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Light Control
| Trying to start out... |
Author: Richard LeBlanc
Date: 12-28-07 14:35
Attachment: controller-ssr_map.png
Hello,
I have been thinking about computer controlled Christmas lights for about a year now but haven't actually done any research until afew weeks ago.
The biggest problem for me is that I don't have much money for the controller and SSRs(under $50), But I do have alot of old computers so I was wondering if they might have some parts that I could use to build a controller and the SSRs. (minus the boxes, outlets and wire)
I have been reading the tutorials here and have read most of them but they all seem to require supplies that I don't readily have.
I think I would like to build a system as described in the attached picture. I think the Parallel Port Controller by Hill Robertson would be a good controller but I don't think I have the money for the supplies, I was wondering if the chips he used would be in any of the computer components I have or not.
I have full Computers, Printers, acouple Monitors and some PCI and ISA cards.
I guess what I'm asking for is help building an inexpensive controller and inexpensive SSR boards which could be connected by a length of cat5.
If anybody understands what I'm trying to say and can help me I would greatly appreciate it.
Richard-18
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| Re: Trying to start out... |
Author: lee Slinkard
Date: 12-29-07 21:24
alright, a quick and easy way, just 8 channels no ssr's required. Can't get you under 50 bucks but I can do it close to that.
1 - get a CK1601 or a kit74 (same thing) It is a relay system
2 - go buy extention cords. I use the ones with 3 in-lets on the end
3 - download vixen (free)
4 - buy 2 terminal blocks from radio shack
5 - buy a 12 vdc adapter
6 - do some searching on this site to figure out how to hook it up
This will cost under a hundred and was my first go at a computerized christmas! I have since moved on. But this is a great starting point. If your in to building you own boards wait for a coop and get in on the fun.
Lee
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| Re: Trying to start out... |
Author:
 Don Koehler
Date: 12-30-07 02:56
You can build the the whole or part of the Hill 320 and it will still work. i was going to build the whole circuit with sockets and fill them in as i need more channels. but i decided to just go all the way.
you can build the contoller for about $50 but the connectors, CAT5, plugs, lights, and ect.... is where it starts to add up.
my display this year of which i am using 1/8 of the capacity of the Hill 320 cost me $1,000. That is the controller (point to point wired0, 128 ssrs(hand built), extensiion cords, lights, lumber, paint, staples and ect.... that is as cheap as I could get everything.
for the 8 channel controller you dont need any chips but you will need to build or buy SSRs. here you can problably getaway with $50.
Dont throw away those old computers, depending on how old they are you may be able to put Vixen on them and network them. I used old AT power supplies to power my controllers.
email me with any questions.
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| Re: Trying to start out... |
Author: Richard LeBlanc
Date: 01-01-08 17:33
Thanks for replying both of you. :)
@lee Slinkard: I don't think 8 channels will be enough for what I have and I want to be able to add to it easily and thats why I thought the Hill 320 would be good.
@Don Koehler: Thank you your post is very helpful, It looks like I'll have to start saving up a good bit and I may have to keep planning and just do it in 2009/10 Depends on how much I can save up.
Where did you get the parts for your SSRs and how much did each completed SSR cost? If you don't mind me asking.
I won't Throw them away I'm sure theres something fun I can so with them.
Oh and Do I have to have a PCB or is there some cheaper/easier to obtain alternative I could use?
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| Re: Trying to start out... |
Author:
Don Koehler
Date: 01-01-08 22:12
I started in January of 2007 and had my Hill320 up and running by Thanksgiving. You can etch a pcb and drill it but I think the point to point wiring was accurate takes less space and more nerve. I tried a pcb drafting program and got lost on how it (the program) worked. I more "knit" my circuits with wire wrap wire using the copper clad prefboard as a cross-stich pattern for the circuit it takes alittle time but you end up soldering your connections and you can use cheaper ic sockets instead of the expensive wire wrap sockets. You can also draw all your components on the board place all the wires drop on the sockets and solder. You get better longer lasting connection than wire-wrap and it is easier to edit mistakes than ecthing.
With the Hill 320 you can build it as far as you need for your first year say 64, 48, 32, 16 or 8 channels and add on year after year just make data line taps so you can add the rest of the channels as you need them. Heck I made a HILL 8 then a 16 on a bread board to make sure I had my wiring right before I expanded to the full board. In fact my Hill 320 is split in to two separate boards. The board at my house has channels 1-192 and I ran data lines (two cat5 cables) to my neighbors house to run a satellite board with channels 193-320 on it for his house.
See the pics in our photo section under "Shades Hill320". I HAVE SOME EXTRA PARTS. oops cap loc If you would like I could check to see if I have enough for you to build at least 64 channel controller(not at home now). I am pretty sure you will have to buy sockets and parts for SSRs.
Just a tip for you if you are building the Hill 320, use rj45 connectors is is much cheaper in the long run. The DB9 connectors and hoods and wire(HUNDREDS OF FEET) are way more expensive. I used two networking patchboards for my outputs(seven channels plus gnd per plug instead of eight plus gnd). I just carried the 8th channel to the next plug you will end up with more plugs but it will still be cheaper than the DB9 way.
I did the math. I dont like Ebay. I bought most of my parts from JAMECO.com and newegg.com or tigerdirect.com(patch boards, I forget which).
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| Re: Trying to start out... |
Author: Rodney Cox
Date: 01-03-08 13:24
You can build a Grinch Board. It would give you 64 channels. You would have a little left to build SSR's. You don't have to use all the channels.
http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=31
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