In need of ideas on a control process

twilliard · May 30, 2016

Hi all sorry I haven't been around much I have been busy working on a few projects.
I have a board with ldd drivers and looking for thoughts on input controls.
Here is what I am working with

It has 0-10v analog inputs

What would you do to control the dimming of these drivers?
Thanks all!

n2585722 · May 30, 2016

Most controllers have those outputs either from head unit or a add on module. I have the Archon and control the Meanwell LDD drivers directly with it's 2 PWM outputs. No need for the 0-10v to PWM converter. FYI it also has 4 0-10v outputs.

cowboy · May 30, 2016

I have a 100 dollar off coupon for and RKE lite if you want it.

twilliard · May 30, 2016

Does the RKE control lighting? I'm trying get to read about it but not seeing the option.

n2585722 · May 30, 2016

You would have to have the ALC module to supply the 0-10v outputs with the RKL or RKE. The ALC has 2 0-10v outputs.

twilliard · May 30, 2016

n2585722 said:
Most controllers have those outputs either from head unit or a add on module. I have the Archon and control the Meanwell LDD drivers directly with it's 2 PWM outputs. No need for the 0-10v to PWM converter. FYI it also has 4 0-10v outputs.

Thank you for the input
Maybe ditch the converter but still unknown how to dim the fixture I am building without going to a whole tank system.

n2585722 · May 30, 2016

There is also these http://coralux.net/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/downloadables/Storm-Controller-Manual.pdf. I have not used one of these so I cannot say how well they work.

cmcoker · May 30, 2016

n2585722 said:
There is also these http://coralux.net/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/downloadables/Storm-Controller-Manual.pdf. I have not used one of these so I cannot say how well they work.

I use this on my leds, very good controller and customer service. First board they sent me, I had problems. It was promptly replaced after a little troubleshooting with the company. Has been going 3 years about now.

Edit to add, I use the storm x. But would expect the storm to work just as well within its specs

twilliard · May 30, 2016

This is what I was looking at. I think it is simple and straightforward

Harry_Y · May 30, 2016

cmcoker said:
I use this on my leds, very good controller and customer service. First board they sent me, I had problems. It was promptly replaced after a little troubleshooting with the company. Has been going 3 years about now.

Edit to add, I use the storm x. But would expect the storm to work just as well within its specs

That looks interesting....

cmcoker · May 30, 2016

twilliard said:
This is what I was looking at. I think it is simple and straightforward

Yep, how many channels do you need? I also use the typhon controller (pwm) on my biocube. That is 4 channels, arduino based, can be diy or bought pre-assembled for about 50

twilliard · May 30, 2016

True but I don't need all the outputs the X has. Any thoughts between the 2?

twilliard · May 30, 2016

cmcoker said:
Yep, how many channels do you need? I also use the typhon controller (pwm) on my biocube. That is 4 channels, arduino based, can be diy or bought pre-assembled for about 50

I am not finding this online.. have any links?
I found 1 but it's a whole tank controller

cmcoker · May 30, 2016

Typhon is an open source diy project.

Steve's leds sells a pre-built. I got mine from Boostled, who appears to be no more.
Link shortly
http://shop.stevesleds.com/Typhon-Typhoon-LED-Controller-8794102479.htm

Both the storm and typhon have been reliable. The storm x I went with cause I am using 10 channels (5 channels per heatsink, already had one put together then upgraded and decided just to build another heatsink for it.)

Typhon is pretty basic, but worked fine before I upgraded tank. I then threw it on the biocube with spare parts from the other led build.

I would base it on the number of channels I needed between any of those, storm, storm x, typhon.

The typhon you can look around for sketches that have a little customization as well

n2585722 · Jun 1, 2016

This place sells them also http://www.ledgroupbuy.com/storm-led-controller/. I think they also have a matching case.

TheEngineer · Jun 1, 2016

My first LED fixture was controlled by a cheap arduino. Cost me around $20 for the board. No frills but it did ramp up and ramp down cycles after it got powered on by a timed outlet.