Renzilla96 Assembly & User Guide

Transcription

1 Renzilla96 Assembly & User Guide Overview In most ways, Renzilla is a standard Renard controller. The same firmware that controls any Renard controller that uses the PIC16F688 or PIC16F1825 chips will work on Renzilla. An obvious difference is that unlike other Renard controllers than have only 8, 16, 24, 32, 48 or 64 channels, Renzilla has 96. You might think of Renzilla as having twelve, 8-channel Renard controllers on the same circuit board where each controller shares the same power, ground, ZC signal, clock and data input stream. There are a few unique configuration options and those are explained in the User Guide. Board assembly is quite straight forward and while it looks a bit ominous because the controller board does have a lot of mounting holes, most of the holes are taken up with header pins or sockets; only a few parts require attention to their orientation on the board when installed. The following sequence of steps is by no means the only way to assemble the Renzilla96. It is simply a suggested order of assembly. Many builders have varied opinions on what the order should be. In general, one usually starts with the "shortest" items and work towards the tallest. This generally means that resistors are first and the transformer is last. A good temperature controlled soldering iron should be used, 25 watts work very well. Try to get the smallest diameter rosin core solder you can find (either 60/40 or 63/37). PLEASE DO NOT USE LEAD FREE SOLDER! A safety note is prudent here. Solder is METAL (lead and tin)...in order to use it properly it must be MELTED. HOT, Molten Metal can BURN! Also, metal leads get hot while soldering. So, any unprotected fingers that are being used to "hold" a component in place will be burned!! Painter's tape is one way of holding items down while the board is being flipped over. Another way is to use another unpopulated board or flat surface to allow the board to be flipped while keeping the components in place. NOTE: The part reference numbers in the following instructions are those taken from the Renzilla96 BOM, found on page 10 of this guide. Assembly instructions Start by checking the PCB over for any obvious production faults. Check for traces that end abruptly or have cracks/breaks in them. Also check that all holes are clear, and look for damage that may have occurred during shipping and handling. Large scratches over traces can be an issue. Install the 27K ohm resistor R2. Make sure that the resistor has a value of 27K ohms [red/violet/orange/gold]. This resistor has no polarity to worry about. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 1

2 Install one (1) 680 ohm resistor R1. Make sure that the resistor has a value of 680 ohms [blue/gray/brown/gold]. Install the six (6) 1K ohm resistors R3-R6 & R9-R10. Make sure that the resistors have a value of 1K ohms [Brown/Black/Red/gold]. If you are using the 16F688 PIC processor, the following two resistors are required; if you are using the 16F1825 PIC processor, these resistors are not required. Install the two (2) 470 ohm resistors R7 and R8. Make sure that the resistors have a value of 470 ohms [Yellow/Violet/Brown/gold]. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 2

3 Install the power jumpers. These jumpers can be made using the cut off leads of the resistors. If you are planning on using 115VAC power, install the two jumpers labeled 115 and leave the jumper labeled 230 off. If you would like to use 230VAC, just install the one jumper labeled 230 and leave the 115 jumpers off. Solder and trim the leads. Install thirteen (13) 0.1uF capacitors C2-C14 (examples are in the photo to the right). These capacitors are not polarized so the orientation is not critical. The capacitor leads are already formed but may not always match the PCB holes exactly; bend the leads as required to insert them into the PCB holes. Then, bend the leads back slightly to hold the capacitor in place before flipping the board over for soldering. Solder and trim the leads. Install the Bridge Rectifier. On the Bridge Rectifier, you will see a + and - indicator. Make sure that the indicator and the + indicator lines up. Double check that the AC and +/- are in the correct locations before soldering this part on the board. The yellow circle indicates the +/- lead. The silk screen notch may not match the chip notch. As long as the +/- are correct, that's what matters. The next items to be installed are all very close to the same height. For the sockets, Pin 1 must be aligned with the square solder pad. Another way to verify that you installed them correctly is to make sure that the notch on the socket is aligned with the notch on the PCB silkscreen outline. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 3

4 Install thirteen (13) 14-pin IC sockets for U4- U15, & U2. Insert the sockets as per the silkscreen. Solder pin #1 and check the component for "slippage". Once the component placement is confirmed, solder the other 13 pins for each socket. These items generally do not require trimming after soldering. Note: the photo shows machined sockets; regular sockets are perfectly acceptable. Install one (1) 6-pin IC socket for U3. Insert the socket as per the silkscreen. Solder pin #1 and check the component for "slippage". Once the component placement is confirmed, solder the other 5 pins. This item does not require trimming. Install ten (10) 3-pin vertical header J5-J9 & J16-J20. These headers are not polarized so the orientation is not important. Once again, a small piece of tape works well to hold the header in place. Solder one lead, check for alignment, then solder the other leads. No trimming is required for this component. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 4

