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Front-panel LED Module [modified]

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  • realJSOPR Offline
    realJSOPR Offline
    realJSOP
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    I'm building a firewall appliance, and would really like to put the NIC activity lights on the front of the box. My soldering-fu is not practically non-existent, so I went in search of a programmable USB LED controller. I found this ($45): http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239[^] An ActiveXrement OCX file is available for download, but my firewall is powered by FreeBSD, so I'm going to have to write my own code for this thing. Does anyone here have any experience writing micro-controller code? I also found this - it's kinda pricey ($125) but with the 2-line LCD display, it's more versatile and they've got code samples for pretty much any language/platform you could name: http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=15&product_id=1203[^] And this ($99): http://www.cypress.com/?id=1580[^] And this ($90): http://www.robotshop.ca/devantech-usb-8-channel-relay-1.html[^] I don't need anything fancy, just the ability to control two LEDs per NIC - one to indicate speed (green=100, orange=1000), and one to indicate traffic (blue or green). If anyone has any other hardware recommendations, I'm listening. BTW, I found this as well. It uses an arduino "open hardware" controller and allows you to build your own LED controller. Definitely inexpensive, but there's that pesky soldering requirement. :) http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LEDDriver[^]

    .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly

    L R P Mike HankeyM J 8 Replies Last reply
    0
    • realJSOPR realJSOP

      I'm building a firewall appliance, and would really like to put the NIC activity lights on the front of the box. My soldering-fu is not practically non-existent, so I went in search of a programmable USB LED controller. I found this ($45): http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239[^] An ActiveXrement OCX file is available for download, but my firewall is powered by FreeBSD, so I'm going to have to write my own code for this thing. Does anyone here have any experience writing micro-controller code? I also found this - it's kinda pricey ($125) but with the 2-line LCD display, it's more versatile and they've got code samples for pretty much any language/platform you could name: http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=15&product_id=1203[^] And this ($99): http://www.cypress.com/?id=1580[^] And this ($90): http://www.robotshop.ca/devantech-usb-8-channel-relay-1.html[^] I don't need anything fancy, just the ability to control two LEDs per NIC - one to indicate speed (green=100, orange=1000), and one to indicate traffic (blue or green). If anyone has any other hardware recommendations, I'm listening. BTW, I found this as well. It uses an arduino "open hardware" controller and allows you to build your own LED controller. Definitely inexpensive, but there's that pesky soldering requirement. :) http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LEDDriver[^]

      .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly

      L Offline
      L Offline
      Lost User
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      Cheaper to get someone to do the soldering for you. Controler, power supply, still got to connect the LEDs to the controller (they will need leads soldered to them) etc. No easier and much more expensive.

      Join the cool kids - Come fold with us[^]

      D realJSOPR 2 Replies Last reply
      0
      • L Lost User

        Cheaper to get someone to do the soldering for you. Controler, power supply, still got to connect the LEDs to the controller (they will need leads soldered to them) etc. No easier and much more expensive.

        Join the cool kids - Come fold with us[^]

        D Offline
        D Offline
        Dalek Dave
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        If his soldering is weak, he could use lined vero board, much easier to use.

        ------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave

        B 1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • L Lost User

          Cheaper to get someone to do the soldering for you. Controler, power supply, still got to connect the LEDs to the controller (they will need leads soldered to them) etc. No easier and much more expensive.

          Join the cool kids - Come fold with us[^]

          realJSOPR Offline
          realJSOPR Offline
          realJSOP
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          I was thinking the controller would be powered by the USB connection. If that's not possible, I'd accept an internal PSU connection. As far as soldering on the cards themselves, I really don't want to take a changce on trashing that $160 dual-NIC adapter. The LEDs are all surface-mount components - VERY small. I would like to use pin headers (like motherboards use), and that way, I can look for LEDs that already have the wiring/connectors soldered to them.

