SyncroLight
DC08B User Manual
Page | 2
1.
Choosing a Power Supply
The controller operates at voltages between 7 and 30 volts DC. All 8 outputs from the
card will produce the same voltage as that used to power the controller. When choosing
a power supply ensure it is of the correct voltage and has sufficient ampere to power all
equipment connected to 8 outputs (when all 8 outputs are on simultaneously).
For Example, if controlling 8 sets of LED lights and each set requires 24v and 600ma. You
will need a 24v power supply of
at least
4800ma (600*6 = 4800) or 4.8 amps.
The maximum recommended output is 2 Amps per channel, or 5 Amps per card. Whilst
the components used on the card are rated at 30 Amps, the card has only been designed
and tested for use with low power lighting equipment such as individual sets of LED
lighting. For animated lighting displays using LED lighting, you seldom require high
ampere outputs since it is usual to have lots of individually controllable lights, for
animation purposes, rather than lots of sets wired together on one channel.
2.
Building a Network
In order for the computer to be able to control the lights, the controllers and computer need to
be on a RS-485 based network. This is a serial network, capable of reliable transmitting of
data over a distance.
The network starts at the computer, but since computers do not usually have an RS-485
port a converter is required. These can take the form of either:
RS-242 to RS-485 converter (for older computers with serial COM ports).
USB to RS-485 converter.
The recommended USB-RS485 converter, shown below, has been tested with the
SyncroLight controllers and software. The converter is available for sale, with full
installation instructions, on the SyncroLight website.
