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Three standard peripheral devices can be directly attached to a Client node to provide connection ports for all other functional objects. Those devices are PCA9685 16 port PWM drivers, DNIN8 Digital Input duinoNodes and DNOU8 Digital Output duinoNodes.

MASTER nodes use duinoNodes also, but do not currently support the PWM driver.

PCA9685 PWM Driver #

LCOS Client firmware supports one 16 port PCA9685 card using the I2C interface. Up to eight servo turnout motors can be attached to the card. The remaining 8 ports are reserved for future use.

A typical generic PCA9685 board.

PCA9685 cards have a modifiable I2C address. We recommend that you stick to the default 0x40 address for this card. If you have a card that has been set to a different address via the solder jumpers, either unsolder the jumpers or enter the address of the card as shown below.

DNIN8 Digital Input duinoNodes #

DNIN8 Digital Input duinoNodes are used for buttons and switches, most commonly on the main control panel run by the MASTER. Client nodes can use DNIN8’s for local subpanels, or for digital sensors, like proximity sensors, ranging sensors, reed switches and other digital sensing devices. “Digital” means the sensor can be read as either on or off with no intermediate values.

You can chain up to 8 DNIN8 boards on a Client for a maximum of 64 input ports. The MASTER can accept up to 32 boards in a chain, for a maximum of 256 input ports.

See I/O Extension Boards for more information. Note: the device library is only needed by those writing custom sketches using the boards. The library is not needed when the hardware is used with LCOS nodes.

DNOU8 Digital Output duinoNodes #

DNOU8 Digital Output duinoNodes are used extensively by LCOS nodes to provide digital ports. Digital ports are used to power signals and other layout lighting directly; they are also used to control relays and small motors.

You can chain up to 16 DNOU8 boards on a Client for a maximum of 128 output ports. The MASTER can accept up to 32 boards in a chain, for a maximum of 256 output ports.

See I/O Extension Boards for more information. Note: the device library is only needed by those writing custom sketches using the boards. The library is not needed when the hardware is used with LCOS nodes.

Configuring Hardware #

On the Main Window click hardware button to invoke the Hardware Tool.

Unconfigured Hardware settings.

On Client nodes, click PCA9685 to activate PWM. The I2C address will automatically be filled in with the default, 40. On MASTER nodes PWM cannot be activated.

PWM Activated at the default I2C Address.

Enter the number of DNOU8 / DNOU1K boards that will be attached to the node.

DNIN8 Digital Input duinoNodes come in multiple versions. It is best to avoid mixing versions on the same node. Check the version id on the boards to know which one(s) you have.

DNIN8K Kit Version 1.00
DNIN8 Stackable version 1.01
Select DNIN8 version 1.01

Enter the number of input duinoNodes you will be using and select the applicable board version.

Click update button to save the configuration.

To complete the change, the node must rebooted. On the Main Window, click reboot button to reboot and load the new configuration.

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