          .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
          -----
          "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
          -----
          "The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • realJSOPR realJSOP

            I'm building a firewall appliance, and would really like to put the NIC activity lights on the front of the box. My soldering-fu is not practically non-existent, so I went in search of a programmable USB LED controller. I found this ($45): http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239[^] An ActiveXrement OCX file is available for download, but my firewall is powered by FreeBSD, so I'm going to have to write my own code for this thing. Does anyone here have any experience writing micro-controller code? I also found this - it's kinda pricey ($125) but with the 2-line LCD display, it's more versatile and they've got code samples for pretty much any language/platform you could name: http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=15&product_id=1203[^] And this ($99): http://www.cypress.com/?id=1580[^] And this ($90): http://www.robotshop.ca/devantech-usb-8-channel-relay-1.html[^] I don't need anything fancy, just the ability to control two LEDs per NIC - one to indicate speed (green=100, orange=1000), and one to indicate traffic (blue or green). If anyone has any other hardware recommendations, I'm listening. BTW, I found this as well. It uses an arduino "open hardware" controller and allows you to build your own LED controller. Definitely inexpensive, but there's that pesky soldering requirement. :) http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LEDDriver[^]

            .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly

            R Offline
            R Offline
            Robert Surtees
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            Glue a fiber optic cable to each LED with some fiber optic adhesive.

            realJSOPR 1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • D Dalek Dave

              If his soldering is weak, he could use lined vero board, much easier to use.

              ------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave

              B Offline
              B Offline
              Brady Kelly
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              Veroboard. Ah, memories. Nothing on making your own boards though.

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • R Robert Surtees

                Glue a fiber optic cable to each LED with some fiber optic adhesive.

                realJSOPR Offline
                realJSOPR Offline
                realJSOP
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                That would be a partially external application. I want to keep it completely in the box.

                .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
                -----
                "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
                -----
                "The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • realJSOPR realJSOP

                  I'm building a firewall appliance, and would really like to put the NIC activity lights on the front of the box. My soldering-fu is not practically non-existent, so I went in search of a programmable USB LED controller. I found this ($45): http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239[^] An ActiveXrement OCX file is available for download, but my firewall is powered by FreeBSD, so I'm going to have to write my own code for this thing. Does anyone here have any experience writing micro-controller code? I also found this - it's kinda pricey ($125) but with the 2-line LCD display, it's more versatile and they've got code samples for pretty much any language/platform you could name: http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=15&product_id=1203[^] And this ($99): http://www.cypress.com/?id=1580[^] And this ($90): http://www.robotshop.ca/devantech-usb-8-channel-relay-1.html[^] I don't need anything fancy, just the ability to control two LEDs per NIC - one to indicate speed (green=100, orange=1000), and one to indicate traffic (blue or green). If anyone has any other hardware recommendations, I'm listening. BTW, I found this as well. It uses an arduino "open hardware" controller and allows you to build your own LED controller. Definitely inexpensive, but there's that pesky soldering requirement. :) http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LEDDriver[^]

                  .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly

                  L Offline
                  L Offline
                  Lost User
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  A thought - does it have serial ports with spare handshake lines? These could drive high efficiency LEDs directly and any soldering would be on a separate cable assembly.

                  Join the cool kids - Come fold with us[^]

                  realJSOPR 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • realJSOPR realJSOP

                    I'm building a firewall appliance, and would really like to put the NIC activity lights on the front of the box. My soldering-fu is not practically non-existent, so I went in search of a programmable USB LED controller. I found this ($45): http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239[^] An ActiveXrement OCX file is available for download, but my firewall is powered by FreeBSD, so I'm going to have to write my own code for this thing. Does anyone here have any experience writing micro-controller code? I also found this - it's kinda pricey ($125) but with the 2-line LCD display, it's more versatile and they've got code samples for pretty much any language/platform you could name: http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=15&product_id=1203[^] And this ($99): http://www.cypress.com/?id=1580[^] And this ($90): http://www.robotshop.ca/devantech-usb-8-channel-relay-1.html[^] I don't need anything fancy, just the ability to control two LEDs per NIC - one to indicate speed (green=100, orange=1000), and one to indicate traffic (blue or green). If anyone has any other hardware recommendations, I'm listening. BTW, I found this as well. It uses an arduino "open hardware" controller and allows you to build your own LED controller. Definitely inexpensive, but there's that pesky soldering requirement. :) http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LEDDriver[^]

                    .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly

                    L Offline
                    L Offline
                    Lost User
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    This[^] looks about right - $30, four outputs and should be able to self power including the LEDs.

