Products

The Storm LED Controller is designed from the ground up to be the best LED Control solution for small to medium-sized installations. It has the capability to control up to six independent strings of LEDs, 50% more than any competing product in its class. What’s more, we’ve gone the extra mile to make the user interface as intuitive as possible. If you’re familiar with how to turn a knob (we hope you are, if you’re into reefkeeping), then you can control the Storm LED Controller with aplomb.

Tell the Storm LED Controller the coordinates of the environment you want to simulate, and it will precisely match the actual sunrise and sunset times of that environment. Sunrise and sunset dimming is done via an industry-first SmoothRamp dimming profile, closely approximating the actual  sunrise and sunset characteristics found in nature. Your aquarium inhabitants will thank you.

If you’re interested in modifying or updating the firmware, take a look at this firmware update tutorial to see what it’s all about.

• 16×2 Character LCD Display
• 6-Channel 8-Bit PWM (0-5V)
• 256 Dimming Levels
• Real-Time Clock Module
• Manual Sunrise/Sunset Time
• Geolocated Sunrise/Sunset
• Staggered Sunrise/Set Delays
• Moon/Lunar Phase Simulation
• Intuitive Wheel Interface
• SmoothRamp Dimming
• SmoothRamp Clouds
• Cloud Channel Clustering
• Lightning Storm Effects
• Upgradeable via FTDI
• PC Fan Control
• Arduino Compatible

For large scale LED installations, look no further than the Storm X LED Controller. It takes all the features of the Storm LED Controller and delivers 10 extra PWM channels – for a total of 16 PWM outputs, each running at 12-bit resolution to deliver 4096 levels of buttery-smooth dimming. These aren’t the only improvements.

The LCD backlight is now driven through a 2N222 NPN transistor – this means that we have PWM control of the backlight, so that it is bright when you need it, and dim when you’re away. Furthermore we weren’t fully satisfied with the smoothness of the input encoder, so we implemented a filter circuit to ensure that each and every minute input is properly registered with the controller.

What does this all mean for your reef tank? Flawless control over all aspects of lightning. From geolocated sunrise and sunsets, precise delays to stagger the ramp times of each output, immensely smooth transitions via SmoothRamp dimming, to cloud and lightning effects, your lighting needs are fulfilled.

If you’re interested in modifying or updating the firmware, take a look at this firmware update tutorial to see what it’s all about.

• 16×2 Character LCD Display
• 16-channel 12-bit PWM (0-5V)
• 4096 Dimming Levels
• Real-Time Clock Module
• Manual Sunrise/Sunset Time
• Geolocated Sunrise/Sunset
• Staggered Sunrise/Set Delays
• Moon/Lunar Phase Simulation
• Intuitive Wheel Interface
• SmoothRamp Dimming
• SmoothRamp Clouds
• Cloud Channel Clustering
• Lightning Storm Effects
• Upgradeable via FTDI
• Arduino Compatible
• PC Fan Control
• Auto-dimming LCD

Get some protection for your Storm Controller with this custom fitted 3D Printed Case. Each case takes over an hour to manufacture using a state of the art 3D printer. We use a variety of colors, giving you a custom look for your controller. Please note that each case may have unique blemishes due to the additive manufacturing process. If there’s a color that you want but don’t see, ask us about it and we’ll see what we can do.

Get some protection for your Storm X Controller with this custom fitted 3D Printed Case. Each case takes over an hour to manufacture using a state of the art 3D printer. We use a variety of colors, giving you a custom look for your controller. Please note that each case may have unique blemishes due to the additive manufacturing process. If there’s a color that you want but don’t see, ask us about it and we’ll see what we can do.

Both the Storm and Storm X Controllers can control fans as well. This board makes it easy to add fans to your lighting system, and it fully supports the fan control features of the Storm and Storm X. The board provides 12V through the included power adapter, and routes the control signals directly to where they’re needed. In the absence of any control signal, the fan will go to its default state, which for most fans is ON. Supports 2, 3, and 4-pin PC fans, although control is only available for 4-pin fans. Here’s a youtube video showing the hook-up procedure.

As of October 2016, this product comes fully assembled with no soldering required (previously it was a kit of parts that required soldering). A convenient solder jumper allows doubling up fans on a single control signal. Just bridge the solder pad on the bottom of the board to control two fans with one signal.

Fan Power PWM Board allows you to use any channel of your Storm or Storm X to control almost any 12V DC fan. The board includes its own 12V power supply to simplify the power requirements. This is “better” than the Fan Power & Control Board because it allows you to control almost any fan, instead of just PWM fans; and it can use any of the PWM outputs of the Storm/X to do so. Check out the youtube video to see it in action.