5 This next step depends on which Data Input you are plan to use. Install One(1) 6-pin vertical header J2 if you are using the MiniRenSISO (wired) option. Install One (1) 5-pin vertical header J1 if you are using the XBee Snap-in (wireless). You may certainly install both if you wish and have both input types ready-to-use. These headers are not polarized so the orientation is not important. Once again, a small piece of tape works well to hold the header in place. Solder one lead, check for alignment and solder the other leads. No trimming is required for this component. Install the Power LED, D1. This LED is polarized and must be installed with the proper orientation. The flat side of the LED (the short lead side) must match the silkscreen. Bend back the leads slightly as done with the resistors. Solder one lead and check from proper alignment. Then, solder the other lead and trim off the excess. If you are using the 16F1825 PIC chips, this step is not required. If you are using any 16F688 PIC chips, the clock oscillator X1 is required. The oscillator has three rounded corners and one squared corner and it must be installed in the correct orientation. Make sure that the squared corner is positioned to match the PCB silkscreen. Solder Pin #1, and then verify that the component placement matches the silkscreen and that the component has not "slipped" out of the hole. Once verified, solder the remaining pins. Trim the excess leads as you would with resistors. Install twelve (12) 2x8-pin header pins J10 thru J15 & J21 thru J26. The 2x8 Headers are not polarized, but the orientation is important if using the IDC keyed connectors. Shown here are the keyed headers for IDC connectors in the top picture and the cheaper, straight 2x8 headers in the lower one. If you are using the IDC type connector, ensure the slot is facing the interior of the board. Reference the silk screen for guidance. If you are using the 2x8 Headers that do not have the plastic IDC casing, orientation is not important. Once again, a small piece of tape works well to hold the header in place. Solder one lead, check for alignment, then solder the opposite lead. No trimming is required for this component. Note: if you have only single row header pins, you can fashion 2x8 rows by putting shunt jumpers across either end of two single row headers placed side-by-side. The jumpers hold the pins together and straight while you solder them in. Remove the jumpers when done. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 5

6 Install the 5VDC voltage regulator U1. This voltage regulator must be installed correctly. The voltage regulator's tab/heat sink must be aligned as indicated on the silkscreen outline. Insert the component and then flip the board over. Solder one pin...then flip the board back over and check for alignment. Simply reheat the joint and position the regulator so that it is square to the board. Solder the other two leads and trim off the excess. (Note: the preferred regulator is the LM323T, a 3-amp 5v part that is unfortunately no longer available. The L78S05CV is a 2-amp replacement that should work fine as a fully-populated, allchannels-on Renzilla will draw roughly 1.5 amps.) Install the 2200uF radial electrolytic capacitor C1. This capacitor is polarized and must be installed correctly. The capacitor should have a silver/grey stripe on the body to indicate which lead is negative. The positive lead of the capacitor will be the longer lead. If this part is installed backward, it will burn up and may explode! Bend the leads back slightly to hold the capacitor in place. Solder and trim the leads the same as the other passives parts. Note: While a 2200uf capacitor is suggested, any electrolytic capacitor between uf should work fine as long as it will physically fit in the space provided. Install two (2) fuse holder clips for F1. These clips are polarized to hold the fuse correctly, so the orientation is important. The crimped end of the clip must be mounted opposite of each other, and to the outside edge of the fuse. This will insure the correct size of fuse in used. These fuse holder clips are a very tight fit for a reason, so please use caution when installing them. Solder one lead, check for alignment and solder the opposite lead. No trimming is required for this component. Another fuse option is popular and includes a protective cover such as the example in the 2 nd picture. This fuse type fits in only the two outside mounting holes; install and solder normally. Install one (1) 2-pin terminal block at J1. This will be for the AC power in. This terminal block is not polarized, but the orientation is important. Ensure the wire entry point is facing the outside of the board. A small drop of super glue on the plastic part of the terminal block works great here and helps prevent it from twisting when screwing down on the terminals, but be careful not to get any glue on the terminals that you are going to solder. Once again, a small piece of tape works well to hold the terminal block in place. Solder one lead, check for alignment and solder the opposite lead. No trimming is required for this component but you may want to check some terminal blocks have longer leads than others. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 6

7 Install one (1) 8-pin transformer T1. While this transformer will physically fit either way on the board, there is ONLY ONE CORRECT orientation, and orientation is critically important. The pins labeled 1, 2, 3, 4 on the side is the high voltage (115/230 vac) side, and the four pin side labeled 5, 6, 7, 8 is the low voltage (6.3 vac) side. These are embossed in the plastic base of the transformer, so be sure to check them. Solder one lead, check for alignment, then solder the other leads. No trimming is usually required for this component but check it anyway as some leads may be longer than others. Chip Installation Notes Pin 1 of each IC must be aligned with pin 1 of the corresponding socket. This can be verified by noting that the notch on the IC is aligned with the notch on the socket. Install the H11AA1 optocoupler U3. Install up to twelve (12) PIC microcontrollers U4, thru U15. The PICs must be programmed and should be labeled with the appropriate starting address firmware before installation. Recommended: Install a heat sink on voltage regulator U1. The mounting hardware and heat transfer compound are not included in the BOM since any common hardware can be used to attach the heat sink. If you don't have any heat transfer compound handy, you can use Mouser PN# Install your selected Data Input module at its respective header (J1=XBee Snap-In or J2=MiniRenSISO or MiniRenSI). CONGRATULATIONS ON ASSEMBLING YOUR RENZILLA96 CONTROLLER! Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 7

