TL's elektronik ting og sager
Triac IO8 - Remote Controlled 8-Channel 230V Light Dimmer
This PCB (Triac IO8) is an 8-channel 230 Vac dimmer. Each output can be loaded up to 500 Watt, but max 5A in total through the PCB (1150W). There are eight triac outputs controlled by an Atmel ATmega88PA. The board also has eight galvanically isolated optocoupler inputs which can be used for various things depending on the software. The PCB has an IR receiver that can receive signals from an Apple TV remote control. Furthermore, the PCB can be remotely controlled via either an RS485 network or a TTL connector. You can use a standard FTDI USB-TTL cable. This PCB was made on December 8, 2010
The PCB has an analog input which is connected to a 10-bit AD converter on the CPU. This input can be used for anything, so I got the idea to make a huge 8 channel audio VU meter with optional bar or dot style. It could be fun to make an old school disco light show like that. You could also make running lights with many patterns, or a frequency-divided light show. But that is not at all what the PCB is built for. It is for controlling ceiling lights in my house. The second idea was just for fun. The overall management takes place in my Master IO controller
which sends and receives all the necessary commands to this PCB. Click on this link to see this controller: Mesh Master IO Controller
Some more pictures....
The 4-layer PCB layout for Triac IO8. Screenshot from OrCAD 16.2. Click on the picture for full resolution.
Previous version
Below is a slightly older version of the triac PCB. Note that it has 3 mm slots both at the top and bottom so it could be pushed from the side into a standard DIN box for installation in an electrical panel. It had more functions and was intended to run on a CAN bus. I made the layout in the older OrCAD 9.2 that I used before I updated to OrCAD Allegro. Unfortunately, I do not have a physical image of this PCB as it has disappeared from my collection. I probably gave it away. I don't remember.
