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[on:]

I'm using an Arduino Pro in my car.

I'm using this transistor:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10213

& this relay
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062477



Will this work or do I need a smaller Relay?

[Reply #1 on:]

what are you trying to do?

[Reply #2 on:]

You need a 125R resistor between the pin 5 and the gate of the FET.
You need a reverse bias diode across the relay.
You need to connect the -ve of the battery to the arduino ground.

[Reply #3 on:]

You need a 125R resistor between the pin 5 and the gate of the FET.
You need a reverse bias diode across the relay.
You need to connect the -ve of the battery to the arduino ground.

1) How did you calculate the size of the resistor and why is it needed exactly.
2) Do I need a reverse bias diode because of how the transistor is wired to the relay?
3) I did the sketch pretty fast, I will ground the Arduino to the battery and make a 5v regulator for the (+)

I'm just starting to get into this stuff so go slow

Thanks so much,

Andrew

what are you trying to do?

Use an RFID reader to act as my ignition switch (or kill switch), since I have no key.
I guess I could use a smaller Relay, I just have this one laying around.

[Reply #4 on:]

1) How did you calculate the size of the resistor and why is it needed exactly.

The FET gate looks like a discharged capacitor. A resistor of 125R keeps the peak current below the 40mA that it is "safe" to draw from an arduino.

2) Do I need a reverse bias diode because of how the transistor is wired to the relay?

No you need it because of the back EMF generated by the coil.

and make a 5v regulator for the (+)

You need 12V for the relay, so what is the regulator for?

[Reply #5 on:]

1) How did you calculate the size of the resistor and why is it needed exactly.

The FET gate looks like a discharged capacitor. A resistor of 125R keeps the peak current below the 40mA that it is "safe" to draw from an arduino.

2) Do I need a reverse bias diode because of how the transistor is wired to the relay?

No you need it because of the back EMF generated by the coil.

and make a 5v regulator for the (+)

You need 12V for the relay, so what is the regulator for?

1. Ohhh, So no matter what size transistor I have I should always have a 125 Ohm resistor? What Watt?
2. Never though about that. Would this work? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036270
3. I meant to say a 5v regulator for the Arduino since it will be in my car.

Thanks!

[Reply #6 on:]

Use an RFID reader to act as my ignition switch (or kill switch), since I have no key.
I guess I could use a smaller Relay, I just have this one laying around.

cool you should make this into and enter it into the instructables shopbot contest

i was going to make something like this. but to start the car i would need to put my wallet in a specific spot.

[Reply #7 on:]

Use an RFID reader to act as my ignition switch (or kill switch), since I have no key.
I guess I could use a smaller Relay, I just have this one laying around.

cool you should make this into and enter it into the instructables shopbot contest

i was going to make something like this. but to start the car i would need to put my wallet in a specific spot.

I should enter!
I will have to swipe a RFID key tag near the reader then I will be able to start the car, right now you could press 2 buttons and drive off with my car.
If the car was fuel injected I would program it to turn over the starter too and start the entire car when the key was swiped.

[Reply #8 on:]

should always have a 125 Ohm resistor?

With an FET then yes, with a bipolar transistor no.

What Watt?

It doesn't mater, so little power is being dissipated here.

Would this work? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036270

Yes

[Reply #9 on:]

should always have a 125 Ohm resistor?

I could only find a 120 Ohm 1/4 watt resistor. Hopefully it works?

Would this work? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036270

I also could only find a,
Prv - 400v Max
Vf- 1.2v @ 3A
Industrial Rectifier, will this work?

Thanks so so so much!!

[Reply #10 on:]

Hopefully it works?

Yes it will work but will not provide enough protection. The absolute maximum output current for a pin is 40mA, even that will produce damage if sustained. Your resistor will limit the current to 5 / 120 = 41.6 mA, you are better getting a resistor greater that the 125R you need.

The diode is fine.

[Reply #11 on:]

Hopefully it works?

Yes it will work but will not provide enough protection. The absolute maximum output current for a pin is 40mA, even that will produce damage if sustained. Your resistor will limit the current to 5 / 120 = 41.6 mA, you are better getting a resistor greater that the 125R you need.

The diode is fine.

I found some 130 Ohm 1/4 watt resistors today.
Thanks for all your help. I would have probably messed something up terribly without your help!
You are the best!!!