8 RJ45 Adapter Assembly If you plan to use external SSRs that require connection via CAT5 cable and common, RJ45 jacks, the RJ45 adapter is for you! This is a simple board to assemble as it uses six, 2x8 pin female headers and twelve, top-entry RJ45 jacks. As each RJ45 adapter accommodates one side of the Renzilla, two adapters are needed to cover all 96 channels. Assemble the bottom first lining up the 2x8 pin female headers. A piece of tape is a good way to hold them in the holes, but it s a good idea to solder only one pin of each female header, check for alignment and then solder the rest of the pins on the top side of the board. Note: If you have only single-row 1x8 female headers, you can use crazy glue to attach two of them side-by-side and make a 2x8 out of them. (That s what we did in this example.) Flipping the board over, press-fit the RJ45 jacks into the holes being careful not to force too hard, bend the board and possibly dislodge the female headers that you soldered onto the bottom. Then solder all the jacks in. The RJ45 adapters plug quite snugly into the Renzilla 2x8 header pins, sandwiching the adapters on top of the Renzilla board. Note the small white registration square on the RJ45 adapter, next to one of the mounting holes. IMPORTANT: Be sure to match the square with the white registration square on the Renzilla board. If you connect it backwards, you will create a short circuit, damaging the Renzilla and possibly the RJ45 adapter, too. The RJ45 adapter s mounting holes correspond to the mounting holes on the Renzilla to make it easy to secure the entire sandwiched setup and take any stress off the boards when plugging/unplugging cables. The RJ45 adapter includes a 2-pin header that connects pins of the RJ45 jack to pin#1 (always +5vdc) when a jumper shunt is used. Alternately, pins may be connected to board ground by leaving the jumper shunt off and connecting the RIGHT pin (marked 3-5-7) to one of the ground pins on the Renzilla board via a jumper cable. (Some SSRs utilize a status LED that requires that RJ45 pin 7 be connected to the board ground.) Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 8

9 SCISSR Assembly SCISSR stands for Single Channel Inline Solid State Relay. The device is an A/C only device and can accommodate up to 1A of current. The BOM for the device includes only 4 parts: (Note: SCISSR is no longer a stocked item; it can be specially ordered. Contact DIGWDF for pricing.) 1 - SCISSR circuit board (1/2 x 1 in size) 1 - VO2223A optocoupler chip (DIP-8 socket optional) ohm, ¼ watt resistor 1-2-pin header (90 bend type suggested) Optional: DIP-8 socket and another 2-pin header for the bypass The SCISSR concept is to build the SSR component into the string of lights, preferably near the male plug end, then connect the two control connections to the Renzilla controller; +5 and G which is the PIC channel output. Then multiple strings male plugs can be piggybacked onto one another and finally plugged into a power outlet, greatly reducing the cost and cabling mess of using dozens of SPT2 extension cords. In a deluxe assembly, 16-line ribbon cable could be used with IDC connectors, plugging them into the 2x8 headers on the Renzilla controller. At the other end of the ribbon cable, eight pairs of wires can then either be soldered to the SCISSR control inputs or connectors applied which can then plug into the SCISSR s data control header. Covering the device with shrink tube makes it quite weather resistant. The other two pins on SCISSR marked bypass are optional; placing a jumper shunt on them (or soldering them together) bypasses the VO2223A chip and returns the string to normal, always-on operation. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 9

10 Renzilla96 Bill of Materials Item # Part Designation Qty Part number Manufacture PN Description Order from Econo Build Deluxe Build Notes 1 J10-15, J SG-R HEADER,LOW PROFILE SHROUD,16PIN,STRAIGHT Jameco X To be used with Ribbon Cable 2 J10-15, J A-198 2X40 PIN 2.54MM DOUBLE ROW PIN HEADER STRIP Tayda X 3 SCISSR J Connector IDC Connector Female 2 Position Jameco To be used with the SCISSR (you will need 1 per channel) 4 J10-15, J Connector IDC Connector Socket 16 Position Jameco To be used with Ribbon Cable 5 U L78S05CV L78S05CV Standard Regulator 5 Volt 2 Amp 3 Pin Mouser X X U3 1 A PIN DIP IC SOCKET ADAPTOR SOLDER TYPE Tayda X X 6 U H11AA1 Optocoupler AC Input 1 Channel Jameco X X This part is only necessary if A/C SSRs will be used with Renzilla. It is not necessary if only DC SSRs will be used. 7 Optional Cable Ribbon 16 Conductor Gray 28AWG 100 Feet Flat Jameco To be used with Ribbon Cable 8 Optional RC16-100VP Cable Ribbon 16 Conductor Rainbow 28AWG 100 Feet Flat Jameco To be used with Ribbon Cable 9 C1 1 A uF 16V 105C Radial Electrolytic Capacitor 12x20mm Tayda X X 10 C A uF 50V Ceramic Disc Capacitor Tayda X X 11 BR DF210-G DF210-G Bridge Rectifiers DF GPP 2A 1000V Rect. Bridge Diode Mouser X X 12 TX FS FS Power Transformers 12.6VCT@1A 6.3V@2A DUAL PRIMARY Mouser X X 13 J Fixed Terminal Blocks 5.08MM PCB MOUNT 2P Mouser X X 14 F Fuse Clips PC FUSE CLIP 5 MM Mouser X X 15 F1 1 A-356 FUSE GLASS FAST ACTING 8A 5X20 Tayda X X 16 J5-9, J A-197 2X40 PIN 2.54MM DOUBLE ROW PIN HEADER Cut 2x8 headers from the strip with a Tayda X X STRIP utility knife 17 R1 1 A OHM 1/4W 5% CARBON FILM RESISTOR Tayda X X 18 R2 1 A K OHM 1/4W 5% CARBON FILM RESISTOR Tayda X X 19 R3,R4, R5, R6, R9, R10 6 A K OHM 1/4W 5% CARBON FILM RESISTOR Tayda X X 20 R7, R8 2 A OHM 1/4W 5% CARBON FILM RESISTOR Tayda X X 21 D1 1 A-261 LED 3MM RED Tayda X X Most any common LED will work fine 21 J1 1 A pin header for Xbee Snap-in Tayda X X Cut 5 pin header from the A pin strip 22 J2 1 A pin header for SISO board Tayda X X Cut 6 pin header from the A pin strip 23 U SN74LS07N SN74LS07N 74LS07 Buffers & Line Drivers Hex W/ OC HV Out Mouser X X Optional SN5407J has a wider operating temperature than the 74LS X ACH EK ACH MHZ- Optional part. This part is only required if Standard Clock Oscillators MHz 5V Mouser X X EK the PIC16F688 chip is used in any of the Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 10