                    Join the cool kids - Come fold with us[^]

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • realJSOPR realJSOP

                      I'm building a firewall appliance, and would really like to put the NIC activity lights on the front of the box. My soldering-fu is not practically non-existent, so I went in search of a programmable USB LED controller. I found this ($45): http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239[^] An ActiveXrement OCX file is available for download, but my firewall is powered by FreeBSD, so I'm going to have to write my own code for this thing. Does anyone here have any experience writing micro-controller code? I also found this - it's kinda pricey ($125) but with the 2-line LCD display, it's more versatile and they've got code samples for pretty much any language/platform you could name: http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=15&product_id=1203[^] And this ($99): http://www.cypress.com/?id=1580[^] And this ($90): http://www.robotshop.ca/devantech-usb-8-channel-relay-1.html[^] I don't need anything fancy, just the ability to control two LEDs per NIC - one to indicate speed (green=100, orange=1000), and one to indicate traffic (blue or green). If anyone has any other hardware recommendations, I'm listening. BTW, I found this as well. It uses an arduino "open hardware" controller and allows you to build your own LED controller. Definitely inexpensive, but there's that pesky soldering requirement. :) http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LEDDriver[^]

                      .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly

                      P Offline
                      P Offline
                      PIEBALDconsult
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:

                      NIC activity lights on the front of the box

                      Turn the box around. Done. :-D

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • realJSOPR realJSOP

                        I'm building a firewall appliance, and would really like to put the NIC activity lights on the front of the box. My soldering-fu is not practically non-existent, so I went in search of a programmable USB LED controller. I found this ($45): http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239[^] An ActiveXrement OCX file is available for download, but my firewall is powered by FreeBSD, so I'm going to have to write my own code for this thing. Does anyone here have any experience writing micro-controller code? I also found this - it's kinda pricey ($125) but with the 2-line LCD display, it's more versatile and they've got code samples for pretty much any language/platform you could name: http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=15&product_id=1203[^] And this ($99): http://www.cypress.com/?id=1580[^] And this ($90): http://www.robotshop.ca/devantech-usb-8-channel-relay-1.html[^] I don't need anything fancy, just the ability to control two LEDs per NIC - one to indicate speed (green=100, orange=1000), and one to indicate traffic (blue or green). If anyone has any other hardware recommendations, I'm listening. BTW, I found this as well. It uses an arduino "open hardware" controller and allows you to build your own LED controller. Definitely inexpensive, but there's that pesky soldering requirement. :) http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LEDDriver[^]

                        .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly

                        Mike HankeyM Offline
                        Mike HankeyM Offline
                        Mike Hankey
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        I've been spending a lot of time lately with the Atmel micro controllers,, very inexpensive and really powerful. If all you are wanting to do is control some LEDs then this[^] in combination with an LED breakout board, I've seen them but right off the top of my head I can't remember where, might do the trick without any soldering. There are a few free IDEs available Arduino has one, primitive but can use C++. The one I use is "AVR Studio", VS2005 style IDE but only Assembler and C. There is plenty of example code and libraries available so learning curve should be minimal. Any way I can help let me know Mike [Edit] Found this if it helps [^]

                        Age doesn't make you forgetful. Having way too many stupid things to remember makes you forgetful. http://www.hq4thmarinescomm.com[^] My Site

                        modified on Sunday, June 13, 2010 1:01 PM

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • L Lost User

                          A thought - does it have serial ports with spare handshake lines? These could drive high efficiency LEDs directly and any soldering would be on a separate cable assembly.

                          Join the cool kids - Come fold with us[^]

                          realJSOPR Offline
                          realJSOPR Offline
                          realJSOP
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          Does what have serial ports?

