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Current sensing — Parallax Forums

Current sensing

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2003-01-21 02:56 in General Discussion
I have an application for a BSII where I need to sense the current of
an automotive (13.8v) lamp. My thought was to somehow measure current
across a know resistance (1ohm 1% 20W). Using a 16-keypad, I also
would like to have the option to calibrate the whole apparatus when
the lightbulb is not powered up and use this 'zero' factor into the
current measurement. Any suggestions on hardware and code? Thanks in
advance. Dan

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-06-22 23:07
    Dan:

    If you can ground the resistor and directly read its voltage with respect
    to ground, there would be no need for zeroing. www.rentron.com has a neat
    setup for this in his data logging section. He uses an ADC0831 A/D
    converter controlled by a Stamp talking to a PC with a slick readout window.
    A 1 ohm resistor would read up to 5 amps... however, it would also drop 5
    volts of your available supply. Don't know if this is the approach you had
    in mind.

    Good luck,
    Ray McArthur

    > I have an application for a BSII where I need to sense the current of
    > an automotive (13.8v) lamp. My thought was to somehow measure
    current
    > across a know resistance (1ohm 1% 20W). Using a 16-keypad, I also
    > would like to have the option to calibrate the whole apparatus when
    > the lightbulb is not powered up and use this 'zero' factor into the
    > current measurement. Any suggestions on hardware and code? Thanks
    in
    > advance. Dan
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-06-23 15:44
    Dan,
    If you need a circuit that simply senses current on or off (in other words,
    you are not trying to measure continuously variable current), use a reed
    switch and magnet wire. The nice feature of using this simple method is the
    detection circuitry is completely isolated from the circuit you are sensing.

    For example, if you want to detect 2 amps, and you are using a reed switch
    (like Newark #50F7984) that has a pull-in rating of 10-25 amp-turns, you
    will need about (25 amp-turns/2 amps = 12.5 turns) 13 turns of wire around
    the reed switch.
    Jim

    >
    > From: Daniel D Dangremond
    > Reply To: basicstamps@egroups.com
    > Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2000 2:58 pm
    > To: basicstamps@egroups.com
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Current sensing
    >
    > I have an application for a BSII where I need to sense the current of
    >
    > an automotive (13.8v) lamp. My thought was to somehow measure
    > current
    > across a know resistance (1ohm 1% 20W). Using a 16-keypad, I also
    > would like to have the option to calibrate the whole apparatus when
    > the lightbulb is not powered up and use this 'zero' factor into the
    > current measurement. Any suggestions on hardware and code? Thanks
    > in
    > advance. Dan
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-06-23 22:53
    To add more detail to my application: I will be checking the current
    on several lamps on an automotive wire harness and verifing that the
    amp draw is within spec. for each lamp. As each lamp is turned on,
    current is measured and compared to the spec. The amp draw is
    obviously increased as each lamp is turned on. Each lamp cannot be
    measured seperately as the wire harness is terminated in one location
    using two wires(ie. xmas lights). There will be much more that is
    inputed and outputed (lcd, keypad, leds, etc.) but the current draw is
    the problem I am looking for assistance.
    Thanks for the input Ray and Jim, Dan



    I have an application for a BSII where I need to sense the current of
    an automotive (13.8v) lamp. My thought was to somehow measure current
    across a know resistance (1ohm 1% 20W). Using a 16-keypad, I also
    would like to have the option to calibrate the whole apparatus when
    the lightbulb is not powered up and use this 'zero' factor into the
    current measurement. Any suggestions on hardware and code? Thanks in
    advance. Dan
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-06-24 19:54
    >> Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2000 16:53 -0500
    >> From: Daniel D Dangremond <daniel.d.dangremond@j...>

    Hi Dan, I recall seeing several integrated circuits made with
    high side current sense resistors on chip.

    I don't have the specific part numbers handy but I would look at

    -National Semiconductor
    -Linear Technology
    -Maxim
    -Analog Devices

    for parts [noparse][[/noparse]in that order...] in their special function chips.


    To use an op amp of moderate common mode capability:

    A way to build this up with discrete parts is simply a
    differential amplifier with high common mode rejection
    and fixed gain feeding an A/D converter the BSII can
    talk to. In your original post you mentioned a 10 watt
    resistor for current sense - ordinarily you'd use a lower
    value of resistor to not dissipate this power...

