Renard-Plus RP32 User manual

RP32 - 32 Channel Controller
Sep 2014
Version 1.00 / 1.01* Board
Document Revision 1.10
*1.00 and 1.01 are electrically identical just silkscreen changes

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Page 2 of 24 Renard Plus 32 Controller
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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................... 2
1. INTRODUCTION TO RENARD ............................................................................................................................. 3
2. OVERVIEW OF RENARD PLUS 32 ...................................................................................................................... 4
3. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................................................................ 5
3.1 RENARD PLUS 32 BOM ....................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1.1 Transformer Options ............................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.2 External power supply ............................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 PARTS ASSEMBLY................................................................................................................................................ 7
3.2.1 First Things First...................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 RENARD PLUS 32 ASSEMBLY GUIDE..................................................................................................................... 8
3.3.1 Set Voltage Option .................................................................................................................................. 8
3.3.2 Install the resistors .................................................................................................................................. 9
3.3.3 Install the diodes ................................................................................................................................... 10
3.3.4 Install IC sockets and Bridge Rectifier .................................................................................................. 11
3.3.5 Install the capacitors.............................................................................................................................. 12
3.3.6 Install the light emitting diodes .............................................................................................................. 13
3.3.7 Install Misc. Parts .................................................................................................................................. 14
3.3.8 Initial Testing / Final Assembly.............................................................................................................. 17
3.3.9 Install the ICs:........................................................................................................................................ 18
3.3.10 Picture of completed board ................................................................................................................... 18
4. FINAL STEPS ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
4.1 PROGRAMMING THE PIC .................................................................................................................................... 19
4.2 JUMPER SETTINGS /HEADERS............................................................................................................................ 19
4.2.1 JP1 XBee Header.................................................................................................................................. 19
4.2.2 JP2 PIC Bypass / DMX ......................................................................................................................... 19
4.2.3 JP3 RS485 Terminator.......................................................................................................................... 20
4.2.4 Programming (ICSP Header) ................................................................................................................ 20
4.3 CONNECTING THE RENARD TO YOUR PC............................................................................................................. 21
4.3.1 RJ45 Wiring........................................................................................................................................... 21
4.3.2 Computer Setup .................................................................................................................................... 21
4.4 FINAL TESTING .................................................................................................................................................. 22
4.4.1 Diagnostic LED Status Lights................................................................................................................ 22
5. PARTS PLACEMENT DIAGRAM........................................................................................................................ 23
6. NOTES ................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Renard-Plus, Salem, Oregon 97302
© 2011-2013 Renard Plus. All rights reserved.
Published 2013
Printed in United States
Renard-Plus (“Developer”) has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this document. Developer makes no warranties with respect to
this documentation and disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The information in this
document is subject to change without notice. Developer assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
The information contained herein is the exclusive and confidential property of Renard Plus, except as otherwise indicated.
We wish to also thank the Do It Yourself Community for the inspiration it has given us in the development of this product.
Trademarks the Renard Plus logo are trademarks of Renard Plus.
All other trademarks acknowledged.

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1. Introduction to Renard
Renard is the name of a “do-it-yourself” (DIY), computer-controlled, PIC-based dimmer light
control concept. It also refers to a family of dimming controllers that have been designed and built
based on this concept.
The Renard design concept was originally described by Phil Short in the Simple PIC-Based 8-Port
Dimmer 'How-To' on the http://computerchristmas.com website. Since then there have been many
enhancements and new designs based on this hardware. There have been many contributors to
advancing Renard technology including M. Macmillan, D. Davis, P. Rogers, T. Straub, D. Haberle,
A. Williams and others.
Renard controllers typically rely on a separate computer running a light sequencing program to
send it real-time sequences of controller commands to sequence the lights. The computer
communicates with the Renard via RS232, RS485, or wireless (depending on the design) and the
Renard controls the lights either through built-in power control (power is output directly to the
lights), or via separate “SSRs” (solid state relays supply the power when commanded by the
controller).
Example Renard configurations
Output of the Renard can be either control signals (to an SSR), direct AC line voltage (110,
100/220, or 220), or DC voltage depending on the design.
Renard is a DIY hobbyist effort and there is a vast amount of products and related peripherals to
select from including the Renard Plus 32 Controller. To obtain a specific design, there might be
“buy a parts kit and/or blank PCB” offering at a site (such as from www.renard-plus.com), “etch it
yourself” files for true DIY, or coop/group buys for kits and PCBs also in forums (like
DIYChristmas.org).