                          .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
                          -----
                          "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
                          -----
                          "The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • realJSOPR realJSOP

                            I'm building a firewall appliance, and would really like to put the NIC activity lights on the front of the box. My soldering-fu is not practically non-existent, so I went in search of a programmable USB LED controller. I found this ($45): http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239[^] An ActiveXrement OCX file is available for download, but my firewall is powered by FreeBSD, so I'm going to have to write my own code for this thing. Does anyone here have any experience writing micro-controller code? I also found this - it's kinda pricey ($125) but with the 2-line LCD display, it's more versatile and they've got code samples for pretty much any language/platform you could name: http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=15&product_id=1203[^] And this ($99): http://www.cypress.com/?id=1580[^] And this ($90): http://www.robotshop.ca/devantech-usb-8-channel-relay-1.html[^] I don't need anything fancy, just the ability to control two LEDs per NIC - one to indicate speed (green=100, orange=1000), and one to indicate traffic (blue or green). If anyone has any other hardware recommendations, I'm listening. BTW, I found this as well. It uses an arduino "open hardware" controller and allows you to build your own LED controller. Definitely inexpensive, but there's that pesky soldering requirement. :) http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LEDDriver[^]

                            .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly

                            J Offline
                            J Offline
                            Jorgen Sigvardsson
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            The Arduino is amazingly simple, and quite fun to play with. My fiancee got me one for my birthday, and I've had lots of fun with it. It would be really simple to accomplish what you want to achieve.

                            -- Kein Mitleid Für Die Mehrheit

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • realJSOPR realJSOP

                              I'm building a firewall appliance, and would really like to put the NIC activity lights on the front of the box. My soldering-fu is not practically non-existent, so I went in search of a programmable USB LED controller. I found this ($45): http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239[^] An ActiveXrement OCX file is available for download, but my firewall is powered by FreeBSD, so I'm going to have to write my own code for this thing. Does anyone here have any experience writing micro-controller code? I also found this - it's kinda pricey ($125) but with the 2-line LCD display, it's more versatile and they've got code samples for pretty much any language/platform you could name: http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=15&product_id=1203[^] And this ($99): http://www.cypress.com/?id=1580[^] And this ($90): http://www.robotshop.ca/devantech-usb-8-channel-relay-1.html[^] I don't need anything fancy, just the ability to control two LEDs per NIC - one to indicate speed (green=100, orange=1000), and one to indicate traffic (blue or green). If anyone has any other hardware recommendations, I'm listening. BTW, I found this as well. It uses an arduino "open hardware" controller and allows you to build your own LED controller. Definitely inexpensive, but there's that pesky soldering requirement. :) http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LEDDriver[^]

                              .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly

                              C Offline
                              C Offline
                              Chris Quinn
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              You can buy this interface board as a kit or pre-built http://www.velleman.eu/distributor/products/view/?id=351346[^]

                              ==================================== Transvestites - Roberts in Disguise! ====================================

                              D realJSOPR 2 Replies Last reply
                              0
                              • C Chris Quinn

                                You can buy this interface board as a kit or pre-built http://www.velleman.eu/distributor/products/view/?id=351346[^]

                                ==================================== Transvestites - Roberts in Disguise! ====================================

                                D Offline
                                D Offline
                                Dan Neely
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                Your URL redirects to the pick a country/language page so I've no idea which of their products you're suggesting.

                                3x12=36 2x12=24 1x12=12 0x12=18

                                C 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • D Dan Neely

                                  Your URL redirects to the pick a country/language page so I've no idea which of their products you're suggesting.

                                  3x12=36 2x12=24 1x12=12 0x12=18

                                  C Offline
                                  C Offline
                                  Chris Quinn
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  Try this link - the same kit http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=42857[^]

                                  ==================================== Transvestites - Roberts in Disguise! ====================================

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • C Chris Quinn

                                    You can buy this interface board as a kit or pre-built http://www.velleman.eu/distributor/products/view/?id=351346[^]

                                    ==================================== Transvestites - Roberts in Disguise! ====================================

                                    realJSOPR Offline
                                    realJSOPR Offline
                                    realJSOP
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    The arduino is the same thing, and it's half the price, but thanks for the link.

                                    .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
                                    -----
                                    "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
                                    -----
                                    "The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001

                                    1 Reply Last reply
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