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DISCONTINUED ITEM This item has been discontinued. Please take a moment to look at our "Bad Ass" Controller V as an alternate option. If you are in need of an open source controller in bulk quantity, please contact us for special order details or other controller options.
Professional grade controller suitable for props or room control for escape rooms. The controller leverages the programming familiarity of Arduino but provides industrial type interfaces for inputs, outputs, sensors, and networks. Typically, when using hobbyist 'Arduino' controllers, many additional relays, drivers, inputs, and filters must be added for a reliable system which takes time and expertise. The FX450 Controller addresses this problem while providing and consistent and repeatable interface for scale and familiarity. No more is every prop a science project where only the expert can assemble it.
Depending on programming, the FX450 is suitable to control a wide variety of props. It can receive button presses, scan a button matrix, and sensor inputs and control motors, solenoids, lights, and more. There are also many FX compatible expansion options for more inputs, outputs, serial devices, displays, or analog. Additionally, you can use your own I2C devices under the control of the FX450 via the exposed 6 pin I2C header.
This controller is optimal for many types of escape room prop control applications, and much more. It saves time and money for installers as it can be wired up and replaced very easily due to its pluggable headers. For developers, it frees them up to focus on code and control and not hand wiring/soldering development boards together. If you are building more than 1 prop, this controller is for you.
This item is the baseline configuration for this product line and designed for prop developers. It comes with the Arduino bootloader for use with Arduino Studio and we provide sample code and a framework. Sample code and hardware support is provided. If you need assistance writing code or developing your application/prop, we suggest purchasing one of the programmed and fully documented turnkey props and kits which do not require any programming. The FX450 is the next version of the FX350. They are code compatible.
Resources:
- AEI FX450 Datasheet
- Framework for FX Controllers (supports network and game options)
- Arduino Board Support Package
Input
Voltage
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10 – 26V DC
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Inputs
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8 digital inputs (Rev 1) 6 digital inputs (Rev 0) Configurable as 0-10V analog or 0-26V Digital (~5V switch point)
ESD Protected 30KV HBM
2K pulldowns
Current draw at 10V, 5mA
Approximately 150pf on each input
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Digital
Outputs
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6 digital outputs
Digital Outputs, 500mA Max per output, VinMax, Sinking configuration, 2500mA max
all.
Optional pull-ups are available on each output via a through hole resistor. (user placed)
Note: Outputs only sink. You will not see voltage on this pin unless it is connected to a
load.
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Relay
Outputs
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2 Relay outputs (SPDT), 120V, 10A
Form C (Normally open, common, normally closed)
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Hall Sensor
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3 Axis Digital Hall Sensor, I2C |
RS-485
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A RS-485 Port is available for special purposes or the RFID network (FX200) |
Expansion
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3.3V I2C Expansion Header for FX60 and other I2C peripherals.
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Processor
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Arduino Compatible. Arduino Uno or Adafruit Metro compatible. (Software wise)
URL for Board Configuration Package:
Arduino Board Support Package
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More Information
Inputs with EMI/ESD protection
Outputs drive 500ma (sinking)
Form C Relays, SPDT, 1 common, 2 switched
Programs like an Arduino UNO
10/100BT Ethernet Support for Monitoring and Control
Mountable in industry standard 72mm DIN Rail PCB holders
Mountable with plastic board holder and 2 screw holes
Mountable with 4 PCB screw holes
Expandable with a single I2C header (I/O and serial expansion board, FX60)
On board hall sensor
Free framework for game and room control software like M3, Escape Room Manager, Cue Control, and Node-Red/MQTT (files in github)
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