I'm wanting to detect when a car blinker is turned on without tapping into the wire. Is there a split core device I can use to snap around the blinker wire harness to detect this and wire it into my arduino?
Ty!
You mean something like this ?
Non-invasive current sensor with Arduino.
or this
https://docs.openenergymonitor.org/electricity-monitoring/ct-sensors/interface-with-arduino.html
1 Like
This is awesome - thank you!
@UKHeliBob Do you know if this works with DC current?
I don’t believe so.
Not if the DC current were constant as the sensor depends on a change of current in the wire. It is, after all, a transformer
However, such a change in current will occur as the blinker is turned on and off, which you should be able to detect
2 Likes
You need a split core hall sensor, that would measure both AC and DC. Here is a link to get you started: How to measure DC and AC current using HSTS016L Hall Effect Current Transformer – A blog about DIY solar and arduino projects
Agreed. Wonder how reliable such an application would be though?
@fordfanboi
So you’re implying that the target wire is accessible, and with sufficient surrounding space to accommodate the split core transformer, yes? If so I’m curious about your objection to splicing into it?
Alternatively, for a less invasive solution, is it possible to push-fit a single, thin wire to the appropriate contact in your vehicle’s fuse box, and feed it through the bulkhead to your Arduino?
1 Like
Many years ago … I took a Reed switch and wrapped several turns of wire around it .
With just the right amount of turns the Reed would close with two brake lights working , and pickup momentarily with a bulb out .( in rush !)
Btw - most car blinkers flash at a different rate with a bulb out to let the driver know.
It is a requirement that the driver be notified if a turn signal fails. @hammy is correct. Here is a short for the regulation: f Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 S9.3.6 Turn signal lamp failure. Failure of one or more turn signal lamps such that the minimum photometric performance specified in Tables VI or VII is not being met must be indicated by the turn signal pilot indicator by a "steady on", "steady off", or by a significant change in the flashing rate". Suspect vehicles may not provide the required warning (a significant change in the flashing rate, for US vehicles) to the driver
You could also place a photo transistor/diode in the housing to detect it.
1 Like
I couldn’t find the ref , but think this is so in the UK too
I'm building blinker detection into my existing lightstrip that mounts on a spoiler / wing so that it can animate on the turning side. It wouldnt replace the original blinker so I don't need to worry about laws.
That's a good point about having enough slack to get a clamp around the individual wire. This would be so that any layman could install it without chance of shorting anything. Also it would be for any performance vehicle with a spoiler / wing that has easy access to the wiring harness. Ty!
Just use a photo transistor at the back of the bulb .
1 Like
That would be awesome but lots of taillights today are LED / sealed where you couldn't gain access to a specific light output. 
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.