Hi there,
I am currently doing a car resto/project that I am wanting to add in some automation to while maintaining some of the original controls. I am wanting to make the HVAC controls (heater valve, fan speed, fresh or recirc) all controlled electrically. I think I’m going to need a couple stepper motors or actuators. Not sure what would be better to use and work space is tight. I’m very new to arduino and programming but I am confident around electrical and mechanical work. My main questions would be is this something that would be done fairly easily? Do I need anything out of the ordinary for operating stepper or actuators?
Thanks in advance
can you make a diagram of planned system?
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Electronics can be a big problem especially with older cars. You might be lucky and all works, or you may be plagued with random failures. Here is some guidelines etc for automotive electronics. it is NOT a simple 12V system!
Valuable Resources for Automotive Electronics:
- STMicroelectronics Application Note AN2689:
This application note provides guidelines on protecting automotive electronics from electrical hazards, focusing on design and component selection. Reading this will greatly enhance your understanding of automotive circuit protection.
Read AN2689 - Analog Devices: Automotive Electronics Design:
This article distills key insights into designing automotive electronics, offering practical advice for engineers.
Read the article - Diodes Incorporated: Transient Voltage Suppression in Automotive:
Learn about techniques to protect automotive circuits from transient voltage, which is critical for ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions.
Read the article - AEC-100 Standards Webinar:
This webinar from Monolithic Power Systems provides a detailed overview of AEC standards, essential for understanding automotive electronics requirements.
Watch the webinar - Understanding Automotive Electronics, An Engineering Perspective by William B. Ribbens:
This comprehensive book offers an in-depth look into automotive electronics from an engineering perspective, making it an invaluable resource.
Access the book
These resources should provide a strong foundation for anyone involved in automotive electronics design. If you need further help or more resources, feel free to ask!
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Thanks for the information. I’ll have a read 
Haven’t made it that far yet 
Was trying to get an idea on how possible it would be before going too deep
it is not a rocket science.
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