build an Antari F80 Z software remote system

[genesis]

Hi all
i make this topic to help some people who want to control a smoke machine with LDS or other laser software.
i have seen that some people have the same smoke machine.
three years ago i have bought an Antari F80z smoke machine for my first laser project.
last month i have build a laser projector (see here: viewtopic.php?t=35793 ) and LDS laser software with Riya card.
the laser projector was controlled with the riya card but not the smoke machine and that was usefull to make an interface
to control the smoke and a fan with the software.
i have make it and i post the schematics if somebody is interested.
in the picture that was the first prototype with I²C control (that was the reason of the complexity)
here is my version:


inside:



and in the box:



to fix it i have used a scratch tape:



and on the smoke machine:



for the fan too:






the original schematic of the Z-80 fog machine and his remote control is:



i think that lot of fog machine use the same circuit and this remote can be use (perhaps with litle modifications) with lot of other brand models.

i have make simplifications of my I²C prototype and add an output to tell at the software to wait
until the smoke was ready
the result is this:



and the PCB:



the values are in SMD code.
for the resistors:
102 = 10 + 00 in ohm = 1K ohm

for capacitors:
104 = 10 + 0000 in pico farads = 100nF


i have try to use an double leds optocoupler in place of the neon and LDR but without success.
the pump impedance was to high to let a current flowing thru the optotriac diode.
i have successfully used a neon + LDR assembly like this:






this is the result:
the orange/green bicolor led is orange when the smoke is not ready:



the blue led is on when the fan work:


the orange/green bicolor led is green when the smoke is ready:



and the local button can control the smoke:




the system is completly insulated of the control system via PC817 optocoupler.

here is the high resolution schematic:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/genesis.thequar ... ematic.jpg

full resolution PCB:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/genesis.thequar ... rl/pcb.jpg

the eagle cad schematic file:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/genesis.thequar ... ematic.sch

and the eagle cad PCB file:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/genesis.thequar ... rl/pcb.brd

i hope that was usefull for someone
good construction
post if you have any question/problem.
genesis

[afrob]

Hi Genesis,
looks very nice! I find your Neon<->LDR combo for the 'ready' indicator very interesting.

Not long ago I had a similar idea:

My F80-Z

recently had an appointment with the Dremel.

Seems as though the warranty is void now .

With some electronics

it now understands DMX.

[genesis]

great system too
my prototype was in I²C protocol at the begining but the DMX is more usefull because the riya card include a DMX controller
what is the function of the second relay? this is the main control? to enable the heater?

[afrob]

great system too
my prototype was in I²C protocol at the begining but the DMX is more usefull because the riya card include a DMX controller

Thx. I'm using bILDA and an old Soundlight ISA DMX Board.
There are many fog machines with DMX around, but for some strange reason no one seems to make one with less then 1kW. As I'm running everything, inlcuding Ar+-Laser from a 16A circuit I had to keep an eye on the total power consumption. A DIY DMX interface for a low power fog machine was the easiest and cheapest solution to the problem.

what is the function of the second relay? this is the main control? to enable the heater?

Yes, the second relay is used to switch the heater. It will switch it off if the DMX signal is 0 or lost for more then about 10 Minutes. Somehow they forgot the mains switch on the original F-80Z, and I'm too lazy to always pull the plug.

[genesis]

yes, i understand