DiyLightAnimation
Fun => The Porch => Topic started by: therealbigjim on August 10, 2015, 02:00:16 pm
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I would like to make a chase then flash for an old arrow sign I got for the mancave. I have found on/ off flashers for arrow signs but I kind wanted more ( it is about $45 on e-bay). Commercial solid state or mechanical flashers with more then 2 channels can run $400 and up. I am hoping to create or buy a small unit that I could place in the sign that will hang from the 14' celling. It wont be on all the time and I may only light one side. I want to use some old style Edison bulbs and some faded color bulbs in the arrow end. As a side note the city outlawed the flashing signs and portable advertising back in the 90's so no around here has that kind of stuff anymore.
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How many channels do you need? You could always use a SSR4 or 2 of them if you need more than 4 channels.
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I am thinking 7 channels, six singles and 1 for the 3 lights in the arrow head. I had not considered the ssr 4. I was afraid I might have to use one of my lynxes. Can I tie them together to get a chase or would I need a DMX player to run it?
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SSR4 (with DMX) needs a DMX source to control it...
SSR4 (without DMX, or DMX turned off), would need a logic circuit (or switch circuit if you really wanted to control it by hand) to control the ons / offs
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Could also go old school. Use low rpm gear motor to drive a shaft with cama operating momentary switches
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Kinda like a distributor in a car, but way slower
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I am thinking 7 channels, six singles and 1 for the 3 lights in the arrow head. I had not considered the ssr 4. I was afraid I might have to use one of my lynxes. Can I tie them together to get a chase or would I need a DMX player to run it?
You would probably need a DMX player to run it but if you happen to have a Panther DMX player lying around, that would be a perfect fit. If not, FPP would also do the job during the off season.
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I would like to build the unit and forget it, just have it work when I turned it on. Kinda hate putting a ffp up there to sit but it gives ne an excuse to upgrade and get new stuff. Or I could have a cat 5 cable running along the 110 power cord and have a the "brain box" on my work bench. I feel like a am wasting a piece of gear to have it run a repeating chase and flash, but its cheaper then a on/off flasher and can do stuff that $1500 commercial controller could do. I have looked into the mechanical option but stopped when I saw the prices...I have access to a machine shop with several cnc mills and could have the cams made for some beer money, But I was hoping to find a less involved method, between work, my old car, some travel and light show stuff I have a very full schedule from now till Christmas. I don't have any ssr 4s or a panther player may see if I can pick some up in the for sale area.
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Well, your not really wasting the gear, you are just exercising it during the off season. Nice garage by the way. What is the time frame on the car?
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Here is a couple options:
http://www.northcountryradio.com/8chcontrollers.htm runs at 120 volts
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/mk-44/10-channel-light-effect-generator/1.html would requires 12 volt relays (solid state or mechanical)
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Thank you for the input. Tbone the car may be done early in the spring, depending on when I can get an empty paint booth. Currently the plans are for a 393 sbf with a tremec 5 spd. I am currently adding mini tubs then new quarters and a roof panel. its a huge money pit and I could not afford it if I was not building it myself.
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It looks good so far but they sadly really can't be used as a daily driver, way too much risk. Post a few pics when you get it back together.
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SSR4 (with DMX) needs a DMX source to control it...
Yeah, though that would be pretty easy with an Arduino ...
\dmc
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You could build a Johnson Counter circuit with a 555 timer and drive Triacs (or relays) from the output: http://iamtechnical.com/555-timer-4017-decade-counter
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Thx Guys, Lots of good choices I will dig into several over the coming weeks and keep you all posted.
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Posting some video of the old sign back to life. I ended up using A Panther player and an SSR 4. could only get one to work. I will fool with it more after Christmas.
https://vimeo.com/148169148