Looking for RGB controller that I can integrate

[n8huntsman]

The FTDI module needed for flashing is TTL not RS-232, correct?  I can't just use an FTDI USB to rs-232 adapter, right?  My GPS module on my drone calls for the same thing and I've always wondered if I can just wire up an rs-232l adapter that I have on hand but haven't tried it yet.

Edited May 6, 2017 by n8huntsman

[larryllix]

Nice project but....

This seem like an awful lot of work to save about $2-3 for a 4 channel unit instead of a 5 channel unit that already accepts http: commands directly. Not that anybody would use the 5th channel for RGBWW.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4A-5CH-5CH-RGB-WW-CW-LED-WIFI-Controller-IOS-Android-Smart-Link-Timer-DC-12-24V-/232301057166?hash=item361638d48e:g:ZSgAAOSwls5Y7x0L

 

 

I bought many of mine for $11 Canadian, about $8 USD.

[futuretechguy]

n8huntsman, yes, when modern micro-controllers communicate serially they usually do so at a TTL (transistor-transistor logic) level. Most of the adapter cables/ boards are based on the FTDI FT232RL usb/serial chip which I believe supports both methods. However make sure to get one that supports both 5v and 3v logic because the ESP8266 is 3v logic and may not be 5v tolerant.

[futuretechguy]

larryllix I agree, it does seem like a lot of work, however, since I needed the "http control function" and could not find any exist code. I don't mind doing the task and sharing the process to make it easy for others who may need the same function. I have benefited from some of the hard work that others have done.

[larryllix]

larryllix I agree, it does seem like a lot of work, however, since I needed the "http control function" and could not find any exist code. I don't mind doing the task and sharing the process to make it easy for others who may need the same function. I have benefited from some of the hard work that others have done.

Oh I agree we have a lot of fun challenging ourselves with programming, but http: is the protocol the UFO and 5 channel LEDenet units use already. For somebody that doesn't have anything yet, and wants general lighting with White.

 

I love these controllers. They blast WW (3000K) in my room like a hospital operating theatre, and yet dim down to 1% (barely visible) in any colour I could want and very rich colours, not like my first $200 worth of Hue bulbs.

Edited May 6, 2017 by larryllix

[Scottmichaelj]

So at the end of the day "whats the point"? I mean if we have the NR module I am not sure theres really any advantage to HTTP. Am I missing something? Still dim/bright/ramp is missing.

[futuretechguy]

The point for me is that in the age of IOT an intelligent home automation system can make lighting decision based on multiple parameters including occupancy, ambient lighting even temperature returned from multiple connected devices including the RGBW controller. This may not be a necessary for some folks but is a lot of fun for me when the RGB light in the molding above a window or doors changes when the door/window is unlock or when someone is approaching (in the case of the door molding).

 

When we have total control of the firmware on a device, we determine when, what and how it reports.  

[larryllix]

That's really cools stuff but no IoT is required. Most HA people are trying to avoid that option.
Programming microcontrollers is not required.

ISY is already all that and then some.

When my garage door is open one RGBW flashes red and returns to whatever it was once the garage door is closed.

I have five other bulbs across the wall behind my television that flash red in a wave across the front wall at midnight each night, if we are home, as a reminder to go to bed.

When I ask my Alexa boxes for Movie Lights multicolours all appear around the room as well as some white overhead ones, very dimly.

These are all http: protocol items driven by ISY programs sending http: protocols via ISY NRs.

This is what ISY can already do.

@Scott. NRs send http, https, TCP, UDP and a few other protocols with option variations for each. NR is the firmware module that can do all these. You are already sending http: packets to your UFO RGBW strips controllers from your ISY as well as your other system and the handheld remote? and mobile phone app.

 

Edited May 6, 2017 by larryllix

[Scottmichaelj]

@Scott. NRs send http, https, TCP, UDP and a few other protocols with option variations for each. NR is the firmware module that can do all these. You are already sending http: packets to your UFO RGBW strips controllers from your ISY as well as your other system and the handheld remote? and mobile phone app.

 

Right, I know. I guess I wasn't clear. What I should have said is "whats the benefits in hacking the controller for direct control via webpage?" seems unnecessary since we have NR.

[futuretechguy]

I understand the power of automation software, I use Homeseer to accomplish the same things and I will be looking into ISY as an alternative, It was not my intention to encourage anyone in other directions. I was just sharing the fact that I use a $5 RGB controller and get it to do what I need it to with a little effort. 

