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Unread 11/13/2012, 02:46 PM   #1
dwolson2
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Converting the 0-10v signal from an APEX to a PWM signal

I am trying to convert the 0-10v signal from an APEX to a PWM signal to run some LDD drivers. Does anyone know what would be necessary to accomplish it? I would like to build the circuit myself if possible.

Also, I know Steve’s LED's has a convertor, but only for 4 channels (and for 45$)
I also know I could use an Adrino to run my lights, but I would really like to utilize my apex.


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Unread 11/13/2012, 03:03 PM   #2
barjam
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dwolson2 View Post
I am trying to convert the 0-10v signal from an APEX to a PWM signal to run some LDD drivers. Does anyone know what would be necessary to accomplish it? I would like to build the circuit myself if possible.

Also, I know Steve’s LED's has a convertor, but only for 4 channels (and for 45$)
I also know I could use an Adrino to run my lights, but I would really like to utilize my apex.
Sounds like you could rig up a cheap arduino board to do that with a little bit of software. I don't recall how many analog inputs they generally have or how many outputs. So a 5v wall wart, Arduino, and a hobby box and you are done. Overkill for sure though. Maybe you could use this to augment other Apex functionality.


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Unread 11/13/2012, 06:02 PM   #3
dwolson2
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The manual says:
Microcontroller ATmega2560
Operating Voltage 5V
Input Voltage (recommended) 7-12V
Input Voltage (limits) 6-20V
Digital I/O Pins 54 (of which 15 provide PWM output)
Analog Input Pins 16
DC Current per I/O Pin 40 mA
DC Current for 3.3V Pin 50 mA
Flash Memory 256 KB of which 8 KB used by bootloader
SRAM 8 KB
EEPROM 4 KB
Clock Speed 16 MHz


"Input Voltage (recommended) 7-12V /Input Voltage (limits) 6-20V "
So can it take in the 0-10v?


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Unread 11/13/2012, 10:24 PM   #4
screamingibis
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There's a thread in RC where a couple guys made it work. Try the search function.


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Unread 11/14/2012, 06:18 AM   #5
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http://shop.stevesleds.com/Aquarium-...rs-harness.htm


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Unread 11/14/2012, 08:30 AM   #6
dwolson2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgyvr View Post
That was the second thing I pised in the OP. I was looking to DIY my own.

Quote:
Originally Posted by screamingibis View Post
There's a thread in RC where a couple guys made it work. Try the search function.
I've tried, if you know where it is, post it up.


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Unread 11/14/2012, 11:14 AM   #7
Jamesjkl
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dwolson2 View Post
The manual says:
Microcontroller ATmega2560
Operating Voltage 5V
Input Voltage (recommended) 7-12V
Input Voltage (limits) 6-20V
Digital I/O Pins 54 (of which 15 provide PWM output)
Analog Input Pins 16
DC Current per I/O Pin 40 mA
DC Current for 3.3V Pin 50 mA


"Input Voltage (recommended) 7-12V /Input Voltage (limits) 6-20V "
So can it take in the 0-10v?
The voltage that is being talked about here is the power supply not the dimmer you are going to be reading the voltage 0-10 with a input pin like a thermometer or such


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Unread 11/14/2012, 11:29 AM   #8
mcgyvr
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I'm sure there are some PWM control IC's out there that could accomplish this without having to resort to a micro.. Too busy to look now.

Try googling "voltage controlled PWM modulator" or generator..


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Unread 11/14/2012, 11:41 AM   #9
d0ughb0y
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you can get an arduino pro mini for like $10 on ebay. use a resistor voltage divider to half the input voltage and connect to one of the analog pins, then you just need a program to do an analog read, and then do an analog write to a digital pin designated as PWM. the digital pin output will be PWM, but 5 v. if you need it to be 10v PWM, then you can simply feed that to an OP amp. this can easily handle 4 channels for about $10. (plus cost of power supply to the arduino)


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Unread 11/14/2012, 12:40 PM   #10
dwolson2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamesjkl View Post
The voltage that is being talked about here is the power supply not the dimmer you are going to be reading the voltage 0-10 with a input pin like a thermometer or such
Ok, but can those inputs take in 10v?(quoted below that they only can take 5, but want to know if you have a different experience)
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgyvr View Post
I'm sure there are some PWM control IC's out there that could accomplish this without having to resort to a micro.. Too busy to look now.

Try googling "voltage controlled PWM modulator" or generator..
I will look into this, but it appears as if I may be going with an adrino now.

Quote:
Originally Posted by d0ughb0y View Post
you can get an arduino pro mini for like $10 on ebay. use a resistor voltage divider to half the input voltage and connect to one of the analog pins, then you just need a program to do an analog read, and then do an analog write to a digital pin designated as PWM. the digital pin output will be PWM, but 5 v. if you need it to be 10v PWM, then you can simply feed that to an OP amp. this can easily handle 4 channels for about $10. (plus cost of power supply to the arduino)
Do i need to add the resisto voltage divider if I only send out 5v max from my apex? Is it more of a failsafe incase the apex sends out 10v(someone pushes the on for the VSP) or is it for controlability*or both.
The drivers I am planning on using have the following specs:
2.5 ~ 6VDC and 100 ~ 1KHz


After looking at the adrino, I am thinking of going big, with the Mega2560, then adding a touch screen so I can play with it as well(going to more than likely use the jardino code) Was thinking of making it the redundant controller for my apex. So I would add PH and temp probes. If an out of range condition existed, have the adrino email me(through a wireless card) Why have 2 controllers, in case one of the controllers froze, I would still be ok. I also thought about*although not sure if I can/how* having the adrino close a circuit going to the apex if there was an out of range condition(so if the temp was too high(and the temp probe on my apex went out) it would close a switch on my break out box, alerting the apex to power off the lights/heaters/etc.