11 Renzilla sockets. 25 U U PIC16F1825- E/P IC & Component Sockets 14P TIN PIN TIN CONT Mouser X X PIC16F1825-E/P PIC16F1825 microprocessor chip Mouser X X 27 U PIC16F688-I/P PIC16F688-I/P PIC16F688 microprocessor chip Mouser X X 28 Shunt Jumper E E Headers & Wire Housings MINI JUMPER CLOSE TYPE BLACK Mouser X X Sockets are recommended over direct soldering as they afford easier reprogramming options. This part is the preferred PIC; using this eliminates the need to install the mhz oscillator, an expensive part. Optional part in place of the PIC16F1825. Note that the mhz oscillator is required if this chip is used in any of the Renzilla sockets. Parts substitutions: PIC16F1825 Renzilla is designed for either the PIC16F1825 or PIC16F688 chips, but the 16F1825 is preferred because it has a faster and more stable internal clock and using it eliminates the need to install the mhz oscillator chip, which the 16F688 chip requires. Also note that the firmware is slightly different for the 1825 than the 688 and the addressing is off by one: where the 688 needs address 0 for channels 1-8, the 1825 needs address 1 for the same channel numbers. Otherwise, all the same internal settings work the same in both chips. ST485BN try SN65176BP, SN65LBC176AP or SN65LBC176PE4 SN74LS07 - SN7407 should be okay. Note that both these chips function only down to 0C (32F) degrees. You may need to keep the board warm with a C7 or C9 bulb inside the case, or change to the SN5407J chip, a military-spec chip that s designed for temps down to minus 55C. Note: the SN5407J chip is quite a bit more expensive than the SN74LS07. Useful Internet addresses for parts and enclosures: DIGWDF Store: (blank Renzilla and other related circuit boards) Mouser: Tayda: Jameco: Radiant-Holidays: (Keptel CG1500 and CG2000 cases, complete BOMs for Renzilla, and much more!) Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 11

12 Renzilla 96 User Guide Overview While Renzilla is a standard Renard controller in most every way, there are some special configuration issues you need to know. This guide will help answer questions about those issues and options you have available to you. You will need: Renard firmware, start-address firmware is highly suggested. A text editor such as Windows Notepad. MPASM, or other Microchip-compatible compiler to generate the HEX code for the PICs A PIC programmer for PIC16F688 or 16F1825 processor chips. Knowledge of wireless operations if you intend to use wireless communication to your Renzilla. Knowledge of common serial communications connections if you intend to use your Renzilla in a wired setting. Renard Start Address firmware The starting address firmware configuration guide can be found at the following link: XBee/ESP8266 Wireless Radio Module Basics XBee radio modules are essentially addressable wireless serial modems. XBees can communicate with one another on a one to one, one to many, or one to all "global broadcast" mode, depending on how each module is configured. The XBee s configuration flexibility makes it possible to configure multiple Renzilla 96controllers respond to the same channels or the network may be configured so that each controller has its own range of channels, which is more in keeping with normal Renard use. XBee radios are designed to accommodate streaming serial data up to 80kbps. Therefore, for best results, set your computer and Renard controllers at 57600,8,N,1 baud; at baud you may encounter erratic behavior. The following link will explain the XBee Radio Configuration, required hardware and software parts. The ESP8266 wireless option is available for exceptional, low-cost Wi-Fi control for either Renard or DMX. The ESP Snap-In can be used in pace of the XBee radio and operated up to 460,800 baud! The XBee Snap-in adapter is still required as a carrier/power supply for the ESP Snap- In adapter. Both boards and kits are available from the DIGWDF Store. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 12

13 Troubleshooting Using Vixen, configure the correct com port for your XBee transmitter and build a simple 96 channel sequence to test each channel. Before you jump ahead though, you should understand how Renzilla is designed so you can use its unique features to your advantage. Please read on How the Renzilla 96 Board is Organized The controller can be considered as two, 48-channel controllers as outlined in this picture (with the PIC chips removed). Channels 1-48 are generally thought of as on the top of the board; channels on the bottom, although when start address firmware is used, all rules about which channels are where is under complete control of the user as each PIC on the controller board can be set to any 8 channels of the data stream flowing into the controller from the computer. There is no functionality built into the board to connect one side to the other the two 48-channel sides are separate. Five data input control headers J5-J9 along the top side of the board control whether the PICs on that side of the board (U4-U9) receive data directly from the main input point or from the previous PIC in a daisy chain structure. In like fashion, five data input control headers J16-J20 along the bottom side of the board control the data input to those respective PICs (U10-U15). However, the first PIC of each side (U4 and U10) always receives its data directly from the board s data input line regardless of the control jumper settings; the control jumpers apply only to the 2 nd through 6 th PIC on each side. Therefore, the first control header on the top of the board determines whether the overflow data from the first PIC flows into the 2 nd PIC (i.e. daisy chain ) or whether Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 13

