I just finished my DIY LED Controller

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
O

O2surplus

Gambusia
MFK Member
Feb 9, 2010
128
0
16
yorba linda, ca.
Hey everybody,

I found plans for this neat little DIY led controller a while ago on another forum, so I modified it a bit and cranked out a couple of examples. It's based on the Arduino UNO micro-controller, so it shares a lot of the same hardware and is programmed using the Arduino IDE. This controller is set up to provide 4 PWM outputs that can be programmed to run independent of each other. Each channel can be set for different on/off times, led intensity, and fade duration. It features an onscreen menu and 4 input buttons for menu navigation. I built this particular version of the controller with 5 volt outputs only. since my custom built CAT4101 driver boards only require 5 volts to operate. I also used mostly SMD components for it's construction to save board space and to provide a challenge to myself, (I had to learn how to solder using hot air for this project) I'll probably produce another 10v version that will be directly compatible with the popular MeanWell ELN series led drivers since a few people have already asked for one. Here's a picture of the controller - Let me know what ya'll think. I can post the Board files, bill of materials, and the firmware, If anyone wants to create one of these for themselves.IMG_1338.JPG

IMG_1338.JPG
 
Way beyond my electronic capabilities but looks very cool.
 
Take my hat off to ya, i'd blow my self up trying to do one of them
 
Yeah- I'm gonna try. It seems that I've got plenty of tools around the house, Just none that are any good for fabricating a small plastic or metal project box into a suitable enclosure, HE-HE. I'm gonna have to get myself one of those neat little dremel tools before I make a serious attempt though. I'm also working on a new version of the controller that will be compatible with the MeanWell ELN "P" and "D" series led drivers too.
 
Curious how it works. How about you post up a quick video to demonstrate your handy work?
I just bought a $750 LED Fixture which will most likely be too small for my soon to be 150 gallon tank. Works super on my 72 gallon though. Mine has fade in controls for sunrise and sunset as well as seasonal change options, like an extended summer clock vs. winter clock which gets totally dark at 8pm. The summer season option keeps the blue moonlights on all night (which would probably boom the algae growth - undesirable). SO for the time being I keep the winter program on.
Its fully adjustable. I may need another fixture to properly light my soon to be 150 gallon 6 ft tank.
 
I'd post a video but it wouldn't really represent how smooth the dimming program works, unless you had a hour to watch it. LOL. The controller has 4 independent outputs that can all be set for different start/ end times, length of fade duration, and the maximum intensity for each channel of leds. All the settings are adjusted by scrolling through the menu on the lcd display. there's even an override function on the menu that lets you interrupt the program to run the lights in manual mode. When in manual mode, the lights on all 4 channels can be made to turn on/off or set on anywhere from 0% to 100%. This little controller can do quite a lot for something that costs less than $50 to build.
 
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