Topic: The HakDAC

[Things]

Well, after a long discussion over IRC, BlueFusion and I have come up with an idea for a _relatively_ simple DAC with 2 +/-5v differential outputs, and 6 0-5v outputs, that could possibly be used with any software supporting the Moncha DAC, including possibly the Moncha software itself.

It's still in it's very early stages, but once we get around to it, it should be a rather inexpensive, but good way to create a DAC. I'll keep you guys informed as we move along

-Dan 

[BlinkenLights]

define inexpensive..
i think the riya multibus is hard to compete with.,

[Things]

Whats the price on the Riya's?

[BlinkenLights]

200 for the basic which has the following

- Real time translation by USB (all models) and Ethernet (Pro and Basic) interfaces;
- SD memory card based stand alone player for ILDA files (64 banks * 64 ILDA shows, temp correction, with control by keyboard/regulators);
- X&Y – 12 bit DAC;
- Intensity, Red, Green, Blue – 8 bit DAC;
- Max frame size (points) - 2000;
- double buffered memory;
- Powered from external power supply +5V 0,25A or from USB interface;
- Software support – RIYA, LDS and Phoenix software;
- Geometric correction: Size/Shift/Mirror for X&Y;
- Color settings:
Color Shift (+/- 8 points);
Conversion color outputs for RGB/RGY/Monochrome laser projectors;
Independent correction color outputs for analog or TTL laser modules (with level inversion);
- Network (IP parameters) setting (Basic and Pro ver.);
- USB and Ethernet interfaces;
- SD memory card, up to 2GB;
- Scanrate: up to 30 000 PPS;
- Boxed and OEM versions;
- Control translation from SD card:
Automatic playback: start playing automatically upon power-up;
choice shows by 4 key (“Play/Pause”, “Show/Bank”, “Temp Down” and “Temp Up”);
choice shows by USB and Ethernet interfaces;

[Things]

It wont have the network or SD card features, but it will be 16bit on all the channels, and will allow as many points per frame as the software does. Although, once we have the general DAC itself going, adding support for network and SD playback would not be too hard. I think this would be one of those open-source DAC's too tho, so you could build it yourself, but I will go more into those details as we move on. The DAC chip itself can handle up to 96Kpps, but thats not taking into consideration the USB speed etc, but it will deffinitely be capable of 30Kpps speeds -- Moncha and Spaghetti only go up to 30Kpps anyway. Also, if you had scanners capable of 96Kpps, I dont think you'd be cheaping out on your DAC

And it will be a fair bit less than $200

EDIT: And yeah, it will have buffering, all sorts of crap can come from Windows hahaha 

[Fanny Pack]

Not a smart idea since that would essentially be stealing the Moncha software.

[Things]

Nah, it wouldnt be for use with the actual Moncha software, but I meant that it would be compatible with things like your Spaghetti Moncha driver. You have to pay for the Moncha software anyway. I with you though 

[BlinkenLights]

cool, you should release it here...

[drlava]

You're being a bit coy with the details but with you and BlueFusion at the helm, what could go wrong!

[BlinkenLights]

LOL i was thinking the same thing......

[Things]

It's actually a very simple device, and to get to the DAC stage only requires 2 chips, then we just need to amp it up, which can be done with opamps.

[BlinkenLights]

James and I have been talking about this for a while..
I say go for it..

[Things]

We are getting the Prototype parts list together slowly, and starting to order in parts. This will be a long stretched project tho 

-Dan 

[BlinkenLights]

go figure...