    Say you put a 1 ohm resistor in series with the high side of
    your loads; then from _each_ side of the 1 ohm resistor put a
    pair of series resistors to low side [noparse][[/noparse]ground "-" etc.]. Make
    the two resistor series pairs identical - say 9,000 ohms in
    series with 1,000 ohms - now you have 1/10 the 1 ohm resistor
    voltage across the high sides of the two 1000 ohm resistors,
    referenced to low side. You can put a couple of bypass capacitors
    across the 1000 ohm resistors to kill spikes -

    Now the common mode voltage is reduced to 1/10 of the high
    side voltage. Then you put your differentially connected op
    amp across the two 9K/1K voltage divider resistors' junctions
    and adjust it to amplify appropriately to scale it's output into
    the A/D converter. [noparse][[/noparse]note the two 9K/1K pairs must be matched
    or use a pot to adjust for zero voltage when zero current].

    I hope this is in the right direction... ask if not...

    ________________________________________________________________
    YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
    Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
    Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit:
    http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-06-25 00:56
    Duhhhh why does this problem sound so simple to me? A calibrated, ampmeter
    in series with the battery. Note the reading with what you have to have on
    in order to turn on the lamps you want. Turn on the lamps anyway you desire
    and measure the current. Subtract the prior base reading and VOLA!! the
    desired current.

    At 04:53 PM 6/23/00 -0500, you wrote:
    > To add more detail to my application: I will be checking the current
    > on several lamps on an automotive wire harness and verifing that the
    > amp draw is within spec. for each lamp. As each lamp is turned on,
    > current is measured and compared to the spec. The amp draw is
    > obviously increased as each lamp is turned on. Each lamp cannot be
    > measured seperately as the wire harness is terminated in one location
    > using two wires(ie. xmas lights). There will be much more that is
    > inputed and outputed (lcd, keypad, leds, etc.) but the current draw is
    > the problem I am looking for assistance.
    > Thanks for the input Ray and Jim, Dan
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-06-26 17:23
    On Sat, 24 Jun 2000, Robert McAtee wrote:

    > Duhhhh why does this problem sound so simple to me? A calibrated, ampmeter
    > in series with the battery. Note the reading with what you have to have on
    > in order to turn on the lamps you want. Turn on the lamps anyway you desire
    > and measure the current. Subtract the prior base reading and VOLA!! the
    > desired current.
    >

    One thing to keep in mind though, just after turning on a light, current
    will be very high until inrush current subsides. Thus multiple samples
    would need to be made and averaged, otherwise a reading taken just after a
    single lamp is activated could look like several lights are activated.

    Just my .02,


    Dale Harwood [noparse][[/noparse] N4VFF ]

    internet> dale@h...

    ax.25> n4vff@n4vff.#cha.tn.usa.noam

    #include <std_disclaimer.h>
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-03-07 02:28
    It seems that I set up a pump years back that was at a well with a poor
    water supply. A Sprinkler system flow switch let the controller know
    when the flow dropped below 10 G.P.M. on a 1 inch pipe. The pump would
    shut down to allow the well to recover. An initial time delay allowed
    start up of the pump with out flow.

    I sure a stamp could handle the task.

    Paul
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-01-20 21:38
    Hi All,

    Ok, I'm not very smart. What I really need is current sensing, not voltage
    sensing as I asked earlier. I have searched and called Fairchild and I can't
    see any similar device to the HCPL-3700 that reads current. Any suggextions
    as to how to let a Stamp know when current is flowing?

