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Automotive/Marine applications — Parallax Forums

Automotive/Marine applications

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2002-12-18 12:19 in General Discussion
Hi everyone, I just joined.

I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago and it was
loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing text-
paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
manipulate some X-10 appliances.

Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?

For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors etc. with
graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms as
required.

Any creative input is most welcome!
Thanks,
Mike
«134

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-07 14:17
    If you are talking creative applications,

    how about water speed, wind speed, fuel flow all put in to give you
    distance to empty?

    or maybe GPS and fuel level, but that's not as much fun.

    Heck if you put in a GPS, you could put in a cruse control.

    Humidity sensor and cabin ventilation when in port ?

    Dave







    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "ii_awesum" <ii_awesum@y...>
    wrote:
    > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    >
    > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago and it
    was
    > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing text-
    > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    >
    > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    >
    > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors etc.
    with
    > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms as
    > required.
    >
    > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > Thanks,
    > Mike
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-07 17:10
    I was thinking of a rudder position indicator. It would take some type of
    sensor mounted on the rudder post that
    would determine the amount of left and right rudder rotation from dead center
    and send it to a BS2 for
    processing. An LCD mounted on the helm would then be used to graphically
    indicate the amount of left or right
    rudder rotation.

    Now if I just knew how to do.




    "Dave Mucha " wrote:

    > If you are talking creative applications,
    >
    > how about water speed, wind speed, fuel flow all put in to give you
    > distance to empty?
    >
    > or maybe GPS and fuel level, but that's not as much fun.
    >
    > Heck if you put in a GPS, you could put in a cruse control.
    >
    > Humidity sensor and cabin ventilation when in port ?
    >
    > Dave
    >
    > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "ii_awesum" <ii_awesum@y...>
    > wrote:
    > > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    > >
    > > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago and it
    > was
    > > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing text-
    > > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    > >
    > > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    > >
    > > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors etc.
    > with
    > > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms as
    > > required.
    > >
    > > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > > Thanks,
    > > Mike
    >
    > 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 2002-12-07 17:39
    Funny you mentioned that, I was thinking of using the stamp to interface
    with a GPS and make and autopilot (an "Iron Mike" as we used to call them).

    Several possible ways to to let the stamp know what position the rudder is
    in. IR detectors being an easy place to start. There are positional sensor
    packages out there too. Are you talking sail or power?

    Jonathan

    Original Message
    From: "pslive" <pslive@m...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2002 9:10 AM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Automotive/Marine applications


    > I was thinking of a rudder position indicator. It would take some type of
    sensor mounted on the rudder post that
    > would determine the amount of left and right rudder rotation from dead
    center and send it to a BS2 for
    > processing. An LCD mounted on the helm would then be used to graphically
    indicate the amount of left or right
    > rudder rotation.
    >
    > Now if I just knew how to do.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > "Dave Mucha " wrote:
    >
    > > If you are talking creative applications,
    > >
    > > how about water speed, wind speed, fuel flow all put in to give you
    > > distance to empty?
    > >
    > > or maybe GPS and fuel level, but that's not as much fun.
    > >
    > > Heck if you put in a GPS, you could put in a cruse control.
    > >
    > > Humidity sensor and cabin ventilation when in port ?
    > >
    > > Dave
    > >
    > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "ii_awesum" <ii_awesum@y...>
    > > wrote:
    > > > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    > > >
    > > > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago and it
    > > was
    > > > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing text-
    > > > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > > > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    > > >
    > > > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    > > >
    > > > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > > > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors etc.
    > > with
    > > > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms as
    > > > required.
    > > >
    > > > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > > > Thanks,
    > > > Mike
    > >
    > > 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 2002-12-07 18:07
    My rudder application would be for a power boat. What ever type detector was
    used it would have to be able to
    withstand the humidity and temperature ranges. Interference from other onboard
    systems could also be an issue.

    The autopilot would make an interesting project but it would be way beyond my
    expertise. If I built an autopilot
    I would probably also need to make a system that called 911 after the autopilot
    failed.

    Like someone previously mentioned, a system that monitors various engine and
    temperature parameters would also be
    interesting.

    I have to tell you that I can think big but in reality do very little when it
    comes to electronics.



    Jonathan Peakall wrote:

    > Funny you mentioned that, I was thinking of using the stamp to interface
    > with a GPS and make and autopilot (an "Iron Mike" as we used to call them).
    >
    > Several possible ways to to let the stamp know what position the rudder is
    > in. IR detectors being an easy place to start. There are positional sensor
    > packages out there too. Are you talking sail or power?
    >
    > Jonathan
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "pslive" <pslive@m...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2002 9:10 AM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Automotive/Marine applications
    >
    > > I was thinking of a rudder position indicator. It would take some type of
    > sensor mounted on the rudder post that
    > > would determine the amount of left and right rudder rotation from dead
    > center and send it to a BS2 for
    > > processing. An LCD mounted on the helm would then be used to graphically
    > indicate the amount of left or right
    > > rudder rotation.
    > >
    > > Now if I just knew how to do.
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > "Dave Mucha " wrote:
    > >
    > > > If you are talking creative applications,
    > > >
    > > > how about water speed, wind speed, fuel flow all put in to give you
    > > > distance to empty?
    > > >
    > > > or maybe GPS and fuel level, but that's not as much fun.
    > > >
    > > > Heck if you put in a GPS, you could put in a cruse control.
    > > >
    > > > Humidity sensor and cabin ventilation when in port ?
    > > >
    > > > Dave
    > > >
    > > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "ii_awesum" <ii_awesum@y...>
    > > > wrote:
    > > > > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    > > > >
    > > > > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago and it
    > > > was
    > > > > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing text-
    > > > > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > > > > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    > > > >
    > > > > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    > > > >
    > > > > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > > > > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors etc.
    > > > with
    > > > > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms as
    > > > > required.
    > > > >
    > > > > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > > > > Thanks,
    > > > > Mike
    > > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-07 18:17
    I'm power (26' Bayliner Ciera SB). Looks like there's some genuine
    interest here :-).

