DMX8 DCSSR Project

[RPM]

Here's another project I've been recently working on.

It's an 8 channel DMX controlled DC SSR that I designed specifically for my LED Portafloods, but has enough current capability to drive higher DC loads, such as LED MR16's.

The design is 12 or 24 volt capable without any modification, due the the fact that I use the LM2575 switching voltage regulator, and the design can be used for 12 to up to 48 volts by using the high voltage variant of the regulator (LM2575HVT-5.0) and a higher voltage rated input filter capacitor.
This part is a little harder to get and a costs much more than a linear regulator, but it works very well in this application and doesn't generate a lot of heat like a linear regulator would.

The firmware is based on my previous DMX designs, modified for DC use with PWM output (at about 250Hz), and uses the "switchless" method for setting the DMX start channel address.

I've sized the board to be mounted in either the Keptel CG-1000 or CG-1500 enclosures, so I can mount my power supply in the same enclosure. The board measures 4.8 X 3.3 inches.

I've ordered some prototype PC boards and as always, if there's any interest a co-op can be done.

Project files with source code attached. Schematics and boards layout were done in Eagle.

Here's the Mouser web BOM http://www.mouser.com/ProjectManager/ProjectDetail.aspx?AccessID=0ef1780636


Robert

[budude]

Dang - needed this about 2 months ago before I built up my Ren16/DCSSR setup... oh well...

Very nice project there Robert!

[Matt_Edwards]

Very nice project there Robert!

Yep. I agree, another great design. Good to see the variety on this site.

Cheers
Matthew

[dmcole]

Dang! I need *nine* more DC channels ...

But I'd buy a board (or a board/chip if that's the way you want to go) for future expansion ...

Good work -- as always.

\dmc

[covewi]

RPM -

I am not the best at reading schematics - what is the voltage out on the DMX8 DCSSR board.

[RPM]

RPM -

I am not the best at reading schematics - what is the voltage out on the DMX8 DCSSR board.

The way the board works is you need to supply power to the board from an external 12 or 24 VDC power supply and then conenct your LED's to the output terminals. The output voltage here is the same as what you feed into the input terminals, and the board electronics are powered from this same DC source.

Robert

[D56VillageNut]

Robert,

I'd be interested in a few of these. I'll keep checking to see if a group buy / coop takes shape. It's a good blend of channel count and DMX.

Alan T

[ncc1701mda]

I see mention of PWM - does this thing dim the attached LEDs?

Mike

[RPM]

I see mention of PWM - does this thing dim the attached LEDs?

Mike

Yes, it does. Basically, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) varies the amount of time that current flows to the LEDs which gives them a dimming effect.

It can be better described here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulse-width_modulation

Robert

[Matt_Edwards]

BTW - PWM works well with LEDs (and other lights for that matter ) due to another phenomenon known as Persistence of Vision.

While the Light is turned On and Off very quickly, your eyes can't distinguish the off time.


Cheers
Matt

[wonder]

Great project!

I don´t know a lot about DMX and Im probably missunderstanding something, but DMX receptors should be adressed, don´t they? I mean, to tell it what chanell to respond to. How does it work in this design?

regards,
Wonder

ps: I didn´t assemble my usb-dmx dongle yet. gonna have to borrow or buy any dmx controlled stuff :)

[RPM]

The short answer is that DMX is just a communications protocol primarily used for the entertainment lighting industry, and this dimmer uses that protocol for it's data input.

Here's a couple of websites that can explain it more in depth http://www.dmx512-online.com/whats.html
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMX512-A

Robert

[ncc1701mda]

Based on the circuit diagram I would say that the DMX start address is programmed into the processor's flash memory.

Mike

[RPM]

All of my designs currently use a "switchless" method of setting the DMX start channel. This is done mainly to save space on the board, and to use a smaller processor with less pins since I only use 1 pin to control the start channel set function.

The way the start channel is set is very easy, it uses the sum of the channel data for channels 1 & 2 when the "DMX start address program" jumper is in place.

First you need to make sure Vixen is set to show actual intensity levels.
Find the third from the top toolbar and go to the second from the last button to the right (I believe this is where the default location is). It will be a “#” or “%”. You want it to be a “%” so if it is a “#” then click it once to make it a “%”.
You will see something just above the cells that says "Currently drawing at xxx" where xxx is the actual intensity level of whatever the current cell is.

