technariumas/dmx-dimmer

An open-source 12-channel DMX512 dimmer

This is an open-source 12-channel DMX512 dimmer, currently known as dmx-dimmer. The name will change to something less meaningful by production time. It is based on Hendrik Hoelscher's dimmer.

The goal is to produce schematics, PCB layouts and code, all available in a form that allows modification and (even homebrew) manufacture. This is important, since tool/material/component availability varies from place to place.

Many modifications have been made, but most importantly:

• an (arguably) modular design;
• support up to 12 channels;
• optionally use 3-phase mains power;
• use commonly available AVR microcontrollers, ATMega168 and ATTiny2313;
• code written in C.

This is a work in progress, currently in late testing stage. Documentation is basically unavailable, but might become so if anyone is interested. Most of what exists is in the git log.

gEDA was chosen to do the design work. As to why is a topic for a whole article. Mainly, I wanted to see whether it's good enough for medium-sized projects. The short answer is maybe, if you're stubborn as I.

Custom symbols and footprints are used.

A license form is currently being decided upon. Rest assured, it will be open-source.

dmx-dimmer's Issues

Replace wire connectors

Don't remember model names, but they suck: poor mechanical performance, take long to manufacture. Replace with something better, but keep in mind (as per README) that it has to be "commonly available".

Only check firing angle when needed

Currently, all possible (256) firing angles are checked. Since there are only four channels per slave, this can be optimised - possibly by using the 16-bit timer.

Slave has a crystal that should allow high-enough resolution for the timer.

Implement light curve

Currently a straight line is used, meaning there's too little granularity at the edges of the sinusoid, and not enough granularity in the middle.