Complete newbie, Information needed on the new project

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi, I am entirely new to Arduino, I found it recently and I immediately found a excellent use to it.

My Plan: Arduino powered Tow Truck (real life example)

The idea? is very simple, Use smarthphone and Arduino to control:

12V electric winch (winch is operated using solenoid with ground and two + 12V pins, Each pin starts the motor in right direction

winch cable in - winch cable out)

winch.png

12V hydraulic power pack, Power pack is powered by 5hp motor and again, it is controlled by solenoid with ground and 12V pin to start the motor.

Now thats a tricky one, This is double acting pump, which means it has solenoid valve on it to control fluid direction OUTPUT (Bed in - bed out)

When the pump is activated and motor runs, the bed goes out, When valve is activated by +12V impulse, the fluid changes output, which means bed goes back in. (when bed in button pushed 2 relays activated at the same time. One to activate the pump, and one to change direction, Right?)

In near future, Im planning to have few more functions, im looking to connect to obdII port to read vehicle datau using Freematics OBD-II Adapter for Arduino, and also be able to lock and unlock the doors with smartphone app (android is what im using)

Now so my questions:

Whats the best Arduino to go for a project like that. Im thinking of using around 16 Relay module to control all the electrics including door loock +12v supply.

Whats the best Bluetooth module to go with, i need reliability and performance on the roadside.

How to make it safe to use on the public road, I mean what if ardoino freezes and keeps the relays open etc? would watchdogs do it?

Thanks in advance

winch.png

2

You have put a lot of work on this project. Your concern about safety on the road is well deserved. But you seem to have no regard for the safety of the operator. How will you ensure the operator is well out of the way and protected behind sturdy steel while the towed vehicle is being loaded?

The current location of hydraulic controls ensures the operator is nowhere near the load being winched.

Paul

3

How to make it safe to use on the public road, I mean what if ardoino freezes and keeps the relays open etc?

This is very difficult. First of all the Arduino is a toy, intended for learning and experimentation, and is definitely not suited for harsh environments.

You will want to build a custom board that is conformally coated to protect the circuitry from corrosion.

Furthermore, the automotive electrical environment is extremely harsh, with voltage spikes greater than 125 V, combined with large voltage drops during engine starts, possible polarity reversals from jump starts, etc., so extensive noise and over/under voltage protection on all power leads and inputs/outputs is absolutely required.

Google "automotive electrical noise protection" for more info.