VDM Availability ?

[Soymilk]

I did order the cable as I wasn't sure if the VDM required something different.

Sorry Tom, I was trying to ask that as a question.

Is it the same as the one that came with the ai controller?

From the picture of the vdm unit it looks like a serial connection. Isn't the port on the sol fixure like a headphone jack? So is it serial to headphone 3.5mm jack or serial to serial?

Maybe I should email Neptune. I don't wanna order something I won't need but I dont wanna place another order if it's not the same.:hmm4:

 

[Oblivionis]

I'm working on building a LED setup up and I'm wondering if I would be able to dim the lights using the VDM. I will use a Mean Well ELN 60-48D driver. I have an Apex Lite.

 

[RussM]

I'm working on building a LED setup up and I'm wondering if I would be able to dim the lights using the VDM. I will use a Mean Well ELN 60-48D driver. I have an Apex Lite.

Yes; the Meanwell "D" variants can accept the 0-10VDC dimming control signal from the VDM. Unless you are handy with RJ45 crimping, you will also want to order the dimming cable from Neptune along with the VDM. Each cable supports 2 dimmable devices.

 

[Oblivionis]

Thanks RussM. I'm not handy with a crimping tool but to save $15 I will learn to be

I guess it's time to put in an order for the VDM.

 

[RussM]

Thanks RussM. I'm not handy with a crimping tool but to save $15 I will learn to be

A good crimping tool costs way more than $15, and takes practice. I'd just order the cable(s)!

 

[Oblivionis]

Do I really need a crimping tool? Just take a RJ45 cable ($5 item) cut off one end and connect wires to driver. Plug in the other end into the VDM.

 

[RussM]

Do I really need a crimping tool? Just take a RJ45 cable ($5 item) cut off one end and connect wires to driver. Plug in the other end into the VDM.

Doh! I'm braindead this week from working nights. Yeah, you sure can.

 

[Dark_Reef]

Do I really need a crimping tool? Just take a RJ45 cable ($5 item) cut off one end and connect wires to driver. Plug in the other end into the VDM.

Actually get a cable 2x as long as you need, cut it in half and then you have 2 cables instead one one.

 

[Dark_Reef]

I preordered my VDM module and cable! Cant wait to get it.

 

[Oblivionis]

I ordered one.

Does any one know if there is a limit how long the variable speed cable (RJ45) can be? I want to mount the VDM about 7 feet from the controller.

 

[Deleted member 143833]

The VDM can be up to 200' from the base but the variable speed port cables should be keps short because the current is very small.

What will you be using the variable speed ports for?

 

[Oblivionis]

Two DIY LED fixtures. Mean Well ELN-60-48D drivers. I guess I'll mount the VDM close to the lights and run a 7 foot USB cable back to the controller. Does that sound OK?

 

[Deleted member 143833]

Two DIY LED fixtures. Mean Well ELN-60-48D drivers. I guess I'll mount the VDM close to the lights and run a 7 foot USB cable back to the controller. Does that sound OK?

Yes, that would be best I think.

 

[Oblivionis]

I've searched and Ive searched and I can't find it. Can somebody point me to a diagram of how to connect the variable speed cables to the drivers. Which pairs and which ones are positive and which negative.

 

[Oblivionis]

I've searched and Ive searched and I can't find it. Can somebody point me to a diagram of how to connect the variable speed cables to the drivers. Which pairs and which ones are positive and which negative.

Nevermind. I figured it out. I was looking at the apex guide and I didn't understand why V1 and V3 would be at the same pins. It took me a day to realize that V1 and V3 would be on separate plugs.... douh