Church Lawn Project with RGB LEDS
danny270
Posts: 13
· I've been working on various posts/experiments of JonnyMac, PL Jack with inputs from Bean/Hitt Consulting to come up with a "Church Lawn Lighting Project". Early thanks to you guys for my break in with Parallax. I am using SX28 with MOSFETS to push 700mA to my RGB leds. I plan to make individual modules (each with its own RGB LED and SX 28) pre-programmed with its own particular sequence or lighting program. Although I can drive a number of these modules with one SX28, I want to individualize them to prevent monotony.
· I desire to a Main Controller that would just send commands to each individual modules to start their own individualized program continuously or until another command is sent. Also, it would be nice to have a timer that would turn on the system from sunset to about 1 am.
· Prototype is halfway done however the sad thing is that I found another ready made board from PCBoard.ca (Canada) for $17.95 already loaded with 60 preprogrammed sequences. But it contains another PIC from Microchip and I donot want to start all over since I have everything from Parallax already. I want to continue with Parallax. Somehow, there is a greater feeling of accomplishment going through the various learning pains of a project. Thus I want to continue with Parallax.
· This would be a start of a long forum and all your inputs will be appreciated. I am still a newbie but learning fast with experience. And since this is a church project, I will be funding this·with my own $$$.
· Please provide your inputs initially as to:
· 1. Is the main controller concept feasible?
· 2. Any suggestions as to remove monotony of each individual modules lighting a huge lawn of a big church?
· 3. I need to house the module on a water proof housing. I am thinking of those dome lightings embedded on the freeway or street crosswalks. Any inputs on this? I have tested my LEDs under water and they work very well. If need be, then I may have to water proof the controller only.
· Thank y'all.
· Attached is a picture of how a portion of the lighting concept would look like.
Danny
·
· I desire to a Main Controller that would just send commands to each individual modules to start their own individualized program continuously or until another command is sent. Also, it would be nice to have a timer that would turn on the system from sunset to about 1 am.
· Prototype is halfway done however the sad thing is that I found another ready made board from PCBoard.ca (Canada) for $17.95 already loaded with 60 preprogrammed sequences. But it contains another PIC from Microchip and I donot want to start all over since I have everything from Parallax already. I want to continue with Parallax. Somehow, there is a greater feeling of accomplishment going through the various learning pains of a project. Thus I want to continue with Parallax.
· This would be a start of a long forum and all your inputs will be appreciated. I am still a newbie but learning fast with experience. And since this is a church project, I will be funding this·with my own $$$.
· Please provide your inputs initially as to:
· 1. Is the main controller concept feasible?
· 2. Any suggestions as to remove monotony of each individual modules lighting a huge lawn of a big church?
· 3. I need to house the module on a water proof housing. I am thinking of those dome lightings embedded on the freeway or street crosswalks. Any inputs on this? I have tested my LEDs under water and they work very well. If need be, then I may have to water proof the controller only.
· Thank y'all.
· Attached is a picture of how a portion of the lighting concept would look like.
Danny
·
doc
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Comments
1 - Yes, a main controller concept is feasible. In fact, it's a very common approach to this sort of task. However, the SX is limited in memory, so be aware that storing programs for each module to run will require a compact way of storing the program's intent in order to minimize memory usage. The memory you use for storing a program is the same memory that is needed to run the program itself. One way to work around this is to store the incoming program in a serial EEPROM and run it from there. Look for Jon Williams column in Nut and Volts about his animatronic controller. It has code for handling external serial EEPROMs.
You'll also need some network communication between the controller and the modules. Check out Jon Williams column on RS-485 which has both circuits and code to get you started.. A Google search on RS-485 will also enlighten regarding this technology.
2 - Be creative. I know that sounds like a wiseguy answer, but it's the truth. It's like asking how to write a song that is interesting - it's not something you can teach, you just have to do it until it works.
3 - Look for anything that seals. There is a standard called "IP 67" for weatherproof enclosures. Type this into Google:
waterproof electronic enclosure
If you're looking for super low cost, check out refrigerator food containers. Of course, caveat emptor if the cheap food container doesn't hold up as well as a more costly IP 67 rated enclosure.
Thanks,
PeterM