As of November 2016, this product comes fully assembled with no soldering required (previously it was a kit of parts that required soldering). A convenient solder jumper allows doubling up fans on a single control signal. Just bridge the solder pad on the bottom of the board to activate this functionality.

Features:
• Allows control of virtually any 12V cooling fan
• Selectable Power PWM or Control PWM modes
• Option to combine Channels 1 & 2, 3 & 4
• Four independent fan control channels
• Independent 12V power source
• Comes fully assembled!

Specifications:
• Maximum 1000 mA combined fan current
• Maximum 300 mA individual fan current
• Maximum 12V DC input power supply
• Mounting holes 3mm @ 44mm x 29mm
• Board Dimensions 50mm x 35mm

This is a 6-channel PCB carrier board for the popular Meanwell LDD-H series of PWM constant current drivers. Use it to build up your custom drivers using the MeanWell LDD-H series of buck drivers. It can be configured to provide specific current capabilities (limits) for each channel such that it is perfectly suited to your setup. A perfect match to get six channel control with your Storm LED Controller. This board is commonly referred to as the “LDD 6up.”

The design includes 10K pull-down resistors (pre-soldered to the PCB) to shut off the LED outputs if the PWM signal is disconnected (such as when a controller is reset). This avoids the common problem of having the LEDs go to 100% brightness when the controller is reset. Also includes all necessary terminal blocks & pull-down resistors. Soldering required for assembly.

This is a 5-channel PCB carrier board for the popular Meanwell LDD-H series of PWM constant current drivers. Use it to build up your custom drivers using the MeanWell LDD-H series of buck drivers. It can be configured to provide specific current capabilities (limits) for each channel such that it is perfectly suited to your setup. This is a perfect match for the 5-channel DreamChip multichip LEDs as well as the new Lumia 5.1. This board is commonly referred to as the “LDD 5up.”

The design includes 10K pull-down resistors (pre-soldered to the PCB) to shut off the LED outputs if the PWM signal is disconnected (such as when a controller is reset). This avoids the common problem of having the LEDs go to 100% brightness when the controller is reset. Also includes all necessary terminal blocks & pull-down resistors. Soldering required for assembly.

• Board Dimensions: 4.3″ x 1.95″
• Mounting Holes: 4″ x 1.65″ Diameter 3mm
• Pre-soldered 10K pull-down resistors on each channel
• Includes all necessary terminal blocks (solder yourself)
• Compatible with Meanwell LDD-350H, LDD-500H, LDD-700H, LDD-1000H
• 1-Yr Warranty
• Does NOT include LDD drivers.
• MeanWell LDD-H Series Datasheet
• Assembly & Soldering Video

This is a 4-channel PCB carrier board for the popular Meanwell LDD-H series of PWM constant current drivers. Use it to build up your custom drivers using the MeanWell LDD-H series of buck drivers. It can be configured to provide specific current capabilities (limits) for each channel such that it is perfectly suited to your setup. This board is commonly referred to as the “LDD 4up.”

The design includes 10K pull-down resistors (pre-soldered to the PCB) to shut off the LED outputs if the PWM signal is disconnected (such as when a controller is reset). This avoids the common problem of having the LEDs go to 100% brightness when the controller is reset. Also includes all necessary terminal blocks & pull-down resistors. Soldering required for assembly.

• Board Dimensions: 3.45″ x 1.95″
• Mounting Holes: 3.15″ x 1.65″ Diameter 3mm
• Pre-soldered 10K pull-down resistors on each channel
• Includes all necessary terminal blocks (solder yourself)
• Compatible with Meanwell LDD-350H, LDD-500H, LDD-700H, LDD-1000H
• 1-Yr Warranty
• Does NOT include LDD drivers.
• MeanWell LDD-H Series Datasheet
• Assembly & Soldering Video

This is a 3-channel PCB carrier board for the popular Meanwell LDD-H series of PWM constant current drivers. Use it to build up your custom drivers using the MeanWell LDD-H series of buck drivers. It can be configured to provide specific current capabilities (limits) for each channel such that it is perfectly suited to your setup. This board is commonly referred to as the “LDD 3up.”

The design includes 10K pull-down resistors (pre-soldered to the PCB) to shut off the LED outputs if the PWM signal is disconnected (such as when a controller is reset). This avoids the common problem of having the LEDs go to 100% brightness when the controller is reset. Also includes all necessary terminal blocks. Soldering required for assembly.

