LED Controller?

[illumnae]

Has anyone DIY-ed a LED set up controlled by a pre-programmed microchip? This would allow fading of lights (simulate sunrise and sunset) as well as other cool features like noon burst, moonlights etc all automated instead of having to connect different banks of lights to different power plugs and doing it manually via lights timer.

I'm thinking of doing something like this with a friend, so would appreciate any input

[stevenkoh08]

you may read up at nano-reef website

their using andiro to controll the light

u may also look for nick devil he can help alot on this

[Jameshong]

Has anyone DIY-ed a LED set up controlled by a pre-programmed microchip? This would allow fading of lights (simulate sunrise and sunset) as well as other cool features like noon burst, moonlights etc all automated instead of having to connect different banks of lights to different power plugs and doing it manually via lights timer.

I'm thinking of doing something like this with a friend, so would appreciate any input

Good if u can design one as current off the shelf controller(branded) is very Ex !

[jc85]

If u plan to use Arduino, check this out.

http://code.google.com/p/dangerduino/

Cheers

JC

[nakazoru]

I have done some testing with a PICAXE controller using PWM.

It works quite well on test bed but not on the tank yet.

The whole PICAXE controls whole tanks...

It is a very tedious project to undertake as one will burnt IC/LED/Drivers and in the end burnt pocket... and almost like a full time job

[sherman]

Well say bro.

Often we end up very busy and spend more then initially plan.

But the satisfaction is something what you will never get if

you get something off the shelf.

[RockyBoy]

DIY is fun, but the hassle is no fun.

[Jameshong]

DIY is fun, but the hassle is no fun.

The most important is self satification !

[bezz]

So after months of reading and gathering the parts and more reading, i finally managed to put together an arduino controller that does the following:

- Fade in/out blue & white LEDs (i have 4 different strings) to simulate sunrise/sunset at pre-set time with pre-set fade duration

- Control overall intensity of the LEDs

- Display date / time

- Display room & tank temperature

- Control wavemaker (set at random intervals of 3-8 secs on/off)

Next add on:

- ATO = a very simple add on, don't even need any change in program just need to find a way to mount 2 float switches which i am currently too lazy to do

- Tidy up the wires, connectors & casing

- Get a bigger LCD display to display more stuff like blue/white LED intensity %, etc

- PH monitor (this is alot of work, don't know if I want to go into this for now)

All the talk isn't worth a cent without any pictures, so here you go...

Tank with DIY LED

Testing Controller with relays

Completed unit

[Thexder]

Hi Bezz, neat work!

Where did you buy your Arduino from? I saw that there are only 2 resellers in Singapore.

Is it easy to program? I haven't done any programming in donkey years since my JC days.

Do you have to get any of the shields to interface with the LED?

[jc85]

Cool! Always wanted to do it but time is always missing. Will be great if you plan to offer them to reefers.

Cheers

JC

[bezz]

Hi Bezz, neat work!

Where did you buy your Arduino from? I saw that there are only 2 resellers in Singapore.

Is it easy to program? I haven't done any programming in donkey years since my JC days.

Do you have to get any of the shields to interface with the LED?

I bought the arduino online thru ebay, its much cheaper than those resellers in SG.

Programming was a pain...took me a long time to get it to work properly.

Once the programming is solved, a shield can easily be made. But again, time is limited.

[Thexder]

Hi Bezz,

I'm doing up my LED using the Meanwell ELN-60-48P driver. Probably the Arduino controller will be a later project. How are you driving your LED - by buckpuck or Meanwell?

If you are using the Meanwell, I would like to check how you pull up the 0-5V PWM output of the Arduino to match the 0-10V PWM input of the Meanwell.

[bezz]

Hi Bezz,

I'm doing up my LED using the Meanwell ELN-60-48P driver. Probably the Arduino controller will be a later project. How are you driving your LED - by buckpuck or Meanwell?

If you are using the Meanwell, I would like to check how you pull up the 0-5V PWM output of the Arduino to match the 0-10V PWM input of the Meanwell.

I choose to use arduino because I am using some cheap china constant current drivers I got off Ebay. Each driver cost about USD8-9 and they can drive up to 8 LEDs at 700ma though I drive only 5 with each.

This driver takes a 0-5v PWM dimming control current so I can connect the driver directly to arduino. But the downside of this driver is, the input voltage must be between 12-32V DC. So I have a 24V 7A powersupply connected to 5 drivers to power my LEDs.

I found that contrary to many believe, running my LEDs at about 600ma (voltage drawn will be about 3.3V at that current) is more than enough for my corals. My SPSs are growing very fast. And at that current, my whole lightset is drawing only about 30W (i'll post a photo with my current meter when I have time).

