Happy Thanksgiving!
I rushed home and hacked together an optically-isolated interface for the HR16-RGB "Lumidrive" RGB light engines. The three channels are isolated from the Procyon so as to prevent damage to the unit.
I was looking around at my parts on hand and realized that I could make a constant-current driver using a cheap LM317 adjustable voltage regulator. The transient response seems fast enough, and I drove it with a P-FET that inverts the optocoupler output.
Anyway, I'm only putting about 120 mA into each channel, but even without heatsinks, the LM317's are running so cool that I can still touch them without burning myself. I'm thrilled, as the colors that are shined directly on the ceiling are absolutely breathtaking.
I'm going to enjoy a night session before bed with open eyes (I wouldn't even think of looking at the high-power light!). FYI, the LEDs in the fixture are 1W luxeon, one each of R, G, B. The nice thing is that the light engine already has heat sinks in place for the LEDs and a lens over the whole unit. Worth the price of admission--I can't wait to get you guys a schematic and photos/videos!
See you soon,
--Scott
Addendum: The brightness control on the Procyon works in its full range, and controlling the lamp from the Procyon software works great. I can program ganzfeld colors, etc. with almost the exact stated resolution. For this configuration, the starting values for each LED is 129 instead of 128.
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