Who wants a cheap, simple, Arduino-based LED controller?
- Thread starter der_wille_zur_macht
- Start date
Obi-dad
Active member
What version of Windows are you using? On my Windows 7 machine, even though arduino documentation says that windows 7 will recognize the bub, it didn't on mine. I ended up downloading and installing the driver on the ftdi website. Worked fine after that.
Obi-dad
Active member
Did you try manually installing the driver from the ftdi website instead of relying on windows?
Hello,
I am also planning to build a controller, but am a little confused as well as overwhelmed by the amount of information in this thread. What are the main things we need? From what I gather: Arduino board for programming the chip before placement on the Typhon, an LCD, buttons and various parts, and a RTC?
What advantage does this typhon board have over a typical arduino UNO board? It looks like we need an arduino board to program the arduino chip anyways, right?
I too would like a typhon board if there are real advantages to using it over a typical UNO board that I see offered.
Matt
I am also planning to build a controller, but am a little confused as well as overwhelmed by the amount of information in this thread. What are the main things we need? From what I gather: Arduino board for programming the chip before placement on the Typhon, an LCD, buttons and various parts, and a RTC?
What advantage does this typhon board have over a typical arduino UNO board? It looks like we need an arduino board to program the arduino chip anyways, right?
I too would like a typhon board if there are real advantages to using it over a typical UNO board that I see offered.
Matt
Okay, so I think I may understand a bit more about what is needed.
It looks like you program the Arduino chip on the Typhon via an FTDI to USB converter, right? Could I use this: http://www.solarbotics.com/products/50510/
Other than that, its just soldering up everything, right?
Thanks
Matt
It looks like you program the Arduino chip on the Typhon via an FTDI to USB converter, right? Could I use this: http://www.solarbotics.com/products/50510/
Other than that, its just soldering up everything, right?
Thanks
Matt
bd98072
New member
I used ITeadStudio .. cost was 28.00 for 10 boards + S&H. Ends up being about $3.30 per board. My order just came in today, and I need to build one to be sure they work ok. Several folks had asked for boards, so I'll check back with everyone shortly.
Sounds good, let me know if you wind up with a spare I can buy. :idea:
Thank you,
Matt
I have a quick question about the dimming with the meanwell 48d and this arduino controller. Can the controller actually dim the LED's through the full range of brightness, from completely off all the way through 100% smoothly? Or is it like using the manual dimmers where the lowest setting you can achieve is actually like 40% of the max brightness, where the fixture goes from completely off straight to 40%? Sorry if it has already been mentioned, i skimmed through the thread quickly.
The meanwells wont dim down passed a certain percentage, so its off until you reach a threshold and then they are on.
One thing to do is lower the maximum current limit to a much lesser value so that you can dim the leds much lower. Most people dont need to run their leds at full power, so this may work a little better.
Matt
One thing to do is lower the maximum current limit to a much lesser value so that you can dim the leds much lower. Most people dont need to run their leds at full power, so this may work a little better.
Matt
budhaboy
New member
IIRC, the Meanwell controllers begin at 10% - so it would be off, 10% power and then slowly increasing at smaller increaments from there. Not sure at what level the pucks might start at
TheFishMan65
New member
I don't know, but the D are meant to be controlled by voltage and are linear with voltage. This controls them with a PWM and that is not linear. Check the typhoon and (Another)'s thread (sorry can't remember the name right now) but the title starts with "(Another)" and one or both have the values for PWM in 10% increments.
[EDIT]
Found them: //int whitepercent[11] = { 0, 1, 2, 5, 8 ,12, 18, 27, 44, 80, 255 };
Around or about here.
[EDIT]
Found them: //int whitepercent[11] = { 0, 1, 2, 5, 8 ,12, 18, 27, 44, 80, 255 };
Around or about here.
Last edited:
Read through the entire thing and solder up a unit already.
Kind of a stupid question but how do I get the program on to the chip? Right now when I plug in the power nothing lights up on the LCD.
Do I need to get one of the arduino duemilanove units also? Or do I need one of the breakout boards? Any help is appreciated, thanks!
Kind of a stupid question but how do I get the program on to the chip? Right now when I plug in the power nothing lights up on the LCD.
Do I need to get one of the arduino duemilanove units also? Or do I need one of the breakout boards? Any help is appreciated, thanks!
ANYONE? :worried2:
TheFishMan65
New member
You need the BUBcable: a USB connector for the computer and 6 wires (IIRC) that attach to the Arduino board (oh and some software to talk to it). I was hoping someone that has done this would answer.
Similar threads
