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Using automotive thermistors help — Parallax Forums

Using automotive thermistors help

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2004-06-16 23:10 in General Discussion
Hi All,

I'm working on a device to monitor engine function on my friends boat. I
have looked, but I can't find any articles about using engine temperature
sensors, which are usually thermistors. I found Tracy's site about a fancy
way to use them, but all I need is a simple quick and dirty method, as 5
degree resolution is fine for this application. I could also make a custom
sensor out of a LM34, but it would be nice to use the original parts if
possible. Also, has anybody used oil pressure sensors from a vehicle?

Thanks!

Jonathan

www.madlabs.info

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-06-16 20:12
    Since you are looking for ballpark values, and I assume you are probably mainly interested in the range of normal operating temperatures, my idea is:

    You can remove the thermister, immerse in lukewarm water and slowly bring the water to boil.....all the while using a thermometer in the water bath and the RCTime command.

    Of course you cannot check past boiling, but you can usually get a rough curve of resistance vs temperature in the service manual from the particular engine and come close to the values that you cannot imperically calibrate.

    ken
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2004-06-16 23:10
    Ken,

    Thanks, I'll give that a shot. I really don't need precision here.


    Jonathan


    Original Message
    From: <smartdim@a...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 12:12 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Using automotive thermistors help


    > Since you are looking for ballpark values, and I assume you are probably
    mainly interested in the range of normal operating temperatures, my idea is:
    >
    > You can remove the thermister, immerse in lukewarm water and slowly bring
    the water to boil.....all the while using a thermometer in the water bath
    and the RCTime command.
    >
    > Of course you cannot check past boiling, but you can usually get a rough
    curve of resistance vs temperature in the service manual from the particular
    engine and come close to the values that you cannot imperically calibrate.
    >
    > ken
    >
    >
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