DIY LED fixture with DMX control

[Synodontis]

Hi,
Has anyone gone down the line of Meanwell LDD's controlled by a USB DMX controller? I have searched but most LED controllers are Arduino based systems, can't find any "reefing" DMX applications anywhere.

Thoughts & experience would be great.

Ken

 

[DANNY G2004]

Hi ken not sure what controller yiuur looki g for but I had a one that was wireless made by DMX I had an accident and lost it. Can send you a picture if you want im not sure if your still looking

 

[mcgyvr]

You would need a DMX to PWM converter. Or have a DMX module that has 5V PWM outputs..

Usually we (reefers) only need a few channels and DMX is "typically" meant for way more than that..

 

[DANNY G2004]

 

[dj ender]

I don't believe that DMX system is suitable for reef lighting or any other than shows lighting for that matter. DMX is a system where You need to constantlly apply controll signal to reciver. In result, if You planning to use usb controller You need to run some kind of computer whole time. It's expesive and not reliable, any loss of power and this sytem will not restart itself.

 

[Synodontis]

Thanks for the replys gents,

Danny - I already have the controller sorted, to start with I'll be using a Enttc DMX Pro Mk2 into a custom 16ch board.

mcgyvr - The board we had made up includes DMX to PWM converter on all channels. So we will have 16 channels

dj ender - Understand where your coming from, so have installed a PC server cabinet beside the tank lol. PC is running Windows 7 so hope that side is covered. A couple of channels will be hooked up to a UPS so in case of power out a few LED's will continue to run. Should only be a few hours untill we get home from work to sort something out.

The server cabinet holds PDU's, PC, UPS, LDD's & PSU.
At the moment the light itself is only 4 channels on a Typhon. I'm adding more Cree's & 6 Mitras replacement LED units.

Long term project but now looking for anyone who knows DMX programming lol. :headwally:

 

[mcgyvr]

Nothing like using a bulldozer when you just need a shovel

 

[Fredfish]

Nothing like using a bulldozer when you just need a shovel

You ever run a bulldozer? Waaaay more fun to opperate than a shovel.

 

[Synodontis]

Nothing like using a bulldozer when you just need a shovel

Hahaha, made my day mate, hope you don't mind but I'm filling that one away to use at a later date.

 

[DaveMorris]

I have often wondered how DMX could be used in tank lighting applications. Considering that DMX is a signal with 512 channels showing a state of anywhere between 0 and 100, it is quite powerful. There are a number of software based "controllers" that utilize a DMX dongle. This one is an industry standard:

http://www.highend.com/products/controllers/usbdmxwidget.asp

 

[Synodontis]

Hi Dave,

The number of channels was a factor in looking at DMX as a lighting option. We are using the Enttec USB DMX PRO MkII for now. This is 2 universe with 1024 channels while hooked to a PC, or 1 universe with 512 channels in stand alone mode. At a later date if we can get the thing up & running we might look at a Enttec DMX Streamer as this has a built in astronomical real time clock which leads to all sorts of ideas down the track.



The board we had modified to change DMX output to PWM with the addition of "wings" that plug into the DMX output. Each channel is rated up to 8A & the board to 52v. Enough to run the LEDS we have now & the planned upgrade.

You can see the basic board below..


With the wings attached.. A stock pic but gives you an idea..


I keep saying the board has 16ch but it has 32ch :headwally:
I also want to setup a wireless DMX signal to jump over to our FW tank. This has nowhere near the amount of LEDs lol.

Now need a very basic DMX PC program so I can teach myself or a switched on DJ who has a reef tank & wild imagination :artist:

This might be a bit over kill, but that's what the hobby is about isn't it lol. The reply's have brought back the interest in this shelved project & yesterday I called a sound & lighting stage company around the corner from work, made plans to call in on them & get a few DMX cables made up. Will also have a chat about the programing side. :hmm5: