DIY Multichip LED Build

[gc9n]

I have a question about this schematic ,

where can i find code for it? i will not use the fan and temp controller. Only Arduino , Power source ,LEDS and LDDs

Hi all,

For anyone interested, I did a schematic of how I am going to do my lighting setup. It still needs to be reviewed by an electronics expert, though - so use this at your own risk.



I'm going to use the Arduino Mega 2560 and a solderless breadboard for my setup. The schematic has one 50 LED D.C.. I'm going to have two 50 LEDs, and the extra D.C. can easily be added. If you need more than two chips, you need to find a way to get extra PWM signals from the Arduino (SoftPWM - not sure if it will work well, though) or share the same PWM signal between more channels.

Best,
Esben

[Zeuthen]

I have a question about this schematic ,

where can i find code for it? i will not use the fan and temp controller. Only Arduino , Power source ,LEDS and LDDs

If you just need PWM control, the Arduino forums have plenty examples of how to do it. There's also the Jarduino project which I think has a PWM dimming solution as well. Also, there's the OpenReef project for reef controllers.

To identify the best software match, you need to consider what kind of user interface you want. I am going for a web interface (no LCD screen on the Arduino) and thus I've got a small wifi router with OpenWrt (embedded Linux for routers) to host a small website that I can access from my iPad or whatever. The wifi router in turn controls the Arduino which in turn controls the light, top-off system, temperature, ph Sensor, etc. The Arduino/AtMega code will be written for TinyOS - a small OS for embedded systems that IMHO provides a better design framework than the Arduino libraries.

I actually changed the above schematic a bit. I introduced driver boards with dedicated microcontrollers for the light. This reduces wiring and makes the system more modular. Also, you might want to add a few resistors to protect the pins of the Arduino MCU - I'll get back to you on that one.

Anyway, my project is still in its early phases - I ported TinyOS for the Arduino Mega2560 and got the PWM working with the Arduino on-board LED and another low-power LED. I also got UART/serial communication working, and I started work on a host daemon for the wifi router. I guess you'd have to wait another couple of months for the first working prototype.

Good news is you aren't married to any specific software solution. You could find something that works now and then change it later when you find something better. For now, I think your best bet would be the Jarduino project.

Best,
Esben

[gc9n]

Esben Thank you very much ,your post was very helpful , thanks again foryour reply.. i have already an aquarium controller (Digital aquatics Reef keeper elite) , so i have web access to all the peripherals.
What i am looking for is a small low cost controller-driver package only for the lights , if it is web accessed is even better... i am looking forward to your new schematic.

[gc9n]

Hey i found this driver http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ht_3642wt_1080
5 of them can work with the 50DreamLed and the Arduino.. what do you think?

[Zeuthen]

Hey i found this driver http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ht_3642wt_1080
5 of them can work with the 50DreamLed and the Arduino.. what do you think?

I don't see any spec on the max output voltage. You should make sure that it exceeds the forward voltage of the dream chip.

Best,
Esben

[gc9n]

I don't see any spec on the max output voltage. You should make sure that it exceeds the forward voltage of the dream chip.

Best,
Esben

this is the specification manual .. what do you think.. http://www.sure-electronics.net/down..._Ver1.0_EN.pdf
and this also...http://www.ledlabs.ru/pdf/macroblock/mbi6651.pdf

[ronreef]

FYI:

In my build I'll be using this for DC power distribution. There's an 18V transorb in the circuit that needs to be removed before I can connect 36V.
This place sells it and lots of other things we can use: http://www.dcpwr.com/shop/

[50 cube]

are we ever going to see this thing in action?

[ronreef]

are we ever going to see this thing in action?

It's already in action. For the majority of the people that buy the dream chips and build their respective lights... we never hear a peep out of them again.
They know what to do with them when they have them. As for some, they need a little help here and there.

[bobfish4blac]

hey Ron Check out this place http://www.wiringproducts.com/conten...FUjZQgoduxYAgw

[acabgd]

are we ever going to see this thing in action?

All photos taken under single 100 DreamChip.

[50 cube]

thanks & very nice! How many do you have across the tank?

[Vince]

Turn the fixture sideways ??

[bobfish4blac]

What degree lenses is that, looks like maybe 60 degree

[acabgd]

thanks & very nice! How many do you have across the tank?

Just one.

Turn the fixture sideways ??

Too short
I have two DreamChips and the sideways fixture (acrylic) is in the making, but due to some other family issues is put on hold.

What degree lenses is that, looks like maybe 60 degree

No lense at all.