This is a 2-channel PCB carrier board for the popular Meanwell LDD-H series of PWM constant current drivers. Use it to build up your custom drivers using the MeanWell LDD-H series of buck drivers. It can be configured to provide specific current capabilities (limits) for each channel such that it is perfectly suited to your setup. This board is commonly referred to as the “LDD 2up.”

The design includes 10K pull-down resistors (pre-soldered to the PCB) to shut off the LED outputs if the PWM signal is disconnected (such as when a controller is reset). This avoids the common problem of having the LEDs go to 100% brightness when the controller is reset. Also includes all necessary terminal blocks & pull-down resistors. Soldering required for assembly.

You asked for it, now we carry it – The Meanwell LDD-H drivers. These are the drivers that we recommend for use with our controllers. They accept a wide input voltage range from 9 – 56V DC, with rated efficiency up to 97%. They have automatic over-temperature protection and don’t normally require special cooling setups – air cooling should be sufficient. LDD-H Data Sheet

The Mean Well LDD-H drivers accept a 0-5V PWM input as provided by the Storm and Storm X controllers, allowing full-range dimming from 0-100%. You will need a separate power supply that is sized up to your voltage and current requirements, as determined by the LED string you’re running.

The Storm controller was originally designed with 0-5V PWM dimming in mind, however many users still use legacy 0-10V drivers. While we still recommend going with a full 5V PWM dimming setup using Mean Well LDD drivers, we understand that some users still want to use their Mean Well ELN-D or ELN-P series drivers. With this converter, the outputs of the Storm Controller are converted to 10V.

Because of the specialized nature of this converter, it is available via consultation and special order only. We want to make sure that it is compatible with your drivers so that you have the best experience possible. The 10V Converter is available in Analog or PWM flavors depending on your dimming scheme.

Please be aware that most 10V dimmers do not dim smoothly between 0-100%, instead they exhibit a threshold turn-on effect that will have your LEDs go from OFF to some relatively bright ON value with no apparent dimming in between. For example, the Mean Well ELN-60P Jumps from 0-15% and can dim between 15% to 95%. Consult your driver data sheet to verify its dimming characteristics.

This is a DS18B20 compatible waterproof temperature probe. Includes all connectors necessary to connect it to your Storm or Storm X Controller. Once you connect it, your controller will display the temperature up to 257 degrees F (hopefully your aquarium isn’t that hot!). Requires soldering six pins.

• High quality stainless steel tube encapsulation
• Stainless steel tube size:Approx.6*50mm(Diameter*Length)
• Operating temperature range: -55°C – +125°C (-67°F – +257°F)
• Accuracy over the range of -10°C to +85°C: ±0.5°C.
• Output Leads: Red (+5V), Yellow (D12) , Black (GND)
• Cable Length:Approx.100 cm (3 ft 4 in)

This is a breakout cable that connects all of the PWM outputs of the Storm LED Controller to pre-tinned leads. Just plug in the 2×6 header to the PWM pins of your Storm and connect the other ends to your PWM drivers. You’ll notice that there are two wire bundles, one for the top row of pins (PWM) and one for the bottom row (GND). The leads are individually color coded for clarity.

You can also use this cable with the Storm X. The headers do stack side-by-side so with two of them you can address 12 channels, etc.

The Storm & Storm X Controllers were designed to interface via 2.54mm pitch jumper cables. This is that cable. Each cable is terminated by a connector on both ends and measures 30cm (11 3/4 inches) long. If you want to solder directly to your LED drivers, just snip off one of the connectors. Or cut one of these cables in half to have two ~6″ cables with connectors on one end only.

Pro tip: Remove the connector from one end of cables by prying back / releasing the plastic retainer clip on the black connector housing. Then you can directly use the crimped pins to connect to the screw terminal blocks on your driver board. The factory-crimped pins provide better strain relief for the wire than just stripping and tinning the wire.

We’re stocking this useful socket for those of you who want to create plug-and-play LDD boards. With these sockets installed, you won’t have to directly solder your Mean Well LDD Drivers to the board. Instead, each driver plugs neatly into the socket and is easily removable.

A slight modification is necessary for each of these sockets to plug into the LDD board. The unused pins must be removed. This is easily done by grasping each unnecessary pin with a pair of needle nose pliers and pushing it back up through the top of the socket.

Do NOT insert or remove the drivers while the LDD board is powered up!

We do custom work, from soldering your parts to even more complicated modifications. Please consult with us before purchasing this option.