    Rudder (drive) position indicators are also feasable, I already have
    a analog trim indicator but that shouldn't be difficult to interface
    using an A/D convertor. The Rudder angle would require a retrofit
    of a sensor on the tiller arm and I think these sensors are readily
    available at marine shops for a modest cost. You can buy a stick on
    position indicator that attaches to your steering wheel hub for $35
    US or so and I hear are pretty good for reference purposes. Of
    course if you want to go electronic...

    One other thing that came to mind is an computerised trim tab
    control, which can be purchased off the shelf - but for what I
    consider a high cost ($400+). I suppose the dual-axis inclinometer
    is a costly component.

    There are already plenty of GPS and autopilot interfaces readily
    available down to the PDA level and for the cost might be more
    practical to buy outright. I have a Magellan handheld GPS which
    does what I need (heh heh, for now...but I hope to get a PDA based
    GPS sometime for the added flexability).

    Fuel flow meter, that's something I plan to purchase off the shelf,
    and costs $200 US. No interface for this model except to tap into
    the flow sensor to collect data. You can get very sophisticated
    models that will interface to autopilot, GPS, and chart plotter.
    They indicate RPM, fuel consumption, fuel remaining and feed this
    data to the other devices which is real sweet but cost prohibitive
    at $800+ for my class of boating.

    Anyways, enough of my rambling. I'd like to start small with the
    level sensors and fridge thermostat. I think the fridge control is
    a no-brainer using the temperature sensor and a relay. What type of
    sensors are available for level sensing? My water tank is embedded
    in the hull
    and I only have access to the rear wall of it thru a 5"x8" access
    hole. The 2 options I suspect are an external inductive type or
    cutting a hole for a rheostat type sensor. Inductive one would be
    the cleanest method.

    Thanks all!
    Mike
    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Jonathan Peakall"
    <jpeakall@m...> wrote:
    > Funny you mentioned that, I was thinking of using the stamp to
    interface
    > with a GPS and make and autopilot (an "Iron Mike" as we used to
    call them).
    >
    > Several possible ways to to let the stamp know what position the
    rudder is
    > in. IR detectors being an easy place to start. There are
    positional sensor
    > packages out there too. Are you talking sail or power?
    >
    > Jonathan
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "pslive" <pslive@m...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2002 9:10 AM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Automotive/Marine applications
    >
    >
    > > I was thinking of a rudder position indicator. It would take
    some type of
    > sensor mounted on the rudder post that
    > > would determine the amount of left and right rudder rotation
    from dead
    > center and send it to a BS2 for
    > > processing. An LCD mounted on the helm would then be used to
    graphically
    > indicate the amount of left or right
    > > rudder rotation.
    > >
    > > Now if I just knew how to do.
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > "Dave Mucha " wrote:
    > >
    > > > If you are talking creative applications,
    > > >
    > > > how about water speed, wind speed, fuel flow all put in to
    give you
    > > > distance to empty?
    > > >
    > > > or maybe GPS and fuel level, but that's not as much fun.
    > > >
    > > > Heck if you put in a GPS, you could put in a cruse control.
    > > >
    > > > Humidity sensor and cabin ventilation when in port ?
    > > >
    > > > Dave
    > > >
    > > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "ii_awesum"
    <ii_awesum@y...>
    > > > wrote:
    > > > > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    > > > >
    > > > > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago
    and it
    > > > was
    > > > > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing
    text-
    > > > > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > > > > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    > > > >
    > > > > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    > > > >
    > > > > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > > > > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors
    etc.
    > > > with
    > > > > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms
    as
    > > > > required.
    > > > >
    > > > > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > > > > Thanks,
    > > > > Mike
    > > >
    > > > 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 2002-12-07 18:56
    Mike,

    Temp control is easy, I just made a controller for my hot tub. Same basic
    thing. I used an inexpensive LM35DZ for the sensor, and it was easy to
    interface. Mail me off list if you want details.

    It sounds like you want to make a fuel/water level indicator. One of the
    classic problems of fuel/water gauges is of course movement. Rheostat/float
    sensors are almost usless except at rest. So I was thinking, what about a
    pressure sensor on the output of the tank? Should be easy to interface, and
    I would think more accurate under working conditions.

    Jonathan Peakall

    Original Message
    From: <ii_awesum@y...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2002 10:17 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Automotive/Marine applications


