Durand Interstellar, Inc. - Custom Electronics & Lighting Controls

Bi-Pride

To order any of these products please go to the Order page.

Manuals, application notes, and firmware updates are on the Support page.

4201-B, DMX512-A Controller A converter/controller that controls of 512 channels of dimmers, moving lights, Christmas lights, etc. Used in theatres, museums, TV/movie studios, conference centers, home automation, architectural models, sculpture lighting, dance clubs, etc. Smooth fades on 1-512 channels, host controlled (works with architectural controllers, Windows, Mac, Linux, and many other computers) and stand-alone (host computer only needed for initial setup) modes. Up to 127 presets or looks may be stored internally and called up by command from a host computer, by time, or by external event (eight 0-5V analog inputs, 5 can be alternately used as digital/switch inputs). Cross fades may be done on a group of channels or all channels at once. A macro language allows small programs to be stored internally and executed on command and/or automatically on power up. Eight external inputs (any mix of 0-5V analog, potentiometer, logic level, contact closure) allow interfacing to many other systems or even just a bank of potentiometers/sliders. User controllable LED (on, off, and two blink rates) to assist in debugging installations. In host controlled mode, any computer or architectural panel with an RS-232 port or a USB port (Windows, Mac, Linux) can send detailed changes on a channel by channel basis, perform cross fades on some or all channels, and load/execute macros. Special commands are included to make use with architectural controllers and inexpensive dimmers easier. In stand-alone mode a single preset or look is loaded at power on and an optional macro will then automatically start. The macro can read the analog/digital inputs and make changes based on those as well as an internal time clock. Macros can also communicate over the USB and RS-232 ports, you could even control a second device from this one. Fits in tight spaces, only 4” x 6” x 1” (102mm x 153mm x 25mm) with wall mounting ears on each side. Runs on 5-48VDC or can be powered from a USB port. Made in USA, meets the ANSI E1-11-2004, DMX512-A specification and FCC emissions standards. Transitioning to RoHS but can be special ordered as RoHS now. Free open source demonstration programs available from our Support page. The SmartLight™ Theater Lighting Software from Edgeview Software LLC does not currently support the “B” version, please check with them for updates.

DC Dimmer – Four Channel DMX512 Dimmer A very small (1.5” x 2.5”, 38mm x 64mm) low voltage DC dimmer with for independent outputs/channels. Works with halogen and LED lights and non-dim applications such as driving motors and relays. DMX512 input with swithable termination. Screw terminals for all connections. Each output can switch up to 40VDC. The entire board is limited to 20A continuous, this can be divided up any way you wish between the four channels as long as no channel exceeds 10A continuous and 40A peak (for halogen lamps cold start). This dimmer should be mounted in an enclosure (not included). It may be optionally ordered pre-mounted to a single or multiple gang wall plate (shown to the right) or in other custom configurations. Inquire for pricing on custom configurations. Uses PWM dimmer with staggered start times to lower EMI and ease the load on the power supply. Made in USA.

DMX512 Isolated Splitter A very small (2.4" x 1.8" x 0.9", 61mm x 46mm x 25mm) DMX512 splitter with opto-isolation intended for permanent installations. This is used to implement star configurations which are otherwise not allowed in DMX512 installations. It also provides electrical isolation to remove ground loops and protect equipment in case of accidental power line connections, shorts, etc. Requires a 9-30VDC power supply and fits inside a single-gang electrical box. One input, four outputs (all four outputs share a common ground with the power supply). Made in USA.

HHIS-1CH, Hand Held Ignition System A simple to use capacitor discharge firing system for fireworks, rockets, and special effects with extra safety features, a pyro-safe ohmmeter, and even a built-in white LED flashlight! Options available at time of order include a digital password and/or a removable key. The password allows use of the ohmmeter while disabling arming and firing. The removable key removes power from the entire pyro section but the built-in flashlight will continue to operate. The key is a simple pin-type as used on other firing systems. Complies with RoHS, NFPA 1123 (even without the key), and FCC emissions standards. Made in USA. Optional key not shown in picture. Product flyer for HHIS-1CH

Custom Lighting Controllers The 4201-B DMX512 Converter/Controller was designed to be easily modified for custom uses and is also available as a bare or assembled/tested board for OEM use. We would be happy to quote on custom firmware and/or hardware.

Other Custom Products We have been designing custom products for other companies since 1981. Examples: computer audio boards (we helped start the computer sound industry), medical equipment used in several countries, Digital TV (DTV) products, telecom test equipment, modems (wired and wireless), motherboards, carnival equipment (some in constant use since 1993), aerospace, laser control and graphics systems, industrial control, consumer games, inkjet and laser printer controls, VoIP and many others. Please feel free to contact us to see how we may help with your next project.

Durand Interstellar, Inc.
219 Oak Wood Way Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA
Ph: +1 408 356-3886 USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886
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