The Shop > Electronics & IC Programing
Turn on 12v DC with logic PIC output.
MetalCaster:
I have seen some machines with a trap door with microswitch, and when the product drops, it goes through the trap door and actuates the microswitch.
The microswitch could switch perhaps a 5 v (high) or 0 v (low) signal to the PIC.
I am a physical relay guy (from the old days of working on pinball machines, which had relays or relay contacts by the hundreds).
I stopped toying with electronics when it went solid state, but I understand how the solid state stuff works, but just don't have the experience to hook it up correctly.
Sounds like an interesting project.
John Rudd:
The ULN2803a options looks good, you could just use a discrete transistor (suitably rated) but dont forget the diode across the relay coil....else you will kill the output stage.. :zap:
ChrisC:
If you are unsure about electronics, then it might be worth considering using an Arduino for this type of project. They simply use the USB port to program the boards, the software is free, and is a version of C, easy to learn, and loads of online support. Most significantly there are a lot of different input output boards available (called shields), which makes interfacing a doddle. Whilst I design microcontroller based products for a living, I often use Arduino's for quick "proof of principle" models for customers. Have a look at http://www.arduino.cc/
Chris
raynerd:
Hi Chris, yes I've played with arduinos and have a duemilanove here somewhere in the house. I've also got microC Easy Pic board .... All that being said, I'm not great with either but enjoy playing!
Even if I use an arduino, I'll still need to use the circuitry being discussed here to turn on my 12v 2A supply - as neither an arduino or a PIC alone will handle this and will only turn on a logic output ...right??
ChrisC:
Yes you will need additional hardware, but you can buy an off the shelf arduino shield to plug directly onto your arduino board for example http://www.coolcomponents.co.uk/catalog/relay-shield-p-610.html, but there are lots of other similar shields available. It's not the cheapest route, but it does avoid almost any electronics work!
Chris
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