    > I'm power (26' Bayliner Ciera SB). Looks like there's some genuine
    > interest here :-).
    >
    > Rudder (drive) position indicators are also feasable, I already have
    > a analog trim indicator but that shouldn't be difficult to interface
    > using an A/D convertor. The Rudder angle would require a retrofit
    > of a sensor on the tiller arm and I think these sensors are readily
    > available at marine shops for a modest cost. You can buy a stick on
    > position indicator that attaches to your steering wheel hub for $35
    > US or so and I hear are pretty good for reference purposes. Of
    > course if you want to go electronic...
    >
    > One other thing that came to mind is an computerised trim tab
    > control, which can be purchased off the shelf - but for what I
    > consider a high cost ($400+). I suppose the dual-axis inclinometer
    > is a costly component.
    >
    > There are already plenty of GPS and autopilot interfaces readily
    > available down to the PDA level and for the cost might be more
    > practical to buy outright. I have a Magellan handheld GPS which
    > does what I need (heh heh, for now...but I hope to get a PDA based
    > GPS sometime for the added flexability).
    >
    > Fuel flow meter, that's something I plan to purchase off the shelf,
    > and costs $200 US. No interface for this model except to tap into
    > the flow sensor to collect data. You can get very sophisticated
    > models that will interface to autopilot, GPS, and chart plotter.
    > They indicate RPM, fuel consumption, fuel remaining and feed this
    > data to the other devices which is real sweet but cost prohibitive
    > at $800+ for my class of boating.
    >
    > Anyways, enough of my rambling. I'd like to start small with the
    > level sensors and fridge thermostat. I think the fridge control is
    > a no-brainer using the temperature sensor and a relay. What type of
    > sensors are available for level sensing? My water tank is embedded
    > in the hull
    > and I only have access to the rear wall of it thru a 5"x8" access
    > hole. The 2 options I suspect are an external inductive type or
    > cutting a hole for a rheostat type sensor. Inductive one would be
    > the cleanest method.
    >
    > Thanks all!
    > Mike
    > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Jonathan Peakall"
    > <jpeakall@m...> wrote:
    > > Funny you mentioned that, I was thinking of using the stamp to
    > interface
    > > with a GPS and make and autopilot (an "Iron Mike" as we used to
    > call them).
    > >
    > > Several possible ways to to let the stamp know what position the
    > rudder is
    > > in. IR detectors being an easy place to start. There are
    > positional sensor
    > > packages out there too. Are you talking sail or power?
    > >
    > > Jonathan
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > > From: "pslive" <pslive@m...>
    > > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > > Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2002 9:10 AM
    > > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Automotive/Marine applications
    > >
    > >
    > > > I was thinking of a rudder position indicator. It would take
    > some type of
    > > sensor mounted on the rudder post that
    > > > would determine the amount of left and right rudder rotation
    > from dead
    > > center and send it to a BS2 for
    > > > processing. An LCD mounted on the helm would then be used to
    > graphically
    > > indicate the amount of left or right
    > > > rudder rotation.
    > > >
    > > > Now if I just knew how to do.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > "Dave Mucha " wrote:
    > > >
    > > > > If you are talking creative applications,
    > > > >
    > > > > how about water speed, wind speed, fuel flow all put in to
    > give you
    > > > > distance to empty?
    > > > >
    > > > > or maybe GPS and fuel level, but that's not as much fun.
    > > > >
    > > > > Heck if you put in a GPS, you could put in a cruse control.
    > > > >
    > > > > Humidity sensor and cabin ventilation when in port ?
    > > > >
    > > > > Dave
    > > > >
    > > > > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "ii_awesum"
    > <ii_awesum@y...>
    > > > > wrote:
    > > > > > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    > > > > >
    > > > > > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago
    > and it
    > > > > was
    > > > > > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing
    > text-
    > > > > > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > > > > > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    > > > > >
    > > > > > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    > > > > >
    > > > > > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > > > > > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors
    > etc.
    > > > > with
    > > > > > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms
    > as
    > > > > > required.
    > > > > >
    > > > > > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > > > > > Thanks,
    > > > > > Mike
    > > > >
    > > > > 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/
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    >
    >
    > 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 2002-12-07 19:10
    Simplier stuff,

    water temperature indicator connected to a GPS so you can data log
    what temperature the water was when you caught the BIG fish.

    engine heat temperature

    G-force meter to post just how BIG that wave was.

    Can counter to see how many beers you have left before you need to
    get back to port.

    water speed vs. motor RPM to help fine tune the prop ?

    air temperature meter to let you know when the temp is changing,
    signaling weather changes, barometric sensor ?

    galvanometer?

    Dave




    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "ii_awesum" <ii_awesum@y...>
    wrote:
    > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    >
    > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago and it
    was
    > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing text-
    > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    >
    > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    >
    > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors etc.
    with
    > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms as
    > required.
    >
    > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > Thanks,
    > Mike
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-07 20:44
    Hi Mike,

    Regarding a low-cost, dual-axis inclinometer, consider using Analog
    Devices ADXL202, which is a dual-axis accelerometer, sensitive to tilt
    angles. See both the Parallax and Analog Devices web sites for stamp
    code, using PWM and not requiring analog-to-digital conversion. The
    Analog Devices application notes are quite detailed, with circuit
    examples for filtering, optimizing sensitivity, and other useful
    information.

    Dennis

    Original Message
    From: ii_awesum <ii_awesum@y...> [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=8tHOGIY2WaiS0ISvkllAg_H6Xv3ssjIlp6uNXQu1z0sogmHblLzCiA06hB0NmIhoYxmNSGwAUhaB]ii_awesum@y...[/url
    Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2002 10:18 AM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Automotive/Marine applications


    I'm power (26' Bayliner Ciera SB). Looks like there's some genuine
    interest here :-).

    <deleted>

    One other thing that came to mind is an computerised trim tab
    control, which can be purchased off the shelf - but for what I
    consider a high cost ($400+). I suppose the dual-axis inclinometer
    is a costly component.

    <deleted>
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-07 21:15
    One solution is an absolute position encoder. Its an encoder wheel with a
    pattern on it that indicates exactly how far in its rotation it is -- you
    have multiple devices to read this pattern. You can buy or make your own.

    Do a search on Yahoo! for "absolute position encoder" and do some research.

    Original Message

    > I was thinking of a rudder position indicator. It would take some type of
    sensor mounted on the rudder post that
    > would determine the amount of left and right rudder rotation from dead
    center and send it to a BS2 for
    > processing. An LCD mounted on the helm would then be used to graphically
    indicate the amount of left or right
    > rudder rotation.
    >
    > Now if I just knew how to do.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-07 23:27
    There is a special code used for position sensing of a shaft. Look at:

    http://www.ida.net/users/tetonsl/railroad/graycode.htm

    and see if that is interesting??


    Leroy
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-08 07:40
    Sure! If you are not getting a 20 to 70 year life span from your
    flooded lead acid batteries, make a battery desulfator. Premature death
    of a lead acid battery (80% +) is attributable to lead sulfates.

    Works well on starter and deep discharge batteries.