14 the 2 nd PIC receives its data directly from the main input point. Placing a jumper shunt on pins 1-2 of the control header connects the two PICs together in a daisy chain while placing the jumper shunt on pins 2-3 separate the PICs and allow the 2 nd PIC to receive its data from the main input point. The picture to the right should help explain what the data control headers do. Note that leaving the control header without a shunt jumper at all isolates the PIC from all input, which you may want to do in cases where that PIC is to run a standalone program, not controlled by any data input at all. Start Addressing Examples Here are some examples of how you might use this to your advantage. You must understand how Renard firmware works in normal nonaddressed mode and how start address firmware works for this to have any meaning. Normally, each of Renzilla s 12 PICs would be flashed with its own start address. This would mean that if you wanted the controller to use a contiguous block of 96 channels (say 1-96) you would set the start address of the PICs as follows and you would set each of the data control jumpers to pins 2-3: NOTE: The start address examples provided here are for the PIC16F688 processor s firmware; if using the PIC16F1825 processor instead, add 1 to each address to get the equivalent channel numbers.) However, you can accomplish the same end result by setting each data control jumper to pins 1-2 and flashing only U4 and U10 with their respective start addresses while the rest of the PICS simply are flashed with address zero, which is the standard daisy chain setup: Since the two sides of the board operate independently as two, 48-channel controllers, you could change the start address of U4 or U10 any time you wanted and the controller would then take completely different sets of 48-channels automatically, and changing the address of either U4 or U10 has no effect on the other. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 14

15 But what would happen if you set U4 and U10 to the SAME start address? If you guessed that each side of the board would react to the same set of channels you d be absolutely correct. Where Renzilla really shines is in its ability to behave like twelve, independent 8-channel Renard controllers! When each data control jumper is on pins 2-3, you can set each PIC to its own set of 8 channels and it doesn t matter which PIC has what channels it s completely up to you. If you do this, it s a really good idea to label each PIC with the start address and/or actual channels that it s assigned. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 15

16 How to program the PIC16F1825 for the Renzilla 1. Open up MPLAB IDE V8.92 You should see the following screen Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 16

17 2. Under the Configure tab Click on Select Device Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 17

18 3. Using the pull down menu, select PIC16F1825 Click on OK 4. Now plug your PICKIT3 into the USB port of the computer or laptop. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 18

19 5. Under the Programmer tab Click on Select Programmer Click on PicKit3 Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 19

20 6. The PICKit 3 will now be detected, but you may get this error message. Click on OK Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 20

21 Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 21

22 7. Under the Programmer tab Click on Settings Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 22

23 8. Under the Power tab Click the check box for Power target circuit from PICKit3 Ensure the Voltage is set at volts Then click on OK Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 23

24 9. You will again receive the warning about power. Click on OK Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 24

25 10. With the PIC16F1825 installed in the burner, you should see the following message. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 25

26 11. Under the File Tab. Click on Open Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 26

27 12. Select the directory and file for the Renard_1825. Ensure this is the.asm type file Click on Open Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 27

28 13. You will now see the asm code in the workbook window. Set the starting address for your PIC. Remember START_ADDR does not start with 0 as the 16F688 PIC does. The 16F1825 starts with 1. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 28

29 14. Under the Project Tab. Select Quickbuild Renard_1825.asm. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 29

30 The results of the build are in the output window. You may get warning. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 30

31 15. You are now ready to burn the PIC. Select Program button. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 31

32 Once the burn is complete, it will verify. You are now finished burning your first PIC16F1825. To burn a new starting address into the next PIC. Follow steps again. That s all there is to it. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 32

33 What does the SN74LS07 chip do? First of all, notice the correct orientation of the SN74LS07 chip in its socket: the notch on the chip is right next to the 5v regulator. Don t be confused by the plastic dot on one end the NOTCH indicates the pin 1 end. The chip functions as sort of a signal amplifier. With twelve PICs on the board, sending the ZC signal to all twelve simultaneously, or sending the oscillator s clock signal to all twelve, or sending input data to all twelve could divide the voltage and current too much, resulting in signals to each PIC that might be too weak for the PICs to operate properly. Consequently, the ZC signal, the oscillator s signal and the data input signal are all fed through the SN74LS07 and given a little boost. The results are nice, strong signals for each PIC. The addition of the SN74LS07 is a departure from all other Renard controller designs but was necessary to ensure proper operation. The chip does create a very slight, 6ns (yes nanosecond, not millisecond) negligible delay in transmission of the signals. What does this mean to you? Well, for one, the chip is designed to function only down to 0C (32F) and if you need to operate in sub-freezing temperatures, you will need to either use a different chip: the SN5407 instead (good down to -55C) or you ll need to provide a way to keep the controller warm, such as placing a C7 or C9 bulb inside the controller case and somewhere near the SN74LS07 chip. Secondly and extremely important: If you decide to program the chips ON-THE-BOARD using the ICSP features of your PIC programmer and a chip clip such as in this picture, you MUST REMOVE the SN74LS07 chip prior to programming. If you don t, there s a very good chance that other chips on the board will be erased along with the desired chip when your programmer issues the master clear function. Remember that several circuits are interconnected from chip to chip through the SN74LS07 chip, and some of those circuits are the same ones used by ICSP programming. If after using a chip clip and ICSP to program your chips on-the-board you find that some of the channels no longer work, it s likely that you accidentally erased that chip. For this reason, we recommend that PIC chips be pulled from the board, programmed and then put back on the board afterward to save you the hassle. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 33