    Jonathan

    www.madlabs.info


    Original Message
    From: "Sean T. Lamont .lost." <lamont@a...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Monday, January 20, 2003 1:14 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Basic Stamp and DMX


    >
    > No, that's not what I'm saying. There are devices for driving DMX systems
    > with midi control, which would be an alternative to doing conversion from
    > serial to DMX.
    >
    > On Sat, 18 Jan 2003, selket_10027 <selket_10027@y...> wrote:
    >
    > > No you can't. Just because they use the same plug doesn't mean that
    > > the protocols are the same. Midi is 31k baud and DMX is 250k baud.
    > > the stamp can go up to 125k baud.
    > >
    > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Sean T. Lamont .lost."
    > > <lamont@a...> wrote:
    > > >
    > > > Can't you do MIDI->DMX? You can *certainly* drive midi from a
    > > stamp, I do
    > > > it all the time.
    > > >
    > > > On Fri, 17 Jan 2003, selket_10027 <selket_10027@y...> wrote:
    > > >
    > > > > Short answer: no
    > > > >
    > > > > DMX is an extention of RS-485 serial protocol that is run
    > > > > asynchonously over a 5 pin XLR cable. It also runs at 250kBPS
    > > which
    > > > > I believe is faster than is possible with Basic Stamp SEROUT
    > > > > command. If you could speed it up, then there is no reason why
    > > not.
    > > > > There might be a way to use some kind of external serial driver.
    > > > >
    > > > > They also sell dumb DMX controlers that are programed via RS232.
    > > You
    > > > > could definatly use the stamp to control the box which in turn
    > > > > controls the dimmers. These things cost ~$200 which, for stage
    > > > > lighting is damn cheap -- compare to a dimmer. So if you can
    > > spend a
    > > > > little money and just want a stamp to control lights then you're
    > > all
    > > > > set. If you were trying to use the stamp to avoid shelling out
    > > $200
    > > > > for such a box, then you're SOL.
    > > > >
    > > > > -selket
    > > > >
    > > > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "richeybrooksiii
    > > <richey@c...>"
    > > > > <richey@c...> wrote:
    > > > > > does anyone know if you can send a dimmerpack (for stage
    > > lighting)
    > > > > a
    > > > > > DMX single from a stamp?
    > > > > >
    > > > > > Thanks
    > > > > > Richey
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > >
    > > > Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc.
    > > (ServNet)
    > > > Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma -
    > > Bremerton
    > > > email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
    > > > "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
    >
    > Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc. (ServNet)
    > Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma - Bremerton
    > email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
    > "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-01-20 21:48
    Ok here is your best bet jameco part # 174887 or 174895 or
    just look up transformer and look for current then you can
    read current with an ADC chip.


    Original Message
    From: "Jonathan Peakall" <jpeakall@m...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: January 20, 2003 1:38 PM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Current sensing


