CMB16D-QC And that pesky unused 16'th channel.

[Dan C]

So I've got a question. I currently have two DC controllers. I will be adding a third when the summer sale starts. Obviously I'm using them to control RGB spots and floods. Each light requires 3 channels so you can run a maximum of 5 independently controlled lights off each controller. So that uses 15 channels.

My question is what does everyone else do with that unused 16th channel?

I had considered rigging up some elaborate wiring harness to add three 16th channels from 3 controllers together to form another RGB signal, however they are located in different parts of the yard and would be a real headache to keep up each year.

My second thought is to run a signal wire from the 16th channel to a 120V Relay. Then I could use it to control something like strobes that require full voltage to operate. This would not only prevent an accidental under voltage to the strobes, but it use up that channel I paid for. Hopefully this won't cause any issues, as I already set it up tonight and it works great for now!

Maybe LOR could build these with 18 channels! That way we could control 6 lights without anything being left unused.

[Surfing4Dough]

I have struggled with this myself. Haven't come up with what to do yet. Thought about using some sort of LED strips for inside my backlit radio sign (presently just have it on a timer, with a string of incandescents inside, but would like to have it on a channel to "flash" in between songs to grab one's eye--hated to use a regular channel for this though, but an otherwise "wasted" channel would be perfect). Since Rainbow lights are the only DC items I have experience with, not sure how to go about this though.

[kzaas]

I think you have the perfect solution. Buy a Solid State Relay, you could run its DC input off of the same power supply that you are using for your RGB stuff because they draw very low current. And then the relay side of it could control your strobes. I currently have 96 SSR's for my display. I dont use them all right now, only about a third, but they are there if I need them. I run those with a Digital I/O board in my Show PC.

[Guest guest]

I also control my landscape lighting with the DC board, (LED spots), and since it is split into two "zones" across the yard, I can either switch both on that last channel, or split them across a second board I plan to get.

I'm doing 6 rainbow floods, and with their locations in the yard, planning to split them across two boards...so I'll have a handful of extra channels on each DC board....have not even given a moments thought to what opportunities those extra channels open up.

And yes, I could just double up one pair of floods and do it with 15 channels, but then, there goes my justfication for buying a second power supply and that second DC board...

[Ponddude]

Well since you have 3 unused channels seems like a perfect combination for a 3rd spot or flood.

[Dave Batzdorf]

I strive very hard to keep one channel free on most controllers, just in case a channel goes on the fritz. So really, don't fret about it. Call it insurance of a continuous quality show.

[timswitzer]

I have one inflatable off to the side of my yard. I opened it up and added a relay to operate the lights, but not the fan. So it stays inflated, but I can turn the lights on/off as needed. Obviously you cannot dim this channel.

You need a relay with 12vdc coil and 120vac contact like this:

http://www.functionaldevices.com/building-automation/display.php?model=RIBU1C

Tim