B
BlackMamba
Guest
Source: Konsola o
Project by motykami
I handle small disco parties (100-200 persons).
Regular unwinding extender cables separately to every light point located on support stand is annoying. Moreover, standard 230V extender cables are not cheapest, especially when you have to buy at least 10 pieces 10 meters each. So I invent a console controlling channels with low voltage (12V) and power modules hanged on stands and connected with console by cheap multicore cable.
Console
Housing for the console is a old DVD player case. Solution is very Simple: for each channel there is one cradle switch, one momentary switch and one LED indicating channel switching on. Console is divided on two sections, 4 channels each (on two power modules, each have 4 channels). There is possibility for fast switching off each section, as well as choice if last channel in each section has to work independently from Master or dependently (useful in the case of stroboscope).
Inside the console there is also driver for disco scanner. I have bought old disco scanner built on HMI 575 discharge lamp with defective controller. I was not able to repair it, however due to construction based on standard DC motor I prepared manual control for this scanner.
Power modules (I name them switchboxes)
Each has four channels based on 12V 10A relays. There were no necessity to use triacs (like in discolitez), because maximum switching frequency is 2 Hz. Relays are quite reliable.
Switchboxes have common 16A fuse. Inside switchboxes the 2.5mm2 wire is used. They have a momentary switch for switching on all channels (only when console is connected). This feature is useful during setting up the equipment and mounting the illumination on support stands.
Cabling
I used computer twisted pair cable stranded type, it is a bit more expensive but is elastic and can be wind back easily. Connectors are RS232, for scanner I have used multipin connector (military type). Cable length; 2x20m for switchboxes and 15m for scanner.
Housing for this equipment is a bit modified carrying case. Wickets have been modified to allow complete cleave the upper cover. That’s why console is always at the bottom and after disco I can put on it cables and switchboxes. After closing the cover everything can be easily and comfortably transported. I use this set two years.
I scoff only one extension cable on the stand, hang switchbox, connect it to console and that’s all.
I intend to reorganize console to support twenty channels, eight channels is not enough. I will use four five-channel switchboxes.
Console is powered with external symmetrical power supply 2x12V. Symmetrical voltage is needed for the scanner control.
