TRICKSC COOP PCB only

[wjohn]

After a quick beta, and lots of very positive feedback, I am now opening the COOP for the TRIKSC PCB Version 1.1

What is TRICKSC?

TRICKSC is a daughterboard for the LEDTRIKS allowing Serial communications with the controlling PC (OPTION 1) and Standalone operation (OPTION 2). The board can be controlled using a CLI program .

Was there a BETA, Does this work?

Yee, of little faith! The BETA was highly successful. The firmware is currently in its second version, and the PCB is version 1.1. the CLI program is constantly being updated, and add-on editors have been designed.

The changes to the PCB were generally cosmetic, except for the addition of a DB9 (optional) for direct connection to a PC, via a DB9 Strait-thru cable (only pins 3 and 5 are used). If you have a BETA board (vers 1.0) it is electrically the same, less the DB9.

COOP Rules

Yes there are rules for COOPs. read them here (http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2919)

BOM

Here is the BOM, cost of the parts from Mouser are arounf the $8-10.00, depending on the optional parts fitted.

815-AB-11.0592-B2 1
581-SA102A220JAR 2
581-SA105E104MAR 2
140-XRL16V10-RC 1
604-WP7104GT 2
595-SN65LBC179P 1
556-ATTINY2313-20PU 1
271-1K-RC 2
271-470-RC 2
271-27K-RC 2
271-10K-RC 1
271-120-RC 1
78-1N5229B 1
78-1N5239B 1
571-5520251-4 3
538-10-89-7081 1
538-10-89-7061 1
571-1-390261-6 1
571-1-390261-2 1
636-182-009-213R531 1

The DB9, and the two IC sockets are optional, but should they be??

The COOP does not include a flashed uP, there are a number of options for getting a flashed uP:

1. Contact me directly and I'll include that with you order (limited number of uP available, I am not in competition with Mouser- Price TBA.

2. Buy something like the ADAFRUIT ATMEL programmer, cost is ~$30-40. (Link TBA)

3. Build a simple parallel port programmer (Link TBA)

Costs

Nothing is for free,

One TRICKSC board, posted via airmail Worldwide. $12.00

Two TRICKSC board, posted via airmail Worldwide. $18.00


Need a LEDTRICKS Board, so you too can join the Empire, add $8 to your order for each LEDTRICKS board you require.

PAYPAL

The only way to shop, Please send a PAYPAL with your order to secure your board. DON'T Post or PM a request for a board, just make the payment. If you have questions, please email me or post under this thread. my email and paypal address is wjohn (at) iinet.net.au.

Please include the following in the COMMENTS Section

Name
Postal Address
email address
DIYC nicname
# of TRICKSC boards
# of LEDTRICKS boards (if required)
Request for uP (i'll follow up with you on options)

Timeframe

I want to get these boards out ASAP, so I will be pre-purchasing a number of boards at the end of the first week (Nov 9), and this will act as guidance on how many boards could be expected for the COOP in total. The reason for me placing a projected order during the COOP is to speed up the process and ensure the boards get to as many COOP participants by Nov 24.

I'll offically close the COOP on Midnight (US EAST COAST) Nov 15, and revert to normal order process thereafter.

END OF THE WEEK UPDATE

The first 72 hours has been amazing, over 50 PCBs have been requested and I'll send in the files for manufacture. Should have those board delivered by Nov 24.

End of the second week, and we have hit 67 orders. The PCBs have been requested, and the uP have already been delivered.

THE COOP PCBS shipped today (Nov 24) woo hoo!!!

[coolspot]

im up for one but it seems pointless having to do lots of things to get it running like buying a programmer maybe someone can program a lot of them and selling them cause all up it may cost us like 60 dollars to make one which i dont think is worth it to slow down computer usage

[Wombat]

Ill Take 2 X TRIX-c
1 X LEDTRIX
2 X Programmed uP
1 Grinch
16 DCSSR's

Payed by Paypal

Thanks Wombat

[crperryjr]

Money for 2 boards have been sent. (I'm glad I had purchased something from you before...it took a bit to find your email address.) Thanks much!! Can't wait to try this out. Already have my parts from Mouser, and built my ADAFruit USB Programmer, all I need is the boards! (Can you tell I'm excited!)

[daviddth]

im up for one but it seems pointless having to do lots of things to get it running like buying a programmer

John offered to send programmed chips. It's not a big deal to ask him - he's USUALLY nice :)

[coolspot]

John offered to send programmed chips. It's not a big deal to ask him - he's USUALLY nice :)

oh ok i wasnt sure that would be really helpful

[daviddth]

Why not. You get the programmed controller with the latest version of the firmware, and thats all you really need. Theres a few people here with extras, or with programmers (in Australia) so you wont be left out in the cold.

