ECCR Upgrade, .... Feedback Wanted

Scuba_Vixen

Hi guys,

Just a little progress report;

The parts from Digi-Key came in last week and I made the solenoid driver board module. I've had it on test, firing a load resistor since the weekend, controlled just as it is from the HUD controller.

I added the code for the solenoid control to the HUD controller module, and tapped into a couple I/O pins and power source points to connect up the solenoid control module to it.

Everything functions smoothly and as planned using my cell simulators and the test load on the solenoid control module. I added a "D" for "CCR Mode: Disabled" and an "E" for "CCR Mode; Enabled" on the HUD module's lcd display.

Today, the dandy new Jaska solenoid valve arrived, and it's been happily hissing away for several hours. (I connected it up to a 1st stage to test the control module under actual load conditions.) Looks like the al 80 it's on will last till morning.

The potting compound should be set up nicely by the time I get home from work tomorrow, so I'll take a couple pics then after I break the mold away. I didn't want to pot it untill I was satisfied with it's performance under realistic test conditions, so I just did it tonight.

On another front, the sample orifice from Bird Precision also came in the mail today. It's 0.0030". I'll take my KISS valve apart in the next couple days and see if it's a drop in swap. It appears like it well might be.

Looks like I'm close to just having to figure out how best to plumb everything together.



Darlene

RonMicjan

what a coincidence, I found a wad of cash in my mailbox today thanks SDS I expect full and complete reports on a timely basis...

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jknights

Darlene,
Looking forward to seening the solenoid controller pictures and any associated control circuitry and circuit diagrams.
Keep up the good work.

Scuba_Vixen

The controller is really pretty simple. There are ICs available that do a great job with all sorts of built in protection circuitry you couldn't otherwise have. (ie: on die overtemp sensing/shutdown circuitry) They are aimed at implementing microprocessor control of all kinds of low voltage DC systems, automotive apps, being a big one.

I used a LD29150 series adjustable regulator, which I set at 6.5 V. That regulator chip in a PPAK package has an inhibit connection, and must have a logic high input from the controller to enable the 6.5V supply. I chose it for it's ultra low dropout voltage when used at much lower than rated current loads. I wish it was available in a "pentawatt" package, so I could have avoided a surface mount board, as they are harder to make by hand than thru hole.

The solenoid is activated with a VN750 in a P2PAK package. A logic level high on it's input pin from the controller fires the solenoid. I looked at the VN21, VN05, and the VNX20series, but the P2PAK and overall specs made the 750 stand out. (Actually, I bought some of each to breadboard up and test.) This IC comes in the pentawatt package, but since it's significantly bigger than a PPAK in P2PAK, it's not so hard to work with when making hand drawn boards.

Both ICs used are from STMicro, and are surface mount versions.


Below are some pics of the module ready to attach, and then permanently attached, to the controller module. The last pic is the new Jaska solenoid valve that the meg uses now.


Darlene

Scuba_Vixen

OOOooops,

Here they are.

SINUS

Nice work darlene .... not many women would want to do things like that .

Cheers

Wei Lan

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"Silence Is Always Beautiful"