#Control my Elite Screens motorized projector screen

21 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

summer rampart
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I have an Elite Screens motorized projector screen that I have been controlling for years via RF commands. One problem with the screen is that the screen (Spectrum, if any other owners find this post) has to be stopped from rolling down all the way because the top part is black. And the manufacturer informed me that there is no way to program the lower limit and no way to set it physically without potentially damaging the unit. (For some other models, you can apparently buy a $200 kit that allows you to program the limit.😒) So I've been sending a "down" command, delaying, and then sending a "stop" command. The RF, coupled with the delay, is sort of inaccurate, and I was getting sick of it.

The screen did come with a wired remote (pictured) that plugs in to the screen via an RJ45 port. @elder garden and @mellow talon helped me determine that it worked via a diode steering matrix that could be replicated with a few optocouplers. (I used 3, but it could have been done with 2.)

I'm sure my soldering could be better (I would accept any tips), but it's working great! I also used a reed sensor to trigger the sending of the "stop" command (with a timeout in case the reed sensor doesn't sense the magnet). See the video, and celebratory cooing baby when the screen stops.

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obsidian hawk
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You might try these boards https://amzn.to/48qV1jB they keep me from having to make solder bridges and the like. Other then that, practice is the best way to improve your soldering skills. Good job 👍

severe terrace
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I've only used them a few times, but I've been a fan of these as well. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BCT2T8W/

I have some of the boards Larry linked as well, but somehow it always seems like the rows/spacing isn't right for the components I'm using. 😅 For the ones with copper all across you can just them as needed to separate things.

severe terrace
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Also I'm curious what optocouplers you're using? Mine only have 4 legs so I'm wondering what mine is missing. 😅 Or is it just two optocouplers in one package?

obsidian hawk
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Also i came up up ways around the problem with those boards, just takes some creative thinking 🙂

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and i never have to cut a single trace or make a soldering bridge

obsidian hawk
severe terrace
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I mean no one has to make a solder bridge. It just looks like you used wire scraps to bridge instead 🙃

obsidian hawk
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This was all the wiring that was done on the board

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severe terrace
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right…but instead of using solder bridges, you used these little pieces of wire to bridge things, which you then soldered on?

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obsidian hawk
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yes but using the other boards you showed you have to cut the traces to create paths as you need for the circuit your designing. I don't like doing that myself. Just a ME thing i guess IMO this looks better

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Also what you showed is short jumps so couldn't leave coating on wire is why it looks that way. Soldering was still done on the back side of the board 🙂

summer rampart
summer rampart
summer rampart
obsidian hawk
sturdy leaf
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Great job! I hooked mine into a 2-way relay (I used a ZigBased one) - by cutting the cord from the 3-way switch. But I was able to adjust the drop level with an Allen key - I guess I've got a different model. 🤔 The RF kit is so goddamn expensive 😭