[Scottmichaelj]

The point for me is that in the age of IOT an intelligent home automation system can make lighting decision based on multiple parameters including occupancy, ambient lighting even temperature returned from multiple connected devices including the RGBW controller. This may not be a necessary for some folks but is a lot of fun for me when the RGB light in the molding above a window or doors changes when the door/window is unlock or when someone is approaching (in the case of the door molding).

 

When we have total control of the firmware on a device, we determine when, what and how it reports.

Yes RGBW strips are cool to have. I use them in a few spots. Under/Upper Kitchen cabinet lighting, in my attic, around my server racks for a "cool effect", I have some in my theater room behind my noise baffles and even may add them under the lip of my counter tops.

 

I wasn't bashing them or the use just the point hacking of the FW. If you look at my other thread I have details of things I found in this area since there wasn't much info last year.

[n8huntsman]

Don't be discouraged, I like the idea and don't mind a little hacking.  Seems worthy of more development.  It may lead to improved dimability and the protocol is a little simpler.  I do think that it would make the use of auxiliary wall mount touchpads impossible though.  If nothing else, maybe manufacturers will listen to our needs and finally make something HA friendly.  

[larryllix]

Don't be discouraged, I like the idea and don't mind a little hacking.  Seems worthy of more development.  It may lead to improved dimability and the protocol is a little simpler.  I do think that it would make the use of auxiliary wall mount touchpads impossible though.  If nothing else, maybe manufacturers will listen to our needs and finally make something HA friendly.

 

Yes, I agree it is a very cool project. A little envious, as I did many projects like that in my past, and have a lot of respect for what he did.

But these things are changing very fast and you can end up re-inventing the wheel. Been there done that too.

 

Ramping and other features would be cool but, as I have found in the 5 channel units the little CPUs don't have the horsepower to do too many fancy things. The 5 channel units have a slight ramp built in, but when it is happening, the controller CPU does not answer the http: call and your supervising software now has little delays in it. This really destroys the smoothness of animations going on.

 

Better hardware inside the controllers (like timer interrupts) would be nice to accommodate these drools.

 

I am doing some ramping in my software for throbbing effects but with my test 10 units and Ethernet WiFi I see some strobing going on, where they get out of sync. Not a bad effect, in itself, but it demonstrates the delays can add up. Inside each controller is definitely the place to do it = distributed intelligence, if it can be done.

 

The 5 channel units have built in effects...about 22 of them. Strobing with about 5 single colours, seven colour strobing, fading, and some fades between the major colours. You can see the jags in the ramp, somewhat.

 

In the end, after thinking I was going to do all these eefcts in my house I realised I do none for HA. It's annoying. But I have another 18 of them I am creating animations with, not for my house though.

 

Cripes! I don't even mix colours after replacing all my MiLight controllers fof not being capable of mixing pastels.

 

As you develop you question yourself and sometimes it become clearer you are wasting your time... but having fun.

[baabm]

Larryllix,

I am in the market to buy 3 color changeable bulbs (2 high hats and 1 standard bulb) that I would like to control from my ISY via the NR capability. The threads I have read (including this one) are so confusing that I can't figure out what to buy. Can you help me by providing an example of bulbs, and controllers that would make the most sense for me. I don't want to buy an RPI or anything else to program, just some bulbs that I can control the color of thru ISY - mostly on timed events. Thanks, Bob

[n8huntsman]

I bought the https://www.amazon.com/LEDENET-Wireless-Console-Controller-Wall-mounted/dp/B00PYECABO#Ask which is actually made by a company called LTECH.  Perhaps the same company.  It is 2.4Ghz but is not wifi.  It does have DMX output.

 

I also bought this controller: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DY56N8U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  As I see it, it is wifi but has no other 2.4Ghz connection to the above control panel that I ordered.