    Merely build up the output stage only of this NFET schematic (R4, C3,
    Q1, L1, L2, D1 and C4). Q1=IRL630 or IRFZ44N, C4=2
    http://shaka.com/~kalepa/556alternate.gif


    Component values are shown in the PFET schematic,
    http://shaka.com/~kalepa/schematic.gif

    OR in the original article written for Home Power magazine
    http://www.humboldt1.com/~michael.welch/desulfator.pdf



    But PLEASE do not email the author of the article as he is extremely
    busy on another project and has asked folks to direct any questions you
    may have to the BBS
    http://pub36.ezboard.com/bleadacidbatterydesulfation

    or to me
    desulfator@y...

    I have lots o pulsing programs for the Stamp line to share. Especially
    if you use thermistors to monitor temps of the FET and Diode to enable
    running at the edge of the performance envelope.


    ii_awesum wrote:
    >
    > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    >
    > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago and it was
    > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing text-
    > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    >
    > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    >
    > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors etc. with
    > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms as
    > required.
    >
    > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > Thanks,
    > Mike
    >
    > 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 2002-12-08 07:42
    Oooooooooops got interuppted with emails

    C4 is 200uF to 6800uF I use 100V rated caps.

    Don Denhardt wrote:
    >
    > Sure! If you are not getting a 20 to 70 year life span from your
    > flooded lead acid batteries, make a battery desulfator. Premature death
    > of a lead acid battery (80% +) is attributable to lead sulfates.
    >
    > Works well on starter and deep discharge batteries.
    >
    > Merely build up the output stage only of this NFET schematic (R4, C3,
    > Q1, L1, L2, D1 and C4). Q1=IRL630 or IRFZ44N, C4=2
    > http://shaka.com/~kalepa/556alternate.gif
    >
    > Component values are shown in the PFET schematic,
    > http://shaka.com/~kalepa/schematic.gif
    >
    > OR in the original article written for Home Power magazine
    > http://www.humboldt1.com/~michael.welch/desulfator.pdf
    >
    > But PLEASE do not email the author of the article as he is extremely
    > busy on another project and has asked folks to direct any questions you
    > may have to the BBS
    > http://pub36.ezboard.com/bleadacidbatterydesulfation
    >
    > or to me
    > desulfator@y...
    >
    > I have lots o pulsing programs for the Stamp line to share. Especially
    > if you use thermistors to monitor temps of the FET and Diode to enable
    > running at the edge of the performance envelope.
    >
    > ii_awesum wrote:
    > >
    > > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    > >
    > > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago and it was
    > > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing text-
    > > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    > >
    > > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    > >
    > > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors etc. with
    > > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms as
    > > required.
    > >
    > > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > > Thanks,
    > > Mike
    > >
    > > 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 2002-12-08 10:52
    Hi Mike,

    I have a boat that has a fuel tank that is very long and very skinny, so
    normal tank level sensors are no good. I made a fuel flow meter using a
    standard commercial flow meter (expensive), and an LED display that showed
    either flow rate or fuel quantity remaining depending on selected mode.

    I had a passing thought that using a fuel flow meter coupled with a speed
    sensor (water speed Pitot), that an auto trim system that trims the boat for
    the most fuel efficient trim automatically could be done. With rising fuel
    prices that we are getting in AUS this could be a good thing!!

    Also, y not just make a heading hold autopilot?

    Have Fun,

    Regards,

    Dwain.
    Original Message
    From: "ii_awesum" <ii_awesum@y...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2002 7:57 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Automotive/Marine applications


    > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    >
    > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago and it was
    > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing text-
    > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    >
    > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    >
    > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors etc. with
    > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms as
    > required.
    >
    > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > Thanks,
    > Mike
    >
    >
    > 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 2002-12-08 14:33
    IF you are talking a single flap (rudder) that moves, maybe 180
    degrees, why not just a pot ?

    There are multiple places to put it. on the actual shaft of the
    rudder, or on the arm that drives it. should be easy to waterproof.

    and is MUCH easier to code for than an encoder.

    Dave




    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
    > One solution is an absolute position encoder. Its an encoder wheel
    with a
    > pattern on it that indicates exactly how far in its rotation it is -
    - you
    > have multiple devices to read this pattern. You can buy or make
    your own.
    >
    > Do a search on Yahoo! for "absolute position encoder" and do some
    research.
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >
    > > I was thinking of a rudder position indicator. It would take
    some type of
    > sensor mounted on the rudder post that
    > > would determine the amount of left and right rudder rotation from
    dead
    > center and send it to a BS2 for
    > > processing. An LCD mounted on the helm would then be used to
    graphically
    > indicate the amount of left or right
    > > rudder rotation.
    > >
    > > Now if I just knew how to do.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-08 15:28
    At 02:40 12/08/02, Don Denhardt wrote:

    >Sure! If you are not getting a 20 to 70 year life span from your
    >flooded lead acid batteries, make a battery desulfator. Premature death
    >of a lead acid battery (80% +) is attributable to lead sulfates.
    >
    >Works well on starter and deep discharge batteries.


    I worked 30 years as an Engineer in the lead-acid battery industry and I am
    amazed that these vastly inflated claims for battery desulfators keep
    circulating. Twenty years life for a lead-acid battery in cyclic service
    is absolutely ridiculous and 70 years far exceeds the life of the most
    advanced NONCYCLIC designs maintained under strictest conditions.

    For anyone interested in a better understanding of the care and maintenance
    of auto starting and deep-cycle marine batteries I suggest you take a look
    at the vast amount of information presented by my friend Bill Darden at
    http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/ .

    Those with lingering doubts might want to visit the Usenet newsgroup
    sci.chem.electrochem.battery. If your questions there are initially
    unanswered it is because everyone there is probably a bit tired of this
    topic. Ask for a one-line summary only and the word "snake oil" will
    probably be a part of it.


    Jim H
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-08 16:08
    No wonder -- Snake Oil is two words.

