DiyLightAnimation

Hardware => Other Projects => Topic started by: D56VillageNut on September 03, 2010,

Title: A request or idea . . . How about an MR4 - 4CH DC DMX Controller
Post by: D56VillageNut on September 03, 2010,
I'm throwing this out here based on RJs post in the MR16 Parts thread
http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=3329.15 
about the MR16 originally being designed as a constant current LED controller for a model railroader (I can only guess who that might have been  :) ) 

I have a similar need and could see myself personally needing 50 to 60 or more of a relatively small form factor DC controller that would be like the MR16 but with just 4 channels.  If it could have DMX in / out or through and the ability to add MOSFETs for higher current loads I'd be very interested.

Just a thought.

Thanks

Alan T

Title: Re: A request or idea . . . How about an MR4 - 4CH DC DMX Controller
Post by: Caliente Christmas on September 03, 2010,
I like your Idea, I know its out there, but I like to stay with the brand (Lynx) for all my hardware.

A DCSSR4 with DMX options.  

DCSSR4 that can be controlled by the freestyle or run by itself.

 <yk..    <yk..   <yk..

Maybe for 2011   
Title: Re: A request or idea . . . How about an MR4 - 4CH DC DMX Controller
Post by: jandelee on September 03, 2010,
I don't know if this would work for your application, since it only has three channels, but it's been getting some buzz over on the PC boards:

http://cheapdmx.com/2-dmx-module

Title: Re: A request or idea . . . How about an MR4 - 4CH DC DMX Controller
Post by: D56VillageNut on September 03, 2010,
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I like your Idea, I know its out there, but I like to stay with the brand (Lynx) for all my hardware.

A DCSSR4 with DMX options.  

DCSSR4 that can be controlled by the freestyle or run by itself.

 <yk..    <yk..   <yk..

Maybe for 2011  

That is a good idea as well.  I was leaning toward something based on the MR16 design because of the constant current for LEDs but I could see myself using some DCSSR4s w/DMX as well.  That would give us Freestyle fans a good choice use with the Freestyle and/or in a standalone situation where you need to control some DC items.

Thanks for the added suggestion.

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I don't know if this would work for your application, since it only has three channels, but it's been getting some buzz over on the PC boards:

http://cheapdmx.com/2-dmx-module



I've looked at a lot of these but I was interested in staying with Lynx hardware if possible.  I know that RJ's designs are great and I like the DIY aspect of it.  I sort of go back an forth on these.  I've seen other posts pointing to different vendors that offer roughly the same unit.  You're also right on the 3 Ch vs 4 Ch.  I am looking at some stuff with RGB + White LEDs as well as some other ideas that need 4 Ch each.

Not sure if this idea will go anywhere but I thought it was worth getting some feedback on.

Thanks for weighing in on the topic.

Alan T
Title: Re: A request or idea . . . How about an MR4 - 4CH DC DMX Controller
Post by: D56VillageNut on September 21, 2010,
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I've looked at a lot of these but I was interested in staying with Lynx hardware if possible.  I know that RJ's designs are great and I like the DIY aspect of it.  I sort of go back an forth on these.  I've seen other posts pointing to different vendors that offer roughly the same unit.  You're also right on the 3 Ch vs 4 Ch.  I am looking at some stuff with RGB + White LEDs as well as some other ideas that need 4 Ch each.

It's hard to beat these $6 DMX controllers - I've built several hundred elements for my display this year with them and I have to say...these little boxes just work.  I've put nearly 50 on a single 200ft line without a problem, they fade fairly well and... they are about $6.  I've shorted them, over powered them and they just keep on going.  Great for a decentralized system where you want to put the controller into the display element directly.

dmoore,

I appreciate the plug on the low cost 3CH DMX controllers but the operative word here is that I need 4 channels on this device not 3.  I have a specific application in mind where I felt the option of having both the low current and high current versions of a smaller size/channel count DC controller (hence the MR4 idea) would be of interest to me.  I also agree with one of the other posts in this thread that a Lynx version of a 4CH DC SSR would also be of interest to some members particularily if RJ sees fit do do a DC version of the SSR4+DMX.  It would also give me some parts commonality which would allow my to keep spare chips, etc. on hand.

No slam on the 3 channel uniits you have been promoting but just not what I'm looking for.

Thanks

Alan T
Title: Re: A request or idea . . . How about an MR4 - 4CH DC DMX Controller
Post by: chrisatpsu on March 08, 2011,
Did you ever find a solution?
Title: Re: A request or idea . . . How about an MR4 - 4CH DC DMX Controller
Post by: D56VillageNut on March 08, 2011,
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Did you ever find a solution?

I have someone working on a 4 Channel DMX DC SSR design for me.  Not ready for release yet.  Will post if and when we get it completed.

Alan T