Expresident
10-21-2007, 09:41 AM
G'day all,
I have been using the Jaycar "PC Link for Automation" Kit as a basic introduction to controlling lights as it has 8 built in relays.
My problem is I wanted more than 8 channels, especially after last year running 3 of these kits together, daisy chained, with the Discolitez program.
Only problem was i had 3 sets of litez running identical... hence my search to expand these 3 boards to possible 24 channels...
I have discovered through trial and error that the Jaycar kit uses a 74LS373 chip and with a little modification and 1 jumper i can now run a 74HC374 chip in the same place and i now have 24 channels with a potential for a max of 32 channels.
It is similiarly based on the "Deluxe 32" circuit on the "Discolitez" website.
At $59.95 per kit and $2.20 per 74HC374 chip i thought this was a bargain, and an ideal way for someone to experiment with computer operated christmas lights cheap and on a commercially available board.
Let us know your thoughts....
I have been using the Jaycar "PC Link for Automation" Kit as a basic introduction to controlling lights as it has 8 built in relays.
My problem is I wanted more than 8 channels, especially after last year running 3 of these kits together, daisy chained, with the Discolitez program.
Only problem was i had 3 sets of litez running identical... hence my search to expand these 3 boards to possible 24 channels...
I have discovered through trial and error that the Jaycar kit uses a 74LS373 chip and with a little modification and 1 jumper i can now run a 74HC374 chip in the same place and i now have 24 channels with a potential for a max of 32 channels.
It is similiarly based on the "Deluxe 32" circuit on the "Discolitez" website.
At $59.95 per kit and $2.20 per 74HC374 chip i thought this was a bargain, and an ideal way for someone to experiment with computer operated christmas lights cheap and on a commercially available board.
Let us know your thoughts....