Hi
I am planning to get a RA to control my Red Sea Max 250. The lighting system has 6 T5 lamps which I have split into 3 groups of 2. I use timers to produce the lighting changes througout the day, so I can see how they can be covered by using relays.
There are 8 moon light LED's in the hood, working on one 12v DC circuit. I would like to be able to control them following the moon cycle.
Can I just connect them straight to one of the PWM chanels, or would I need to split them into two circuits?
Or would I need some sort of driver circuit?
Any suggestions will be welcome.
I have a programing background and the Open programming system of the RA looks good on review.
RSM Max 250 moon lights
RSM Max 250 moon lights
Last edited by Sebyte on Wed Nov 02, 2011 4:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: RSM Max 250 moon lights
Hi Steve,
You can do your lighting system with no problem.
Now, the moonlights will need some further investigation.
The PWM channel is limited to about 40mA per channel.
I don't think you can use one channel for all 8 LEDs, but you may be able to get by splitting them into 2 strings. You will need to measure the current before connecting them to the PWM channel to make sure it won't exceed the 40mA.
The RA dimmable moonlights draws about 35mA with 3 LEDs.
You can do your lighting system with no problem.
Now, the moonlights will need some further investigation.
The PWM channel is limited to about 40mA per channel.
I don't think you can use one channel for all 8 LEDs, but you may be able to get by splitting them into 2 strings. You will need to measure the current before connecting them to the PWM channel to make sure it won't exceed the 40mA.
The RA dimmable moonlights draws about 35mA with 3 LEDs.
Roberto.
Re: RSM Max 250 moon lights
Thanks Roberto
I looked up PWM on the Arduino site and have a clearer understanding of how it works. I will check out the mA before making connections.
Thanks again
Steve
I looked up PWM on the Arduino site and have a clearer understanding of how it works. I will check out the mA before making connections.
Thanks again
Steve
Re: RSM Max 250 moon lights
The moon lights will draw around 80mA, so they would need to be split over two PWM channels. I would like to use only one, channel as I have a use for the other. From my limited electronic knowledge I think I would need to build an OpAmp which would control the Voltage (with the higher mA) on the secondary side.
If there is anyone who could suggest a circuit that would work I would be greatfull
Thanks
Steve
If there is anyone who could suggest a circuit that would work I would be greatfull
Thanks
Steve