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Page 4 of 24 Renard Plus 32 Controller
Board Ver. 1.00 / 1.01
2. Overview of Renard Plus 32
This guide covers the Renard Plus 32. This board is designed to take “Renard” serial
communications via RS485 from a control computer, and output full diming light control on its 8
RJ45 Renard SSR (each capable of driving up to 4 channels). These outputs typically connect to
up to 8 solid state relay (SSR) modules each with 4 channels of outputs for a grand total of 32
individual controllable/dimmable channels. The SSR controller can be any of a variety of SSR
modules which might control AC (like the DirkCheapSSR) or DC (like the LabRat DCSSR) or a
combination thereof. The type of light you want to control will dictate the type of SSR you choose
to use.
Feature
Detail
Name
Renard Plus
32
Target use
AC or DC Light control
Channel Count
32
Power input
110v or 220v AC (an AC “wall wart” option
is also described in the Transformer
section).
Power output
No – controls external SSR
Dimmable?
YES – PWM
Status Indicators?
YES
Channel Indicators?
NO
Control Input
–
Renard
YES – RS485 or optional wireless
Control Input
–
DMX
Planned
Daisy
-
chain output
YES – Renard RS485 pinout
Wireless
Option – w/add-on Snap-In board
On board programming
Yes through ICSP connector

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Page 5 of 24 Renard Plus 32 Controller
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3. Assembly Instructions
This section covers the construction of the Renard Plus 32 controller board. It approaches these
tasks as a learning exercise for new builders, so that they can develop proficiency and self-
confidence. The project itself is quite simple and if you follow the steps carefully, you should have
a working controller when you are done. Additional information and guides on techniques and
tools can be found in the “Tools and Parts ID Guide” at:
www.renard-plus.com/files/Tools_and_Parts_ID_Guide.pdf
3.1 Renard Plus 32 BOM
The following is the Bill Of Material for building the Renard Plus 32. The link to the Mouser project
is: https://www.mouser.com/ProjectManager/ProjectDetail.aspx?AccessID=7d6712b5a4
Picture Designators Description Qty Mouser P/N
R1, R2, R8, R9, R10 1k ohm resistor ¼ watt 5 291-1k-RC
R3, R5 330 ohm resistor 1/4 watt 2 291-330-RC
R6
10k ohm resistor 1/4 watt
1 291-10k-RC
R7
120 ohm resistor 1/4 watt
1 291-120-RC
R11, R12 27k ohm resistor 1/4 watt 2 291-27k-RC
D1 1N5239 (9.1v) zener diode 1 78-1N5239B
D2 1N5229 (4.3v) zener diode 1 78-1N5229B
C1 470uf 25V Electrolytic Cap 1 647-UVZ1E471MPD
C2 220uf 25V Elec
trolytic Cap
1 647-UVZ1E221MPD
C3, C4, C5, C6 .1uf cap 5 81-RDER71H104K0K103B
81-RCER71H104K0A2H3B
P1 Tyco Terminal Block 2 pin vertical 1 571-7969492
J1-J10 Modular Jacks 8 PCB TOP
ENTRY
10 571-5556416-1
IC1 IC & Component Sockets 40
P
1
517-4840-6000-CP or
649-DILB40P223TLF
IC2 8 pin IC socket (optional) 1 517-4808-3004-CP
IC3 6 pin IC Socket (Optional) 1 571-1-390261-1
ICSP, JP1, JP2, JP3 2.54mm 16 pin male header cut to
fit: ICSP, JP1, JP2, JP3
1 571-16404526 (less
expensive alternatives exist)
Shunts for Xbee header & Bypass 3 737-MSC-G
IC1 PIC Microcontrollers (MCU)
PIC18F4520 or 4620 and 4525
1 579-PIC18F4520-I/P
IC2 65LBC179 1 595-SN65LBC179P
IC3 H11AA1 1 782-H11AA1
IC4 LM7805CT voltage regulator 1 512-LM7805CT
BR1
BR1 4 pin Bridge rectifier 1amp dip
1 625-DF02MA-E3
Status yellow 5 MM LED 1 78-TLHY5405