    : Hi All,
    :
    : Ok, I'm not very smart. What I really need is current
    sensing, not voltage
    : sensing as I asked earlier. I have searched and called
    Fairchild and I can't
    : see any similar device to the HCPL-3700 that reads
    current. Any suggextions
    : as to how to let a Stamp know when current is flowing?
    :
    : Jonathan
    :
    : www.madlabs.info
    :
    :
    :
    Original Message
    : From: "Sean T. Lamont .lost." <lamont@a...>
    : To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    : Sent: Monday, January 20, 2003 1:14 PM
    : Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Basic Stamp and DMX
    :
    :
    : >
    : > No, that's not what I'm saying. There are devices for
    driving DMX systems
    : > with midi control, which would be an alternative to
    doing conversion from
    : > serial to DMX.
    : >
    : > On Sat, 18 Jan 2003, selket_10027
    <selket_10027@y...> wrote:
    : >
    : > > No you can't. Just because they use the same plug
    doesn't mean that
    : > > the protocols are the same. Midi is 31k baud and DMX
    is 250k baud.
    : > > the stamp can go up to 125k baud.
    : > >
    : > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Sean T. Lamont
    .lost."
    : > > <lamont@a...> wrote:
    : > > >
    : > > > Can't you do MIDI->DMX? You can *certainly* drive
    midi from a
    : > > stamp, I do
    : > > > it all the time.
    : > > >
    : > > > On Fri, 17 Jan 2003, selket_10027
    <selket_10027@y...> wrote:
    : > > >
    : > > > > Short answer: no
    : > > > >
    : > > > > DMX is an extention of RS-485 serial protocol that
    is run
    : > > > > asynchonously over a 5 pin XLR cable. It also
    runs at 250kBPS
    : > > which
    : > > > > I believe is faster than is possible with Basic
    Stamp SEROUT
    : > > > > command. If you could speed it up, then there is
    no reason why
    : > > not.
    : > > > > There might be a way to use some kind of external
    serial driver.
    : > > > >
    : > > > > They also sell dumb DMX controlers that are
    programed via RS232.
    : > > You
    : > > > > could definatly use the stamp to control the box
    which in turn
    : > > > > controls the dimmers. These things cost ~$200
    which, for stage
    : > > > > lighting is damn cheap -- compare to a dimmer. So
    if you can
    : > > spend a
    : > > > > little money and just want a stamp to control
    lights then you're
    : > > all
    : > > > > set. If you were trying to use the stamp to avoid
    shelling out
    : > > $200
    : > > > > for such a box, then you're SOL.
    : > > > >
    : > > > > -selket
    : > > > >
    : > > > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com,
    "richeybrooksiii
    : > > <richey@c...>"
    : > > > > <richey@c...> wrote:
    : > > > > > does anyone know if you can send a dimmerpack
    (for stage
    : > > lighting)
    : > > > > a
    : > > > > > DMX single from a stamp?
    : > > > > >
    : > > > > > Thanks
    : > > > > > Richey
    : > > > >
    : > > > >
    : > > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    : > > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    : > > > > from the same email address that you subscribed.
    Text in the
    : > > Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    : > > > >
    : > > > >
    : > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    : > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    : > > > >
    : > > > >
    : > > > >
    : > > >
    : > > > Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract
    Software, Inc.
    : > > (ServNet)
    : > > > Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland -
    Everett - Tacoma -
    : > > Bremerton
    : > > > email: lamont@a... WWW:
    http://www.serv.net
    : > > > "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" -
    Miles Davis
    : > >
    : > >
    : > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    : > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    : > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text
    in the Subject
    : and Body of the message will be ignored.
    : > >
    : > >
    : > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    : http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    : > >
    : > >
    : > >
    : >
    : > Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software,
    Inc. (ServNet)
    : > Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett -
    Tacoma - Bremerton
    : > email: lamont@a... WWW:
    http://www.serv.net
    : > "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles
    Davis
    : >
    : >
    : > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    : > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    : > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text
    in the Subject and
    : Body of the message will be ignored.
    : >
    : >
    : > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    : >
    : >
    : >
    : >
    :
    :
    : To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    : basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    : from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
    the Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    :
    :
    : Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    :
    :
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-01-20 21:49
    At 01:38 PM 1/20/03 -0800, Jonathan Peakall wrote:
    >Hi All,
    >
    >Ok, I'm not very smart. What I really need is current sensing, not voltage
    >sensing as I asked earlier. I have searched and called Fairchild and I can't
    >see any similar device to the HCPL-3700 that reads current. Any suggextions
    >as to how to let a Stamp know when current is flowing?

    Need some parameters.

    Min current to sense.
    Max current the circuit has to survive.
    AC or DC
    operating voltage
    Maximum allowable burden voltage (drop across sensing element).

    dwayne

    --
    Dwayne Reid <dwayner@p...>
    Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA
    (780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax

    Celebrating 18 years of Engineering Innovation (1984 - 2002)
    .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-
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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-01-20 22:11
    LEM sells just what you need. Paste the link together.

    http://www.lem.com/inet/products.nsf/969e33a70f9ba971c1256a7f0030dc05/
    19cec87975854b67c1256bf0004ba9d4!OpenDocument

    Digikey sells a line of their sensors. They have built-in signal
    conditiners. AC current flow will give you an AC output voltage
    proportional to the current flow. A DC current will give you a DC
    voltage proportional to the current flow. They work with AC/DC
    current and have a freq responce of 100kHz I believe. Kind of
    expensive but they work and are easy to use. I'm using 2 of these
    right now sensing if a vac pump is being turned on by a SSR and then
    is turned off. Basicly testing the SSR to see if it sticks on(which
    it has in the past).

    I have an op amp with a gain of 11 to amplify the AC current signal
    out of the LEM sensor and then run that to a compairator to turn on
    when it reaches a certain voltage. To generate a constant 5 volt
    logic, I am using a 73HC123 one shot to trigger on the pulses out of
    the compaitator. The oneshot is set to 20 ms. This way I don't have
    to use a A/D convertor on an AC signal(SAMPLE RATE ISSUE) and it
    still tells me when the vac pump is on or off with 1 I/O pin.