34 What are the J1 and J2 headers for? The J1 header right next to the edge of the Renzilla controller is a carryover from the wonderful Renard Plus line of controllers. This was created as the Ren-W Header on those controllers and was primarily used for connecting Renard Plus controllers to wireless adapters, in particular the XBee Snap- In adapter. Notice that the pins are marked with their function; only 3 pins have connectivity: RX, G and +5v. If the XBee Snap-In board has a 5-pin female header mounted on its bottom, it can plug right onto the J1 header for instant wireless operation. A separate mounting hole on the Snap-In board corresponds to a mounting hole on Renzilla and you can provide a very secure installation by using a suitable screw and 3 nuts to support the Snap-In board so it doesn t wiggle loose. The J2 header pins share some of the same electrical connections as the Snap-In board: RX, G and +5v, plus the oscillator clock signal, the ZC signal and data OUT. The J2 header is designed for plug-in convenience with either the MiniRenSISO or MiniRenSI adapters, providing full RS-232 or RS-485 connectivity to the Renzilla from your computer, or from other controllers in your show. Mounting holes are included on Renzilla that correspond to holes on the adapters and should be used to provide a more secure mounting. MiniRenSISO adapter: this adds serial in/serial out capability; the latter of which provides connectivity to the next controller in a daisy-chain format. The data out comes from the Renzilla s U15 PIC, so whatever overflow data comes from that PIC goes to the RS485 OUT jack on the MiniRenSISO adapter, theoretically to the next controller. MiniRen adapters are existing products available in the DIGWDF Store. MiniRen boards, BOMS and kits can be found there ( ) Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 34

35 And if 96 channels isn t quite enough, the J2 header can be used for a MiniRen PIC Adapter, which adds yet another 8 more channels to the controller for a total of 104! It s a plug-in option that can use either the PIC16F688 or PIC16F1825 chips. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 35

36 What is connected to the 2x8 headers next to all the PICs? Think of inside and outside rows of pins. The outside rows are those closer to the edge of the Renzilla board; the inside rows are those immediately alongside the PIC itself. The outside row is connected to a +5vdc buss. Every pin on an outside row carries +5vdc. The inside row is connected to the PIC channel outputs of the PIC that s immediately adjacent to it in order. In the screen shot of the top side of the board (below, with the 2x8 headers outlined in yellow), notice the respective channel numbers have been added along the outside edge of the board. Also notice the order the top side of the board shows them in Left-Right order but the bottom side shows that the channel order is reversed. This is because the bottom half of the board is a mirror image of the top. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 36

37 What other power options are there instead of the transformer? A/C voltages of 6-15vac at up to 2A can be connected to transformer pins 5-6 or 7-8. If more than 12vac, a heat sink on the U1 voltage regulator is highly suggested. Note that the BR1 bridge rectifier is a 2amp capacity part. It is suggested that a minimum of 1.25amp is required for operation of the Renzilla controller. If only DC is used (neither A/C operation and ZC signal are required) then the BR1 rectifier, H11AA1 chip and R9-R10 resistors are not necessary; 6-15vdc input at 1.25 to 2amps can be injected at the right side (pins 1-2) of the BR1 rectifier. Be sure to observe proper +/- polarity; consult the assembly instructions for a photo of the normal BR1 outputs. What if I want to build my own custom adapters? What do I need to know? Consider all the circuits that are connected to header pins, sometimes in multiple places on the board: Each channel output (which is directly connected to the PIC chips) has its own header pin ( inside row of all 2x8 headers) +5vdc (many places, J1, J2, outside row of every 2x8 headers) Ground (J1, J2, plus the tab on the voltage regulator) ZC signal (J2, only if H11AA1 chip is installed and board is powered by A/C current) Oscillator clock signal (J2, only if X1 oscillator is installed) Data Out (many places: pin 1 of each data control header is connected to the overflow data pin 6 of the previous PIC, plus J2 for board overflow) RX/Data In (many places: pin 2 of each data control header is connected to the data IN pin 5 of the next PIC, plus J1, J2 are the main RX data input pins and share the pin 3 connections on each data control header) There are no unused/available pins in the SN74LS07 chip. Standard, TTL signaling is used at each PIC input and at the RX pins of J1, J2. Standard, TTL signaling is used at each PIC output and at the DO pin of J2. RS-232 and RS-485 input or output must be done via an external adapter connected to a suitable input/output pin. Be cautious about input voltages, which should not exceed 5vdc on any pin. In general, remember to use.1uf decoupling capacitors as needed and be cautious about running power lines immediately next to data lines. Always, always, always check and re-check voltages and polarity before plugging anything in or turning the power on. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 37

