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Hi Kron, what are you using for your controller? I assume the VDM puts out 0-10v analog as they don't mention PWM on the listing.
The module you linked requires a 0-5v PWM input, then you set the jumpers to 0-10v analog if that's what you need. The module requires 12v to power it up.
If your controller only has 0-3.3v the converter will only put out 6.6v max so you would lose the top end.
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Currently looking at controller options and Robo Tank is at the top of my list.
With this module would the required power be provided from the RT controller or supplementale module?
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You could connect the lights directly to the equipment extension which is part of the deluxe controller. You would still need the power supply you use to power up the lights but I have a feeling that's built into the drivers. If so you would only connect the signal wire from each driver to their own port and then a common ground. I think it would be the same connected to the Apex VDM module.
What model drivers are you using?
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Figured that might be the case I would only need the extension after reviewing the other products.
2 x Mean well ELN-60-48D drivers
These are driving the white and blue leds independtly though I plan on adding an additional one for other colors but could always just add the reds to the white channel.
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Those do have the power supply built in so just need to connect the signal from controller to the DIM wire and a DC common ground from the driver to controller. If you go with my controller you can control up to 8 drivers independently and you can connect multiple drivers to the same port on the controller if you ever need more.
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You only want the Dim+ going to the port on the controller. The Dim- will go to ground. You can use the spare grounds next to the PWM ports.
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09-02-2023, 05:54 PM
(This post was last modified: 09-02-2023, 06:22 PM by kron.)
Thanks for the help this far Rob. Still having a funky issue with the LEDs.
Connection
- Dim + (Blue) from driver 1 connected to PMW port 1
- Dim- (White) from driver 1 connected to Ground next to the 8 pwm ports.
Setup
- Added the pwm light and when attempting to manually change the level on Channel 1 or Channel 2 (pin 8 or 9) nothing happens.
- LED Channel 1 & 2 both set to OFF for S1 & S2.
Troubleshooting
- The LEDs are always on fully though manually checked each and the connection from end to end is good.
- When turning the 2nd set of lights off they flick on at the end (like the driver is clearing it's remaining power).
- Tried flipping the LED Channel to s1 on for a 5v and no change.
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If the lights come on full and you can't control the brightness that usually means a common ground is missing. Looking at the datasheet for your driver you should also have a Black - and Red + that you run to the LED's, connect the - Black to the controller ground as well, same as the Dim - White.
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Tried that. No power to the LEDs is ever displayed.
Dim+ (Blue) ---> PWM Channel 1
Dim- (White) ---> PMW Ground
V- (Black) ---> PMW Ground
V+ (Red) ---> LEDs (15, wired in series. nothing at the end)
Previous Connection (Produced no change in light but they flash when losing power)
Dim+ (Blue) ---> PWM Channel 1
Dim- (White) ---> PMW Ground
V- (Black) ---> LEDs Negative (return at the end)
V+ (Red) ---> LEDs Positive (first in series)
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Sorry the V- black should still go to LEDs Negative but also to the common ground on the controller.
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Completing the series to the black - and still passing it to the ground produces the same issue. Not controllable but a clicker when power is removed. Am I grounding something wrong? Need to draw this out.
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If you can draw it out that might help spot something, have you had these working in the past?