Now set up a test sequence in Vixen with at least 8 channels for about 10 seconds (or more) and set it to repeat. You use sum of channel 1 & 2 for the address, so if you wanted say channel 300, in Vixen would set channel 1 to a level of 255 and channel 2 to a level of 45 (255+45=300) and leave all other channels at 0.
Start the Vixen sequence and then with the power off to the controller you would put JP3 (DMX start address program) jumper on, power up the board for at least 3 seconds (or until both the Red and Green LEDs are lit solid), power off and remove the jumper, power back on and it's now set to start at channel 300.

Robert


Based on the circuit diagram I would say that the DMX start address is programmed into the processor's flash memory.

Mike

[mschell]

I'd be interested in 2 of these boards, especially if you're getting some made...

Don't need them for this year's display, but definitely next year's....

Mark

[RPM]

I finally got some boards in today and I've built one up and I've been running it through some testing. So far everything looks good.

Robert

(http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5046&d=1256611410)

[covewi]

Is everything surface mounted?
Just wondering.

[rkhanso]

No, it's through hole.
I wonder if that board wasn't a prototype. Or, it's an illusion...
I have a 4-channel board that has holes in it.

[n1ist]

It's sitting on a white piece of paper...

[RPM]

Is everything surface mounted?
Just wondering.

It's a DIP package through hole board.

It probably looks like a SMD board because I usually route my boards with few to no vias, and this board has the ground and power planes filled on both sides for increased current carrying capacity.

[kiowamike]

Not being an engineer, nor in the lighting industry, can someone explain the need or benefit to a DMX SSR?
Thanks,
Mike

[Matt_Edwards]

Not being an engineer, nor in the lighting industry, can someone explain the need or benefit to a DMX SSR?
Thanks,
Mike

the DMX8 SSR combines two functions that can some times be seperated.

DMX is a control protocol that is well discussed here (http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8615), just as the Renard is also a suitable lighting control protocol worthy of investigation here (http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=Renard_Main_Page)

SSR stands for Solid State Relay and is an electronic relay. various types of SSRs are used depending the sort of load (Incandesant Lamps, LED, Strobes Etc).

So a DMX8 SSR is an 8 channel DMX based controller that had SSR all on a single board.

Cheers
Matt

[P. Short]

Combining the functions on board can be potentially less expensive and more convenient than putting the functions on separate boards. You need extra cables, connectors, and PCB area when the functions are separated.

[covewi]

Is the USB-DMX dongle / DcSSR board a dimmable system?

[Matt_Edwards]

Absolutely. being DC is it best suited to LEDs, and DMX offers 256 dimmed levels.

Cheers
Matt

[mschell]

RPM,
Did you get any extra boards you'd be willing to sell soon, or should I wait for a coop down the road?

Mark

[soundmankc]

I would also be interested in a coop, I am in the planning stages of a lighting system, yes I got the "bug" and now I am hooked..... Probably would be in for up to 4 boards.

[RPM]

RPM,
Did you get any extra boards you'd be willing to sell soon, or should I wait for a coop down the road?

Mark

Sorry, but I don't have any boards right now as I only got a few prototype boards made up.

I plan on doing co-op's for this and a few other of my designs starting next year.

Robert

[wjohn]

I am having a small batch of boards made, based on Robert's current design (V1.01).

They should be available in about 10 days time, I'll be sending Robert a stash of boards and I'll have spares, above and beyond what I need for this year.

Please contact Robert or Me directly if you would like some.

John.

[RPM]

I just though I'd add a video of a quick test I did tonight of the DMX8-DCSSR board with two of Frank's Mighty-Mini LED floods connected to it.
The board is mounted inside of a Keptel CG-1500 enclosure with a 24VDC 5A power supply. I am using my laptop running Vixen with one of my USB to DMX adaptors to control it.


y2iDIVfw_bY

[budude]

Nice clean setup!

[covewi]

Does anyone have any of the following to sell. Mouser will not have any of the following available till Nov 20.

