LED lighting controller

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domeanima

Aquarium Advice Newbie
Joined
Feb 2, 2014
Messages
5
Hello everyone.
This is a description of an adventure: building a controller that could simulate sunrise and sunset.
Disappointed due to the imprecision of the Chinese timmers and the difficulty in setting the time, I decided to devote myself to building a digital controller.
It all started in a shoe box with one Arduino, an RTC and a 3mm LED's.
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Features:
Control any LED driver that accepts input of 5V or 10V PWM, Meanwell or Buckpuck, and I can put several drivers in each channel.
- Four independently controlled channels.
- Possibility to set the time (on / off), maximum intensity and fade time for each channel.
- Real-time clock.
- LCD screen showing the hours, minutes, seconds, and intensity level of each channel.
 
Hello
Next phase: give a final shape to the controller.
Put everything in a PCB, and this was the result:
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Some more pictures:
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And there is...
The next step was the case. Made in acrylic, which was not easy.:banghead:
 
Hello again,
One thing I have to tell you: acrylic work is not easy.
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But here's the first result.
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:facepalm:
Nothing pleased I made another box.
Experience is the mother of perfection.
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As I was almost professional one for the green screen.:brows:
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Next stage: video.
Thanks all. :thanks:
 
Rah that's excellent, I can't believe nobody has mentioned it!
I looked into DIY lighting, I lacked the basic electrical knowledge to get it off the ground, I lack the proper tools, soldering iron, skittle etc.

I decided it would be better (safer) and cheaper to buy a ready made unit, still haven't got around to the reef yet!

It was based around a timeguard 4 channel ac switch meanwell drivers and Crees.
I learned loads (for a novice) about proper electronics but wasn't brave enough! There were too many unknowns for me.
I actually really hope it works! (Post me one (y))

DIY rocks!
 
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