 

I don't think the two will work together.  However, the manual for the control panel says it works with the https://www.amazon.com/LEDENET-Wireless-receiving-Controller-Constant/dp/B00PYECABE/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1495679847&sr=1-1&keywords=r4-5a+rgbw R4-5A controller.  This controller has a 2.4Ghz connection to the control panel and still no wifi.  Instructions for that indicate that you additionally need the WIFI-104, https://www.amazon.com/LEDENET-Lighting-Spotlight-Controller-Smartphone/dp/B00VHW2IEG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1495680479&sr=1-1&keywords=wifi-104+ledenet  From what I can tell this has wifi and an additional non-wifi 2.4Ghz connection to the controller.  It's quite expensive.  Here's a video of the app that it uses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILqke3CRTMM  The app is Wifi-104 by Zhuhai Ltech Technology LTD.  

 

Here is a nice manual that shows the whole ecosystem: https://www.ledworldlighting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/wifi-104.pdf

 

1) I really like this touch panel and don't want a system without a similar panel.  It's nice looking and seems well built.  I'm willing to pay a premium to use it if this is the only way, just not sure that the recommended components are the only method.  Are there any cheaper components that you think would be compatible?

 

2) Is this app significantly different from the one mentioned earlier in this thread and would you expect the protocol to be significantly different?  If it is, I would think I could use wireshark to figure it out.

 

I suppose I could try to build an rpi/dmx controller that could take the DMX in from the control panel and output a couple channels of pwm.  I think falcon pi player could do all or part of that and may even provide a method to send tcp commands.  Don't really have the time for a project of that magnitude at the moment.  Unless someone say FPP can do that out of the box.  Ill check over on there forum and report back.

Edited May 25, 2017 by n8huntsman

[larryllix]

I bought the https://www.amazon.com/LEDENET-Wireless-Console-Controller-Wall-mounted/dp/B00PYECABO#Ask which is actually made by a company called LTECH.  Perhaps the same company.  It is 2.4Ghz but is not wifi.  It does have DMX output.

 

I also bought this controller: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DY56N8U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  As I see it, it is wifi but has no other 2.4Ghz connection to the above control panel that I ordered.

 

I don't think the two will work together.  However, the manual for the control panel says it works with the https://www.amazon.com/LEDENET-Wireless-receiving-Controller-Constant/dp/B00PYECABE/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1495679847&sr=1-1&keywords=r4-5a+rgbw R4-5A controller.  This controller has a 2.4Ghz connection to the control panel and still no wifi.  Instructions for that indicate that you additionally need the WIFI-104, https://www.amazon.com/LEDENET-Lighting-Spotlight-Controller-Smartphone/dp/B00VHW2IEG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1495680479&sr=1-1&keywords=wifi-104+ledenet  From what I can tell this has wifi and an additional non-wifi 2.4Ghz connection to the controller.  It's quite expensive.  Here's a video of the app that it uses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILqke3CRTMM  The app is Wifi-104 by Zhuhai Ltech Technology LTD.  

 

Here is a nice manual that shows the whole ecosystem: https://www.ledworldlighting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/wifi-104.pdf

 

1) I really like this touch panel and don't want a system without a similar panel.  It's nice looking and seems well built.  I'm willing to pay a premium to use it if this is the only way, just not sure that the recommended components are the only method.  Are there any cheaper components that you think would be compatible?

 

2) Is this app significantly different from the one mentioned earlier in this thread and would you expect the protocol to be significantly different?  If it is, I would think I could use wireshark to figure it out.

 

I suppose I could try to build an rpi/dmx controller that could take the DMX in from the control panel and output a couple channels of pwm.  I think falcon pi player could do all or part of that and may even provide a method to send tcp commands.  Don't really have the time for a project of that magnitude at the moment.  Unless someone say FPP can do that out of the box.  Ill check over on there forum and report back.

I have many of the LEDenet controllers you purchased.

 

All you need is a 3A+ 12V power supply, a pigtailed power supply female inline connector, RGBWW LEDs strips, a pigtailed flat ribbon cable with 5 pin connector to match, and a few Network resources in ISY.

 

For mobile device control, download the free app for MagicHouse UFO and select the 5 channel option.

 

The Wall panel doesn't seem to be compatible with any of the cheap controllers and certainly is not required for that LED controller.

 

I don't see what the the 2.4GHz protocol will support documented on a quick look, unless it is some form of DMX controller.

[n8huntsman]

I understand how to get that controller to function with ISY, but the wife insists that there be a physical control as well, and not just on off.  The one I have seems to be the only one that has the potential to work (albeit with additional expensive components) with ISY. 

