DIY LED driver for reef lighting

I did one back in high school. Lets just just say I had to had draw what I wanted :). If you have done it then you know what you are in for. My first experience did not leave me with the warm fuzzies.
 
The summary (see my signature) has link to a version in seeedstudio for the 3 CAT board. Anyone know if this has all the info. I did my own 8 version board. They both pretty much follow the datasheet.
 
Just tring to test our cat4101 boards.I dont have a source for the PWM can you just use 5 volt source?
Thanks
Jim
 
brassmonkyballs said:
Where does one get the boards?
Click to expand...
You have to order from from iTead Studio or Seeedstudio or some other similar fab house.
10 boards are $12 + shipping (another couple of bucks).

Jtro said:
Just tring to test our cat4101 boards.I dont have a source for the PWM can you just use 5 volt source?
Thanks
Jim
Click to expand...

Yes, you can just use a 5V source for the PWM pin. That will run the drivers at max current (whatever you've set with the Rset resistor).
 
You'll have to be a bit more specific than that. How does "does not work" manifest? LEDs don't turn on at all, or are too low, or too bright, get too hot quickly, can't dim etc.

Do all three channels not work, or just one?

Also have you tested for shorts with GND? Can you post a close up photo of the board that isn't working?
 
All three channel do not work.Here is a picture of the board.Tested all with the same LEDS Not sure where to start on diagnosing problem
DSC_0076-1.jpg
 
24v source seems fine same as the PWM and 5volts assuming the ground is fine also.Not real sure where to check it kinda of comparing the other working ones with the bad one and seem to have the same numbers on both.
Thanks again
Jim
 
Last edited:
Well, I guess the next thing would be to hook up the board and PWM to +5. What are the voltages of the 5 pins for U1? I hate to apply voltage to a bad board, because it might make it worse. However, if you have looked it over for faults there is not much left. i guess also what is the voltage of the of the 2 pins for where the LEDs connect.

[EDIT]
Where in VA are you?
 
One more thought I just remembered.
Check for contact between the PWMs and Ground. I helped someone that used my board and he had 2 of the CATs go bad. Whether that was from assembly or they came bad we will probably never know. The LED would not light and the problem showed as a short between ground and the PWM.
 
It does have resistance of 63k between those two pins with nothing hooked up.I'm going to get the other good boards now and the rest of the setup.I just have the bad board with me.
 
It does have resistance of 63k between those two pins with nothing hooked up.I'm going to get the other good boards now and the rest of the setup.I just have the bad board with me.
 
Good board show the same resistance.Pin on the cat4101 from left to right on the bad board show 5.4 volts,5.4volts,0volts,0volts,1.6volts
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
DIY Stand for Flatback Hexagon Tank
Replies
2
Views
763
Drummer98
Drummer98
T
Looking for a specific tank build - EZTube.com sent me here
Replies
6
Views
537
Reefing102
Reefing102
Emanuel92
What lighting for S. haddoni and E. quadricolor?
2
Replies
20
Views
1K
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
C
Scored a complete setup for $100
Replies
13
Views
1K
griss
griss
R
Red tufty algae - Asparagopsis - any expert advice for removal?
Replies
14
Views
2K
rallibon
R
Back
Top