38 Questions/Answers Q: Can I use my existing SSRs with Renzilla? A: Probably, yes. Renzilla uses the standard RJ45 connection method for DIY gear which means +5vdc is output on pin #1 and control is on pins If your SSRs use this common connection method they should work just fine. This applies to both AC and DC SSRs, too. Note that the RJ45 adapter includes a header that allows selecting whether pins receive +5vdc power or are connected to the Renzilla s ground. Placing a jumper shunt on the header sends +5v to pins of the RJ45. Removing the jumper and connecting the outside pin marked to one of Renzilla s ground header pins connects them to the ground. This feature allows the RJ45 adapter to power the status LED on many SSR designs that require pin 7 to be a ground connection. Q: Will Renzilla work with DMX? A: Yes Renzilla uses the same standard parts that other Renard controllers use that can run the Renard version of DMX. Q: Can I run DMX on one side of the Renzilla and Renard on the other side? A: No and yes. Both sides of Renzilla share the same main data input stream, which is either to use the Renard protocol or DMX, not both simultaneously. You could accomplish this by hacking the board, and a how-to for doing this is in the diychristmas.org forum. Q: Can I mix Renard firmware on Renzilla and use different settings on different PICs? A: Yes, although since all PICs share the same data stream, you must set them all to the same communication baud rate. It won t work to have some PICs set to 115,200 baud while other PICs are set to 57,600 baud. But as long as they re all running at the same baud rate, you could configure some PICs to use the DC build, some for a normal AC build, some using RenServo firmware, and any other version of the same protocol would work. Q: What is the per channel power output capability of Renzilla? Can I run LEDs directly from it? A: Renzilla is all about flexibility of control, not sheer power. Renzilla s output current limitations are determined by the PICs used. In general, you should expect about 10ma per channel, which would be about 80ma per PIC and 960ma for the entire board. This might be enough to power a few LEDs, but certainly not whole strings. To power dumb RGB strips for example, you would need to add the LSD adapter. Q: Can I use my Komby wireless with Renzilla? A: Probably. At this writing it hasn t been tested and being that Komby s firmware sets the address on its own, it would certainly affect Renzilla s ability to utilize its custom addressing capabilities. However, as a compact 96-channel controller connected to Komby s gear, it s logical that Renzilla would certainly work with it. Remember, Renzilla uses the Xbee Snap-In board, and Komby has a very similar product. You can use the ESP-Snap-in for wireless Wi-Fi with Renard or DMX protocols. Q: Can I get the Renzilla layout or Gerber files so I can have my own boards made? A: Sorry, not yet. We plan to release them someday, but for the time being, the bare boards are available for purchase at the DIGWDF Store ( and the meager profits the store generates are used to provide financial support for Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 38

39 Renzilla PX-1 Adapter The PX-1 adapter adds smart-pixel control to the Renzilla controller. The PX-1 controller and firmware was developed by Phil Short. Renzilla s PX-1 adapter is a stripped-down version of the original PX-1 because all the communication functions are built into Renzilla itself and only the output portion of the PX-1 is needed. PX-1 Adapter Parts BOM Qty Mouser/Tayda PN Description RC Carbon Film Resistors - Through Hole 47ohms Tayda A-197 Header pins (1x40) Cut off what you need such as a 2-pin for PX Fixed Terminal Block 5.08MM PCB MOUNT 2P Pluggable Terminal Block 3.5MM EURO HEADER VE HEADER VERT GRN 4CKT (for PX-1 adapter) Pluggable Terminal Block 3.50MM EURO PLUG VER UG VERT RWE BLK 4CKT (for pixel string) ATM-5 Fuses 5A 32Vdc 1kA IR Tan Fuse Holder 1 Tayda A-195 2x20 female header (mounted on bottom of PX-1 adapter) Cut them yourself into 2x8 sections Assembly Suggestions As there are very few parts and they are well marked, assembly should be very easy. However, the fuse holder is an extremely tight fit; you may want to use pliers to squeeze the fuse holder s leads slightly. Otherwise, wiggle the fuse holder gently back-and-forth to gradually work it in. The 2x8 female headers attach to the BOTTOM and are soldered in on the top side of the board. This allows plugging the adapter directly into the Renzilla board; be sure to match the orientation of the connector on the PX- 1 to the corresponding set of pins on the Renzilla board when you plug it in. Attach the 2-pin header at the Renzilla Ground position pointing UPWARD. Solder two 47-ohm resistors are the positions marked 47 Install the 4-pin pluggable terminal block header to match the layout on the board. This is a keyed header/plug combination designed to prevent accidentally plugging the strings in the wrong way. It may be helpful to use a small drop of crazy glue to help affix the 2-pin terminal block to the board. Typically these tend to twist as you re screwing-down the terminals onto the wires and the crazy glue will help prevent twisting. Using the PX-1 Adapter Before inserting the PIC16F1825 chip into the Renzilla socket that will be used for the PX-1 adapter, lift and bend pins #2 and #4 sideways so that they will not plug into the DIP socket. The 16F1825 chip will not work properly with PX-1 firmware if either pin #2 or pin #4 is plugged into the socket. This applies ONLY when PX-1 firmware is in use. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 39

40 Connect external DC power that will power your pixels to the V-/V+ terminal block, being very careful to observe the polarity! +V must be in the RIGHT side, power supply GND (or V-) must be in the LEFT side. Remember, the power supply voltage must match the pixel string s specification. Connect a jumper wire from a Renzilla Ground pin to one of the GND pins on the Renzilla board itself. There are two pins available; one can be used to daisy-chain to other adapters if necessary. The adapter will not function without this connection. Connect the V+ of the 4-pin plug connector to the +V line of the pixel string; the V- (GND) connection to the GND line of the pixel string. Connect the D (data) line to the pixel string s data line and if necessary, the C (clock) connector to the string s clock line. Remember that the firmware for the PIC16F1825 chip must be set at the same communication speed as all the other chips on the Renzilla board; for example, you cannot set it to 230,400 baud if all the others are set to 57,600. When assigning channels to the PIC, remember that the PIC16F1825 chip will be managing many more channels than the other PICs on the Renzilla controller. Driving a 50-pixel string, for example, will require 150 channels all by itself. Plan accordingly. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 40

