rxdtxd / dmx-dimmer

An open-source 12-channel DMX512 dimmer suitable for use in theatres

This is an open-source 12-channel DMX512 dimmer, currently known as dmx-dimmer. The name will change to something less meaningful if it is ever production-ready. It is based on Hendrik Hoelscher's dimmer.

The goal is to produce schematics, PCB layouts and code, all available in a form that allows modification and (even homebrew) manufacture. This is important, since tool/material/component availability varies from place to place.

Many modifications have been made, but most importantly:

• an (arguably) modular design;
• support up to 12 channels;
• optionally use 3-phase mains power;
• use commonly available AVR microcontrollers, ATMega168 and ATTiny2313;
• code written in C.

This is a work in progress, currently in late testing stage. Documentation is basically unavailable, but might become so if anyone is interested. Most of what exists is in the git log.

gEDA was chosen to do the design work. As to why is a topic for a whole article. Mainly, I wanted to see whether it's good enough for medium-sized projects. The short answer is yes, if you live in the real world.

Custom symbols and footprints are used.

Software (firmware) is licensed under GPLv3, and resides in the src directory. Hardware designs are licensed under CERN OHL v1.2 and reside in sch. Full texts of appropriate licenses are available in those directories.