I done a similar write up on daisy chain power cords for the SSR boards, so I felt it would be good to have it for the controllers as well. It is the same concept, but I will do a pictorial tutorial using a SS16 board and CG-1000 enclosure. I use this method in my own display and it works great with small loads, like LEDs, and saves a lot on extension cord costs.
Very important! You must know the amperage draws of your display to use this method effectively. Amps add up fast when controllers are chained together making this method is more suited for LED displays.
Here are the parts you will need....
.
After mounting the SS16 make sure you have access to this mounting boss
Prepare and install the crossover power wire. Only tighten the right side terminal at this time. Remember, the ribbed wire is the Neutral wire.
We will now make the main power feed wires. In my example I am using a 1/4" wire clamp, so I cannot clamp all of the wires. I can only clamp three of them, which is fine and works well, but this forces me to separate the wire into two strands. If you are using a larger clamp, you may not need to do this.
Strip the ends and insert them into the left power terminal. Make sure they go in clean with no frays! Again, remember, the ribbed wire is the Neutral wire.
Now we want to cut the triple tap from the extension cord. Make sure you cut it long enough to be outside the case. (look at the later pictures to see how it will mount for a better idea of length for you preference)
Now insert both pieces into the enclosure, and strip all 6 wires. Make sure you strip enough for the wire nuts to be able to secure properly.
Now group the three Hot and the three Neutral wires and twist them for the wire nuts. Then install the wire nuts securely.
This step depends on the size clamp you have, as I said earlier, I am using a 1/4" clamp so I can only grab 3 wires. This works well though and keeps the wiring from being pulled out of the enclosure. I place it on the three Neutral wires as shown and then secure it with the wire nut pointing down using the 6-32 machine screw. The hole in the enclosure is the right size to simply drive the screw in. Don't over tighten, remember it is only plastic.
That's it! You can now daisy chain controllers together, or use it for anything in the display that needs constant power.
IMPORTANT NOTE !!!!
Do not exceed the amperage rating of the cord on the first cord in the chain. The amps can add up fast when you chain them together. Know what this rating is for the cords you are using.
Very important! You must know the amperage draws of your display to use this method effectively. Amps add up fast when controllers are chained together making this method is more suited for LED displays.
Here are the parts you will need....
.
- Triple tap extension cord
- Two lengths of SPT1 or SPT2 (you can cut this from the extension cord also)
- Two wire nuts ( must fit on three 16-18 gauge wires)
- A wire clamp
- 6-32 Pan head machine screw
After mounting the SS16 make sure you have access to this mounting boss
Prepare and install the crossover power wire. Only tighten the right side terminal at this time. Remember, the ribbed wire is the Neutral wire.
We will now make the main power feed wires. In my example I am using a 1/4" wire clamp, so I cannot clamp all of the wires. I can only clamp three of them, which is fine and works well, but this forces me to separate the wire into two strands. If you are using a larger clamp, you may not need to do this.
Strip the ends and insert them into the left power terminal. Make sure they go in clean with no frays! Again, remember, the ribbed wire is the Neutral wire.
Now we want to cut the triple tap from the extension cord. Make sure you cut it long enough to be outside the case. (look at the later pictures to see how it will mount for a better idea of length for you preference)
Now insert both pieces into the enclosure, and strip all 6 wires. Make sure you strip enough for the wire nuts to be able to secure properly.
Now group the three Hot and the three Neutral wires and twist them for the wire nuts. Then install the wire nuts securely.
This step depends on the size clamp you have, as I said earlier, I am using a 1/4" clamp so I can only grab 3 wires. This works well though and keeps the wiring from being pulled out of the enclosure. I place it on the three Neutral wires as shown and then secure it with the wire nut pointing down using the 6-32 machine screw. The hole in the enclosure is the right size to simply drive the screw in. Don't over tighten, remember it is only plastic.
That's it! You can now daisy chain controllers together, or use it for anything in the display that needs constant power.
IMPORTANT NOTE !!!!
Do not exceed the amperage rating of the cord on the first cord in the chain. The amps can add up fast when you chain them together. Know what this rating is for the cords you are using.