Mouser Part #: 571-5556416-1
Manufacturer Part #: 5556416-1
Manufacturer: Tyco Electronics / AMP
Description: Telecom & Ethernet Connectors 8 PCB TOP ENTRY

And the following available till Xmas.

Mouser Part #: 737-ICS-308-T
Manufacturer Part #: ICS-308-T
Manufacturer: ADAM TECH
Description: IC & Component Sockets 8P / .300

I would need 2 of each.

Thanks.

[NogginBoink]

Both of these parts are generic enough that you should have no problem finding a suitable substitute.

[RPM]

Does anyone have any of the following to sell. Mouser will not have any of the following available till Nov 20.

Mouser Part #: 571-5556416-1
Manufacturer Part #: 5556416-1
Manufacturer: Tyco Electronics / AMP
Description: Telecom & Ethernet Connectors 8 PCB TOP ENTRY

You can use the 571-55202594 as a sub for this part.


And the following available till Xmas.

Mouser Part #: 737-ICS-308-T
Manufacturer Part #: ICS-308-T
Manufacturer: ADAM TECH
Description: IC & Component Sockets 8P / .300

I would need 2 of each.

Thanks.

You can use the 571-1-390261-2 as a sub for the 8 pin sockets.

[covewi]

When ordering BOM's at Mouser from my project list - checkout shows everything in one long list - will two seperate BOM's come - seperated - or will I have to sort through the parts?

Thanks

[wjohn]

all together,

if two RJ 45s are required for one project, and you order 2x the PROJECT, you will get 4 RJ45s in a bag.

same for two different projects ordered at the same time, they will bag LIKE components together

[covewi]

What can I use to replace -

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - Leaded 25volts 100uF

and

Power Inductors Ind 330uH 0.58A Radial Leads

Thanks

[RPM]

You use 542-6000-331K-RC as a substitute for the 330uH inductor
and if the capacitor is for the DCSSR board, it needs to be a 50 volt rated or higher part. The 647-UVZ1H101MPD from the DCSSR BOM is currently in stock at Mouser.

[covewi]

Thanks - I wish I knew more - but its a learning process - I hope everyones Xmas display is coming along nicely - they will be on soon.

Covewi

[wjohn]

the PCBs have arrived. I have ordered enough to do what I wanted and make some others happy!

The PCBs are Blue and this one has been running 24 hours on a test loop with the LED Floods.

Let me know who needs some boards.

[RPM]

the PCBs have arrived. I have ordered enough to do what I wanted and make some others happy!

The PCBs are Blue and this one has been running 24 hours on a test loop with the LED Floods.

Let me know who needs some boards.

Blue PC boards... Cool :cool:

[mschell]

the PCBs have arrived. I have ordered enough to do what I wanted and make some others happy!

The PCBs are Blue and this one has been running 24 hours on a test loop with the LED Floods.

Let me know who needs some boards.

Tried to send you a PM in response, but get an error saying that you need to free up some space to receive any more PMs!

I'd like 2...

Mark

[wjohn]

My INBOX Flowith over.

I have deleted some crud and I am ready to receive.

Mark, I have sent you a PM.

[dirknerkle]

My INBOX Flowith over.

I have deleted some crud and I am ready to receive.

Mark, I have sent you a PM.

That's what happens when you're such a popular guy!!!

[wjohn]

PCB orders get hectic OCT- thru Dec!!!!

[budude]

Perhaps a few of you super vital folks can get bigger mailboxes through our friendly admin?

[basis21b]

Mouser is showing that the LM2575TV-5G (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=LM2575TV-5Gvirtualkey58410000virtualkey863-LM2575TV-5G) is on backorder till May. It appears that this (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=TL2575-05IKVvirtualkey59500000virtualkey595-TL2575-05IKV) will work as a substitute but I would appreciate it if someone more savvy than I could verify this.

Thanks,

[RPM]

Mouser is showing that the LM2575TV-5G (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=LM2575TV-5Gvirtualkey58410000virtualkey863-LM2575TV-5G) is on backorder till May. It appears that this (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=TL2575-05IKVvirtualkey59500000virtualkey595-TL2575-05IKV) will work as a substitute but I would appreciate it if someone more savvy than I could verify this.

Thanks,


Yes, this part can be used as a substitute for the LM2575TV-5G.

