Hi, I was just wondering if you guys could help me with something. I have an old Rank Strand lighting desk that outputs a negative voltage between 0 and -10 volt which would normally be connected to a dimmer pack. I would like to use an Arduino Mega to convert the analog signal into DMX512 (modified RS485) data so I can use the desk with modern DMX fixtures or dimmers.
Is there a basic way of converting the 0 to -10V output into 0 to +5V for the Arduino's analog inputs? I looking for a somewhat simple converter unit that I can make using only through hole components (not good enough to solder small SMD's by hand) and ideally, would fit onto a PCB the same size and rough shape of the Arduino Mega's PCB (though PCB can be made bigger if needed (just wouldn't look as nice plugged into the Arduino if it's bigger)). The lighting desk has 12 outputs so I need to have a 12 channel converter.
The lighting desk has two 8 pin locking DIN connectors on the back with a pin config as below.
Socket 1
Pin 1: Dimmer 1
Pin 2: Dimmer 2
Pin 3: Dimmer 3
Pin 4: Dimmer 4
Pin 5: Dimmer 5
Pin 6: Dimmer 6
Pin 7: -15V Power
Pin 8: Dimmer Common (0V)
Socket 2
Pin 1: Dimmer 7
Pin 2: Dimmer 8
Pin 3: Dimmer 9
Pin 4: Dimmer 10
Pin 5: Dimmer 11
Pin 6: Dimmer 12
Pin 7: -15V Power
Pin 8: Dimmer Common (0V)
(0V output, dimmer 0% output)
(-10V output, dimmer 100% output)
I am more of a lighting engineer than an electronics expert but I am ok with electrics in general and so, I would just need to be pointed in the right direction e.g. use components X, Y, and Z, I should then be able to figure out the rest. I would also like to use an Arduino instead of any other microcontroller, I like the Arduino's ease of use plus I already have the code and library to control DMX from the Arduino via a MAX485.
The lighting desk and Arduino can and ideally should use the same PSU (pre-made transformer), The lighting desk can be powered from a plug-in PSU or from a dimmer pack, in this case the pre-made PSU via the 8 pin DIN sockets on the back. Rank Strand says it needs around 16-20VDC at 300mA to run. The link below has a circuit diagram of the 3 PCB's inside the desk if you need it. Go to page 44, 45 and 47.
http://www.theatrecrafts.com/archive/documents/lx_maintenance_1991.pdf
I should just say that I do not want to modify to lighting desk in any way so doing anything to the desks electronics is out of the question.
As I said I just need pointing in the right direction but if you want to attach a circuit diagram than that would be fantastic.
Thank you very much for your time and any help you can provide.
Take Care
Morgan
P.S. To everyone who celebrates it, have a great Christmas and a happy new year.
Is there a basic way of converting the 0 to -10V output into 0 to +5V for the Arduino's analog inputs? I looking for a somewhat simple converter unit that I can make using only through hole components (not good enough to solder small SMD's by hand) and ideally, would fit onto a PCB the same size and rough shape of the Arduino Mega's PCB (though PCB can be made bigger if needed (just wouldn't look as nice plugged into the Arduino if it's bigger)). The lighting desk has 12 outputs so I need to have a 12 channel converter.
The lighting desk has two 8 pin locking DIN connectors on the back with a pin config as below.
Socket 1
Pin 1: Dimmer 1
Pin 2: Dimmer 2
Pin 3: Dimmer 3
Pin 4: Dimmer 4
Pin 5: Dimmer 5
Pin 6: Dimmer 6
Pin 7: -15V Power
Pin 8: Dimmer Common (0V)
Socket 2
Pin 1: Dimmer 7
Pin 2: Dimmer 8
Pin 3: Dimmer 9
Pin 4: Dimmer 10
Pin 5: Dimmer 11
Pin 6: Dimmer 12
Pin 7: -15V Power
Pin 8: Dimmer Common (0V)
(0V output, dimmer 0% output)
(-10V output, dimmer 100% output)
I am more of a lighting engineer than an electronics expert but I am ok with electrics in general and so, I would just need to be pointed in the right direction e.g. use components X, Y, and Z, I should then be able to figure out the rest. I would also like to use an Arduino instead of any other microcontroller, I like the Arduino's ease of use plus I already have the code and library to control DMX from the Arduino via a MAX485.
The lighting desk and Arduino can and ideally should use the same PSU (pre-made transformer), The lighting desk can be powered from a plug-in PSU or from a dimmer pack, in this case the pre-made PSU via the 8 pin DIN sockets on the back. Rank Strand says it needs around 16-20VDC at 300mA to run. The link below has a circuit diagram of the 3 PCB's inside the desk if you need it. Go to page 44, 45 and 47.
http://www.theatrecrafts.com/archive/documents/lx_maintenance_1991.pdf
I should just say that I do not want to modify to lighting desk in any way so doing anything to the desks electronics is out of the question.
As I said I just need pointing in the right direction but if you want to attach a circuit diagram than that would be fantastic.
Thank you very much for your time and any help you can provide.
Take Care
Morgan
P.S. To everyone who celebrates it, have a great Christmas and a happy new year.