[Scottmichaelj]

I understand how to get that controller to function with ISY, but the wife insists that there be a physical control as well, and not just on off. The one I have seems to be the only one that has the potential to work (albeit with additional expensive components) with ISY.

I have bought the cheap $15 Ledenets LED controllers on ebay and they work fine with the ISY network resource module.

[n8huntsman]

Am I missing something?  Is there a physical method of controlling those?  I need a wall mount panel that can control color and intensity.  I havent found that for the $15 modules but hopefully ive overlooked this,

[Scottmichaelj]

Am I missing something? Is there a physical method of controlling those? I need a wall mount panel that can control color and intensity. I havent found that for the $15 modules but hopefully ive overlooked this,

If you have the portal you have network resources. Or you can just buy the addon by itself. Then you can send it a special string of commands to turn it on/off and colors (presets only no dim/brightness). Then you can add any switch you want or Keypadlinc. Then a program that says if KPL button A is on send this network command - the command that triggers on the strip. Pressing off turns it off. Press "B" for blue, press "C" for Orange or whatever. Make sense?

[larryllix]

...."Alexa!...Turn on mauve lights!"

 

Five Hues, five MiLight bulbs, and four LEDenet controlled RGBWW strips all turn to the deepest beautiful mauve colour, all around the room,

You won't need to dim the colours (what for?) but you will want to use at least three levels of white.

 

I use a SwitchLinc dimmer to controll all my settings. No wall control will natively control three different protocols. I have remotes and apps for the different brands but never use them, once the novelty wore off.

 

First thought, would be an old Android phone with an app running, mounted in a holder, on the wall.

Second, would be an Insteon 4 rockt keys, mini-remote (16 commands) or KPL, for any combination you can think of. Dedicate a few functions to levels, and a few functions to select colours.

[Scottmichaelj]

Oh yeah Magic Home App is Amazon Echo Skill - no need for the ISY unless you want to. Forgot about that Larry!

[larryllix]

Oh yeah Magic Home App is Amazon Echo Skill - no need for the ISY unless you want to. Forgot about that Larry!

I don't use skills to operate lights directly, only via ISY

 

I have never seen an Alexa skill that will do colour, yet, and I need to operate three different brands of lights with matching hues. Even Philips bulbs use different hues parameters between their Bloom and Hue bulbs. I use ISY variable charts to match them up.

 

So for one uniform colour around the room, I use Alexa. For varios white only levels I use the SwitchLinc on the wall.

For different holiday colour themes, I use the SwitchLinc on the wall and ISY sets the festive theme automatically or I can force the colour them with Alexa.

 

"....Alexa! Turn On Halloween lights!"   as well as  double tap off, on the Switchlink dimmer, during the week before Halloweeen....

 

gets me orange and dark purple lights around the room.

[Bumbershoot]

I use a SwitchLinc dimmer to controll all my settings. No wall control will natively control three different protocols. I have remotes and apps for the different brands but never use them, once the novelty wore off.

 

 

I have the feeling there's an idea here that I haven't thought of. 

 

I'm beginning to fit out an artists studio with controllable bulbs (LIFX 3rd generation BR30 bulbs are preferred at the moment).  The test bulb I have installed works fine with the ISY, the LIFX node server and with Alexa (as well as with the LIFX app), but I'm curious as to how you're using a SwitchLinc dimmer in this sort of application?

 

Thanks.

[n8huntsman]

If you have the portal you have network resources. Or you can just buy the addon by itself. Then you can send it a special string of commands to turn it on/off and colors (presets only no dim/brightness). Then you can add any switch you want or Keypadlinc. Then a program that says if KPL button A is on send this network command - the command that triggers on the strip. Pressing off turns it off. Press "B" for blue, press "C" for Orange or whatever. Make sense?

Yeah, I totally get that.  Ive got a kpl already that sends lots of NR commands to various devices such as my autelis pool controller and my onkyo avr.  Even have some NR's to turn on favorite channels via directv receiver. "Alexa, turn on minnie mouse" for my daughter, so I'm not stranger to that.  It's funny hearing an almost two year old trying to talk to alexa.  Im going to be in trouble when it acutally works. 

However, I really need a wall control with the color mixer similar to what I posted.  So while, expensive I think Im going to give it a try unless I can find a way for falcon pi player to be controlled via tcp, because it does have a method for taking in dmx as an input. and i can output pwm from the pins to a simple rgbw amplifier for power injection.