How It All Works

RPM’s E1.31 DMX Bridge – This controller takes E1.31 sACN data in for up to 4 universes and splits them out to either Renard or DMX data. It supports output of the RS485 data on the standard Renard pins or DMX RJ-45 pins selectable by jumpers on the board. The protocol used is determined in software configuration.
SanDevices E681 – This controller takes up to 4 universes of E1.31 sACN data and controls up to 680 individual pixels. It supports a multitude of pixel types including the GE Color Effects lights we use. This is a major upgrade from the custom Renard-To-GECE controller I designed last year which treated entire segments of GECE lights as 1, meaning the entire segment was the same color.

Renard 64XC -> SSRNeons – The Renard 64XC controller is a 64 channel controller which only has the 5v logic and zero-cross detection (for dimming AC lights) on-board. The actual switching of high voltage AC is done by SSRs. In our case, mostly SSRNeons and a few DirkCheap SSRs. This controls the mini trees, tune-to sign, garage wreaths and more!
Renard SS24 – This was the first controller we purchased and assembled. It was actually a Christmas present from Mat’s mom in 2010 to get us started! It is used to control the reindeer, the bushes the reindeer are on top of and rudolph’s nose.
Frank’s Ren24 v3 – This controller was purchased from a DIYC member and controls the Mega Tree. It has required repairs since it was built with the infamous bad triacs from ST with date code CHN 912. I replaced 5 triacs before the 2012 season. There is at least one more channel that needs replacing that was noticed after setup.
Frank’s Ren24 HC – This controller was also purchased from a DIYC member. The “HC” in the name is for “high current”. It has slightly beefier traces on board and can handle quite a bit more current. For this reason, it was the obvious choice for the mega wreath which takes a whopping 12.4 amps when all segments are on with full intensity.

Christmas On Quiet Hills