41 Renzilla Servo Adapter The servo adapter adds servo control to the Renzilla controller. The Renard servo controller and firmware was developed by Chris Maloney (ctmal) and later modified by Dave Wilson (gdrdave). Renzilla s servo adapter is a stripped-down version of the original because all the communication functions are built into Renzilla itself and only the output portion of the servo controller is needed. Servo Adapter Parts BOM Qty Mouser/Tayda PN Description 1 Tayda A-197 Header pins (1x40) Cut off what you need such as a 2-pin for PX-1 3 Tayda A-197 1x8 header pins (cut from same stock) Fixed Terminal Block 5.08MM PCB MOUNT 2P ATM-5 Fuses 5A 32Vdc 1kA IR Tan Fuse Holder 1 Tayda A-195 2x20 female header (mounted on bottom of PX-1 adapter) Cut them yourself into 2x8 sections Assembly Solder three 1x8 headers into the rows marked CTL, +V and GND. It s a good idea to solder only one pin of each row, then flip the board over and retouch the solder joints to align them very straight. They should be even when installed. Solder the 2-pin header into the Renzilla Ground position. Solder the terminal block at the position marked V- and V+. It may be helpful to use a small drop of crazy glue to help affix the 2-pin terminal block to the board. Typically these tend to twist as you re screwing-down the terminals onto the wires and the crazy glue will help prevent twisting The fuse holder is an extremely tight fit; you may want to use pliers to squeeze the fuse holder s leads slightly. Otherwise, wiggle the fuse holder gently back-and-forth to gradually work it in at the fuse location. The 2x8 female headers attach to the BOTTOM and are soldered in on the top side of the board. This allows plugging the adapter directly into the Renzilla board; be sure to match the orientation of the connector on the PX- 1 to the corresponding set of pins on the Renzilla board when you plug it in. Using the Servo Adapter The servo adapter requires the PIC16F688 chip and Renard servo firmware. The firmware is addressable and manages up to 8 channels of servo control. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 41

42 Connect external DC power that will power your pixels to the V-/V+ terminal block, being very careful to observe the polarity! +V must be in the RIGHT side, power supply GND (or V-) must be in the LEFT side. Remember, the power supply voltage and current must match the servos you intend to use. Connect a jumper wire from a Renzilla Ground pin to one of the GND pins on the Renzilla board itself. There are two pins available; one can be used to daisy-chain to other adapters if necessary. The adapter will not function without this connection. Remember that the firmware for the PIC16F688 chip must be set at the same communication speed as all the other chips on the Renzilla board; for example, you cannot set it to 115,200 baud if all the others are set to 57,600. Power and control for the servos is provided by the three rows of header pins; the 3-pin servo cable can plug directly into the Servo Adapter. Use appropriate extension cables as are necessary. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 42

43 Renzilla LSD Adapter The LSD adapter adds direct DC control to the Renzilla controller. The Renard LSD controller was developed by Brian Ullmark (budude) using Phil Short s modified version of the original Renard firmware. LSD stands for light strip driver although the LSD adapter can be used to power LED strobes, dumb RGB strips and even small DC motors. Auxiliary power up to 12vdc can be connected to the LSD board to power external devices. Note that the adapter is not fused you may wish to use an inline fuse on the + side of the power input terminal block. LSD Adapter Parts BOM Qty Mouser/Tayda PN Description 1 Tayda A-197 Header pins (1x40) Cut off 2-pins for this adapter RJ45 Jacks, top entry P2N2222AG 2N2222A general purpose NPN transistors (or PN2222A) 8 Tayda A ohm resistors (either 1/8 or ¼ watt are acceptable) Fixed Terminal Block 5.08MM PCB MOUNT 2P (mounted on bottom) 1 Tayda A-195 2x20 female header (mounted on bottom of adapter) Cut 2x8 out of the 2x20 Assembly Because of the compact nature of the board and the number of parts to solder to it, it is not as well marked as other adapters. Pay close attention to the photo of the completed LSD adapter. Solder the 8 resistors first. Notice that the resistors are in stand-up orientation, which means you must bend one lead all the way over and parallel with the other lead before inserting in the holes. Solder the 2-pin header into the Renzilla Ground position on the far right side of the board s center. Solder the 8 transistors in place. Be sure to orient them to match the pattern on the board. Be careful soldering the transistors as they are a little sensitive to heat. Solder the 2x8 female header onto the BOTTOM of the board s center. Mount the 5mm terminal block onto the BOTTOM of the board, beneath the location of one of the RJ45 jacks and solder it on the top side. (Not shown, but clearly marked on the board s bottom silk screen.) Be sure to mark the terminal block afterward with the proper polarity as the block may cover the board markings. Trim the excess lead close to the board on the TOP side. Consult the photo of the completed board yes, the terminal block is beneath the RJ45 jack on the bottom of the adapter. Solder the two RJ45 jacks in place. Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 43

44 Using the LSD Adapter Because of the compactness of this adapter, the traces on the board are not well suited for high DC voltage and heavy loads. 5-12vdc may be injected via the 5mm terminal block. Higher voltages are not advised although they may work. If very high loads are needed, it is suggested that DC SSRs would be a much better solution instead of trying to push the LSD adapter too hard. It is necessary to connect a wire from one of the adapter s Renzilla Ground pins to one of the ground pins on the Renzilla controller board. The adapter will not function without this connection. It is suggested that the RJ45 cables be inserted into the adapter first, and then the adapter plugged into the Renzilla board. You ll understand why after you try it otherwise. Also remember the polarity of the power injection terminal block mounted on the bottom of the PCB. Here s a picture of a bare PCB showing the proper connections. The LSD Adapter s RJ45 pinout matches the Ren48LSD pinout: o Odd-numbered pins carry +V (pins ) o Even-numbered pins carry channel signals (pins ). Renzilla 96 Assembly and User Guide Page 44