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  • Author Author: colporteur
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Fireworks Simulation with Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) Day 7

colporteur

Day 7 was a revisit to the electronics. The hired help completed the display panel knitting. It is now available to work to start assembly.

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The upper left corner of the display panel will hold the perfboard/controller. Cables extend out to each RGBLEB OFC on the display. Super gluing heat shink tubing to the panel made for ideal LED and cable holders. In the center of the panel is the LED strips. It was discovered during assembly there are actually two separate light strips and not just one. This required and addition trigger point in the code, additional connector on perfboard and addition FET power module. Power supply assemble is in lower right.

 

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There are two FET power modules that are attached to the black trigger cables from the LED strips. The FET power modules are an easy solution to switch from the low controller voltage at the Mega to the 12V needed to power the strip. A four pair cable (yellow) from the power supply assemble to the breakout board will carry 12VDC, 5VDC and the two LED strip triggers. A button and associated cable is still needs to be added.

 

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The Mega (white)is installed on the perf board. The limiting resistor can be seen down the left. The four twisted pair cables on the right (not connected) are from the power supply assembly. There was sufficient space on the perf board to mount a DFModule for sound generation. The socket is visible just below the module. On reflection, my first generation perfboards tend to give up neatness for functionality. Wires are either to long or short. Connectors are wedged in as needed. The boards wouldn't garner any stars for presentation. This boards initial testing (without sound) is working has it working.

 

The DFModule was installed and the needed pins connected to the Mega so the assembly and installation could proceed. Let's hope there are no audio issue that require removal of the perf board.

 

I am reasonable confident the project is nearing completion. The break out board complete with Mega was bench tested successfully. A slight code change to support the additional LED strip needs to be made and then uploaded. The plan is to complete assembly and then confirm that the code generates the desired lighting patterns. A video should be available in order to meet the Project14 requirements. I hope to finish assembly and start proof of performance the next visit. More details on the next blog post.

  • in reply to robogary

    I am always critical of my work. Most people will look at a perf board and be amazed with the interconnections and components. I've giving some thought to a PCB cut but not sure if it will be used again.

     

    The fireworks display has a trigger button. The location it will sit in the model railroad layout is fairly dark. There are some twinkling lights to simulate stars and a simulated drive in movie theatre. The fireworks display has a trigger button on the layout. Many of the simulation have trigger buttons. The intent is to engage people. Some examples start the drive in movie, honk horns, move vehicles, turn on lights..., there is a helicopter that does a complete light, sound and motion simulation, who are looking at the layout. The button triggers a random three burst sequence of fireworks, with random colours for each burst. Two burst have a launch LED light and one has a sparkle pattern at the end.

     

    I'm hoping to capture some video today.

     

    The only outstanding option is to add sound using a DFModule.

  • Some of my prototype boards dont even look as nice as yours. Its pretty good.

    Nobody is going to see the perfboard anyway, and you need room for later mods or troubleshooting.

     

    I'm excited to see the video.

    Will the fireworks run continuously, or is there some sort of trigger ?

    Will there be different firework routines based on track conditions ?

     

    Are you planning sounds effects as well ? The photo shows a WTV20 or a DFplayer. That would be really cool.

  • Hand placing that many optical fibers into a mdf(?) sheet is beyond remarkable!

     

    This reminded me of the Rolls-Royce starlight headliner: https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en_US/inspiring-greatness/objects/under-the-stars.html Only with fireworks, which makes your project way cooler!

     

    Well done. Can't wait to see the animated fireworks show.