WS2801 project

[riri7707]

Hi,
After a lot of emails, research of frame building, i decided to share my creations around this component WS2801.
The idea is to build some different PCBs where we can use them on 12v/24v/48v.... Modifiable in fact.

Below some shoots of actual status :

2 different boards :
One rectangular, with SMD 5050 RGB 3 channels managed by 2801.
Second one round : regular or SMD leds, 4 channels with possibility to have static + dimmeable at same time.
Multi voltage to be adapted to each need.




My actual breadboard :





My actual controller from RAY for the WS2801: a catastrophic item as only 1 sequencing RGB and no possibility to use the DMX option; i asked Ray to get the software to edit the SD card and how to activate the DMX option, but no answer.
I found also the site from the manufacturer : ONUMEN, but no download available. So i made a request too...
The controller:


The idea is as the prototypes will be ready  to launch a production if some of you were interested to get some original boards and populated them as your imagination. WS2801 will be an option too on the boards. But as i don't want to make business, it will be only for the PCBs..

For the moment i will appreciate to get as possible a real controller to advance on my project. I know some projects are running on this way, but i need one sample to play with the pixels and WS2801... If some one can helps....

The pixels from RAY... The PCBs are glued and no way to identify the chip and components inside...


More ASAP... Cheers   Henri

[mrpackethead]

Onumen is not a manufacturer.. They have no factory.. Everything that Onumen sells is made by someone else.. I've been there and checked them out.

[riri7707]

Thanks for this detail who is important...
By the way, i'm searching how to advance with this controller, and i cannot understand how the people can sell that without any documentation, no software and a single file on the SD card and the cherry on the cake : no DMX activated...
Henri

[mrpackethead]

Your dealing with China, thats how it works.  Don't try to understand, it will hurt your head.

[David_AVD]

I wonder if cheap hardware (like that "dud" controller) would be worth reverse engineering and writing new firmware for? (assuming it has a micro that can be reprogrammed)

I say this because most times you can't even buy the parts for less than the cost of a mass produced item.  If the hardware has everything you want, why not I reckon.

[smartalec]

I wonder if cheap hardware (like that "dud" controller) would be worth reverse engineering and writing new firmware for? (assuming it has a micro that can be reprogrammed)

I say this because most times you can't even buy the parts for less than the cost of a mass produced item.  If the hardware has everything you want, why not I reckon.

i say go your hardest David, cause you know everyone wants a SD card show, esp your projects

[riri7707]

Of course it can be reprogrammed, as this controller can be programmed for different protocols and have also wireless option.
There's a JTAG interface for that.
The bad point as always on reverse engineering : the CHIP was scratched for not  known the specific used component.
Doesn't matter, waiting Phil device...
I need a real controller to continue...
Some help?

Cheers... Henri

[riri7707]

So,
The things advanced quickly...
the first module specific ws2801 will be smallest PCB, where we can use it for single RGB led or modules leds with a possibility of 500mA per output(3x 500mA), and multipower: 5v/12v/24v/28v and 48volts.
This PCB will have IN /OUT with power to chain them easily...
This PCB will be produced once for a minimum qty of 1000 units...
Pricing not yet available, but for sure the smallest as possible...
I'm looking the possibility to provide also all components to populated them including the magic WS2801

Please let me know your interest...

Henri

[dmoore]

Please let me know your interest...

Henri

Henri - I'm impressed with the amount of stuff you crank out.  I'm confused here - you are saying that you will be offering a board that runs DMX in and SPI (to the 2801s) out?

[riri7707]

The idea is to provide a small PCB who can be adapted to different frames with WS2801 embedded.
So for DMX, etc... we need Phil's Board or any controller managing this chip.

The other availability are the original PCBs rectangular or round who can be connected to this small (cheap) module... These boards can be poplulated with SMD 5050 RGB or standard LED.

That's it... Original and everybody can create their strips and building them as your imagination...

RGB pixel strips exists but these ones are more creative, original and very usefull....

This creation took me a lot of hours and i think it's really a great addon to our christmas design.

i will add some video as possible...

Henri

[dmoore]

Ok, now I understand... you will be making a completed board of your bread board you posted photos of earlier.  This is just so you can make a three channel DMX SPI controlled device...

Why not consider this:

http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/701799/209915969-307297826/DMX-512-Module-decoder-DC12V-input-P-N-LN-DMXMODEL-3CH-12V.html

[riri7707]

Hi,
Just to show you how we can manage this chip.....



So let's enter in the loop....

I'm sure the interest is great

Henri

[riri7707]

Another original design from a friend:


So, we are thousand miles from chineese productions... No?

WS2801 is a very good chip... Let's the imagination enters in...

henri

[dmoore]

Maybe these are good fits: 

 

Plus there are lots of other 3005 chips with 5050's built-in.  I really doubt it's possible to beat the cost of some of those pre-made solutions.  The cost of the diffusers, sealing, potting, wire, soldering, etc when they are less than $2 per pixel - even the complex ones.

For example, here is a four chip 5050 SMD light that is pretty close to what you've got and it's $1.70 USD each:

http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/701799/209889132-320691333/5pcs-5050-RGB-pixel-module-waterproof-CYT3005-IC-512-level-gray-scale-DC12V-input-1-2W.html


Plus the 3005 is rumored to be "better" than the 2801 (tabor?).

[riri7707]

No Worries here...
We talk about DYI projects... Not dummy ones... Here we can go until 500mA...
So let's go on this on positive way....

i had all products form Ray regarding that...

My thoughts are we can make better at very cheapest price...

Every one looks in front of his door, but prefers his neighbour door (French proverb)

Henri...

now is time to go