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11/13/2012, 02:46 PM | #1 |
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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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11/13/2012, 03:03 PM | #2 | |
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11/13/2012, 06:02 PM | #3 |
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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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11/13/2012, 10:24 PM | #4 |
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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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11/14/2012, 06:18 AM | #5 |
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11/14/2012, 08:30 AM | #6 | ||
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11/14/2012, 11:14 AM | #7 | |
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11/14/2012, 11:29 AM | #8 |
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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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11/14/2012, 11:41 AM | #9 |
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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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11/14/2012, 12:40 PM | #10 | |||
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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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11/14/2012, 01:06 PM | #11 |
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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. |
11/14/2012, 01:15 PM | #12 | |
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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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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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03/14/2013, 12:39 AM | #14 |
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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. |
03/14/2013, 12:32 PM | #15 |
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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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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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05/11/2013, 11:22 AM | #17 | |
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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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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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05/11/2013, 11:45 AM | #19 | |
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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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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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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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05/13/2013, 03:12 PM | #22 |
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Tagging along...!
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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. |
08/15/2013, 12:41 AM | #24 | |
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08/15/2013, 06:58 AM | #25 |
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