I will start off by saying that I am not sure if this is the correct forum for this. If its not, I would appreciate a direction on which forum I need to ask this question.
I need to control a modulating gas valve. This gas valve needs a 0-24vdc input signal using a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal. I am using an Arduino MEGA2560 and I have been successful in controlling the gas valve with my program, but the board I was using only does 0-10vdc PWM output. The gas valve would open half way, but that is all because I cannot get to the full 24vdc. Obviously this is not what I need, but I cannot for the life of me find a board that will take a 0-5vdc input and output 0-24vdc.
I did find a board that is manufactured and shipped from Japan, but it wont be in till September 12th at the earliest, and I do not have a lot of time. Does anyone have a recommendation on a board that can perform a 0-24vdc PWM signal with an input of 0-5vdc? If there is not a board like this, what can I do with circuitry to make this work?
So far, I did attempt some stuff with a transistor and a MOSFET. I do not know how these components work, so I don't know if my testing was even successful or not. With that being said, I have not made a schematic for it, because I was not getting the results I needed. My results were just a constant 24vdc signal.
I have looked up and down these forums to an answer for my question and haven't found anything that is helpful.
Some people have suggested using a DAC (Digital Analog Converter), but did not provide an answer to which type or how to connect it in a circuit.
I am a Software Engineer, not a Electrical Engineer. So you may have to ELI5 (Explain Like I'm Five) with certain aspects of the circuitry.
Perhaps you were searching for the wrong thing. I searched for "solenoid pwm" and found a bunch! Includes circuit diagrams to do exactly what you want.
Would you mind linking one of your searches to me? I googled "solenoid pwm" and still only find 0-10vdc output boards.
I just want to make sure I am not missing anything or be searching on the wrong website.
Good grief, man. There is nothing magical about 0-10 volts. IF the transistor will handle it change the voltage to the 24 volts you need! If the transistor has a 10 volt limit, find a similar one that works with a higher voltage.
StormerBarn:
I applied 30vdc to a board and still outputs 10vdc.
I am trying to find one that works with a higher voltage. Thats why I posted in this forum. Sir.
What board? I thought you were going to look for a simple circuit to allow the Arduino to control 24 volts. Did you find such a circuit and get it built already?
StormerBarn:
I need to control a modulating gas valve. This gas valve needs a 0-24vdc input signal using a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal. I am using an Arduino MEGA2560 and I have been successful in controlling the gas valve with my program, but the board I was using only does 0-10vdc PWM output. The gas valve would open half way, but that is all because I cannot get to the full 24vdc. Obviously this is not what I need, but I cannot for the life of me find a board that will take a 0-5vdc input and output 0-24vdc.
I mentioned it in my post. My apologies for not mentioning I applied 30vdc to this board, but I was only getting 10vdc MAX from the output.
OK, help me out here. What part does the Arduino play in your project. The board you have outputs a PWM signal based on the voltage input. No Arduino necessary to get the PWM output.
The circuit I found uses a transistor to switch the 24 volts or 10 volts, off and on when the transistor is driven by the PWM output of the Arduino. Which you board cannot do.
Sure seems like a lot of stuff for a simple problem.
Using PWM output PIN 6 form the Arduino going into the board I have. My modulating valve is connected to the board on the output side. I am only getting 10vdc from the board. My input voltage to the board is 30vdc, but my voltage from the Arduino to this board is my 0-5vdc signal from PIN 6.
The board you have does this: "Voltage-to-PWM module able to convert an analog signal 0-5V / 0-10V signal into the digital PWM ". Why are you using and Arduino to create a PWM signal as control voltage to a board that creates it own PWM signal. That is why the output is limited to 10 volts.
I am sorry, but the whole project seems very strange to me.
I needed a way to PWM some 240v heaters and fridge compressors. I used a bunch of Solid State Relays (SSR's) to do this and provide optical isolation between the 240V and 5v sides. I was able t get some used from a well known auction site about £12 each that can switch 240v @ 50A. Watch the pedigree of any that you buy as normal for anything
Here is a guide on some methods of using SSRs to control a fridge and heatere (NOTE local regulations when working with electricity):