    Jason



    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Jonathan Peakall"
    <jpeakall@m...> wrote:
    > Hi All,
    >
    > Ok, I'm not very smart. What I really need is current sensing, not
    voltage
    > sensing as I asked earlier. I have searched and called Fairchild
    and I can't
    > see any similar device to the HCPL-3700 that reads current. Any
    suggextions
    > as to how to let a Stamp know when current is flowing?
    >
    > Jonathan
    >
    > www.madlabs.info
    >
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "Sean T. Lamont .lost." <lamont@a...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Monday, January 20, 2003 1:14 PM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Basic Stamp and DMX
    >
    >
    > >
    > > No, that's not what I'm saying. There are devices for driving DMX
    systems
    > > with midi control, which would be an alternative to doing
    conversion from
    > > serial to DMX.
    > >
    > > On Sat, 18 Jan 2003, selket_10027 <selket_10027@y...> wrote:
    > >
    > > > No you can't. Just because they use the same plug doesn't mean
    that
    > > > the protocols are the same. Midi is 31k baud and DMX is 250k
    baud.
    > > > the stamp can go up to 125k baud.
    > > >
    > > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Sean T. Lamont .lost."
    > > > <lamont@a...> wrote:
    > > > >
    > > > > Can't you do MIDI->DMX? You can *certainly* drive midi from a
    > > > stamp, I do
    > > > > it all the time.
    > > > >
    > > > > On Fri, 17 Jan 2003, selket_10027 <selket_10027@y...> wrote:
    > > > >
    > > > > > Short answer: no
    > > > > >
    > > > > > DMX is an extention of RS-485 serial protocol that is run
    > > > > > asynchonously over a 5 pin XLR cable. It also runs at
    250kBPS
    > > > which
    > > > > > I believe is faster than is possible with Basic Stamp SEROUT
    > > > > > command. If you could speed it up, then there is no reason
    why
    > > > not.
    > > > > > There might be a way to use some kind of external serial
    driver.
    > > > > >
    > > > > > They also sell dumb DMX controlers that are programed via
    RS232.
    > > > You
    > > > > > could definatly use the stamp to control the box which in
    turn
    > > > > > controls the dimmers. These things cost ~$200 which, for
    stage
    > > > > > lighting is damn cheap -- compare to a dimmer. So if you
    can
    > > > spend a
    > > > > > little money and just want a stamp to control lights then
    you're
    > > > all
    > > > > > set. If you were trying to use the stamp to avoid shelling
    out
    > > > $200
    > > > > > for such a box, then you're SOL.
    > > > > >
    > > > > > -selket
    > > > > >
    > > > > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "richeybrooksiii
    > > > <richey@c...>"
    > > > > > <richey@c...> wrote:
    > > > > > > does anyone know if you can send a dimmerpack (for stage
    > > > lighting)
    > > > > > a
    > > > > > > DMX single from a stamp?
    > > > > > >
    > > > > > > Thanks
    > > > > > > Richey
    > > > > >
    > > > > >
    > > > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
    the
    > > > Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > > >
    > > > > >
    > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > > >
    > > > > >
    > > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc.
    > > > (ServNet)
    > > > > Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett -
    Tacoma -
    > > > Bremerton
    > > > > email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
    > > > > "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
    > > >
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    > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
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    > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
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    > and Body of the message will be ignored.
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    > > >
    > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > >
    > > Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc.
    (ServNet)
    > > Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma -
    Bremerton
    > > email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
    > > "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
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    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
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    > >
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    > >
    > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-01-21 00:38
    Dwayne,

    Well, what I want to do is have the Stamp know when the heater of my
    aquarium is operating. It draws less than 5 amps, minimum draw would be
    fine at 2A+. All I want is knowledge of on or off, I don't need to know how
    much current is being drawn. The heater is AC, and of course I want a 5V
    output.

    Thanks for the input!