    **********

    > Those with lingering doubts might want to visit the Usenet newsgroup
    > sci.chem.electrochem.battery. If your questions there are initially
    > unanswered it is because everyone there is probably a bit tired of this
    > topic. Ask for a one-line summary only and the word "snake oil" will
    > probably be a part of it.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-08 17:00
    The rudders don't even move a full 180 degrees and I do have access to the
    rudder post and rudder arms so I could
    fasten something to them. If I used a pot, does that mean that for example:
    -if the rudder was full left, the pot would be at minimum resistance
    -if no rudder (straight), the pot would be one half resistance
    -if the rudder was full right, the pot would be at maximum resistance

    Then the stamp would compare the resistance(voltage drop) of the pot to a range
    of programmed in values for the
    various rudder positions and determine how much rudder to display on the LCD?

    Sorry to ask such basic questions but I am new at this.

    Does anyone have an example of something like this?

    "Dave Mucha " wrote:

    > IF you are talking a single flap (rudder) that moves, maybe 180
    > degrees, why not just a pot ?
    >
    > There are multiple places to put it. on the actual shaft of the
    > rudder, or on the arm that drives it. should be easy to waterproof.
    >
    > and is MUCH easier to code for than an encoder.
    >
    > Dave
    >
    > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
    > > One solution is an absolute position encoder. Its an encoder wheel
    > with a
    > > pattern on it that indicates exactly how far in its rotation it is -
    > - you
    > > have multiple devices to read this pattern. You can buy or make
    > your own.
    > >
    > > Do a search on Yahoo! for "absolute position encoder" and do some
    > research.
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > >
    > > > I was thinking of a rudder position indicator. It would take
    > some type of
    > > sensor mounted on the rudder post that
    > > > would determine the amount of left and right rudder rotation from
    > dead
    > > center and send it to a BS2 for
    > > > processing. An LCD mounted on the helm would then be used to
    > graphically
    > > indicate the amount of left or right
    > > > rudder rotation.
    > > >
    > > > Now if I just knew how to do.
    >
    > 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 2002-12-08 18:38
    For anyone interested in a better understanding of the care and
    maintenance of auto starting and deep-cycle marine batteries I suggest
    you get first hand knowledge of the subject. OR talk to folks that have
    had successes in this area.

    Reading about anyone's opinion that has no first hand knowledge is a
    poor substitute. AND like the old saying goes, opinions are like
    rectums, everyone has one.

    Desulfation pulsing is a hot area of research with many patents filed
    over the last 20 years. Those who have insight into unique designs tend
    to keep them close to the vest. It seems the primary benefactor has
    been industrial applications where this capability has been built in to
    industrial charging equipment.

    It has only been recently (in the 100 year history of the lead acid
    battery) that desulfation by electronic means have been developed.
    Desulfation by chemical means (EDTA tetrasodium salt) also works but has
    some drawbacks to it.

    If everyone in the United States used desulfating pulsers, the lead acid
    battery industry would virtually die out in a month.

    Gee I wonder why some lead acid battery folks tend to get a little
    touchy about the subject?? I am absolutely amazed that folks can have
    an opinion about a subject and little or no experience.

    On the other hand, if you want to buy a used car the last person you
    might get a straight answer from might be the used car salesman.

    For myself, I've recovered too many dead batteries, watched the Specific
    Gravity rise as the battery was pulsed and brought back to life; seen
    many previously dead batteries start cars and load test in the green
    once more to have any doubts about the process.

    I've heard from many many folks that were ecstatic over how their dead
    batteries came back to life after using a pulser based on enhancements
    of Mr. Coupers original design.

    One of the commercial desulfating pulsers has a website where a few
    folks have taken the time to write about their experiences.
    http://www.pulsetech.net/

    If you click on "Product info" and then "Testimonials" you can read
    about what some folks on this forum must believe to be delusional.

    On the other foot, if you have a BS2 stamp and would like to try
    something new, cobble a pulser together and you just might save yourself
    a ton of bucks by not ever having to purchase a new battery again. You
    can get all the free batteries you want by merely recovering those that
    others have tossed out.

    Now there is a difference in pulsers. The enhanced designs we've come
    up with are 5 to 10 times more powerful than what you will find in the
    commercial market. Soooooooooo I suppose it is possible you might get
    poor results using something that had low output.


    Jim Higgins wrote:
    >
    > At 02:40 12/08/02, Don Denhardt wrote:
    >
    > >Sure! If you are not getting a 20 to 70 year life span from your
    > >flooded lead acid batteries, make a battery desulfator. Premature death
    > >of a lead acid battery (80% +) is attributable to lead sulfates.
    > >
    > >Works well on starter and deep discharge batteries.
    >
    > I worked 30 years as an Engineer in the lead-acid battery industry and I am
    > amazed that these vastly inflated claims for battery desulfators keep
    > circulating. Twenty years life for a lead-acid battery in cyclic service
    > is absolutely ridiculous and 70 years far exceeds the life of the most
    > advanced NONCYCLIC designs maintained under strictest conditions.
    >
    > For anyone interested in a better understanding of the care and maintenance
    > of auto starting and deep-cycle marine batteries I suggest you take a look
    > at the vast amount of information presented by my friend Bill Darden at
    > http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/ .
    >
    > Those with lingering doubts might want to visit the Usenet newsgroup
    > sci.chem.electrochem.battery. If your questions there are initially
    > unanswered it is because everyone there is probably a bit tired of this
    > topic. Ask for a one-line summary only and the word "snake oil" will
    > probably be a part of it.
    >
    > Jim H
    >
    > 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 2002-12-08 18:38
    For anyone interested in a better understanding of the care and
    maintenance of auto starting and deep-cycle marine batteries I suggest
    you get first hand knowledge of the subject. OR talk to folks that have
    had successes in this area.

    Reading about anyone's opinion that has no first hand knowledge is a
    poor substitute. AND like the old saying goes, opinions are like
    rectums, everyone has one.