Robert

[christmas-light]

the PCBs have arrived. I have ordered enough to do what I wanted and make some others happy!

The PCBs are Blue and this one has been running 24 hours on a test loop with the LED Floods.

Let me know who needs some boards.

John that wire you use there, where did you get that ??

[mschell]

Mouser is showing that the LM2575TV-5G (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=LM2575TV-5Gvirtualkey58410000virtualkey863-LM2575TV-5G) is on backorder till May. It appears that this (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=TL2575-05IKVvirtualkey59500000virtualkey595-TL2575-05IKV) will work as a substitute but I would appreciate it if someone more savvy than I could verify this.

Thanks,

When I placed my order a few weeks ago, the TV wasn't available. I ordered the "T" variant, which is the same part, just without the legs of the regulator being bent or offset. A little bending with a needle nose pliers made it work.

So try a LM2575T-5G for a more "exact" match...

Mark

[Matt_Edwards]

John that wire you use there, where did you get that ??

it looks like 16/0.2 alarm cable, John?

[wjohn]

it looks like 16/0.2 alarm cable, John?

Aye,

it is. I used Dynalink branded Internal Alarm wire. Altronics stock a 4 and 6 core with a fairly decent current capacity.

[christmas-light]

Aye,

it is. I used Dynalink branded Internal Alarm wire. Altronics stock a 4 and 6 core with a fairly decent current capacity.

Thanks ;-)

[covewi]

WOW its summer and I need to build my DMX Dongle and DMX DCSSR board for my summer fountain light/water controllers.

Sorry for the newbie question - but I forgot -

With the DMX DCSSR board - that I have - 12-24 volts powers it.
What is the output voltage?

[mschell]

Output voltage is what you put into it - so if you use 24V as the input, it will put out 24V on the outputs.

There's a regulator on board to reduce that voltage down to power the control circuits, but the DC in = DC out.

[covewi]

Thanks - so then if I need between 6-7 volts and 700 ma to power my 5w RGB LEDS - I would need to regulate the voltage down after the output of the board - since the lowest voltage "in" is 12 volts.

[mschell]

I don't know if what you propose - putting a regulator after the channel output, will do what you intend for it to do. The regulator may smooth out the signal that is sent to the LEDs and you'll not see the dimming that you desire.

You may want to figure out how to supply 12V and then have voltage dropping resistor(s) between the LEDs and the channel output.

Note that if you need 6-7 volts to the LEDs then you may want to regulate to 7 volts and just supply that to the whole board. I think the on-board regulator needs at least 7 volts to work properly, but haven't checked the specs to verify that.

You might send a query to Robert Martin (RPM) to see if there are other options.

[P. Short]

The more conventional approach (and one that is likely to work better) is to insert some sort of current regulator in series with each LED. This can be either a resistor (of appropriate value and power rating), or an active constant current source (lots of ways to do this, an LM317+resistor is where people usually start looking).

[RPM]

Thanks - so then if I need between 6-7 volts and 700 ma to power my 5w RGB LEDS - I would need to regulate the voltage down after the output of the board - since the lowest voltage "in" is 12 volts.

The lowest input to the board would be about 8.5 volts, but I would recommend 12 volts for stability of the on board regulator circuit.
The maximum can be as high as 40 volts, which is the maximum rating for the regulator, but I would stay a bit lower than this for safety derating.

[covewi]

Where is the best place to buy outdoor rated small and large plastic boxes for your projects?

[RPM]

Where is the best place to buy outdoor rated small and large plastic boxes for your projects?

These boards (and a few of my others) are designed to fit into the Keptel CG1000 (for single board) for CG1500 (for two boards) enclosures.

The links are here http://www.yourbroadbandstore.com/product.php?pid=201838 for the CG1000
and here http://www.yourbroadbandstore.com/product.php?pid=706098 for the CG1500.

Robert

[RHYTHMZDJ]

can this build be used with freestyler dmx software?

[Matt_Edwards]

can this build be used with freestyler dmx software?
YES. RPM's boards are DMX. You still may need Vixen to set the start address unless Freestyler can set 0-255 constantly on channels 1 & 2.

[chilloutdocdoc]

Freestyler can do that, it's just a pain to do, as it doesn't make it easy to set the exact output of a channel.