Which to go with...

[scodavis]

Hi, everybody, again!

Thanks to your wonderful welcome, I have some definite ways to look at. Using the Vixen software with a picture of my house, I've planned out what I'm most likely to do next year. I would need 24 channels to accomplish what I planned, which tells me I should start with a 32-channel system. If it makes any difference, I do want to be able to dim the system.

I also read through a lot of the Wiki, and I know that I would want my system to be as centralized as possible, most likely in my garage.

Also, somebody mentioned the Renard16 but I also noticed there are larger versions of that. It also said that "boards are available" but I couldn't find them on Mouser.

With that said, and with my projected requirements, what is your recommendation for the hardware I use? I also was not able to find any links to SSR plans...

Thanks!

-Scott

[Ronp]

PCBs are only available here . ren 16 pcb and ssrs pcb wjohn should have them ren 16 has the ssr on the controller ren 24 is out of stock I believe but there should be a co-op this next month or so for them.http://store.kostyun.com/prestashop/ also wait till after the new year and there may be people selling there controller as they upgrade .

[scodavis]

Well, I know I would want 32 channels - the more I brainstorm, the more I come up with (dangerous, I know). I read that many people use multiple 16-channel units - is that the way to go, or is there a 32 (or 64) channel unit available?

You can see why this is confusing to me, I'm sure.

-Scott

[Trip]

64 and 128 units are available, but they are not centralized, they use SSRs. Ren24 is the biggest centralized unit I have seen. You can store your Ren64 in the garage and run cat5 all over your house like me though.

[Ronp]

Ren 16 has 16 ch onboard ssrs
Ren 24 has 24 channels onboard ssrs
Ren 64 has 64 channels but all ssrs are off the controller (you need to run cat 5 and power to each 4 channel ssr board)
The newest controller coming out for next year is http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4697

[dnesci]

There are several flavors 16 channel, 24 channel and 64 channel. These are all Renard boards. They all will dim channels. For 32 channels you can use two 16 channel boards or use the 64 channel boarrd.

If you go the 16 channel route, the SSRs (Solid State Relays) are on the board. If you go the 64 channel route, you will need to also get SSR boards. They accomodate 4 channels per SSR board.

The SSRs do the switching of the high voltage (120 volts) that turn the lights on and off.

Gennerally the boards that have the SSRs on the boards are put near the display to reduce the length of electric cords that have to be connected.

Take your time and re-read the section in the WIKI about selecting the right boards for you.

By the way, all of the boards I have mentioned are available for WJohn.

Don

PS Man you guys are quick Trip and Ronp got in as I was writing. I didn't mean to step on you guys.

[scodavis]

I think I like the idea of the Ren64 - I would have lots of room to expand. Also, I have to bring my power from many different areas, so this would give me more options. Plus, I plan to wire my trees to be color-changing, so the SSR's powering in groups of four is a great idea. I just want the computer and main controller to be centralized - I don't mind running Cat5 cable because I know a guy who can get it for me at wholesale (owns a networking/telephone business).

I sent WJohn a PM so I'll wait for that. Where can I find information on building the SSR units? I couldn't find anything on the Wiki.

-Scott

[Trip]

That's what I went with and I am very happy with it. Check out my thread in the beginning. PM me if you want more pics or details.
http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5066


SSR info
http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=4_Channel_SSROZ_Assembly_Instructi ons

[phenagan]

To add to the SSR info in Trip's post - the main Wiki page for the SSRs is at http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Solid_State_Relays