How to dim a Meanwell ELN-60-48D...

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Problem is, "on" for the Arduino's PWM pins means 5v, so you'd be dimming against half brightness. Though you could run the PWM pin to a small signal transistor and use that to switch 10v against the DIM circuit, but at that point you might as well just filter it smooth. Or use a P-type ELN.

 

[evilc66]

The "P" ELN will still require a 10v signal for the pwm, so it's possible that the two drivers could be interchangeable.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

The "P" ELN will still require a 10v signal for the pwm

Somehow I missed that in the datasheet. I too wonder if they're the same, except the "P" model has an R-C filter or something.

This calls for a revision to my statements above about connecting it to an Arduino!

 

[evilc66]

I have a few "D"s and a simple 555 timer pwm generator. Time for a test I think.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

I just started drawing a schematic for an Arduino shield with a 10v reg and some signal transistors to "convert" the PWM signal from the Arduino to 10v. At the least, this would work for a P type. Assuming evilc66's test confirms that the D type can take a 10v PWM signal, this shield would be able to dim either ELN.

But of course I have no ELNs to test on. Volunteers?

 

[Skeptic_07]

I just started drawing a schematic for an Arduino shield with a 10v reg and some signal transistors to "convert" the PWM signal from the Arduino to 10v. At the least, this would work for a P type. Assuming evilc66's test confirms that the D type can take a 10v PWM signal, this shield would be able to dim either ELN.

But of course I have no ELNs to test on. Volunteers?

I have 4 of them right now, just waiting to be used. I'm waiting on 2 more before I start building and have still not finalized everything yet so I could probably sacrifice one since I need to order more anyway. should mention again i have D type

 

[evilc66]

I have "D"s and "P"s so I will be able to test both. I know my little 555 timer pwm circuit works for the "P"s at 1KHz. We shall see if that's too high for the "D"s.

Fortunately, the Arduino's "analog" output is 490Hz, and within the input frequency range (100Hz-3KHz), so dimming should be easy.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Either of you have a Duemilanove-compatible Arduino?

 

[Skeptic_07]

no... lol.. that is way over my head..

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

$30 and an hour of reading and you'll be able to use an Arduino. If I can do it, anyone can. :lol:

 

[Skeptic_07]

If I can do it, anyone can. :lol:

If you says so, I seriously doubt that, though. You should give yourself more credit, DWZM!

I'll give it a shot though, I was planning on trying it anyway so why wait?!

 

[evilc66]

I have 2 and a Mega.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Well, the design is done, it's in the queue for when Seeedstudio is back from vacation. . .

 

[vnguyen]

Hi DWZM,
I'm interested in build the controller using Arduino but don't know how to put them togeter with the screen and keyboard. Could you show me any link that have instruction or step by step on how putting them together. I'd love to learn but really noob in this!
Thanks!

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Your best bet for basic Arduino info is the Arduino website: arduino.cc

If you're asking about using an Arduino for a specific reef control function, do some searching on here - there are a few threads on the subject.

 

[vnguyen]

I'm just trying to figure out how to put the controller together so I can control the LED lights that I'm gonna build for dimming purpose.

 

[vnguyen]

Hi guys,
I was searching for the components to build the controller for the LED and came across this (don't know if I allow to post the link or not)
cgi.ebay.com/Arduino-Duemilanove-2009-USB-board-w-LCD-Keypad-Shield_W0QQitemZ280456942559QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item414c8953df

I have a question, if I buy the package which include the LCD shield and the ardunio board, will I have and pins left to connect 4 meanwell P type drivers for it to control the light and also the time module (to keep the current time)?
Thanks!

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

That's likely a counterfeit Duemilanove, since the seller isn't listed among the official dealers:

http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Buy

Up to you if you want to buy from them, but personally, it rubs me wrong.

So you want to control Meanwell drivers, AND have an LCD screen? Can you give a little more detail into the functions you want? The eBay listing you posted claims the included LCD uses the 4-bit parallel Arduino library (I'm assuming they mean LiquidCrystal). The default configuration of that library consumes pins 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, and 12. That means you'll have only three PWM pins left (6, 9, and 10).

Personally, I don't like the parallel configuration for LCDs, since it eats up so many pins. IMHO you would be better off using an interface board between the LCD and the Arduino to convert it to some serial communication method (SPI, I2C, etc.). I2C is my favorite because it leaves ALL the digital GPIO pins intact.

You should check out the "easy arduino controller" thread I started a few weeks ago:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783536

It covers the sort of functionality you're looking for. Of course, right now, it's complete vaporware, still in development. But if you're building something more complex than just a simple controller to dim LEDs, you might want to jump on an established project (mine, or there are many others) rather than forge your own trail.

 

[vnguyen]

Hi DWZM,
I just want to build a simple controller to control the LED light (dim, on, off) with timer and few buttons to adjust/override . I'm reading on the arduino site but got confuse on how to simple connect the LCD to the board (so many wires) then I found that. According to them, the LCD will snap on the board w/o any soldering the wire. I'm also reading the thread that you started on building the easy driver as well but don't know how to help since I don't about the circuit (software only). Please let me know if you know of any thing or any link that show how to connect the LCD and time keeper module to the board. I don't mind reading/learning but it's much easier for me if they have step-by-step instructions to follow.
Thanks!

 

[Esquare]

Hello all,

At the risk of hijacking the thread and/or sounding stupid, I was under the impression the meanwells did not need a separate power supply.

I have only done a simple 3 emitter fixture for my fuge with a buckpuck and wallwart but have been so impressed with the quality of light that I am thinking about replacing my Aquatinics TX5 with Led. I would like to, however, be able to dim the white and blue separately via my AC 3 Pro if possible. This is what caught my attention with this thread but I have gotten lost already.

I have tried to follow the other LED threads but get lost when the talk turns to separate resistors and so forth. I am a somewhat accomplished DIY'er but have limited formal education with regards to electronics (am looking into an Electronics for Dummies book of some kind).

Long story short, can somebody please explain the setup of a dimmable array using a controller such as the AC 3 Pro?