I'm currently working on a fluidics project that utilizes a couple 12 VDC diaphragm pumps and 4-way solenoid valves. Previously, the pumps and valves were activated using simple analog switches by hand. I need to be able to automate the system so that specific valves and pumps open and close for a specific period of time without human interaction.
I've only done extremely basic Arduino work with LEDs in the past. My idea was to use the Arduino to control which component receives voltage (and is thereby activated) based on timing.
Is this a feasible project to do with an Arduino? Is there any reference material I can use to help me get started/learn more about accomplishing this task?
I have an external triple output DC power supply, and basic circuit components on hand (breadboards/resistors/capacitors/etc.)
If more information is needed let me know. Thanks!
For clarity, what I mean by specific amount of time is that:
Valve 1 opens
Pump 1 starts for 5 min
Pump 1 stops
Valve 1 closes
Valve 2 opens
Pump 2 starts for 2 min
Pump 2 stops
Valve 2 closes
etc.
Have you the specs on the pumps and valves? How much current is required for each? The pumps and valves can be driven with MOSFETS or relays (mechanical or solid state). MOSFET probably cheapest. The timing can be done using the "blink without delay" timing method so that the processor is not tied up waiting. And research finite state machine for the program structure.
Thank you, I'll look into it.
Current required for the two 4-way valves is 240 mA each, there is no rated current for the 2 pumps.
Perfect, thank you.
Is there any particular Arduino board that would be best suited for this purpose or is the Arduino Uno ok?
The Uno probably has the most support in terms of libraries, shields and users. Go for the R3 with the DIP processor as the processor is replacble if accidently toasted.
groundfungus:
The Uno probably has the most support in terms of libraries, shields and users. Go for the R3 with the DIP processor as the processor is replacble if accidently toasted.
Great, thanks.
Last question for now. I've looked into both the MOSFETs and the relay. Is there any particular advantage to one over the other? They both seem relatively similar, and I would need to buy 10 MOSFETs (one for each component) which would equal about the cost of one 16 channel relay.
Components are all 12 VDC and the 8 valves are 240 mA each. The 2 pumps are 320 mA each, run at 12 VDC and 2 Hz.
Shoot, just use two TPIC6A595 then. Open drain (MOSFET) output, can only sink current.
Each output can sink 350mA continuous from 50V source.
2 simple shiftOut() or SPI.transfer() commands to load them with data:
digitalWrite (latchPin, LOW); // connect to RLCK pin
SPI.transfer(bit7to0); // SCK connects to SRCLK, MOSI to serial data in
SPI.transfer(bit15to8); // SRCLR to +5, OE to Gnd
digitalWrite (latchPin, HIGH); // outputs update on this rising edge
I used TPIC6C595 to control 8 relays on this shield:
http://www.crossroadsfencing.com/BobuinoRev17/
(which I should put on the website!)
Is there any particular Arduino board that would be best suited for this purpose or is the Arduino Uno ok?
I got one of the below uno boards and it works well.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ATmega328P-CH340G-UNO-R3-Board-USB-Cable-7-Gilded-Pin-for-Arduino-DIY-M2-/151451780051
