Each board/device implements a number of functional items depending on the configuration of the board. Every function can be remotely controlled and configured via one of the device ports connected to a PC.
A board may be configured with alternative functional items by using different firmware or is memory space permits then enabling them within the firmware. All boards have a bootloader to enable new firmware to be loaded whilst in the field.
Future: currently all control is from a host PC however to extend board autonomy a scripting item will be introduced allowing boards to programmed by the end user with the aid of a simple PC application.
The functional items are described below, see here for a table of what items can be configured on which boards. The functional items can be divided into essential core items which all boards require and optional items which give the board some specific functionality.
Essential Items
Message Handling (including network discovery) and Task Scheduling are core to the firmware. All items perform tasks either on message reception or a scheduled event. Tasks may then cause the scheduling of other event tasks. For user defined scripts a specific set of messages and scheduling function will be available.
General Control (Button processing and Output driver)
All boards have some general control IO. These can be trigger inputs or outputs, switch inputs, relay outputs or power drivers. Some will be used for other functional items, or those items not used the IO can be used for other tasks. The types of IO are:
- Unbuffered outputs – used for low power output such as triggering other devices.
- Opto-isolated IO – useful to provide electrical isolation between equipment.
- Buffered outputs – using a MOSFET driver these can provide higher current than the unbuffered output.
- Switch inputs – these have pull-ups which allow simple switches to be used.
Inputs can be monitored and used to trigger any item function. Outputs can be toggled or timed pulses.
Optional Items
LED Lighting Control
Control of RGB lighting to any colour and brightness. Useful for mood lighting using LED tape. Includes soft change which provides smooth transition between levels including smooth on and off. Speed of transition can be configured and last set levels are remembered.
Mains Dimmer Control
Control of mains lighting to provide a basis for mood and scene lighting. Soft change transitions with configurable speed and last level memory.
Motor PWM Control
Provides motor control, forward and reverse operation with soft start between two limit switches.
Screen Control
The screen control functions allows a previously switch operated screen to be controlled.
Summary table of board functional capabilities.
| Function | Comms | Main | Driver | Motorless Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mains lighting dimmer control (number of lights) | 0 | 4 | 2* | 2 |
| RGB LED control | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Thermometer sensor (1-wire protocol) | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Analogue sensor inputs (intended for light sensor and PIR) | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Projector screen control | no | no | yes | no |
| Curtain or projector lift motor control | no | no | yes | no |
| IR driver | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Opto-isolated trigger out | yes | no | yes | yes |
| MOSFET driver output 12v or 5v (intended for general output) | 1 | 1 (5v only) | 0 | 1 |
| General purpose IO (5v low current) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Opto-isolated trigger in | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Spare switch inputs (used switches) | 2 (0) | 0 (4) | 0 (2) | 2 (0) |
| LED on board | yes | yes | yes | yes |
(*alternative to screen control)