Using Meanwells are easy to hook up but dimming will be a pain as you have stated, arduino's PWM is only 0-5V. There are some solutions to this on reefcentral but it involves alot of electronic work which I don't want and neither do I have time to go into.

[Thexder]

Bezz, Do you have a part list of your controller? I'm doing some basic research now

[bezz]

Bezz, Do you have a part list of your controller? I'm doing some basic research now

The following links are useful for reading up on arduino and using it as a reef controller:

Very complex DIY Reef Controller - www.reefprojects.com/

General Arduino information - www.Arduino.cc

My hardware list for the controller:

- Arduino

- Real Time Clock (RTC)

- 16 x 2 HD44780 LCD (bought a 20 x 4 but I think I shorted it accidentally)

- Serial Link for LCD (cut down the wires & ports needed from >10 to 4 wires)

- DS18D20 temperature sensors (can connect up to >200 of these)

- Solid State Relays (for switching wavermaker, ATO, etc)

The most challenging part of the project is the programming. This is because every controller is unique depending on the hardware used, so I can't just cut and paste someone else's program unless I use exactly the same hardware and then the functions available will also be customised to that person's needs and not mine.

My advice is to not buy anything until you are sure of how to put everything together. And make sure you have many many nights and weekends to burn on this project before you embark on it.

Good Luck!

[Thexder]

Yup! I agree that programming is the most pain-in-the-butt job. Experienced it while debugging ladder diagrams for PLC last time. And that was before the time of Windows based s/w

My first Arduino project should be simple. Just a light controller with sunrise, sunset, moonlight function. At most a temperature monitering for the heatsink with cut-off if over-temp.

[RockyBoy]

This would be my next DIY project.

[sherman]

Add me in the list if you do your purchase, Bro Rocky

[gp2700]

Can someone advise why it is better to use a big spread of LEDs vs a lesser number but high power LEDs ?

I noticed that most of the DIY fixtures are using a long string of LEDs but no one is using those 10w/20w LEDs for reef lighting - Is there any reason behind it?

I have some 10w (12V, 1A) LEDs that I intend to put over my 4x2x2, based on the current brightness, I think I might just need 8 of these if I can get the dimming function to work correctly. I've my Arudino already and will be getting some components and a Meanwell ELN60 to try the PWM function by next week (if my work schedule allows!) and brush up my rusty electronics before I start- LOL

[stevenkoh08]

cost over the 10-20-30w more ex but less work, however if it too wide of the tank i also won't have a good spread.

seen urs is just 2x2 it ok to use 20w but i advise u can get those 30w as well

[Jameshong]

Can someone advise why it is better to use a big spread of LEDs vs a lesser number but high power LEDs ?

I noticed that most of the DIY fixtures are using a long string of LEDs but no one is using those 10w/20w LEDs for reef lighting - Is there any reason behind it?

I have some 10w (12V, 1A) LEDs that I intend to put over my 4x2x2, based on the current brightness, I think I might just need 8 of these if I can get the dimming function to work correctly. I've my Arudino already and will be getting some components and a Meanwell ELN60 to try the PWM function by next week (if my work schedule allows!) and brush up my rusty electronics before I start- LOL

From my experience, if by bulk purchase, 3w is cheaper compare to buying a few of 12w LEDs so majority reefer will go for more 3w instead of 12w leds.

btw, I'm using 8x 12W SSC P7 white and 30x 3w Royal blue leds combination w/o lens and the cost of completed project was Wow.........EX !

[oceanviper]

So after months of reading and gathering the parts and more reading, i finally managed to put together an arduino controller that does the following:

- Fade in/out blue & white LEDs (i have 4 different strings) to simulate sunrise/sunset at pre-set time with pre-set fade duration

- Control overall intensity of the LEDs

- Display date / time

- Display room & tank temperature

- Control wavemaker (set at random intervals of 3-8 secs on/off)

Next add on:

- ATO = a very simple add on, don't even need any change in program just need to find a way to mount 2 float switches which i am currently too lazy to do

- Tidy up the wires, connectors & casing

- Get a bigger LCD display to display more stuff like blue/white LED intensity %, etc

- PH monitor (this is alot of work, don't know if I want to go into this for now)

All the talk isn't worth a cent without any pictures, so here you go...

Tank with DIY LED

Testing Controller with relays

Completed unit

Hi bro....

PMed you on some information.

[Thexder]

I got my Arduino today. Now have to figure how to program it...

[Thexder]

Realised that to add more IO to the Arduino you need to add expansion board...

Bezz,

Where did you get your expansion board from? Is it a I2C protocol board?