Dumb RGB Controller

[TexasStingray]

First I believe JR has something in the works for these, but I thought I would share what I have do. I created an Dumb RGB Controller, picture attached. It's really not that hard to figure out how these things work. Doing this really make me appreciate what RJ has done for everyone. It took me several hours designing this thing and a couple of trial and errors, including burning up a couple of 7805's, 1 ST485BN, an ATMEGA328P-PU (Arduino), 2 prototype boards, and a couple of other components. But it's a good feeling when it all comes together.

RJ, RJ's Dad, & all the coop managers my hats off to you for all you do.

Thanks
Scott

[dpitts]

Nice job. How much current per channel will it support? What is the voltage range.

[MrChristmas2000]

That definitely meets the specs of being a simple design. Cost is probably less than a current SSC.

Every design requires that you blow up at least 1 chip. 

Looks good. 

[TexasStingray]

I Cannot tell a lie, I used the MR16 to develop it, So it should handle the same current as each of the MR16 Channels. I Think the MR16 is like 1 amp per channel. I have a 15 meter RGB Flex Strip running on it with all channels maxed at 255 to see how it performs, everything is cool to the tough. as a matter of fact the LED's on the flex strip are warmer then the 7805 or the 530's. It's actually a little more then a SSC because you need 3 IRL530 and 1 7805 where the SSC only use 1 7805 and 1 1117 both under a buck each where the IRL530 are a $1.30 each.

[Steve Gase]

Cost is probably less than a current SSC.

SSC-type pricing is not bad, but one might hope for better...  of course once you get under $10 its harder to squeeze out much more in savings.


Comparisons for smart string controllers:

Lynx  128 channel SSC ($8-$10)
Ray Wu's 512 channel decoder ($58)

Comparisons for dumb string controllers:

Lynx Mr-16 16-channel ($37)
Ray Wu's 27-channel controller ($60)
Ray Wu's 3-channel controller ($7.50-$10.00)

[TexasStingray]

Also the SSC includes the pigtail.

Sometimes just being able to fix things yourself is worth the extra 1 or 2 bucks.

anyways it was a fun project and my first Arduino Project.

[MrChristmas2000]

Don't forget to add in the cost of the hub / 16 whether active or passive.

It's not allways the cost of the driving hardware but the cost of the lights as well. The dumb strings a considerably cheaper (yes I know they do less) but for some needs they work just as good.

Who knows if RJ likes the design and product he might do the same thing as happened with the servo controller project. Just sayin.

[mykroft]

so are you controlling this via pixelnet - 1 RGB channel?

Myk

[TexasStingray]

It DMX but im sure it could pixelnet.

[chrisatpsu]

mine came out to be about $4.50 to make
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disclaimer, i didn't make a pcb.

[rm357]

Don't forget the coop savings. Your cost was at a qty of 1. If you order parts for 100 or more, you might trim 10 or 20 percent.

RM

[TexasStingray]

Price for mine for as is, (could work with a few less components but would not be as cool) for 1 was 12.36 + TAX + PCB + (SHIPPING = $0 LOCAL PICKUP but time and gas we won't count) price for mouser 100 is like $773.50 + TAX. With out the extra components would save .40 at 100. But I think the killer would be the PCB.

[MrChristmas2000]

Wow it cost more to build 100 than one. 

[TexasStingray]

wrong,100 is 7.74 each.

[MrChristmas2000]

Whew. . . That's much better. LOL