2formore2:
Hey all,Ive recently bought 3 electric controlled valves for an implement behind my tractor. The valves are operated via 12 volts, basically straight from the battery, they are either on or off (not proportional). I want to control them using a joystick with 2 axis and 1 push button, when the button is pushed the axis are used to control a different valve, so I can control 3 valves with 2 axis and a push button.
The joystick gets 12 volts directly from a plug in the tractor (basically same as in cars, which you use for charging your phone), the potentiometers from the axis send out 0 to 2,4 volt and 2,4 to 5 volt (forward/backwards or left/right on the joystick), however the button sends the 12 volts directly through and to the arduino, so i need to use a 'comparator'? in this line or the arduino gets fried. The signal the arduino sends to the 3 valves (6 controls total) needs to be 12 volt, so what do i put inbetween this wire?
Added is a picture of the rough schematics of the circuit, programming won't be a real problem as I know an IT student.
Sorry for my english!
Welcome to the forum and your English is doing just fine.
Forget about powering the joy stick and switches from 12 volts. Your Arduino will have 5 volts with enough current for all of that.
Concentrate on the current required to operate the hydraulic valves. The normal little hobby relays won't be able to handle that.
Another discussion will be how to house the electronics and keep them cool and keep the dust out.
Paul