Dimmers, which one to build?

[barrynash17]

Currently using an Olsen 595 on/off for my first year. I would like to go to 256 channels on dimmers.
What one should I build?
I spent hours re-drawing the schematic and double sided boards for the olsen 595 with the horning dimmer in Eagle CAD. Has anyone built this one? After looking at it many times, I am wondering if this is the one to build. I just can't see with this model that the lights would dimm smoothly, plus it seems like an awful waste of channels.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks, Barry

[holtm]

Go Renard, IMHO.
If you want to do it ALL yourself -- the boards are easy to etch and parts are easy to come by. If you want a head start -- get in on a Coop and start with a sound design and proven parts list.

[klanger]

Go a Ren64 to swap for the 595, it has no on board ssr's, and will use the ssr's that you had used for the 595. Not sure if you would want to home etch one tho, or if it is even possible.

[Wayne J]

A renard 64 is not for home etch. At least not at the size it is at. It would be one huge board to be home etch.

[barrynash17]

Is there anywhere that I can get the boards?
Or, Top and Bottom layers for a photo etch?

Any help would be appreciated.
Just a note: this will be for my 2008 display, I just like to get an early start.
Thanks, Barry

[P. Short]

Send a pm to wjohn, he usually has some.

It's not a home-etch board by a long shot. Apart from being a two-layer board with the need for lots of feed-throughs, the traces are too narrow (.010") and the spacing too small (.0075", oops) to consider home-etching, even by Wayne.

--

Phil