

If you would like to comment on the sign, lets take that off this topic, and to the following post: http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4255#4255

[DeanCollins]

Just putting down that I have also paid, although I have already paid alot of postage and all I ordered were the xmus parts. Not very happy, but hey, whats done is done but next time I will think twice!

I know it isn't your fault dave.

Thanks,
-Dean

[BillAd]

Dave,

Any chance we can have Jason ship the box and you hold the unpaid orders pending Jason's receipt of payment?

Bill

[xmus]

Well there has been A LOT going on behind the scenes this week. I'm not even going to attempt to bring everyone up to speed.....
I will simply summarize as follows:
Today Jayson shipped ALL XMUS stuff directly to participants (except me, but my stuff ships tomorrow). THANK YOU JAYSON!

I am shipping PCB's directly to everyone now.



The following 13 people are shipping tomorrow because you don't need your PIC's programmed:

BillAd
crperryjr
EdWalser
JeffPen01
Johnbyrne
jscheve
MarkL
Michael
mwarnimont
njamateur
trubdv
xmasingalt
David_Henry

You are shipping Priority (2-3 day delivery), insured with delivery
confirmation. I have entered all of your email addresses, so you should see some email at some point saying you have shipped.

I'll start doing the math about what you actually paid for shipping,
and what I charged you, and I will begin to reconcile that in the
coming days. Expect some refunds to the tune of $0-$5 each.
(probably averaging $2-$3 each minus paypal feels (2.9% plus $0.30).
But cut me some slack on the above if I'm a bit off, I haven't even begun to address that at this point.

Thank you,
Dave

[kkmm]

I got my 10 XMUS boards today!! Thanks Dave!

[XmasInGalt]

Got mine today too. Thanks Dave!!!! All I need now are the parts then the fun begins!

[BillAd]

Dave,

Package received, thanks!

Bill

[jscheve]

Mine came today as well!!!

Thanks Dave!

[xmus]

SWEET, that puts a smile on my face guys!

I have until Thursday (anticipated delivery of my box with others pic's and all my stuff) to work out FW issues (if any). I would ideally like to release FW code to everyone that is running at 115.2KBPS, that way we all run the same FW, even if folks have just a few channels.... I don't like the idea of some people running one configuration (57.6KBPS) and others running faster (or slower), it could make debug and further FW development harder.

So if all goes well (no guarantee's) we'll all turn on at 115.2KBPS this year regardless of the # of channels each of us run.

So for the pics i'm programming for folks, stay tuned on this topic.

You guys realize that in order to debug the FW, I'm basically going to need to install my entire Christmas display in my yard this week right? I mean, how else am i going to test 100+ channels... there isn't room in my office, and there isn't enough power in there either. I'm going to be the talk of th e town :) :) :) Especially as i crawl around on the grass at 1am replacing pic's with new FW!

I currently only have 3 fully built and functional XMUS boards, I donated one to Phil, I previously had 4. So I need to get my parts from Jayson, build up the rest of my controllers, and literally build my display in order to debug FW.

It is going to be interesting to see what configuration i finally settle on for folks getting their pics programmed. I know 57.6KPBS works.... and i'm pressed for time to deliver them to you...... It is going to be a busy couple of weeks.

:)


Thanks
Dave

[P. Short]

One benefit of 57600 is that most of the other boards (renard64 and so forth) have been built up with 57600. There are a number of people with more than one type of board, so this would affect them.

--

Phil

[xmus]

One benefit of 57600 is that most of the other boards (renard64 and so forth) have been built up with 57600. There are a number of people with more than one type of board, so this would affect them.

--

Phil

Good point. I guess then I'll release 57.6KPBS to everyone. Thanks for mentioning it. I already know the beta code from August is stable at that baud rate, so no stress for me in that case.

Having said that, I'll still be experimenting with higher rates at my house. I have 12 controllers to work with and I've purchased enough lights to actually populate that many channels (192). I don't know if I'll have the time and motivation to do that many channels, but it is a possibility. I think I might actually end up being closer to 100 this year.

If time permits, i might do a mega tree this year..

Thanks,
Dave

[P. Short]

I'd like to hear the results. There may be a few people who want/need to push the baud rate, and it might be a good idea to switch over at some time in the near future.

Thanks,

Phil

[xmus]

I'd like to hear the results. There may be a few people who want/need to push the baud rate, and it might be a good idea to switch over at some time in the near future.

Thanks,

Phil

I'll keep you in the loop, but It will likely be a few weeks out, I need to build more controllers, and put up lights before I need > 57600... and I need to prove to myself that 57600 works with 6 controllers first....

[sandy]

Great,
Got my xmus boards and the programed pics.

Now just waiting on the other components to get the building begin.

[DeanCollins]

Xmus,
I was just wondering if my boards/components had been sent yet? I have not received any correspondance either way and I am getting very worried that they will not be here in time to build for this christmas.

Thanks,
-Dean

[xmus]

100% done.
Everything that I was responsible for has been shipped. All programmed pics, all PCB's etc etc.

This co-op is complete.

Brian, lets lock this thread please (if you want... seems like we are done here)

the best way to contact me is by email first, then PM.
I don't generally have time to browse the forum's but I'll try to over the next month as folks build and debug.


Thanks,
Dave

[xmus]

Xmus,
I was just wondering if my boards/components had been sent yet? I have not received any correspondance either way and I am getting very worried that they will not be here in time to build for this christmas.

Thanks,
-Dean

Dean, you shipped today. We couldn't contact you because your email address changed, and we had no way to know that. But now that we have your correct shipping info, you went out today. I sent you a private email with shipping details.

Thanks,
Dave

[JohnByrne]

Before it gets locked down and regardless of rules (sorry) I simply want to make a formal thank you to Dave for the long hard work you put in to make this design a reality. I suspect most don't have any idea of how many man hours you put in to design this board.

I also want to thank Phil Short for his time and for giving this design birth. You guys are the best!

[kkmm]

Here Here!! Here's your beer! :lol:

I just got done soldering up my very first board. I can't test it yet, (still missing diodes) but it actually looks like your pictures!! So I'm hopeful.

Thanks so much!

[xmus]

Thanks guys, it was fun! If there is interest next year, Id repeat the PCB co-op. Maybe in Feb/March again.

[Mudsculpter]

Are there any extra ren16s available :?:

I have come across a need for them all-of-a-sudden.

[xmus]

Are there any extra ren16s available :?:

I have come across a need for them all-of-a-sudden.

I have 8 PCB's left. But it is going to take an act of God (or major bribery) for me to part with them.

We had (luckily just me and my good friend who lives near me) 2 boards that had coper flakes from drilling "contaminate" our boards. In his case, his ZC signal was grounded, in my case my OSC signal was grounded.
Now the fix was really easy, just a razor blade to remove the bridge, and then some clear finger nail polish to reseal.

So anyway, I'm holding back these boards just in case someone needs a replacement. Give me another 2-3 weeks, and I might be more willing to part with a couple.

[Mudsculpter]

Need three for my mega tree....... When your ready to let go........ You know my address (email that is)

[sandy]

WOOT ! !11 !

Xmus-1 (Ren16) is running :D
No AC out yet, just flashing LEDs in the Opto sockets
but it works ! !

Thanks Dave and Jayson.
This might be a bright Christmas after all.

[xmus]

Need three for my mega tree....... When your ready to let go........ You know my address (email that is)

send me a PM, i might be able to hook you up now.

[Wombat]

I am looing for 2 boards if there is any available?

I am in Australia but I have a paypal account.

Wombat

[RavingLunatic]

Check out this post
http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1396