DiyLightAnimation

Fun => The Porch => Topic started by: kjam22 on May 01, 2012,

Title: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: kjam22 on May 01, 2012,

Anyone have any experience with these controllers?
http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/701799/209915969-307308854/STRIP-DMX-MODULE-decoder.html

Looks like each of these could be built to power one dumb string.  My thought would be that you could send over power and dmx in a cat 5.  I was thinking of converting all of my mini trees to dumb strings this year so I could have more color variety.

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: Steve Gase on May 01, 2012,

I've not used that product... but I have used this:

http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/701799/209915969-307297826/DMX-512-Module-decoder.html

This one had been used by quite a number of us successfully.  It has a good range of power choices and is slightly less expensive.

However, when I compare the tech details between the two -- they look nearly identical.  It might be just another form factor, and any reliability experiences might transfer to the product you mention.

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: chrisatpsu on May 01, 2012,

I would wait and see about Rj's dumb string controller first before deciding what to buy. At the very least you get to see another option.

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: tbone321 on May 02, 2012,

I agree with that 100%

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: dmoore on May 02, 2012,

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I've not used that product... but I have used this:

http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/701799/209915969-307297826/DMX-512-Module-decoder.html

This one had been used by quite a number of us successfully.  It has a good range of power choices and is slightly less expensive.

However, when I compare the tech details between the two -- they look nearly identical.  It might be just another form factor, and any reliability experiences might transfer to the product you mention.

I've been to the factory that produced both of these - they operate the exact same way - the plain circuit board is designed for use in housed flood devices.

{edited by RJ some content removed}

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: wwwgator on May 03, 2012,

I have made these....

see my post:
http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=4579.msg77356#msg77356

You need a programmer for them to set the DMX start address
http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/701799/209915969-307319323/DMX512-Dditor-for-setting-DMX-address-P-N-LN-DMXID-EDTIOR.html

I have one, if you want to send them to me, I can program them for you.

The tubes are 20" with dumb RGB strips in them with a RJ45 in/out so Ican daisy chain them....power and data all on 1 cable. I ended up with 15 of them on the house, each tube independant.....working on a new use for this year....

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: kjam22 on May 03, 2012,

Thanks guys anyone have an tea on RJs dumb controllers?

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: chrisatpsu on May 04, 2012,

only Rj can comment on his timeline...   hopefully they're being beta tested, and if so..  hopefully they're almost done.

but that's my wishful thinking.

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: tbone321 on May 04, 2012,

I thought that they were going to come out with the smart string controller coop but then realized that coop was going to be massive as it is and adding those kits would just make it way to hard to run.  It's only May so we still have plenty of time for those to come out

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: kjam22 on May 04, 2012,

So is there anyway to test a string without a controller?  I am new to leds but I thought that maybe 12v to the 12v+ and ground to red would give me red, is that correct?  Also if it tie R,G and B together and ground them will I get white?

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: Steve Gase on May 04, 2012,

right!

dumb strings only need a power supply for testing/burn-in.

apply 12v+ to the common, and ground to each of the other connections -- Red, Green, Blue -- or any combination.

Smart Strings do require a controller, however.

Title: Re: RGB Dumb DMX controller
Post by: kjam22 on May 04, 2012,

Thanks, I really want to see how bright they are before I start planning around them