Software and Webinterface

Well, despite the current situation we are making progress regarding the software development. m0fa is doing a great job by implementing the needed features using the Espressif IDF.

In the first version the firmware only handled UDP communication on a given port, mimicking the procotoll of our DMX-Bridge. In the meantime the dimmer can speak UDP, HTTP, Websocket and MQTT which is all configurable in the webinterface.

The webinterface is work in progress, of course used to configure the device (Network, MQTT-Broker, Ports, etc.) and firmware upgrade but can also be used to dim the ten different channels directly. The screenshot shows a basic version without the sliders for the PWM channels.

Also there will be a possibility to configure the PWM properties, such as the overall PWM frequency as well as the used dimming curve per channel and transition time. These values can be overridden which each control command.

We plan the following features for the first software release:

• DHCP/Static IP (v4) adressing, unique MAC
• Webinterface for settings and operation
• UDP protocoll like the DMX-Bridge
• MQTT with configured broker
• Websocket connection
• HTTP-Control-Interface with small limitations
• Adjustable PWM frequency from 300-1500Hz (all channels)
• Configurable dimming curve and speed for each channel

EMC Testing

As the final version of the DIN-Rail LED PWM Dimmer is approaching we had to make sure, that the device is compliant to european CE conformity guidelines - thus making sure that we comply with EMC/EMV.

To do that we got in contact with the local University (THM) who run a decent EMC testing laboratory and give local companys access to it. We had our first run together with two professors, who guided us through the process of meassuring and taking counter meassures if something went of the scale.

Indeed we designed the Dimmer accordingly and will only have to do minor changes. The next step will be optimizing the PCB and revise the load-FET's to completely comply with the EMC-CE guidelines. 

As always keen on your input/feedback. I'll keep you updated.

Cheers,
Patrik