Based on the average spend for Aussies, $40 for a programmer is not a lot anyway, but having said that I dont have one eithor.... Yet :)

Edit: and the difference in load on a PC is astounding. Until you build the ledtriks and try it on serial via the triks-c then parallel as it was origionally designed, you really can't understand what a big deal the triks-c really is. The original ledtriks easily maxed out one core of my quad core q6600 display PC when running a single panel. The triks-c runs at maybe 1% load when running 2 pannels instead of 100% fur just one.

[joneslights]

I'll grab 1 I'll PP soon

[vairmoose]

In anticipation of getting 2009 up and running, 2 boards ordered.

Unless the ATTiny will come into popular use (and thus buying a programmer would be advantageous) it would be great if those individuals that have the means and willingness to program the chip for others, would raise their hands.

Thanks for running the PCB COOP.

Larry

[wjohn]

Money for 2 boards have been sent. (I'm glad I had purchased something from you before...it took a bit to find your email address.) Thanks much!! Can't wait to try this out. Already have my parts from Mouser, and built my ADAFruit USB Programmer, all I need is the boards! (Can you tell I'm excited!)

Sounds like you are excited!

I have added an email address in the first post, and the 1.1 version board is just about finalised. There are some hidden features that you will have to look for. Let's just say Tim has been very busy.

As noted, if u need a uP, just holler. Some ppl want to 'roll their own' other dont mind purchasing a pre-flashed uP. Just let me know when you place your order, and I'll come back to you with a final price once the dust settles, and before the boards ship.

[Penfold]

Lock me in for 2 TRIK-Cs
2 Programmed UPs

[pete]

Put me down for one. with programmed up please


Pete

[oldcqr]

Paypaled for 2, and requesting 1 uP please :)

[XmasInGalt]

Mouser is out of stock on the 10uF capacitor (140-XRL16V10-RC). They have another one that's 25V instead of 16V and they have lots of them. Part # 140-XRL25V10-RC

[kmc123]

Just sent payment for two Triks-C's and 2 more Triks boards.
I'd like 2 uP please!
Thanks John!

[oldcqr]

Mouser is out of stock on the 10uF capacitor (140-XRL16V10-RC). They have another one that's 25V instead of 16V and they have lots of them. Part # 140-XRL25V10-RC

For the electronics-challenged (like me!:cool:) is it OK to sub the 25V part for the 16V part?

I put my Mouser order in and told them to hold it until the 16V part comes in. I'd much rather change it to something in stock and have them ship it sooner.

[ukewarrior]

Here's the deal,

The voltage of a capacitor is the max rated voltage. You can always go higher, never lower. The main thing to look for when subbing a cap is the size of the cap and the lead spacing. NOTE: the same value capacitor in terms of farad and voltage rating can have radically different physical size between different manufacturers! So, in typical practice, you need to make sure the diameter of the cap will still fit on the PCB in relation to nearby components. It is not that unusual to have to do some bends with the leads to get them to fit when substituting.

[oldcqr]

Here's the deal,

The voltage of a capacitor is the max rated voltage. You can always go higher, never lower. The main thing to look for when subbing a cap is the size of the cap and the lead spacing. NOTE: the same value capacitor in terms of farad and voltage rating can have radically different physical size between different manufacturers! So, in typical practice, you need to make sure the diameter of the cap will still fit on the PCB in relation to nearby components. It is not that unusual to have to do some bends with the leads to get them to fit when substituting.

Awesome! Thanks for the lesson!

Applying what I have learned->
1 - 25V is OK, since it's always OK to go higher in V with a cap.
2 - The 25V cap has the identical capacitance (if not, it wouldn't be the same! :cool:)
3 - The 16V cap is 5mm in diameter, 11mm high (long). The 25V cap is identical.
4 - The 16V cap has 2mm lead spacing. The 25V cap is identical.

Therefore: the 25V cap is a perfect substitute for the 16V cap. Off to mod my order!

I *LOVE* it when I learn something new!:D

[ukewarrior]

Mike,

That's great that you found such an easy substitute!

Happy building.

[Penfold]

With the advent of putting DB9 connector on the board can the board still be hooked up in a manner where you use an RS232 to RJ485 converter?

Do you have a new schematic of the board in .PDF format?

[wjohn]

With the advent of putting DB9 connector on the board can the board still be hooked up in a manner where you use an RS232 to RJ485 converter?

Do you have a new schematic of the board in .PDF format?

PDF schematic will be out today, I'll add it to the first post to keep things in order.

The electrical characteristics of the front end will be unchanged. you can feed in either 232/485 to either the DB9 or the RJ45 IN. The reason to add the DB9 was to make the PC > TRICKSC connection a little bit easier to achieve.