    Jonathan

    www.madlabs.info


    Original Message
    From: "Dwayne Reid" <dwayner@p...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Monday, January 20, 2003 1:49 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Current sensing


    > At 01:38 PM 1/20/03 -0800, Jonathan Peakall wrote:
    > >Hi All,
    > >
    > >Ok, I'm not very smart. What I really need is current sensing, not
    voltage
    > >sensing as I asked earlier. I have searched and called Fairchild and I
    can't
    > >see any similar device to the HCPL-3700 that reads current. Any
    suggextions
    > >as to how to let a Stamp know when current is flowing?
    >
    > Need some parameters.
    >
    > Min current to sense.
    > Max current the circuit has to survive.
    > AC or DC
    > operating voltage
    > Maximum allowable burden voltage (drop across sensing element).
    >
    > dwayne
    >
    > --
    > Dwayne Reid <dwayner@p...>
    > Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA
    > (780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax
    >
    > Celebrating 18 years of Engineering Innovation (1984 - 2002)
    > .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-
    > `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-'
    > Do NOT send unsolicited commercial email to this email address.
    > This message neither grants consent to receive unsolicited
    > commercial email nor is intended to solicit commercial email.
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
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    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-01-21 01:11
    You could need this thermometer app-kit from parallax, and a small
    summer connected to the stamp. You also need a temp probe in the
    water. If your boiler stops working, the temp drops under a limit
    and the stamp send a low signal to the summer as an alarm.

    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Jonathan Peakall"
    <jpeakall@m...> wrote:
    > Dwayne,
    >
    > Well, what I want to do is have the Stamp know when the heater of
    my
    > aquarium is operating. It draws less than 5 amps, minimum draw
    would be
    > fine at 2A+. All I want is knowledge of on or off, I don't need to
    know how
    > much current is being drawn. The heater is AC, and of course I
    want a 5V
    > output.
    >
    > Thanks for the input!
    >
    > Jonathan
    >
    > www.madlabs.info
    >
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "Dwayne Reid" <dwayner@p...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Monday, January 20, 2003 1:49 PM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Current sensing
    >
    >
    > > At 01:38 PM 1/20/03 -0800, Jonathan Peakall wrote:
    > > >Hi All,
    > > >
    > > >Ok, I'm not very smart. What I really need is current sensing,
    not
    > voltage
    > > >sensing as I asked earlier. I have searched and called
    Fairchild and I
    > can't
    > > >see any similar device to the HCPL-3700 that reads current. Any
    > suggextions
    > > >as to how to let a Stamp know when current is flowing?
    > >
    > > Need some parameters.
    > >
    > > Min current to sense.
    > > Max current the circuit has to survive.
    > > AC or DC
    > > operating voltage
    > > Maximum allowable burden voltage (drop across sensing element).
    > >
    > > dwayne
    > >
    > > --
    > > Dwayne Reid <dwayner@p...>
    > > Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA
    > > (780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax
    > >
    > > Celebrating 18 years of Engineering Innovation (1984 - 2002)
    > > .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-
    > > `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-'
    > > Do NOT send unsolicited commercial email to this email address.
    > > This message neither grants consent to receive unsolicited
    > > commercial email nor is intended to solicit commercial email.
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    Subject and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-01-21 01:40
    I presume this is a 110 volt heater - are you boiling the fish, or just
    keeping them warm [noparse]:)[/noparse] ?

    If you put a 1 ohm resistor (I'd use a 10 watt resistor if the heater draws
    2 amps) in series with the heater, you will get 2 volts across it when the
    heater is running (at 2 amps). You could then drive an optoisolator from
    this voltage (using a series resistor). The output of the optoisolator
    could then drive the PIC. You will have to play with component values somewhat.

