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View Full Version : My display idea



JFTiger
08-31-2007, 04:08 PM
I have an idea and would like some suggestions on how to accomplish it. Any suggestions and comments would be appreciated. I will try to be as descriptive as possible in my attempt to relay my idea.

Concept:
This idea came from a Hershey's Kiss commercial I see every Christmas. The candies are lined up in a triangle and each one plays a note to the song "We wish you a merry Christmas."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg2qVPqUGkI

The layout:
I want to have the bells hanging from the front of my house. I also envision I can string them into my tree like decorations or incorporate them into other decorations. I also envision I can use bells of different sizes, in an attempt to be more prototypical.

The Lights:
I'm thinking of using Hi intensity, Low voltage LED's. Install one into each bell and string them individually for storage and replacement as needed. I want low voltage LED's for they don't produce much heat or consume much energy. I believe I can solder each bulb directly to the wire and add more bulbs if they are not bright enough. Maybe even use multiple color LED's. I will probably use a piece of cardboard to keep the LED in place, string the wire through the top of the bell and then seal it into place with silicone.

The controller:
I'm thinking of using the Grinch. The Grinch will probably be kept in the garage with the computer and radio transmitter.

The SSR:
I'm thinking I should keep the SSR's as close to the actual display as possible. So my thought is to build a box with the relays and mini phono jacks or RCA jacks as the final connection to the lights. Since each light is controlled individually, I don't need anything that can handle a lot of power. I'm also thinking I should run a second wire just for the power. Since this one is low voltage I can probably get the power from the computer's power supply.

Matt
08-31-2007, 07:01 PM
Regular SSRs aren't going to work with DC loads. Maybe you could use an ATX power supply (seperate from the computer) for powering the lights, and MOSFETs instead of SSRs. Depending on the actual LED you use, you may be able to power them directly from the Grinch with no SSRs or MOSFETs at all.

-Matt

TED
11-10-2007, 03:32 AM
Regular SSRs aren't going to work with DC loads. Maybe you could use an ATX power supply (seperate from the computer) for powering the lights, and MOSFETs instead of SSRs. Depending on the actual LED you use, you may be able to power them directly from the Grinch with no SSRs or MOSFETs at all.

An AT power supply would be better if you have because you won't have to "hotwire" it in order to turn it on.

TED

xmus
11-10-2007, 03:34 AM
How hard would it be to modify a Sean Bowf SSR to directly control DC?

klanger
11-10-2007, 05:19 AM
Wjohn has been working on a dc board, i'am not sure if their ready for release yet. send him a pm.

tconley
11-10-2007, 04:21 PM
from what wjohn says they are ready.

xmus
11-10-2007, 05:05 PM
from what wjohn says they are ready.

It would be cool to supply just a new BOM to make a Ren16 (or any of the other w/SSR designs) a DC controller (I'm suggesting with no PCB change).... I'd make one, for Halloween.