Thread: New DMX-controlled prop interface

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Hey all,

I've been working on a project, and need your input! During the last couple of years at the Heritage Haunt, it's become apparent to me that there was need for a budget-minded DMX control solution for character animation as well as props. So, I've put together an interface board for the Heritage Haunt to use, and am wondering who else might be interested.

I have 3 boards being beta tested right now, but I haven't yet tested the extremes, so I don't have a complete spec for it. But here's the basics...

DMX input
(any source)

8 Servo control
Selectable 90 / 180 degree swing to support different styles of servos

8 Dimmer outputs for LEDs
Hi-rate PWM - no flicker!
String and parallel support

8 Switch-type (open collector) outputs for controlling relays
Connect to any DC-type relay

6V-12V supply power
Can use one supply for both board & servos

DIP switches for start address
Full universe support (0-511)
Use along with other DMX devices, or more boards

Jumper-selectable on board termination resistor
Use with other DMX devices, or more boards
No separate termination needed



So, I'm looking for both opinions on things I might've missed, as well as how many people might want something like this. The guiding principles here were...

1 - Make it small, so it could be easily hidden
2 - Support LEDs / servos / relays
3 - Require external resistor for LEDs (allows more versatility for voltage and current)
4 - Don't supply relays (see #1, would be significant and unnecessary cost adder for those not using all 8 relays, would lock-in relay type - SPST/SPDT/DPDT)
5 - Provide easy connection for just signal leads of servos (simplifies wiring if wires need to be extended)

Lemme know whatcha think!
- Hook

Sounds cool! I've been wanting to get into DMX for a while.

What would it take to make this VSA compatible?
When you say "budget-minded," what exactly are we talking?

I echo Mr. Chicken's statements...please more info

Getting VSA to work with a DMX device isn't too hard.

Normally with VSA, you'd connect whatever you'd like to control directly to the computer. This works with servo controllers and relay boards, etc, each of which connect through USB, the serial port, or the parallel port.

DMX devices, however, need a DMX-512 signal to control them. They can't be controlled directly by the USB/Serial/Parallel ports. Instead, what DMX VSA users do is connect a USB-to-DMX bridge between the computer and the DMX devices. This still connects to your USB port, but what comes out the other end is DMX-512.

There's (3) USB-to-DMX bridges that VSA currently supports (according to their site). The Velleman, the Enttec USB DMX Open, and the Enttec USB DMX Pro. These range in price from $60 to $150. There are differences in performance between the 3, mostly in frame rate for a given number of channels.

Once you've got one of those hooked up, you just run the signals to your different devices. There's DMX strobes, DMX smoke machines, loads of DMX controlled lights, and a few boutique boards like the one I designed. You run the cabling from one device to the next, in a daisy-chain fashion, and up to 512 devices (channels) can be run off of one string - although I think VSA supports 127 right now.

Another main benefit of DMX is that the signals are very robust, compared to USB or serial ports (RS232). If proper wiring is used, the signals can travel hundreds of feet. This was the reason I chose to go with it for the Heritage Haunt. The props were in the graveyard in the front of the house, and the control room is up on the second story.

As far as pricing on the board mentioned above, I haven't gotten all of that figured out yet because I really don't know what kind of market exists. Given the other DMX products on the market, I'm thinking around $100, give or take.

So much to say, so little time, I have one of these little gems to help out with the beta testing, and so far, so good, being able to control servos, lights, and relays all in one board has lots of potential. I am working on several six axis skulls right now, so I will keep everyone up to date if you have interest on need for such a control board.

I'd be intrested in doing some beta testing on one of these boards and if it's all it sounds like would be happy to sell on my site.let me know if you would be intrested.

Hey guys! Thanks for the interest. I posted a reply last night, explaining how DMX works with VSA. But when I submitted it, the site said the moderator would have to approve the message first. What triggers this? I had 3 links to USB-to-DMX converters in there, maybe that?

Anyway, I'll check back tonight, and if the message got lost somehow, I'll repost.

- Hook

Originally Posted by Hooked_on_Scares

Hey guys! Thanks for the interest. I posted a reply last night, explaining how DMX works with VSA. But when I submitted it, the site said the moderator would have to approve the message first. What triggers this? I had 3 links to USB-to-DMX converters in there, maybe that?

Anyway, I'll check back tonight, and if the message got lost somehow, I'll repost.

- Hook

That's weird....I would just try posting it again. Then again, if it said a moderator will approve it, Larry should get it and have it approved soon. You might pm him just in case.

how many dmx channels does this board have

Sounds good, I would be willing to B test one for you, if not I still would like one when they come out. I am a control freak, cant help myself.