    Larry


    At 04:38 PM 1/20/2003 -0800, you wrote:
    >Dwayne,
    >
    >Well, what I want to do is have the Stamp know when the heater of my
    >aquarium is operating. It draws less than 5 amps, minimum draw would be
    >fine at 2A+. All I want is knowledge of on or off, I don't need to know how
    >much current is being drawn. The heater is AC, and of course I want a 5V
    >output.
    >
    >Thanks for the input!
    >
    >Jonathan
    >
    >www.madlabs.info
    >
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >From: "Dwayne Reid" <dwayner@p...>
    >To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    >Sent: Monday, January 20, 2003 1:49 PM
    >Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Current sensing
    >
    >
    > > At 01:38 PM 1/20/03 -0800, Jonathan Peakall wrote:
    > > >Hi All,
    > > >
    > > >Ok, I'm not very smart. What I really need is current sensing, not
    >voltage
    > > >sensing as I asked earlier. I have searched and called Fairchild and I
    >can't
    > > >see any similar device to the HCPL-3700 that reads current. Any
    >suggextions
    > > >as to how to let a Stamp know when current is flowing?
    > >
    > > Need some parameters.
    > >
    > > Min current to sense.
    > > Max current the circuit has to survive.
    > > AC or DC
    > > operating voltage
    > > Maximum allowable burden voltage (drop across sensing element).
    > >
    > > dwayne
    > >
    > > --
    > > Dwayne Reid <dwayner@p...>
    > > Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA
    > > (780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax
    > >
    > > Celebrating 18 years of Engineering Innovation (1984 - 2002)
    > > .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-
    > > `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-'
    > > Do NOT send unsolicited commercial email to this email address.
    > > This message neither grants consent to receive unsolicited
    > > commercial email nor is intended to solicit commercial email.
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    >Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    >Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

    Larry Bradley
    Orleans (Ottawa), Ontario, CANADA
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-01-21 02:56
    Larry,

    Yes, it is a 110VAC heater. And fish stew is NOT the object ;-)

    I like it. Good idea. And much simpler and cheaper than anything else so
    far. Unless there is a mircale IC out there, I bet I go this way.

    Thanks for the help!

    Jonathan

    www.madlabs.info

    Original Message
    From: "Larry Bradley" <lhbradley@i...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Monday, January 20, 2003 5:40 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Current sensing


    > I presume this is a 110 volt heater - are you boiling the fish, or just
    > keeping them warm [noparse]:)[/noparse] ?
    >
    > If you put a 1 ohm resistor (I'd use a 10 watt resistor if the heater
    draws
    > 2 amps) in series with the heater, you will get 2 volts across it when the
    > heater is running (at 2 amps). You could then drive an optoisolator from
    > this voltage (using a series resistor). The output of the optoisolator
    > could then drive the PIC. You will have to play with component values
    somewhat.
    >
    > Larry
    >
    >
    > At 04:38 PM 1/20/2003 -0800, you wrote:
    > >Dwayne,
    > >
    > >Well, what I want to do is have the Stamp know when the heater of my
    > >aquarium is operating. It draws less than 5 amps, minimum draw would be
    > >fine at 2A+. All I want is knowledge of on or off, I don't need to know
    how
    > >much current is being drawn. The heater is AC, and of course I want a 5V
    > >output.
    > >
    > >Thanks for the input!
    > >
    > >Jonathan
    > >
    > >www.madlabs.info
    > >
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > >From: "Dwayne Reid" <dwayner@p...>
    > >To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > >Sent: Monday, January 20, 2003 1:49 PM
    > >Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Current sensing
    > >
    > >
    > > > At 01:38 PM 1/20/03 -0800, Jonathan Peakall wrote:
    > > > >Hi All,
    > > > >
    > > > >Ok, I'm not very smart. What I really need is current sensing, not
    > >voltage
    > > > >sensing as I asked earlier. I have searched and called Fairchild and
    I
    > >can't
    > > > >see any similar device to the HCPL-3700 that reads current. Any
    > >suggextions
    > > > >as to how to let a Stamp know when current is flowing?
    > > >
    > > > Need some parameters.
    > > >
    > > > Min current to sense.
    > > > Max current the circuit has to survive.
    > > > AC or DC
    > > > operating voltage
    > > > Maximum allowable burden voltage (drop across sensing element).
    > > >
    > > > dwayne
    > > >
    > > > --
    > > > Dwayne Reid <dwayner@p...>
    > > > Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA
    > > > (780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax
    > > >
    > > > Celebrating 18 years of Engineering Innovation (1984 - 2002)
    > > > .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-
    > > > `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-'
    > > > Do NOT send unsolicited commercial email to this email address.
    > > > This message neither grants consent to receive unsolicited
    > > > commercial email nor is intended to solicit commercial email.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and
    > >Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > >
    > >
    > >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    > >Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    > Larry Bradley
    > Orleans (Ottawa), Ontario, CANADA
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
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    >
    >
    >
    >
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