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Power Red 5 MM LED 1 78-TLHR5401
RX/TX Green 5 MM LED 1 78-TLHG5401
F1 Fuse Clips and Holders PC
FUSE CLIP 5 MM
2
576-05200001N
F1 Fuse Cover (Optional) 2
534-3527C
F1 Fuse Amp 800mA fast acting
(Note order spares “just in case”)
1
504-GDB-800MA
TF1 Transformer
pri.115/230volts sec.8volts
800ma. (See below)
1
838-3FD-416
3.1.1 Transformer O tions
The Parts list above only calls out one of the many transformers that can be used on this
controller board. The following are other transformers that can be used: Wi Secondary Winding
Mouser P/N
Primary
Volts (AC)
Sec. Volts
(AC)
Current
(ma)
Dual Voltage
838-3FD-412 115 / 230 6.3 1000
838-3FD-416 115 / 230 8.0 800
838-3FD-420 115 / 230 10.0 600
838-3FD-424 115 / 230 12.0 500
838-3FD-312 115 / 230 6.3 400
838-3FD-316 115 / 230 8.0 300
Single Voltage
838-3FS-412 115 6.3 1000
838-3FS-416 115 8.0 800
838-3FS-420 115 10.0 600
838-3FS-424 115 12.0 500
838-3FS-312 115 6.3 400
838-3FS-316 115 8.3 300
3.1.2 External ower su ly
There is also an option to use external AC power from 8 to 12 volts AC supplied from an external
power supply such as an AC wall transformer or “wall wart”. If you opt to use an external AC power
supply instead of the onboard transformer, please follow the following steps:
1. Make sure you use an AC power supply (like a “wall wart” type adapter) in the voltage range
from 8 to 12 volts AC. Note: the wall wart MUST be AC, the more commonly found DC wall
warts will NOT work.
2. Make sure you do NOT strap both the “115” and “230” voltage selection straps.
3. Use two lengths of 22 or 24 gauge wire to connect the following:
a. Transformer pad pin 8 to left most “115” strap option RIGHT
pad. Follow the dashed line labeled “Wall Wart” on the
silkscreen.
b. Transformer pad pin 7 to transformer pad pin 1. Follow the other
dashed line labeled “Wall Wart” on the silkscreen.
4. Connect the two output wires from the AC wall wart to X1 (the AC input
connector on the top right of the board).

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3.2 Parts Assembly
The Renard Plus 32 is a simple device to assemble and test. It is easiest if you build the units by
inserting the various components from smallest to tallest.
3.2.1 First Things First
1. Begin by inspecting the PCBs to look for any defects such as cracks or breaks. The holes
on the board should be open on both sides. Then inspect and sort out the various parts for
the board.
2. Next inspect and sort out the various parts for the board. Make sure you understand which
parts are which, and things like resistor codes and component orientation. A separate
document on these concepts is available at:
www.renard-plus.com/files/Tools_and_Parts_ID_Guide.pdf
and on other resource sites like Wikipedia.
3. Follow the assembly guide as follows in the next section.

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3.3 Renard Plus 32 Assembly Guide
3.3.1 Set Voltage O tion
The boards have the option of running from either 115VAC main, or 220VAC with the
recommended on board transformer option. Jumper straps set the desired main AC voltage into
the board at X1. It is important to only strap EITHER the two 115 options or the one 220 option.
Note the 115 options are strapped individually, and should not be connected to each other.
Step Instructions Renard Plus 32
1a 
110V
Option
If the controller will be used for
115 volt AC
configuration use 2 leftover clipped leads and
form them to individually jumper each of the two
115 pad sets near the transformer. Solder.
Note: Each set of the two 115 options have
individual jumpers and do NOT connect to each
other.
DO NOT JUMPER both 230 and 110 voltage
pads at the same time!!
1b 
220v
Option
If the controller will be used for
220/230 volt AC
configuration use 1 leftover clipped lead and
form them to jumper the 230 pad near the
transformer. Solder.
DO NOT JUMPER both 230 and 110 voltage
pads at the same time!!
If you will NOT be using the on board transformer option, but wish to supply 8 to 12 volt AC from
an external supply, such as a wall transformer or “wall wart”, please leave these straps off, and
refer to the Transformers sections for details on using external AC.

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3.3.2 Install the resistors
Step Instructions Renard Plus 32
2  Install the 1K (brown-black-red) ohm resistors at
locations R1, R2, R8, R9, R10. Solder and clip
the leads.
3  Install 330 (orange-orange-brown) ohm resistors
at locations R3, R5. Solder and clip the leads.
4  Install the 10K (brown-black-orange) ohm
resistor at location R6. Solder and clip the leads.
5  Install the 120 (brown-red-brown) ohm resistor
at location R7. Solder and clip the leads.
6  Install 27K (red-violet-orange) ohm resistors at
locations R11, R12. Solder and clip the leads.

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3.3.3 Install the diodes
Step Instructions Renard Plus 32
7  Install the 1N5239 diode at location D1. The
diode is polarized and it can only be used one
way. The end with the band (cathode) goes
towards the LEFT side of the board with your
board oriented as shown. Solder and clip the
leads.
8  Install the 1N5229 diode at location D2. The
diode is polarized and it can only go one way.
The end with the band (cathode) goes towards
the LEFT side of the board. Solder and clip the
leads.