Who wants a cheap, simple, Arduino-based LED controller?
- Thread starter der_wille_zur_macht
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Names Brucey
New member
OK. New sets of problems. Got a new board (many thanks again) and a new chip and parts, all built, and when trying to upload the program I continually get a not in sync error. I have confirmed that I am using the right port, etc. The only thing I am not seeing is when I look at the board options on the program, I don't see what I am looking for. I ordered this chip from Modern 1x ATMEGA328P Arduino Chip - 1x Atmega328p w Diecimila boot but don't see that option in the board menue for Arduino? Any ideas on this error what I am doing wrong. I have searched around but to no avail.
reefskinner
New member
I've got a question on the cable. I am thinking about building one out of a Nokia CA-42 cable as described here: http://letsmakerobots.com/node/23728
Can someone explain why the Rx and Tx need to be switched?
Also, where does the USB to BUB attach to the board, and is it needed when using this cable, since it has an FTDI chip installed? Sorry if this seems obvious, this is all quite new to me.
Can someone explain why the Rx and Tx need to be switched?
Also, where does the USB to BUB attach to the board, and is it needed when using this cable, since it has an FTDI chip installed? Sorry if this seems obvious, this is all quite new to me.
Last edited:
reefskinner
New member
I think I figured out the BUB vs. cable question. If I understand correctly, the BUB is attached to a USB to mini USB cable and then plugged in to the board. Or you can use the USB to TTL cable. Is this correct?
I still don't understand the switching of the two lines though. Is that necessary?
I still don't understand the switching of the two lines though. Is that necessary?
HeisenbergReef
New member
Hey all, I'm new to the forum and am looking to do a led build and my question (after having read this entire awesome thread) is Has there been any thought on modifying the typhon so that instead of having 4 PWM channels at 5v/10v there are 8 PWM channels all at 5v?
I like the simplicity of the typhon controller but would like more channels and don't particularily want/need something as intensive/pricier as hydra.
I don't yet have the knowledge to tackle this question/redesign, so I'd thought I'd throw it out there for the experts to help point me in the right direction.
Or maybe I'll just have to go the hyrda route.
Thanks,
Johnny
I like the simplicity of the typhon controller but would like more channels and don't particularily want/need something as intensive/pricier as hydra.
I don't yet have the knowledge to tackle this question/redesign, so I'd thought I'd throw it out there for the experts to help point me in the right direction.
Or maybe I'll just have to go the hyrda route.
Thanks,
Johnny
HeisenbergReef
New member
yes 8 channels of individually controlled led strings. I'm interested in experimenting with adding different color/wavelength leds in with the standard white and blue/royal blue, but I want to be able to control the intensity of each of those colors independently so as the get the exact look I want. Thus the 8 channels. I know it may sound a little crazy, but I want to try and get the best possible ability/effects from an led array (in my opinion).
HeisenbergReef
New member
it just seems much simpler to me to use a controller similar to typhon to dim 8 channels vs setting up 8 analog pwm dimming dials for the same price, and its smaller and can do more in the end!
Koyaanisqatsi
New member
You could go as many as 6 channels. The ATMEGA328P chip only has 6 PWM pins. There are ways to get software-based PWM, but it's a lot of processing overhead. You'd have to extend the board's IO with additional ICs (e.g. with a TLC5940) to get more than that in hardware.
In any case, a board redesign would be in order.
In any case, a board redesign would be in order.
HeisenbergReef
New member
I think 6 Channels could work great actually. Good to know the limitations of the chip. IMHO it makes sense to me to get the most out of the chip/controller we can while still keeping it simple. Hence using all 6 pwm pins. Maybe two sets of 6 pins at 5v/10v like originally done or maybe just one set? I'm knew to this, so I'm just throwing out ideas of were I see possible improvements/optimizations.
Names Brucey
New member
OK. I fixed the problem of not being able to upload the program. I still don't see the right option for the board based on the chip I received but it uploaded OK. The programming seems to be fine with the exception I can't set the clock? I know the buttons are working fine from playing within other menu options. I have checked on another board using the same chip and the issue remains which leads me to believe that either something is wrong with the chip I got or the way it is being uploaded since my board/chip doesn't show up on the menu appropriately. Any ideas? I can set all of my options from the menu just fine and the output voltages appear to be fine. I just can't set the clock?
TheFishMan65
New member
You can't set it or it is not stored in RTC. Double check the soldering and connections to the RTC.
Names Brucey
New member
No, I can see the menu option to change the time but nothing happens when I push the buttons. Like I said, I also have my previously damaged board which I replaced the parts on and when I switch the atmega chip into that board I have the same issue. I think the issue comes with the bootloader that is on my chip. It says it is a decimilia 328 but I don't see that combo anywhere on the arduino board option. What do you think?
TheFishMan65
New member
I don't think it is the download. Either it is going to work or not. Changes of it corrupting a section of code (and having it still run) is pretty slim. I am not familiar with the code, but IMHO the problem is there. Is there a ifdef for the RTC that was not enabled?
Names Brucey
New member
?? You lost me. I am using the code that I previously used prior to frying my chip. I uploaded the same code but now it isn't working.
TheFishMan65
New member
A few more questions, but then you may have to wait for someone better informed.
- This is the same code that used to work?
- Did you recompile or just download. If you recompiled with different options something might have gotten turned off (disabled).
- This is the same code that used to work?
- Did you recompile or just download. If you recompiled with different options something might have gotten turned off (disabled).
Names Brucey
New member
Same code. I did recompile it though to confirm that there no errors.
TheFishMan65
New member
The only thing I can think of is that some setting got changed, but without being more familiar with the code I can't help you further. Good luck.
terahz
1x10^12 Hz
How does the problem manifest, you cannot use the + and - buttons to change the value, you cannot save the value or something else? Does it happen for both "Set Time: Hrs" and "Set Time: Mins"?
EDIT: you will not see your chip in the boards list. That list is static and does not update based on the plugged in chip.
Names Brucey
New member
Terhaz,
It won't let me change the time in minutes or hours. The +/- buttons work for all other functions though (manual overrides, channel start stop times, etc.). I am just frustrated because the code has not been changed. The only difference at this point is the Atmega chip I have. The rest of the components, including the board, are all new. And even when I transfer this chip to the old board, I have the same problem.
It won't let me change the time in minutes or hours. The +/- buttons work for all other functions though (manual overrides, channel start stop times, etc.). I am just frustrated because the code has not been changed. The only difference at this point is the Atmega chip I have. The rest of the components, including the board, are all new. And even when I transfer this chip to the old board, I have the same problem.
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