    Desulfation pulsing is a hot area of research with many patents filed
    over the last 20 years. Those who have insight into unique designs tend
    to keep them close to the vest. It seems the primary benefactor has
    been industrial applications where this capability has been built in to
    industrial charging equipment.

    It has only been recently (in the 100 year history of the lead acid
    battery) that desulfation by electronic means have been developed.
    Desulfation by chemical means (EDTA tetrasodium salt) also works but has
    some drawbacks to it.

    If everyone in the United States used desulfating pulsers, the lead acid
    battery industry would virtually die out in a month.

    Gee I wonder why some lead acid battery folks tend to get a little
    touchy about the subject?? I am absolutely amazed that folks can have
    an opinion about a subject and little or no experience.

    On the other hand, if you want to buy a used car the last person you
    might get a straight answer from might be the used car salesman.

    For myself, I've recovered too many dead batteries, watched the Specific
    Gravity rise as the battery was pulsed and brought back to life; seen
    many previously dead batteries start cars and load test in the green
    once more to have any doubts about the process.

    I've heard from many many folks that were ecstatic over how their dead
    batteries came back to life after using a pulser based on enhancements
    of Mr. Coupers original design.

    One of the commercial desulfating pulsers has a website where a few
    folks have taken the time to write about their experiences.
    http://www.pulsetech.net/

    If you click on "Product info" and then "Testimonials" you can read
    about what some folks on this forum must believe to be delusional.

    On the other foot, if you have a BS2 stamp and would like to try
    something new, cobble a pulser together and you just might save yourself
    a ton of bucks by not ever having to purchase a new battery again. You
    can get all the free batteries you want by merely recovering those that
    others have tossed out.

    Now there is a difference in pulsers. The enhanced designs we've come
    up with are 5 to 10 times more powerful than what you will find in the
    commercial market. Soooooooooo I suppose it is possible you might get
    poor results using something that had low output.


    Jim Higgins wrote:
    >
    > At 02:40 12/08/02, Don Denhardt wrote:
    >
    > >Sure! If you are not getting a 20 to 70 year life span from your
    > >flooded lead acid batteries, make a battery desulfator. Premature death
    > >of a lead acid battery (80% +) is attributable to lead sulfates.
    > >
    > >Works well on starter and deep discharge batteries.
    >
    > I worked 30 years as an Engineer in the lead-acid battery industry and I am
    > amazed that these vastly inflated claims for battery desulfators keep
    > circulating. Twenty years life for a lead-acid battery in cyclic service
    > is absolutely ridiculous and 70 years far exceeds the life of the most
    > advanced NONCYCLIC designs maintained under strictest conditions.
    >
    > For anyone interested in a better understanding of the care and maintenance
    > of auto starting and deep-cycle marine batteries I suggest you take a look
    > at the vast amount of information presented by my friend Bill Darden at
    > http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/ .
    >
    > Those with lingering doubts might want to visit the Usenet newsgroup
    > sci.chem.electrochem.battery. If your questions there are initially
    > unanswered it is because everyone there is probably a bit tired of this
    > topic. Ask for a one-line summary only and the word "snake oil" will
    > probably be a part of it.
    >
    > Jim H
    >
    > 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 2002-12-08 18:45
    >I've no idea if pulse charging for desulfation works or not. However, if
    >it does work so well, why do not the commercial makers of battery chargers
    >(for example, Xantrex, who make 3 and 4 stage, expensive, chargers for
    >marine deep cycle batteries) not provide pulse charging in their units?




    Larry Bradley
    Orleans (Ottawa), Ontario, CANADA
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-08 18:50
    Pulse charging will desulfate if the rise time of the pulse is fast
    enough.

    I have no idea why some commercial makers of battery chargers do not
    provide this capability.

    Some do!

    Larry Bradley wrote:
    >
    > >I've no idea if pulse charging for desulfation works or not. However, if
    > >it does work so well, why do not the commercial makers of battery chargers
    > >(for example, Xantrex, who make 3 and 4 stage, expensive, chargers for
    > >marine deep cycle batteries) not provide pulse charging in their units?
    >
    > 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 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 2002-12-08 18:59
    I suspect that many of the inverter folks have focused their efforts on
    the sinusoidal output of the unit.

    They may have relied on antiquated information and advise as far as the
    treatment of the lead acid battery goes.

    Other manufacturers do have pulse charging capability that has
    demonstrated a desulfation effect. BUT desulfation is not what they had
    in mind when they designed the unit. They used pulse charging to
    control the charge going in to the battery. Desulfation was merely a
    unplanned benefit.

    Larry Bradley wrote:
    >
    > >I've no idea if pulse charging for desulfation works or not. However, if
    > >it does work so well, why do not the commercial makers of battery chargers
    > >(for example, Xantrex, who make 3 and 4 stage, expensive, chargers for
    > >marine deep cycle batteries) not provide pulse charging in their units?
    >
    > 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 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 2002-12-08 19:15
    Oooooooooops, I stand corrected!

    Morningstar did design the unit to have desulfation capability. At
    least that is what their ad implies.
    http://www.morningstarcorp.com/our_advantage/index.shtml

    Larry Bradley wrote:
    >
    > >I've no idea if pulse charging for desulfation works or not. However, if
    > >it does work so well, why do not the commercial makers of battery chargers
    > >(for example, Xantrex, who make 3 and 4 stage, expensive, chargers for
    > >marine deep cycle batteries) not provide pulse charging in their units?
    >
    > 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 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 2002-12-08 19:25
    As a matter of fact, if I am not mistaken, desulfation effect was first
    noted when pulse charging equipment was developed. Many of the early
    patents were part of pulse charging equipment

    Dedicated desulfation equipment was developed later.

    But you have to remember that the rise time of the pulse is critical to
    achieve desulfation results. We use the 50nSec rise time of inductor
    mag field collapse to recover batts with.



    Larry Bradley wrote:
    >
    > >I've no idea if pulse charging for desulfation works or not. However, if
    > >it does work so well, why do not the commercial makers of battery chargers
    > >(for example, Xantrex, who make 3 and 4 stage, expensive, chargers for
    > >marine deep cycle batteries) not provide pulse charging in their units?
    >
    > 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 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 2002-12-08 19:43
    And if you would like to read about current or updated battery
    maintenance, the best site I've found is from those who have a critical
    reliance on the lead acid battery
    http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm

    There may be some tidbits concerning starter batteries as well.

    Although these folks sell desulfation equipment, nothing will beat or
    even come close to a BS2 series desulfation pulser that keeps an eye on
    FET and Diode temperatures in order that the pulse width to the FET
    keeps the inductors at or near saturation for max pulse out.



    Don Denhardt wrote:
    >
    > Sure! If you are not getting a 20 to 70 year life span from your
    > flooded lead acid batteries, make a battery desulfator. Premature death
    > of a lead acid battery (80% +) is attributable to lead sulfates.
    >
    > Works well on starter and deep discharge batteries.
    >
    > Merely build up the output stage only of this NFET schematic (R4, C3,
    > Q1, L1, L2, D1 and C4). Q1=IRL630 or IRFZ44N, C4=2
    > http://shaka.com/~kalepa/556alternate.gif
    >
    > Component values are shown in the PFET schematic,
    > http://shaka.com/~kalepa/schematic.gif
    >
    > OR in the original article written for Home Power magazine
    > http://www.humboldt1.com/~michael.welch/desulfator.pdf
    >
    > But PLEASE do not email the author of the article as he is extremely
    > busy on another project and has asked folks to direct any questions you
    > may have to the BBS
    > http://pub36.ezboard.com/bleadacidbatterydesulfation
    >
    > or to me
    > desulfator@y...
    >
    > I have lots o pulsing programs for the Stamp line to share. Especially
    > if you use thermistors to monitor temps of the FET and Diode to enable
    > running at the edge of the performance envelope.
    >
    > ii_awesum wrote:
    > >
    > > Hi everyone, I just joined.
    > >
    > > I have a BS2 Stamp that I mucked around with some time ago and it was
    > > loads of fun. I managed to make a home alarm with outgoing text-
    > > paging alerts, an inbound telephone/dtmf interface, and also
    > > manipulate some X-10 appliances.
    > >
    > > Have any of you made any useful Auto/Marine applications?
    > >
    > > For my boat I can think of things like manifold heat sensors,
    > > automate the (crappy) fridge thermostat, tank level sensors etc. with
    > > graphical output on the 4-line LCD display, and audio alarms as
    > > required.
    > >
    > > Any creative input is most welcome!
    > > Thanks,
    > > Mike
    > >
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    > > 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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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-08 19:55
    You could use the RCTIME command to determine the position of the pot. Lots
    of examples in the Stamp manual and Stamps in Class documentation -- all
    free for download on Parallax' web site.


    Original Message

    > The rudders don't even move a full 180 degrees and I do have access to the
    rudder post and rudder arms so I could
    > fasten something to them. If I used a pot, does that mean that for
    example:
    > -if the rudder was full left, the pot would be at minimum resistance
    > -if no rudder (straight), the pot would be one half resistance
    > -if the rudder was full right, the pot would be at maximum resistance
    >
    > Then the stamp would compare the resistance(voltage drop) of the pot to a
    range of programmed in values for the
    > various rudder positions and determine how much rudder to display on the
    LCD?
    >
    > Sorry to ask such basic questions but I am new at this.
    >
    > Does anyone have an example of something like this?
    >
    > "Dave Mucha " wrote:
    >
    > > IF you are talking a single flap (rudder) that moves, maybe 180
    > > degrees, why not just a pot ?
    > >
    > > There are multiple places to put it. on the actual shaft of the
    > > rudder, or on the arm that drives it. should be easy to waterproof.
    > >
    > > and is MUCH easier to code for than an encoder.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-08 20:00
    A reconditioned battery would be fine for around the house or shop, but I
    think I would rather trust a new battery than a resurrected one if I was out
    in the middle of nowhere in my car or on the bike. Besides, its not like
    batteries cost thousands of dollars.

    Original Message

    > For myself, I've recovered too many dead batteries, watched the Specific
    > Gravity rise as the battery was pulsed and brought back to life; seen
    > many previously dead batteries start cars and load test in the green
    > once more to have any doubts about the process.
    >
    > I've heard from many many folks that were ecstatic over how their dead
    > batteries came back to life after using a pulser based on enhancements
    > of Mr. Coupers original design.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-08 20:03
    Actually the only "Snake Oil" I run into consistantly is the
    misinformation put out by battery industry people.

    They would rather have you trucking into the battery store every 3 to 5
    years purchasing new batteries to enable supporting thier handsome
    paychecks.



