Has Anyone attempted to connect Meanwell ELN-60-48P drivers to an LED Control4 ?

[TheManicFishkeeper]

Tinkering with an LED Control 4 (Passive) tonight, and trying to get it to fire up a Meanwell ELN-60-48P driver with no luck. Curious if anyone has any idea if they are compatible or if I'll need to build another circuit to make them talk nicely to each other.

This is the driver in question:

http://www.meanwell.com/search/eln-60/eln-60-spec.pdf

Driver is verified wired correctly for the LED's and power (driver will power up, and the LED string will get the typical discharge flash when it loses power), however I can't seem to get any PWM control.

LEDControl4 module is connected to L1L2, White wire (Dim -) off the driver is connected to Pin 1 of the connector, Blue wire (Dim +) is connected to Pin 2.

Any thoughts? I can't seem to locate much technical info other then the datasheet I posted above.

Thanks in advance,

G.

[GHL Support]

It seems there is no open collector compatible input at this module.
You may need a pullup resistor from Dim+ to 10V.

[TheManicFishkeeper]

Thats what I thought, time for a visit to my local electronics supplier! Thanks for the response.

G.

[TheManicFishkeeper]

Quick question, and don't feel obligated to answer...

I can easily build the pullup resistor circuit, but I am still learning here. I'm assuming I should provide an external source for V+ to achieve the operating voltage of 10V as shown in your diagram:

http://www.progressivereef.com/prodimages/ghl_profilux/passive_tech3.gif

Now, given that V+ is provided externally, where would I wire V- from the external power source? to the Dim- on the driver? I know I am missing something. I'm asuming that the pull down resistor in the circuit will limit the current from impacting the LEDControl4 but want to make sure.

I'm not an electrician, just like to build my own stuff, so bear with me, I do apologize.

[TheManicFishkeeper]

This is what I was thinking, but I am not 100% sure about the V- at 10V

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee246/GeekPhysique/DIY%20Projects/pullup.jpg

[Matthias]

if the 10V come from an external PSU then the above picture is right (in this case you have + and - from the PSU)

if the 10V come from the Meanwell driver you don`t need the connection to -

[TheManicFishkeeper]

Thank you sir, you're a life saver!

I was planning on using an external source as I am not sure as to how I could tie into the meanwell driver. I already have several 10V PSU's available to me that I would nomally use for analog 1-10v control I can simply use to power the pull-up resistor circuit.

Do you think a 47k resisitor is overkill (as opposed to a 10k)? I dont want too much current flowing through the LEDControl4.

[GHL Support]

It depends on the input resistance or current draw of the control inputs.

[TheManicFishkeeper]

Well guys, I owe you both a huge thank you.

Tinkered with the rig tonight and got it working. I seem to have found the best dimming/responsiveness using a 2.2k resistor (using anything higher resulted in a significantly lower mA output on the LED string) and a 10v 500ma power supply, and now have the full range of dimming (that the driver supports) with flashes/lightning!

Couldn't have done it without your insight, it is very much much appreciated.

Here is a video of the lightning test run, still have some tweaking to do as the drivers cant dim below 10% so they cut off prematurely, but this is a Meanwell PWM thing and is well documented.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHoeROWduCc

The next phase of this build is an audio controller with 2 functions, 1.) Playing Rain audio for the duration of the thunderstorm 2.) Playing audible thunder following each flash.

I already have the computer built for this, and will probably have the audio working by wednesday (latest). The Profilux code for the thunder speakers is quite simple (just need to add a "delayed off" to the outlet that will power the thunder speakers to compensate for the speaker power up delay)

[Matthias]

Glad to help you!

I am really impressed, you did a great job!

[Blahenazo]

how many drivers /leds do you use ?

[TheManicFishkeeper]

60 LEDs driven by 5 drivers combined with 16 T5's driven by 8 ballasts

[TheManicFishkeeper]

There are 2 strings of 12 Cree XP-G series White LED's driven by Meanwell ELN-60-48P's to provide the white lights and Lightning flashes.

The Blue LED's are 2 strings of 12 Cree XP-E series Royal Blues driven by Meanwell ELN-60-48D's, and a 50/50 string of 6 XP-G (White) and 6 XP-E (Blue) LED's driven by a 3rd Meanwell ELN-60-48D.

The White LED's are driven at 1100mA, the Blue LED's are driven at 900mA and the 50/50 string is driven at 750mA.

[hemoi]

Hi, This is awesome.
I am looking to do a similar thing. Would you mind sharing the details ;)
A schematic would be great and also maybe a mud map of how you hooked everything up. :)

I have a 6ft x 2.5ft.
My first project is to create some moon lights dimmable.

Project 2:
I also have 3x 150watt cree light units that I want to retrofit to controll via the profilux. They are just basic 50/50 blue/white that are switched on/off

Kind Regards,
Hem

[Blahenazo]

assuming you have 3 x 150 watt crees ( @ 3 watt a piece ) you have
3 times 50 leds => 12 leds per driver ? that 15's meanwell drivers you will need

with this amount I would take a save bet and suggest to go for a Active led control otherwise you will need to much ports to steer all the drivers.

