27109

Web Site: www.parallax.com Office: (916) 624-8333 Forums: forums.parallax.com Fax: (916) 624-8003 Sales: sales parallax.com Sales: (888) 512-1024 Technical: support parallax.com Tech Support: (888) 997-8267 Light Commander ( 27109) The Light Commander is a multi-output user programmable power controller. Originally designed for use as a light controller on the Parallax ELEV-8 Quadcopter, it is equally well suited for any application requiring the switching of high current under programmable control. Based on the proven technology of our BASIC Stamp 1 microcontroller, this product is both simple to use and incredibly versatile in its capabilities. Features Simple to program with PBASIC Two programmable I/O ports Five high power outputs (MOSFET) Adjustable voltage sensor Regulated 5 V output for external devices Onboard switch with programmable functions Key Specifications Power Requirements: 618 VDC 8 mA (idle) Power outputs: Port 3 = 4 A Port 4,5,6,7 = 2 A Communication: Standard BASIC Stamp 1 programming port Dimensions: 1.9 x 1.5 in (50 x 38.4 mm) Operating temperature: 0 to +130 F (-18 to +54 C) Application Ideas Intelligent lighting, animation, and control Remote control and scale lighting systems Night flying of multirotors and other model aircraft Copyright Parallax Inc. Light Commander ( 27109) v1.0 3/5/2013 Page 1 of 8 Description The Light Commander has five high-power MOSFET outputs available to switch heavy loads. One output has twice the power of the others for applications that require unusually high surge currents like DC motors, rocket squibs, or solenoids. In addition to the high-power outputs, the board provides two undedicated I/O ports from the microcontroller. The applications for these ports are only limited by your imagination, creativity, and ability to program new functions. On the ELEV-8 we connected one port to the Auxiliary Channel of our R/C receiver to read PWM. This allows us to select different light patterns that weve programmed into the board during flight by simply turning a knob on the transmitter. Weve used the second port to activate all kinds of other devices like our bomb drop servo and camera shutter. The I/O ports are laid out in a standard servo pin format and there is a jumper available to feed modest amounts of +5V power to external devices. We have also included an on-board adjustable battery sensor that can trigger any event that you program. We have often used this to flash lights or activate a piezo buzzer when the battery voltage gets low. Lastly, we have a push button switch available that can be programmed for anything from simple On/Off functions to selecting different programs within the BS1 memory. The Light Commander was designed for maximum versatility so it adapts easily to a multitude of applications. Testing your Board The Light Commander comes pre-installed with a demo program that allows you to test the operation of the board and any external loads that you might like to attach. Refer to the Board Layout below to connect a battery or other power source to the board. Once power is connected, pressing the push button switch will start the program. You should see a series of ten lighting animations displayed on the LEDs. Notice that there is a number next to each LED. These numbers correspond to the actual BS1 port numbers as well as the numbers printed next to each set of pins on the output connector. When an LED is lit, the MOSFET for that port is turned on and power is available at the output pins. This Demo Program will allow you to verify that the board is operational. A printout of this program is included on the last page of this document for your reference. It is also available for download on our site. Analyzing this program will help you to understand the basic programming techniques used with the board and serve as a template for writing your own programs. Board Layout Copyright Parallax Inc. Light Commander ( 27109) v1.0 3/5/2013 Page 2 of 8