JP1/ RS IN

Pin 5 485+ / 232 Gnd
Pin 4 485- / 232 TxD

DB9 IN

Pin 5 485+ / 232 Gnd
Pin 3 485- / 232 TxD

[kiwichristmas]

Put me down for 2 ledtrik-c's
Thanks

[dmcole]

The reason to add the DB9 was to make the PC > TRICKSC connection a little bit easier to achieve.

So, with the DB9 connector, you can just use a straight-through DB9 serial cable (available almost anywhere) to connect the PC to the Triks-C board?

\dmc

[crperryjr]

the 1.1 version board is just about finalised. There are some hidden features that you will have to look for. Let's just say Tim has been very busy.


What is JP9 on the version 1.1 board used for?

I like the screw on connectors for the power...very nice.
On JP1 and JP2, I see the connections on Pins 1 & 2 Ground (0v), but what is the purpose of tying Pins 7 & 8 together? (I saw this on both versions of the board, but was just wondering.)

Thanks much!!

[wjohn]

What is JP9 on the version 1.1 board used for?

I like the screw on connectors for the power...very nice.
On JP1 and JP2, I see the connections on Pins 1 & 2 Ground (0v), but what is the purpose of tying Pins 7 & 8 together? (I saw this on both versions of the board, but was just wondering.)

Thanks much!!

You have lots of options now for power. You can use any 0.1 pich header you like, or 5mm Euro screw connectors aka SSR style.

JP9 is an Easter Egg, you will have to wait and see what we can make this board do. Let's just say it will become a universal function board with a few changes to jumpers, and a different code in the ATMEL.

Hmm, JP1,2 Pins #1,2 and #7,8 this is more a hold over from the RENC RJ pinouts rather than something that the TRICKSC needs at this time, I could delete the tracks, but then we may want them.

[wjohn]

So, with the DB9 connector, you can just use a straight-through DB9 serial cable (available almost anywhere) to connect the PC to the Triks-C board?

\dmc


Yes Sir,

All you need is two wires (3 and 5) and as the other pins are not connected at the TRICKSC end, there are no issues using a 9 wire strait thru cable. A lot of people have a 9 Pin M > F strait thru cable and it would be easy to make the connection from the PC to TRICKSC > LEDTRIKCS using that cable. No need to cut and terminate a CAT 5 cable to get things started. Also, if you use a RS485 convertor, you can use a length of twisted pair cable and terminate it on a DB9, and plug it inot the TRICKSC.

Just trying to make life a bit more easier for all.

[maffeirw]

Payment for 4 tricksc boards sent. Could also use 4 preprogrammed uP. Thanks for coming up with this. I had just about given up on the Ledtriks after going through 15 MBI chips and 6 Allegro chips (the allegros actually worked for a short while).

[coolspot]

john futurlec only has 50v capacitors

[wjohn]

john futurlec only has 50v capacitors

as long as you can fit it on the board, a high rated CAP is not an issue.

The lower voltage CAp is ~5-6mm in Diam, the board can take a a 8mm Diam cap.

[prof]

John

PP sent for 3x trix-c, 3x micro, 1x ledtrix

Thanks
Craig

[Penfold]

Would Mouser 158-P02EHK508V2-E or 571-2828372 (2 pin screw down terminal) be a good substitution component for the power inputs for JP3 and JP4 on the Trik-C?

If not can someone recomend a nice Eurostyle screwdown 2 pin terminal?

[Warlock]

Wjohn you got any board and chips left ???? If so how much
Thanks
Joe...

[wjohn]

Would Mouser 158-P02EHK508V2-E or 571-2828372 (2 pin screw down terminal) be a good substitution component for the power inputs for JP3 and JP4 on the Trik-C?

If not can someone recomend a nice Eurostyle screwdown 2 pin terminal?

538-39890-0302 is the one used on the SSROZ and REN16.

[RavingLunatic]

Count me in for 2 boards

[wjohn]

We are looking good for orders, 67 boards will be going out to COOP buyers this week.

I placed the order earlier in the week for PCBs, the uP arrived on Friday and Tim and I have flashed most of the first batch (OK, I watched, he did the work).

Still getting a few more last requests, I can take orders up until shipping data, and you will still get boards this month.

Have those soldering irons ready.

[daviddth]

67 - wow, great support for such a small and simple board :)

[wjohn]

Well, we had a late run and got up to 80 boards and ~ 50 uP ordered.

[wjohn]

Just a qucik BTT update, the PCBs (and uP) shipped out today.

In total, we had 74 PCBs ship from the COOP, and the betas (1 and 2) total boards of both versions is around 100. Multiply that by 768, thats a lot of LEDs!!!!

Best of luck with the projects.

John.