[hemoi]

Thanks for your reply.
Firstly, should I start a new thread, I don't want to hijack this one if not appropriate :)

You are correct each unit has 50 x3watt LEDs (25 white/25 blue).
I am not sure what you mean by 12 leds per driver ? Would i not just need 1 driver for the white and 1 driver for the blue @ 75 watts per driver.
So for the total of 3 units I would need 6 drivers ? Or am I missing something.
Please bear with me I am just starting out with this and have a LOT (everything) to learn :)

[Blahenazo]

assuming you used the same drivers (like Meanwell ELN-60-48D) as the thread starter you can only drive 12 a 13 leds of the 3 watt crees per driver

if you use another driver it can be a total differenct story offcourse

[TheManicFishkeeper]

LED's are current devices, the "wattage" rating that manufacturers give is only an approximation. Meanwell Drivers power the LED strings based on teh forward voltage of the string, and set current rating (the current is what sets the LED's "brightnes").

Cree XP led's run at about 3.2-3.5 volts each, so a string of 12 LED's will run at about 38.4-42 Volts. A Meanwell ELN-60-48D (or P) driver can power between 24-48 Volts so your maximum number of LED's per string is around 12-13 (approximately).

Once you have your voltage calculations for your driver you then have to dial in your mA on your string to make sure the LED's are running within their rated spec's. For a Cree XP-E Series LED the MAXIMUM mA you should run them at is 1000mA, however a more conservative 750mA is better (they burn almost as bright, but run cooler).

You should definately do some additional research about your LED's before beginning your project. Using the standard meanwell ELN-60-48D (or P series) drivers you will need a minimum of 12 Drivers (You can run up to 13 LED's per driver).

[carballada]

if the 10V come from an external PSU then the above picture is right (in this case you have + and - from the PSU)

if the 10V come from the Meanwell driver you don`t need the connection to -

For the same meanwell driver (ELN-60-48P).

is it possible to use an external PSU with 12V? or different?
is it possible to use same 47k resistor pollup?

[TheManicFishkeeper]

Must be 10V, 12V would put too much voltage through the PWM circuit.

[carballada]

Must be 10V, 12V would put too much voltage through the PWM circuit.

thank you, I will use LM2577 for to do it :D

[carballada]

I have another question,
I think that the drawn current per ProfiLux channel isn't more than approx 30mA (10mA normal use),
in my opinion it is possible to connect more devices in paralel to this profi Lx ports like control4 but, only for my understood, how much comsume this control4 device?

My problem is I have attached several meanweel 60-48D (with 3.3mA each one) and I need to know the limits...

[bmwaaron]

This is what I was thinking, but I am not 100% sure about the V- at 10V

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee246/GeekPhysique/DIY%20Projects/pullup.jpg

So do you have to use a seperate 10v PSU for every driver?
If I have 36 LED's and 3 Drivers would I also have to run 3 10 Volt PSU's?

[TheManicFishkeeper]

I don't believe so, but you will need 1 resistor per driver, I'll try this over the next few days and post results.

[carballada]

I don't believe so, but you will need 1 resistor per driver, I'll try this over the next few days and post results.

some news? :D

Do you maintain 2.2k as the best value for pullup?

anymore experiencies?

thanks in advance, this next weekend I will fight with two 6048P

[TheManicFishkeeper]

I havent had time to try a diferent resistor yet, schedule got kind of busy. Sorry bout that. Will try sometime this week.

[TheManicFishkeeper]

Ok! I had some time today after all so I started tinkering.

So far the best results I have had are actually using a 1.5k E24 Resistor (Colour code Brown, green, red, gold).

Previously with the 2.2k resistor I had to have Umin set to 3.5 V and it was preventing hte lightning from working correctly. Now with the 1.5k the lightning effects are GREAT and I get a much broader dim curve.

[TheManicFishkeeper]

***EDIT*** removed video as I didnt realize my girlfriend was visible all throughout the filming, will make a new one. My bad.

[carballada]

This weekend I finish my project, two P meanweel connect to one channel in LEDControl4Passive with 24 Cree XPG (and another five D with another 120 leeds more in two L channels).
Testing and testing finally I need to put one 670Ω resistor for correct dimming (stop work at 2v), 4.7K was too high and was at max power all dimming curve, even with 1K.

thats the result


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXeYgL95xFE

[Henrik]

I'm trying the same thing with no luck.

Can you post a short diagram of how your wiring this to make it work and which components?

I'm using the same driver with the LED Control 4 Passive and the ELN-60-48P.

I'm using V+ and V- from the Meanwell to the LED string. The Dim+ go to Channel 2 (along with 9V+) on the LEDC4Passive. Dim- go to Channel 1 (along with 9V-) on LEDC4Passive. I get light, but I get no control via Profilux 2ex with newest firmware and software. (I can't manual dim up and down, nor turn it on or of. It stops if I power off, else it will stay on)

Is this all due to 9V instead of 10V? Would not the use of a resistor (680 Ohm) reduce the V anyhow?

[TheManicFishkeeper]

You need to provide 10V or the PWM Circuit wont work.

use this diagram, but use a 670Ω resistor instead:

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee246/GeekPhysique/DIY%20Projects/pullup.jpg

[Henrik]

My dimming turns off at 25% with a 680 Ohm resistor. (Running the ledstring @ 1A)

[GHL Support]

680 Ohm is a rather low resistor. Keep in mind the maximum current for LED-Control passive is 12mA (as mentioned in the manual). With 680 Ohm at 10V the current is over 12mA.
At 10V the resistor should not be lower than 750 Ohm (calculated as: (10V - 1V@12mA) / 12mA).

If you need to meet the specifications for TTL the current should not exceed 10mA.