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Weather Station Hardware => Blitzortung => Topic started by: Cleofide on August 21, 2013, 01:47:47 PM

Title: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: Cleofide on August 21, 2013, 01:47:47 PM
Hi all,

I am trying to gather as much info as I can before starting to set up my system RED kit and I am wondering what kind of casing to use to shelter the controller board. Given that there is an LCD module and two push buttons, I am a bit lost. What do you use with your systems?

Would it be possible to drill a couple of holes into the case so that I could slightly move the board away from the inner top of the case?

Thanks for your advice, ;)
Title: Re: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: Ian. on August 21, 2013, 02:41:37 PM
Hi,

I went the other way, rather than enclose it, I simple put it inside an old picture frame

http://www.chatteris.biz/blitzortung_build.html

I think it looks like active wall art and is a good conversation peice to those who venture into the man cave, suppose dust may be a problem but to date it's still looking good.
Title: Re: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: Cutty Sark Sailor on August 21, 2013, 06:38:17 PM
I recycled stuff:
http://www.ourspecialnet.com/Weather/TwinHollies/30312224_5r5QZ6#!i=2674019068&k=xwxGdnW (http://www.ourspecialnet.com/Weather/TwinHollies/30312224_5r5QZ6#!i=2674019068&k=xwxGdnW)
Title: Re: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: miraculon on August 21, 2013, 07:17:00 PM
Here are a couple of ideas:

http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=19628.msg190794#msg190794 (http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=19628.msg190794#msg190794)

A photo of the controller mounted is at: http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=19750.msg190995#msg190995 (http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=19750.msg190995#msg190995)

Greg H.

Title: Re: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: Cleofide on August 22, 2013, 12:34:26 PM
Thanks to you all,
Miraculon, using a clear cover box sounds like the best way to go for me. Turning my controller board into a Disco art frame sounds awesome, but I don't expect my parents to put up with it in the office :grin:

Cutty Sark Sailor, I have a side question: on one of your pages, you said:

Quote
UPDATE: 8/14/2013 The little power supply was only holding about 4.69-4.81 volts, so I have replaced it with a better regulated 5V supply, holding it within 4.94-5.01 volts. I have always said that 1% beats 6%, unless you're talkin' beer...

Did you find that a 6% variance in the voltage somewhat disturbed/interfered with the detection rate (or generated extra noise)? I have ordered the 'original' Blitzortung power supply. Don't really know what to expect from it now.

Thanks,
Title: Re: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: dfroula on August 22, 2013, 01:20:27 PM
Here is my enclosure:

http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=19782.0

Don
Title: Re: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: Cleofide on August 22, 2013, 01:28:09 PM
Wow, your set-up is the most successfully completed I have seen so far. You even added a couple of remote buttons on the side. I think I just might copy you somehow  :-P (if you're okay with that).

Do you use shielded wire cables on your system?
Title: Re: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: dfroula on August 22, 2013, 01:38:54 PM
The remote button wires are not really shielded.

I do use shielded two-conductor wire from my antennas to the amp. The CAT5 cable connecting the amp to the controller is shielded.

Feel free to copy away! I did!

Best,

Don
Title: Re: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: Cutty Sark Sailor on August 22, 2013, 02:35:49 PM
Quote from: Cleofide on August 22, 2013, 12:34:26 PM
Thanks to you all,
Miraculon, using a clear cover box sounds like the best way to go for me. Turning my controller board into a Disco art frame sounds awesome, but I don't expect my parents to put up with it in the office :grin:

Cutty Sark Sailor, I have a side question: on one of your pages, you said:

Quote
UPDATE: 8/14/2013 The little power supply was only holding about 4.69-4.81 volts, so I have replaced it with a better regulated 5V supply, holding it within 4.94-5.01 volts. I have always said that 1% beats 6%, unless you're talkin' beer...

Did you find that a 6% variance in the voltage somewhat disturbed/interfered with the detection rate (or generated extra noise)? I have ordered the 'original' Blitzortung power supply. Don't really know what to expect from it now.

Thanks,
First, unless they have changed it, the kit supply is for 230V/50HZ, and has European plug. It didn't work for me. Even busting it open and attaching a plug, output too low.
Second, Before I determined the source of some interference, I felt the lower varying supply, might have been an issue... that's the main reason I changed it. The other reason was it just bothered me... Did it make a difference? I think so, as far as the systems 'feel' if you will, and I don't have to 'juggle' the gain so much... but there are other factors involved, such as a couple of firmware updates, etc. Was it worth it? ... For me, it was... Did it make a significant documentable difference? No, not that I can really tell. I can tell you this: with the LCD display turned off, it is a rock steady 5.0-5.1 volts. It's 4.94-4.98 with the LCD lit. BTW, I did try several different USB charger types, with similar results, before obtaining the PS I'm running now.
Title: Re: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: W3DRM on August 22, 2013, 08:48:43 PM
When I placed my original Blitzortung RED kit order, Egon recommended that I NOT order the 5V power supply he was selling because it was designed for 220V/50Hz and I would be better off buying one designed for the US market.

So, I ordered what he calls Option 4 which does not include the 5V PS. Since my kit hasn't arrived yet, I can't comment of how the PS I ordered will work. The PS I ordered came from AdaFruit.com. It costs $5.95 plus shipping. I also ordered the USB to mini-B cable that goes with it. They state the PS was designed to output 5.25V due to the drop in voltage under load and small wire sizes used. I don't know if that will have any operational impact of the Blitzortung kit or not. There are others on the USATOA forum who have also used that same PS and I haven't heard anyone complaining about it. Here is a link to the PS:


Title: Re: What kind of casing to use with a RED Ctrl 10 V3 board
Post by: Cleofide on August 23, 2013, 06:41:59 AM
I am in Europe so it shan't be a problem for me to use the 5V supply. I guess I just have to wait 'til it hits my door now.

Best,