(Another) DIY LED Controller - Simple Arduino Style

[katchupoy]

So the goal here is just to have a timed ramp up/down such as a sun up/sunset timer? And the benefit of the Arduino over other light controllers such as the $80 one from rapid led (besides being slightly cheaper) would be later on when adding more features, is this correct?

Thats the goal. I will help you start and achieve a simple ramp up and down program. And maybe some extras... like for example, wavemaker or ca or alk doser. Very simple to work on. Stay tune.

 

[katchupoy]

katchupoy,

Yes that all makes sense, forgot to mention that I have the P versions which is why I was interested in whether or not it was pwm signal going to the drivers.

Good for you, just remind me to let you know that yours is PWM, since the code will be slightly different than Analog Drivers. Perfect, you are good to go.

 

[katchupoy]

Forgive my ignorance, still new to this whole thing. How would I go about controlling how much voltage gets through to the dimming control via the arduino?

Im so sorry, i did not understand your question.

Question. What do you have right now minus arduino...? what do you have for your led setup? how do you dim them right now? simple on or off? or you dont have any setup yet?

 

[katchupoy]

Fishman and David,

Im so sorry but what you guys are talking about is way over my/our head... haha... but it sound very interesting...

I guess, its way up there for now... I will pass?

Hey but if it works? if you were able to complete the device, please share... also how do you test the output? by a scope? digital meter? what?

 

[TheFishMan65]

It would give you more than 10 steps for your dimming if we can make it work. However, It also just occured to me that we sort or hi jacked the thread. Would you like us to start another one or conrinue here?

 

[katchupoy]

Yes, lets start another one and I will follow you guys. So that we dont confuse other people following this DIY... Thank you for asking....

 

[TheFishMan65]

Ok, per your request new thread started:

Arduino Dimming a Meanwell ELN D

 

[katchupoy]

Lets go to the software side.

Lets go to the software side.

Before we start with the software side...

Here is the updated checklist and what not.


.

 

[TheReefNinja]

My arduino should be here tuesday so just in time for playing around it looks like

Got my extra LCD w/buttons in today plus transistors and heat sensors.

 

[ghellin]

Where did you order the heat sensors?

 

[ghellin]

Also I am about to order the arduino uno and I may be forced to get the SMD version, it says there is no difference but I still wonder if anyone else is using the SMD version with any issues?

 

[katchupoy]

Stupid question... what is SMD?

 

[TheFishMan65]

Surface Mount Device as opposed to through hole device.

 

[TheReefNinja]

Got the temp sensors and transistors from taydaelectronics.com was dirt cheap and fast shipping. Ghellin here pick this up http://arduino.hk/index.php?route=product/product&path=37&product_id=68 its $45 shipped its what I bought and comes with a lot of stuff. So far looks to be 2 week shipping or less.

EDIT: From there site of whats included in this kit

Starter Kit include (as the pictures shows)

* Arduino Duemilanove ATmega 328 microcontroller board with 1 USB cable
* mini Breadboard x 1
* Wires x 65
* 1602 LCD Module (blue) x 1
* Potentiometer x 1
* Red LED x 10+ Green LED x 10+ Blue LED x 10
* Piezo Sounder x 1
* 10 K Resister x 10
* 200 ohm Resister x 10
* Push Button x 10
* IR Remote Control x 1
* Infrared Receiver x1
* nfrared Sender LED x 1

 

[ghellin]

That is a great kit! I think I am still going to go with the Uno. I found this shield to allow me to stack my LCD on top of my RTC and arduino with screw connections.

http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?m...id=196&zenid=076228f7fb2cbc1d305e7ca4b224c3a7

 

[TheReefNinja]

I believe that shield will work on the Duemilanove as well I may have to look into it for myself. I have a nifty project box already picked out for this.

 

[katchupoy]

ghellin, thats a good shield. you wont even need breadboard with that... good find.

 

[ghellin]

I kinda thought the same thing it will help clean things up!

 

[Jeff D]

Hi, I just about got it all in, but I have a question, I still want to know how to mount that lcd shield ? is there a some type of case to cover the screen and the buttons? Also can I use a 12v supply? thanks J

 

[katchupoy]

Ugly Betty

Ugly Betty

Well please dont laugh... Im so cheap thats why its ugly so please dont laugh, lol.

Here is my shoe box...

And here is the other side (inside)

@Jeff_D
So in picture (1), you will notice that the lcd was surface mount. I just cut a hole at the back so all the wirings can go through... You can use a nicer box form radios shack, but it will be the same thing, surface mount.

@Jeff_D
12 volts to supply arduino? yes. You can also use the same 12 volts to supply the LED driver of course with pot and tuned down to 10 volts. Also it would be nice to use 12 volts so you can control future 12 volt servos and relays.