I'll be number 2 _ Computer Christmas

[Edwin]

My brother-in-law wanted to start controlling his christmas lights, and he asked if I could help (see http://computerchristmas.com/ ). He was going to hand solder dozens of chips to make a Olsen 595 type controller and I started looking at what is involved. Then I got an idea to use a Programmable Logic Device (PLD). A single chip could take the place of several hand wired chips. So we put together a quick board based on a small PLD that controls 31 channels.

http://www.tribal-paintball.com/edwin247/31channelproto.jpg

You can look on the link above to compare this to standard 595 based designs.


So after we proved that it would work, I started messing around with my new PCB software and designed a 129 Channel Board based on a larger PLD. The design is off being manufactured at a PCB prototype shop, and should be here 2nd week in November. Will it be ready for Christmas....hmmmm I am not sure.

Here is the PDF of the board that was generated by the software. Each output has a LED to show if the channel is on or off. The output will be connected to the circuit that switches the lights on and off by standard eithernet cables (RJ45). 6 Channels per output cable. All of this is connected to a computer running a program called Vixen (see site).

http://www.tribal-paintball.com/edwin247/XC_129_PCB.pdf (http://www.tribal-paintball.com/tog/../edwin247/XC_129_PCB.pdf)

[r a b]

Neato!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Edwin]

Yep these project are fun, and the great thing about it----is it keeps me from doing things I should be doing!!! Hmmm, is that a great thing???

[Edwin]

I could have sworn I made a post, but it isn't here.

Well I just got the boards in Wednesday and I finally got a change to hand solder about 300 little ass components to the board. All I have to do now is program it and test it.

Here is a pic of the final board:

http://www.tribal-paintball.com/edwin247/129_CH_EJH.JPG

[Edwin]

Had to make two:

http://www.tribal-paintball.com/edwin247/Twin_129_ch_controller.jpg

[warpedmephisto]

That's pretty nifty there, Edwin. A nice and clean little package! :)

[Edwin]

Thanks--compared to some of the other DIY designs this one is pretty clean. Also I just found out the density is pretty good too. Density = Channels per square inch.

I have to design some SSR (Solid-State Relays) to switch the lights on and off. I got most of the design down, but I need to figure out how I wan to lay out the board....I need to pencil in a few ideas.

[D V US]

:Nervous: OK,I don't understand anything you just said, but the pics look great!:confused:

[shiftycastro]

:Nervous: OK,I don't understand anything you just said, but the pics look great!:confused:

im glad im not the only one:doh:

[Edwin]

Ok let me translate my Ebonics.

The above board is a Christmas Light controller to learn more about geeks like me and controlling christmas lights please go to computerchristmas.com.

Basically you can make or buy boards to control christmas light (or any appliance) with your computer. Using a software called Vixen you can make the stings of lights turn off and on at your command (following a sequence) or you can make them turn in sequence to music (like equalizer lights). You can broadcast the music through a FM transmitter for people to tune to as they drive by.

Check this out for video of some peoples lights:
http://www.lightorama.com/Videos.html

This is my first year and my first design so I am no where at the level of these people.

Let me know if that helps to demystify questions.

:waglleyb: