Hey all! I am new here and not sure this was the best place to post, but I figured this is a good place to start. Anyway, let me preface by saying I am in over my head, but I have a project going on and I think Arduino will offer a solution.
To start, I'm working with an Airlift Performance Manifold, which uses a small handheld controller over USB. This manifold simply controls air going in/out of multiple air bags in an automotive use. And the controller is pretty simple, I'll include a picture.
What I am after, is a way to control functions of this manifold with external switches, because the handheld controller is the only way to control it. If you can't tell already I don't have much experience with Arduino. But I figure there must be a way to "copy" whatever communication is sent from the controller to the manifold to perform a specific task. Then use an Arduino to replicate that signal when the connected button is activated.
I'll also attach a very rudimentary sketch of what I mean. In the sketch, I want the button to replicate a function of the manifold which usually only the controller can do.
So in short, I want to use an external switch to send a command to the manifold which only the controller would usually send. I'm sure there is a fairly simple solution, I just don't have the experience. Any help would be appreciated. I would even hire some help to get this project done, as there isn't a readily available solution anywhere. As far as I know, nobody in the automotive world has attempted to use external controls for these manifolds. Let me know what you think! Thanks
