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by **EdT.** on Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:12 pm

A complete write up (and proper linkage) here - Caution Optional. I've contacted the author of the original article to see if he has any plans of producing a 110volt version commercially. Although the addition of a set of 110v relays is trivial to even the most electrophobic (I'm looking squarely at you Mr. "releaser of the magic smoke" MacSignals), it would be nice to have everything available in one package for those who want something to work with right out of the box.

by **Fully Actuated** on Thu Jul 05, 2007 1:29 pm

Before I owned the "real" controllers I have, I had to make do with these:

http://www.electronickits.com/kit/compl ... ck1601.htm

http://www.electronickits.com/kit/compl ... ck1610.htm

Both are "programmed" by writing simple scripts and there are several included examples.

by **Fully Actuated** on Thu Jul 05, 2007 1:33 pm

"releaser of the magic smoke"

Ahhhh... only a true techno-geeky would know about the magic smoke.

by **dwp49423** on Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:24 pm

I'e used the 1610 to run my two signals. Never had luck with the inputs on it though. the software I wrote is called Traffic Signal Controller and is posted on my personal website http://www.n8ujh.net. Look under hobbies or software.

The USB board though solves the problem for my laptop which lacks serial and parallel ports.

It also solves the mystery of how to use my laptop for Pinewood Derby timing/scoring and also a drag race style start light (which would only be three colors so I can utilize some cheap plastic crap signals-my metal setup weighs 70 pounds).

by **EdT.** on Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:25 pm

Fully Actuated wrote:Before I owned the "real" controllers I have, I had to make do with these:

http://www.electronickits.com/kit/compl ... ck1601.htm

http://www.electronickits.com/kit/compl ... ck1610.htm

Both are "programmed" by writing simple scripts and there are several included examples.

Wow, both are a bit 'rustic', but not bad considering they already come with the relays. Don't get me wrong - BTDT (built my own AppleII+ joystick out of ratshack parts), but I'm just so completely spoiled by the USB protocol now that I look upon anything that requires baud rate and XON/XOFF settings with much disdain. :mrgreen:

I was hoping to use one of these Velleman K8055 kits ever since they came out a couple of years ago, but alas, it was one of those projects that I never got around to (so many projects, so little time). And then there was this project that got me thinking about ethernet controlled traffic lights. Eventually when the 802.11b chips come packaged with a little webserver for under $30 bucks, then you'll be able to control all your signals via your computer wirelessly... </sigh> Staring wistfully out of the window, dreaming of independent wealth and secret laboratories... <sigh>

by **EdT.** on Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:41 pm

dwp49423 wrote:I'e used the 1610 to run my two signals. Never had luck with the inputs on it though. the software I wrote is called Traffic Signal Controller and is posted on my personal website http://www.n8ujh.net. Look under hobbies or software.

The USB board though solves the problem for my laptop which lacks serial and parallel ports.

It also solves the mystery of how to use my laptop for Pinewood Derby timing/scoring and also a drag race style start light (which would only be three colors so I can utilize some cheap plastic crap signals-my metal setup weighs 70 pounds).

You could get one of these serial to USB1.1 convertors if you want to re-use the 1610:
GWC UC320
Trendnet

I'm thinking one of Bear's mini signals would be a natural for your PWD setup.

by **69-cat** on Fri Jul 06, 2007 7:04 pm

What I have been using is some-what of a PC controlled unit, it is a PLC. It is programmed with a PC based software and after it is programmed it is stand a stand alone unit. Programs as simple as flashers to 8 phase setups. I made a sample program for Ryan's fire signal and he went nuts over it's outputs. BTW, whats up furyIII?
Dave

by **Macsignals** on Sat Jul 07, 2007 7:49 pm

Hey Dave (dwp),

I tried your controller software on an old Win98 PC, and after patching all the .OCX files, I now get this:

"Runtime error '8002'

Invalid port number."

I don't have a relay box hooked up (don't have one, yet) and am wondering why I'm getting this. I've used the program before w/o the box.

Sorry for the somewhat hijack.

Ian A.

by **dwp49423** on Sat Jul 07, 2007 9:31 pm

Ian,

not sure off the top of my head.

I really need some serious time to do an overhaul on that program as the other day I used it and wound up with a double Red/Yellow. Not sure if the relay stuck or a program fault.

-dave

by **Macsignals** on Sun Jul 08, 2007 12:31 am

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