Re: [LCtalk] Is this a viable set up

[Amanda Steggell]

On Jun 24, 2008, at 2:32 PM, Carl Byrne wrote:
> This looks more logical to me. I agree that there are numerous ways to get 
> to the end result. Regarding the choice between a solids state relay (as 
> in the Chavaute box I suggested) and an actual relay box such as Jon 
> suggested there are several factors to consider. Money is usually at the 
> top of the list, what the budget can afford. In your particular 
> application, I think the relays will be switched fairly frequently.  
> Depending upon how long this display is intended to last before a repair 
> is required, a solid state relay may serve you better in the long run.

Okay. How does 2 weeks continuous tun sound in terms of maintenance/need for 
repair? Does repair mean replacing an actual relay box?


> Have you worked out the electronic interface between the DMX signal 
> and the variable speed pump? That should be interesting..

?????????

The interface? I just plug the pump into the dimmer box! I used the sound 
envelope data (smoothed and scaled) of live audio signals from my sniffer to 
control the height of the water ....
There's a link to my first pump control demo as a mpeg 4 movie here: 
http://ajsteggell.wordpress.com/2007/12/25/emf-prototype-movie/

(othewrwise on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjvC5rtBioE )

I did a similar thing to control a large propellor in my previous 
project. However, as it is not confirmed as to which pumps will be 
used to generate the desired water height - there is still the 
question of whether

1. the pumps will need a control signal and a separate electricity 
supply - or
2. the dmx dimmer pack will do both jobs.

If 1. then I think I will need yet another dmx relay box instead of a dimmer 
pack???

(Phew)

a

(PS. what I'm also exploring now is other approaches to utilizing the 
audio signal - such as spectral analysis, peak and trend monitoring, 
and anything I can think of)