[dmcole]

wJohn:

I was skeptical that, what with the U.S. holiday, the general malaise of the economy, and my rotten luck, that the Triks-C boards would not get here for at least two weeks.

Suffice it to say, I beamed at the postman when he handed me an envelope from Doncaster, East Vic., just moments ago. And there were even the number of boards I had ordered inside.

Now, do I hang lights or build the Triks and Triks-C boards? Questions, questions, questions ...

\dmc

PS: Thanks for handling the board design and the coop.

[wjohn]

DMC,

now that was fast! boards sent Monday, and arrive Friday into your hands.

There should be another group of 50 plus TRICK-sters getting their parcel over the day or two.

make sure to post some pictures of your handiwork,

John.

[dmcole]

now that was fast! boards sent Monday, and arrive Friday into your hands.

You got your datelines confused ... it's Saturday here in the US. And I am on the West Coast and the regional postal facility is but a mere 15 miles away. Nonetheless, fast.



make sure to post some pictures of your handiwork,

Yes, no problem.

Again, thanks.

\dmc

[crperryjr]

Hey WJOHN,

I got the boards safe and sound today...I'm working on them in a few minutes. But I wanted to let you know that I received 2 chips along with the boards. I didn't order them, but will pay you for them, or send them to whomever they were suppose to go to. Please let me know.

Thanks!!

[oldcqr]

2 boards and 1 chip arrived here safely today! Thanks!

[vairmoose]

John, thanks, PCBs and Chips arrived today... dang those pcbs are small!!!!

Larry

[jwells]

John my boards and chips came today have 1 built Thanks for doing the group buy for all of us.


Jim

[wjohn]

great news guys,

Lots of LEDTRIKS will be flashing this year.

15 Beta,
15 Second Beta
70 COOP

= 100

* 768 LEDs

= 76,800 LEDs doing their thing this Christmas!

[Penfold]

I haven't gotten my PCBs yet but they should be here any day now. I hate this living in the middle of nowhere and taking a couple of extra days to get to me. :(

[WildWillie]

I haven't gotten my PCBs yet but they should be here any day now. I hate this living in the middle of nowhere and taking a couple of extra days to get to me. :(



I'm also patiently waiting.....

[ukewarrior]

I'm waiting too.....

waiting......


waiting......

aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Okay... I'm all better now.

waiting...................

[Penfold]

I checked the mail today and hot diggity dog I got my PCBs and Pics today. They look great. I can't wait to get started on these little babies!

[rlilly]

Got mine today as well.

[Aurbo99]

*Charlie Brown and Aurbo look into their candy bags,

"All I got was a rock..."

Still waiting.. cursing the postman every day.

[ukewarrior]

I'm still with Aurbo99.

No soup for me!

[cobraman44]

Got mine and assembled. I have to say this is very impressive. I used the same sign I had last year and it works SO much smoother and brighter. Great job guys!!

[dmcole]

Just FYI, I built the boards last Sunday and kept hacking at the Kostyun panels each day during the week. I built up all the shortie Cat5 cables on Thursday and hooked it all together yesterday. There were a significant number of dead pixels (i.e.: bad solder joints on the LEDs in the panels) but once I got those squared away, it all looked great.

I got the panels into a frame, the boards mounted on the panels and the whole thing hung in my basement window (which faces the street) with the phrase

Christmas lights set to music start Dec. 11 ...

Running last night.

Despite Brian's admonition to stick to the plan, I'm having to rejigger many things on the layout (sometimes plans are meant to be changed), which in turn has slowed things down as well. I think Thursday night is a good turn-on -- I'll run the show through Dec. 31, which is three full weeks.

The neighbors will be happy when it's all over, I'm sure.

\dmc

[wjohn]

Despite Brian's admonition to stick to the plan, I'm having to rejigger many things on the layout (sometimes plans are meant to be changed), which in turn has slowed things down as well. I think Thursday night is a good turn-on

Plans, who needs a stinking plan...

[ukewarrior]

Still no board:(

[WildWillie]

Still no board:(

Looks like the Grinch took our Christmas fun........

It's a good thing that diode fixed my flicker problem.

[marx1]

Any boards left? I'm interested in 2 ledtriks.

Thanks

[wjohn]

Looks like the Grinch took our Christmas fun........

It's a good thing that diode fixed my flicker problem.


I have PMs back from WW and Uke letting me know their boards arrived, The GRINCH did not win the war...

[WildWillie]

I have PMs back from WW and Uke letting me know their boards arrived, The GRINCH did not win the war...

Yes, it did arrive. I was no longer in any hurry for '08, and had agreed to wait until this years anticipated co-op. I was pleasantly surprised when it showed up. Many thanks to Wjohn for his perseverance.

[ukewarrior]

My Board has Arrived!!!!!

YEA!!!!!!

Thanks John.