DIY Circuits that can be used to control different things (Arduino)

[Stripe]

Arduino (google it) Open source circuit that can be used to do SEVERAL things.. The circuit is pretty much the only thing you need pay for and the programming is pretty easy and straight forward.

http://www.buildcircuit.com/

http://www.arduino.cc/

[circleD]

That system is used by alot of people that make LEDs or other lights flash in what ever pattern they want. Once you get the device and make your program they're awesome.

[Stripe]

The things are great, you can get gyros, thermostats, stepper motors, etc..  To work with them. All you need do is D'load the right program or program it yourself and you can have a circuit to control your heater, fridge, water pump, water heater..  etc, etc..

[circleD]

Have you never heard or seen those before? Radio Shack sells them for $40-$80.

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Ahh, a variation of PIC programming.  Your getting into trouble now! 

Arduino is the hobbyists intro to micro computer programming

[circleD]

I thought about getting into that system a while back but couldn't justify it. What would Stripe do with this technology?  Hm? . Have the HR on remote control? The toilet to flush on voice command? The periscope light lock in on targets? Who knows, we'll have to wait and see  :)rotflmao

[Stripe]

circleD, have you seen the youtube vid of my periscope Light with the camera on it??

[khantroll]

I've used Arduino in a number of projects. They are great for rapid prototyping, or for quick and dirty work. A common use for myself that I could see being used in an RVs is the replacement of damaged circuit boards. An arduino and appropriate sensors could be used to replace a furnace control board, for instance.

Two other common development boards for learning embedded programming or for smaller projects are the Teensey and the Launchpad.

[circleD]

Haven't seen it but only heard of it.

[Oz]

How, exactly, would it replace a furnace control board, and what would be the cost for this and the "appropriate sensors" vs it being simpler and maybe less costly for the average RV owner who is not a techno geek to just replace the circuit board?


You're saying we should all be able to figure out what is needed, buy the resistors, etc, and build circuit boards?

[khantroll]

I am sorry if I misspoke, Oz. I didn't mean to insinuate that everyone would be able to do it, or that everyone should do it. I just meant that it was a possible application for those so inclined.

In order to control a furnace using an arduino, one would utilize a photo-resistor, such as this one:

https://www.adafruit.com/products/161?&main_page=product_info&cPath=35&products_id=161

To detect a pilot light. This detection method would be used as both a failsafe and a control, as it is used to ensure that the pilot light is functional.

A temperature sensor would be used to read the ambient temperature. It could be as simple as this:

https://learn.adafruit.com/tmp36-temperature-sensor

or one might go bigger and build something like the circuit described here:

https://learn.adafruit.com/tmp36-temperature-sensor

At any rate, once the programmed temperature low point is reached, the arduino trip a series of relays in the much the same way as the aforementioned lighting affects. Here is a description of the process with sample code:

http://www.glacialwanderer.com/hobbyrobotics/?p=9

Depending on the current condition of the furnace, this group of relays would do the following:

If furnace off, switch on igniter for pilot light (programmatically controlled cut off should be used if the photoresistor does not register a flame within a predetermined amount of time)
Open solenoid valve for propane ( something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Solenoid-12-VDC-Normally-Closed/dp/B007N0GRIE)

Now that we have heat coming out of the system from this, It's a simple matter to do the reverse to lower the temperature or shut the system down.

It would also be possible to add a CO2/Carbon Monoxide sensor to this, or voltage stepped fan.

That being said, I should stress again that this is not for everyone.  I've built things like this for heaters outside of RVs before, but never for use in an RV. It's a fun exercise, and shows what can be done with these boards. 

As far as price goes, the above components would cost one about 50-75, with the two largest purchases being the gas valve and the arduino itself. A dinosaur board runs between 80 and 300 depending on the model.

Most people should opt for the Dinosaur Board or a used replacement board. Even I would. The exception might be a person with a newer coach and a furnace that is already electronically controlled in which the logic board has gone out. In that scenario, a techie could replace the logic board with an arduino and drive the other parts.



As I sit here and think about it, I think a disclaimer might be in high order. This is a thought exercise, and I am in no way, shape or form advising or encouraging anyone to utilize an arduino in this manner.

[Oz]

Sounds like a good, price effective project for those who like to tinker with this kind of thing!

[Lefty]

For Christmas in 1976, I received one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1976-Radio-Shack-Science-Fair-electronic-project-kit-toy-150-in-1-box-/400732400656?pt=Educational_Toys_US&hash=item5d4d832c10

Radio Shack 150 in 1 Electronics Project Kit.
I remember doing every project that was in the book it came with, as well as many more that weren't in the book.
It gave me a solid understanding of basic circuitry design, as well as an understanding how things worked. .

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Sure glad the normal circuit board used in RV DSI furnaces since the mid to late 70's is a whole lot more simple than all that.  Oh, should mention those DSI models have also been using electronic ignition so pilot lights, in furnaces and fridges have not been used for many, many years.  You can still get pilot model water heaters but 98% of modern RV's (say 1995 on) use DSI technology also.

Dave

[khantroll]

The circuit would be the similar. The photoresistor may not be necessary, though, and the gas valve could be simpler and therefore cheaper.  As for availability of actual replacement boards, I wouldn't know. I've only worked on three RVs in my life. Two had pilot lights, and were very early 70s models. The other was a LeSharo, and we lucked out and had a parts machine handy (and thus didn't look for new replacement parts).

Page 18 of the Atwood service manual available in our Member Area describes the DSI ignition process.

It even gives the timing used, so no experimentation required if anyone should choose to work around their boards.

[sasktrini]

One of my favourite toys growing up... along with Lego!  I'm struggling to bend my brain around the Arduino concepts though.

For Christmas in 1976, I received one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1976-Radio-Shack-Science-Fair-electronic-project-kit-toy-150-in-1-box-/400732400656?pt=Educational_Toys_US&hash=item5d4d832c10

Radio Shack 150 in 1 Electronics Project Kit.
I remember doing every project that was in the book it came with, as well as many more that weren't in the book.
It gave me a solid understanding of basic circuitry design, as well as an understanding how things worked. .

[Stripe]

Wow, I remember not being able to afford that!

And looking at the price in the add, it brings that memory back..