8 Channel PIC Micro-controller Embedded Christmas Light Controller (LED Polarity Control)

This is an overview video of an embedded systems prototype I made to control 8 physical AC channels (or 16 channels when used with polarity sensitive LED strings). Uses a PIC 16C745 (older UV Erasable PIC) optocouplers, TIRAC, and an AC-to-DC power supply.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Micro Controller
• Embedded
• PIC
• Micro
• Christmas Lights
• Electronics
• TRIAC
• Power
• Circuit

[vcappell]

I spent the weekend adding an RS232 serial port to this project, the previous version had a different type of serial control that didn't work for interfacing with a standard computer. I'm working through the code, but if I can get a good user interface developed I'll post a follow-up video.

[vcappell]

The microchip website has most of the technical details for their products, for PIC microcontrollers. You can code these in either C or ASM, I happened to use ASM. PIC's are a pretty common hobby microcontroller, sparkfun and other sites sell starter kits.

[rtdem]

are you willing to post a schematic?

[vcappell]

@rtdem Sure I guess, it's just a prototype but I'm willing to provide it... not sure how to post it on youtube.

[ceroso398]

Is it better to make the switching with TRIACs instead of relays??

[imalwayswatchingu00]

Where can I go to learn this?

Do you have to like, code in ASM?

[jeffreymhopkins]

Very good job describing the project. Awesome.