controlling lights through computer- help please!

[ratzinho87]

i have a simple problem: i need to control up to 100 lights on 230V. i only need on/off functions. the problem is that i am a complete newbie, i have no idea how it is done... can someone give me some links to help me learn from scratch how to build such a device? please!!!!!
p.s: x-10 technology is not an option ( much to expensive ) and i believe it can be done by usb/com/lpt and a simple electronic device (i guess)

[Tomi Engdahl]

Here are few links and information to start with:

DMX 512
DMX is a lighting industry standard way of controlling lighting equipment. The whole idea behind DMX as a standard is that it allows equipment from one manufacturer to talk to that made by another. DMX-512 allows for one controller (like a lighting desk)to control many lights. DMX can control up to 512 separate parameters (for example dimmer settings, switch on/off etc). One way to do controlling is to buy the needed number of light dimmer/switch channels that talk DMX512 (there are quite cheap DJ range products for this, cheaper per channel than X-10). Then you just add a suitable control software that runs of PC (both commercial and free exist) and suitable DMX-512 interface for PC (both commercial and homebuitl version exist). This is technology used in professional show lighting in theatres, concerts, TV studios etc..
http://www.epanorama.net/links/lights.html#dmx512

PlanetChristmas Build Your Own Computerization
Control lights with homebuilt solid state relay (SSR) boxes that are controlled with I/O card on PC. Can be expanded to the number of channels you need (just large enough I/O card or several I/O card + as any SSR boxes as needed). The page shows an example that uses 72 circuit boxes, each controls 8 circuits, giving the computer the ability to control 576 discrete circuits. The box presented in this page is for 120V AC, but same idea can be adapted for 230V AC by selecting SSR rated for 230V operation.
http://www.planetchristmas.com/BuildYourOwn.htm

PlanetChristmas Off-The-Shelf Computerizing
Ready to computerize your display but don't want the hassle of building your own control hardware or software?
http://www.planetchristmas.com/OffTheShelf.htm

Parallel port interfacing made easy
Control up to 8 light channels simply though PC parallel port with very simple hardware.
http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/parallel_output.html

[bibinjohn]

if you want to use computer for this then you have to expand the port. You should use 100/8= 23 D flip flop connected to data port and a decoder connected to (4x16decoder ) the control port and use relay to control the equipments. See the following links
PARALLEL PORT EXPANSION for more inputs and outputs-http://booksbybibin.14.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=53
Driving a RELAY using parallel port-http://booksbybibin.14.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=68
relay tutorial and basic relay circuit troubleshooting-http://booksbybibin.14.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=33

Bibin John
www.bibinjohn.tk

[Tomi Engdahl]

Computer Christmas web site How To section has interresting articles on building circuits to control lights usign computer
http://computerchristmas.com/index.phtm ... ToId%20=39

[Baie215]

I've had a read around and kinda have the basics of what I need and have a vague understanding of what I want to do.

But firstly, I need to get the lights and stuff working. I'm planning to buy a fair amount of LED's and wire them up together. Now, I have come across the term SSR, Solid State Relay, now I know what a relay is and the basics of how it works, but I dunno how to use or put together a solid state one. How much voltage/current is required to activate the SSR and how much current/volts can it switch on, I'm guessing they'll vary.

Just for example, say I need to switch on 12V and have about 5 - 10A of current running through, what parts do I need?

Also where can I get some sort of board for me to sit my LEDs in? It'll be sorta like an array, so I don't need traces on them just a blank board or something I can drill fine holes in the sit my LEDs.

I hope I make sense.

[Tomi Engdahl]

I've had a read around and kinda have the basics of what I need and have a vague understanding of what I want to do.

But firstly, I need to get the lights and stuff working. I'm planning to buy a fair amount of LED's and wire them up together. Now, I have come across the term SSR, Solid State Relay, now I know what a relay is and the basics of how it works, but I dunno how to use or put together a solid state one. How much voltage/current is required to activate the SSR and how much current/volts can it switch on, I'm guessing they'll vary.

You are right there is wide variety of SSRs.

Typically SSRs can take something like few volts to 12V or so as their control voltage (check the data sheet of the SSR you plan to use for exact details). SSRs typically need something like 5-30 mA of control current to operate (check the datasheet).

The amount of current they can switch on depends on the relay.
Typically the output current range on SSRs is from few hundres milliamps to tens of amperes depending o SSR model.
Typically you get current capacity up to to few amperes or 10A at reasonable price, for currents above that the SSRs get quite expensive and usually need external heatsink.

One note: Be careful on what you are controlling. There are many SSRs that are designed only for AC use, and they do not work with DC.
If you are switching DC, you need a SSR that is designed to work with DC as well.

Just for example, say I need to switch on 12V and have about 5 - 10A of current running through, what parts do I need?

A SSR that can switch DC at 10A sound suitable.
I don't have any specific product number in my hand now...