The new version of this kit is available, check http://www.chromationsystems.com/4chandmxdisplay.html for information.
This kit is discontinued, but an improved version will be availble as a kit and assembled unit in a few weeks. Licensing for this kit is available and includes Eagle Schematic and PCB files and HEX file to program it, make as many as you like and supply your own parts. Priced at $80usd, please Contact Us to purchase.
A compact, easy to assemble, LED Controller outputs TTL PWM signals for Red, Green and Blue LEDs. The PWM signals control LED Drivers (Output Boards, MOSFET/Resistor based regulation or constant current regulators), which are selected based on the configuration(current, voltage, type) of LEDs being controlled. A 3 digit, 7-segment LED display and 2 buttons are on a separate PCB connected with a ribbon cable, so it can be mounted anywhere. The display shows the user the current address or what the current stand alone mode is set to. The 2 buttons are used to set the DMX address( Up/Down) and to control the stand-alone functions for when DMX input is not used. The user can select whether the device utilizes 3 or 5 channels of DMX data. The device can be set to go into various stand alone modes if it looses DMX signal or no DMX is being used. All user changed preferences are saved to the device and load at start up.
Stand-Alone functions include: Color Select, Flash with speed control, Fade with speed control, Hold Last Color, and No Data( blank /off )
Controller PCB is 2" x 2" x 0.5" tall. It is connected to the display PCB with 13-strand ribbon cable. The display PCB is 1.75" x 1.75" x 3/8" and has mounting holes in each corner for standoffs or screws. Diagrams are on the datasheet.
Usage:
Using the buttons the user can select either 3 channel mode or 5 channel mode, also the user can select weather the display should turn off after use or if it should stay on constantly.
When a DMX signal is present, the address is shown on the LED display, one button increases the address up, the other one decreases. If the display is set to cycle off, a button press will turn it back on.
When no DMX signal is found, it falls into user selected stand-alone mode. Pressing the buttons together switches between No Data, Hold, Color Select, Flash, and Fade. In color select mode the 2 buttons are used to select the color(Red to Green to Blue, with all the colors in between). In Flash mode the device goes through a set list of colors, and the 2 buttons are used to control the time each color is displayed. In Fade mode the device smoothly cycles through all the colors, the 2 buttons are used to set the speed.
LED Configurations: Visit The DMX Wash Light Design Page for Information.
There are many types and configurations of LEDs that can be controlled. Series, Parallel, High or Low wattage, resistor current regulation, constant current, or any type that can use a TTL PWM signal. The controller has 3 TTL Outputs, one of each color, so each color of LEDs will need its own current regulation. Simplest is a properly rated resistor, but better efficiency can be reached with constant current regulator.
3 Channel DMX Functions:
5 Channel DMX Functions:
Stand Alone Functions:
1: Red
0-255
off to full on
2: Green
0-255
off to full on
3: Blue
0-255
off to full on
1: Red
0-255
off to full on
2: Green
0-255
off to full on
3: Blue
0-255
off to full on
4: Master Brightness
0-255
Scales the R-G-B Channel Brightness'
5: Strobe
0-255
Flashes the R-G-B Channels on/off at 1 hz - 10hz
No Data
Turn Off Outputs
Hold
Hold Last Recieved Color
Flash
Flashes Through Colors, user selected speed
Fade
Cycles through all the colors, user select speed
Color Select
User sets 0 - 255, Selects and Holds a Color
Output Board Files v.1
Download
Datasheet v.1
View/Download
Purchase A Kit
The Store
Instructions PDF
View/Download
Instructions Online
Instructables