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Unread 11/14/2012, 01:06 PM   #11
d0ughb0y
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I say start small and simple. solve the pwm problem first.
you will need to use voltage divider even if your apex output is 5v only. because that represents 50%. if you do not divide, then 5v becomes 100%. arduino pwm frequency is 500hz, so it will work for what you need.
building a full blown controller is not trivial.


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Unread 11/14/2012, 01:15 PM   #12
dwolson2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by d0ughb0y View Post
I say start small and simple. solve the pwm problem first.
you will need to use voltage divider even if your apex output is 5v only. because that represents 50%. if you do not divide, then 5v becomes 100%. arduino pwm frequency is 500hz, so it will work for what you need.
building a full blown controller is not trivial.
I don't expect it to be. Its just a future plan(which is why I plan on getting the larger adrino from the get go)

I looked more into it, and I will need a voltage divider for sure. I'm not too worried about it, but I do like to keep the circuits as simple as possible(I say that but plan on running 2 controllers... yea I know)


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Unread 11/14/2012, 01:16 PM   #13
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discrete solution that should work.. I glanced it quickly
http://pcbheaven.com/circuitpages/Vo...PWM_Generator/

Or if you already plan to use an arduino its trivial to use the resistor divider to an analog input and use that to control a PWM output pin controlling a mosfet/transistor with a 10V supply.


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Unread 03/14/2013, 12:39 AM   #14
frogg21
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"Also, I know Steve’s LED's has a convertor, but only for 4 channels (and for 45$)
I also know I could use an Adrino to run my lights, but I would really like to utilize my apex. "
I'm in the same boat

Here's the function http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/AnalogInOutSerial
the benefit of buying your own arduino is you're not limited to 4 channels.. (and its cheaper)

I'm not getting why it's necessary to use a resistor to reduce the signal in half from the Apex, why can't you just set up your Apex to max out at half intensity which would be 5 volts? Then just read that value from one pin and write it to a pwm pin with the 'map' function above..?

from the Apex manual:
RAMP PROFILE TYPE
The Ramp Profile is used to ramp the port output voltage (up or down) from one
intensity to another over a period of time. It is typically used to ramp lights on of
off but can also be used with pumps to simu
late varying intensity of tidal currents
for example.
Ramp Time:
period in minutes over which the ramp should occur.
Start Intensity:
the starting intensity in percent
End Intensity:
the ending intensity in percent
We just keep this under 5 volts, aka 50%



Last edited by frogg21; 03/14/2013 at 12:47 AM.
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Unread 03/14/2013, 12:32 PM   #15
dwolson2
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If you accidentally turned it on, or the APEX were to screw up and go over 50%, you could fry the APEX or the arduino or both.


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Unread 05/11/2013, 09:52 AM   #16
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Has anybody used Steve's convertor with LDD drivers? I contacted them and the answer I got is that the MeanWell LDDs have inverted PWM signal(not really sure what that means) and that their convertor can not be used with those drivers. Any info and/or link greatly appreciated.
P.S I tried the search function but this is the only thread I got.


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Unread 05/11/2013, 11:22 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by kriv4o View Post
Has anybody used Steve's convertor with LDD drivers? I contacted them and the answer I got is that the MeanWell LDDs have inverted PWM signal(not really sure what that means) and that their convertor can not be used with those drivers. Any info and/or link greatly appreciated.
P.S I tried the search function but this is the only thread I got.

Somebody at SteveLeds doesn't know what they're talking about. The MeanWell LDD does not use an inverted PWM signal. "Frogg21" and I are working on a 10V Analog/ 5V PWM convertor for the APEX right now and will post the plans and software for it, just as soon as we're done. Here's a photo of the convertor that we've created. The cost should be less than $20 for anyone that wants to build one for themselves.




Last edited by O2Surplus; 05/11/2013 at 11:28 AM.
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Unread 05/11/2013, 11:28 AM   #18
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Finally some good news. Keep us posted.
Officially adding this in the projects pile
Would your converter be useable with ReefKeeper controllers?


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Unread 05/11/2013, 11:45 AM   #19
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Finally some good news. Keep us posted.
Officially adding this in the projects pile
Would your converter be useable with ReefKeeper controllers?

I'm not sure? It's designed to be compatible with any lighting controller than outputs a 10 Volt analog control signal- if that answers your question?


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Unread 05/11/2013, 11:50 AM   #20
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It does kinda lol. I guess there is only one way to figure that one out.......


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Unread 05/13/2013, 08:08 AM   #21
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That is a bit of a teaser picture you know....


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Unread 05/13/2013, 03:12 PM   #22
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Tagging along...!


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Unread 05/13/2013, 03:22 PM   #23
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Just found this...

LCM-60DA - 60W Multiple-Stage Output Current LED Power Supply by Meanwell

No idea when it will be available to purchase but looks promising.


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Unread 08/15/2013, 12:41 AM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by O2Surplus View Post
Somebody at SteveLeds doesn't know what they're talking about. The MeanWell LDD does not use an inverted PWM signal. "Frogg21" and I are working on a 10V Analog/ 5V PWM convertor for the APEX right now and will post the plans and software for it, just as soon as we're done. Here's a photo of the convertor that we've created. The cost should be less than $20 for anyone that wants to build one for themselves.
Any more updates? Does the board support multiple channels? Looks like it does 4, is that true?


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Unread 08/15/2013, 06:58 AM   #25
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Originally Posted by skydancer View Post
Any more updates? Does the board support multiple channels? Looks like it does 4, is that true?
Yep- 4 channels. I've built and released about 16 of these little convertors to users here and on other Forums, and from what I've heard, they work quite well.


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