    Don Denhardt wrote:
    >
    > For anyone interested in a better understanding of the care and
    > maintenance of auto starting and deep-cycle marine batteries I suggest
    > you get first hand knowledge of the subject. OR talk to folks that have
    > had successes in this area.
    >
    > Reading about anyone's opinion that has no first hand knowledge is a
    > poor substitute. AND like the old saying goes, opinions are like
    > rectums, everyone has one.
    >
    > Desulfation pulsing is a hot area of research with many patents filed
    > over the last 20 years. Those who have insight into unique designs tend
    > to keep them close to the vest. It seems the primary benefactor has
    > been industrial applications where this capability has been built in to
    > industrial charging equipment.
    >
    > It has only been recently (in the 100 year history of the lead acid
    > battery) that desulfation by electronic means have been developed.
    > Desulfation by chemical means (EDTA tetrasodium salt) also works but has
    > some drawbacks to it.
    >
    > If everyone in the United States used desulfating pulsers, the lead acid
    > battery industry would virtually die out in a month.
    >
    > Gee I wonder why some lead acid battery folks tend to get a little
    > touchy about the subject?? I am absolutely amazed that folks can have
    > an opinion about a subject and little or no experience.
    >
    > On the other hand, if you want to buy a used car the last person you
    > might get a straight answer from might be the used car salesman.
    >
    > For myself, I've recovered too many dead batteries, watched the Specific
    > Gravity rise as the battery was pulsed and brought back to life; seen
    > many previously dead batteries start cars and load test in the green
    > once more to have any doubts about the process.
    >
    > I've heard from many many folks that were ecstatic over how their dead
    > batteries came back to life after using a pulser based on enhancements
    > of Mr. Coupers original design.
    >
    > One of the commercial desulfating pulsers has a website where a few
    > folks have taken the time to write about their experiences.
    > http://www.pulsetech.net/
    >
    > If you click on "Product info" and then "Testimonials" you can read
    > about what some folks on this forum must believe to be delusional.
    >
    > On the other foot, if you have a BS2 stamp and would like to try
    > something new, cobble a pulser together and you just might save yourself
    > a ton of bucks by not ever having to purchase a new battery again. You
    > can get all the free batteries you want by merely recovering those that
    > others have tossed out.
    >
    > Now there is a difference in pulsers. The enhanced designs we've come
    > up with are 5 to 10 times more powerful than what you will find in the
    > commercial market. Soooooooooo I suppose it is possible you might get
    > poor results using something that had low output.
    >
    > Jim Higgins wrote:
    > >
    > > At 02:40 12/08/02, Don Denhardt wrote:
    > >
    > > >Sure! If you are not getting a 20 to 70 year life span from your
    > > >flooded lead acid batteries, make a battery desulfator. Premature death
    > > >of a lead acid battery (80% +) is attributable to lead sulfates.
    > > >
    > > >Works well on starter and deep discharge batteries.
    > >
    > > I worked 30 years as an Engineer in the lead-acid battery industry and I am
    > > amazed that these vastly inflated claims for battery desulfators keep
    > > circulating. Twenty years life for a lead-acid battery in cyclic service
    > > is absolutely ridiculous and 70 years far exceeds the life of the most
    > > advanced NONCYCLIC designs maintained under strictest conditions.
    > >
    > > For anyone interested in a better understanding of the care and maintenance
    > > of auto starting and deep-cycle marine batteries I suggest you take a look
    > > at the vast amount of information presented by my friend Bill Darden at
    > > http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/ .
    > >
    > > Those with lingering doubts might want to visit the Usenet newsgroup
    > > sci.chem.electrochem.battery. If your questions there are initially
    > > unanswered it is because everyone there is probably a bit tired of this
    > > topic. Ask for a one-line summary only and the word "snake oil" will
    > > probably be a part of it.
    > >
    > > Jim H
    > >
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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-12-08 20:15
    Actually there are some batteries whose cost exceeds a thousand
    dollars. Ever see a 400lb to 800lb 2V cell? I hear from their owners
    all the time when their battery bank fails and they have a considerable
    investment to save.

    If you bother to take the time to cut a failed battery apart you will
    find that the lead plates have hardly been used. They are normally
    disposed of and the battery industry has a remarkable record of
    recycling all the parts, putting them in so called "New" batteries and
    selling them to you again.

    I fail to see the difference.

    Personally, if I am out in the middle of nowhere I'd rather be using a
    battery that has a pulser permanently connected to it.

    I know it will not fail and leave me stranded.


    Rodent wrote:
    >
    > A reconditioned battery would be fine for around the house or shop, but I
    > think I would rather trust a new battery than a resurrected one if I was out
    > in the middle of nowhere in my car or on the bike. Besides, its not like
    > batteries cost thousands of dollars.
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >
    > > For myself, I've recovered too many dead batteries, watched the Specific
    > > Gravity rise as the battery was pulsed and brought back to life; seen
    > > many previously dead batteries start cars and load test in the green
    > > once more to have any doubts about the process.
    > >
    > > I've heard from many many folks that were ecstatic over how their dead
    > > batteries came back to life after using a pulser based on enhancements
    > > of Mr. Coupers original design.
    >
    > 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 2002-12-08 20:37
    When they build a motorcycle with the room to house a 400lb battery and a
    pulse charger I will be first in line to buy one of these fancy chargers.
    Until then, a $40 Wal-Mart battery every 4 years or so is fine with me.

    If I had a hybrid car with a trunk full of batteries I would think about
    sulphation problems -- otherwise no. And batteries do fail for problems
    other than sulphation -- vibration, overcharging, etc... will also kill them
    and can leave you out in the sticks with no phones and a 100+ mile walk back
    to civilization.

    Original Message

    > Actually there are some batteries whose cost exceeds a thousand
    > dollars. Ever see a 400lb to 800lb 2V cell? I hear from their owners
    > all the time when their battery bank fails and they have a considerable
    > investment to save.
    >
    > If you bother to take the time to cut a failed battery apart you will
    > find that the lead plates have hardly been used. They are normally
    > disposed of and the battery industry has a remarkable record of
    > recycling all the parts, putting them in so called "New" batteries and
    > selling them to you again.
    >
    > I fail to see the difference.
    >
    > Personally, if I am out in the middle of nowhere I'd rather be using a
    > battery that has a pulser permanently connected to it.
    >
    > I know it will not fail and leave me stranded.
    >
    >
    > Rodent wrote:
    > >
    > > A reconditioned battery would be fine for around the house or shop, but
    I
    > > think I would rather trust a new battery than a resurrected one if I was
    out
    > > in the middle of nowhere in my car or on the bike. Besides, its not like
    > > batteries cost thousands of dollars.
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > >
    > > > For myself, I've recovered too many dead batteries, watched the
    Specific
    > > > Gravity rise as the battery was pulsed and brought back to life; seen
    > > > many previously dead batteries start cars and load test in the green
    > > > once more to have any doubts about the process.
    > > >
    > > > I've heard from many many folks that were ecstatic over how their dead
    > > > batteries came back to life after using a pulser based on enhancements
    > > > of Mr. Coupers original design.
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