Author Topic: Beta-DMX Servo Controller Project (See first post for specs and features)  (Read 68366 times)

Offline dlhoppe

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Here is the BOM link and firmware:

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DMX Controller Current Feature List:

Fully Programmable (channel assignments, end-point adjustments, reversing, etc)
8 Servo Channels
8 LED Channels
Scaled End-Point Adjustments (256 discreet steps)
Servo Reversing
Resettable Fuse Protection For Each Servo
DMX Daisy Chaining (output = pass-through or re-broadcast)
Ex/Rx Wireless Ready
Single or Split Power Supply Input Option (logic circuitry / servo power)(single Pwr: 6v, Dual Pwr: 6v for logic, 4.8v - 6v for servos)
Adjustable LED Output Current (3mA - 120mA, requires resistor change)
Multiple Servos Can Be "Ganged" on Same DMX Channel
Low Power Lockout (fail-safe shutdown with indication on inadequate power supply)
RGB node control (requires 3 DMX/LED output channels per node - need common-anode RGB)
DMX Data Reception Indicator (LED blinks when DMX data is present)

« Last Edit: November 08, 2011, by dlhoppe »

Offline packetbob

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2011, »
I'd be very interested  if it had the ability to preset the limts of each servo...
The allows you to protect you animatronic assembly from accidently programming a position that could break something....
I think this is very important...
Lighting is already covered with the Lynnx MR16 so I'd just design it for servos...

The only board I'm aware of that does this is the Board Of Chuckie "BOC" and it's presets can only be setup by using the Entec Open DMX dongle rather than the Entec Pro (which is what the Lynx dongle emulates)...

Not sure the best way to adjust the presets... Best if they are stored in the controller itself (in flash or EEPROM).. You'd need a min/max value for each servo.. Perhaps some sotrt of basic bushbutton/7 segemnt display to allow for adjusting and saving.

Bob
zappedmyself.com

Offline PJNMCT

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2011, »
Interested!

-Paul
Leesburg, FL

Offline lightsup

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2011, »
I am interested also.
Just do it.

Offline n1ist

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2011, »
I'm willing to help out, if you want.
/mike

Offline dlhoppe

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2011, »
Bob, 

Endpoint adjustments can (and should be) done via mechanical linkage using the servo horns. That's why the horns have multiple holes on each arm and most servos come with an assortment of different sized horns. Computerized end-point control is certainly more convenient, but  people mistakenly rely too much on the computer settings and don't think about the mechanical ratios required to get maximum performance from a servo. Remember, the more you limit travel using mechanical linkages, the more torque you get and the less stress is placed on the servo. Not to mention lower power consumption. It's clearly better for the servo. Set your "gear ratio" so that full travel (min to max) does not exceed the range of the driven item. With DMX, you can then use min and max dimmer values to limit futher. All that assumes that you've chosen the correct servo for the job in the first place.



Mike,
That would be great if you could help out. Let's see what the admins and RJ think of this idea and then we'll go from there in terms of design criteria and features. I would prefer to keep things simple and deliver it in a timely fashion. Although I'd be happy to see someone else step up and build something more elaborate and robust if that's the direction this needs to go.




Dave


Offline jess_her

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2011, »
Dave,

Yes I think this would add alot to the shows, Look out Disney.  ;D

Jess
Only limitations in life is your imagination

Offline paul58

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2011, »
Interested also.

Offline D56VillageNut

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2011, »
Would be very cool to have our own DLA version.  I'd be interested.

Thanks

Alan T

Offline tennhillbilly

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2011, »
I would be intersted also.

Offline sirwesley

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #10 on: March 14, 2011, »
Definitely interested.
-Wesley
Winston Salem - NC

Offline gforman

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #11 on: March 14, 2011, »
put me down as interested <pop..
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work"
  Thomas Edison

Offline shaunkad

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #12 on: March 14, 2011, »
Me too. should it do steepers as well?

Offline John K

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #13 on: March 14, 2011, »
I am interested!

Offline dlhoppe

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Re: Lynx DMX Servo Controller Project ???
« Reply #14 on: March 14, 2011, »
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Me too. should it do steepers as well?

Steppers are quite a different animal compared to servos. Full rotational movement with indexed positioning. Although they don't typically provide postion feedback. In what kind of scenario would you use this? If you're considering continuous rotation with speed control, a servo can do that with a minor modification. This is common with small robotics to use servos as wheel drive motors. With this mod done, the PWM sent to the servo will control rotation direction and speed. It requires nothing different in the PWM transmission. Check out this page for more info: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login



Dave