I am wanting to build something pretty much identical to what is in the video below:
I would like to use an OEM fog light button that has distinct ON/OFF positions. Depressing the switch should power on the camera and monitor, and raise the monitor. Pushing the button again should release it to the OFF position; turning off the camera and monitor, and lowering the monitor back into it's enclosure.
What sort of motor should I consider for a project like this? How do I control how the motor moves forward and backwards to two distinct positions? Quiet/smooth operation and quality are a priority. I'm new here, and though I'm somewhat handy, and have coding experience, I haven't really worked with DIY electronics before, so sorry if this is a bad post.
The type of motor you probably need is called a "linear actuator". These contain a DC motor which turns a threaded rod on which a carriage moves.
(Don't be tempted to think you need any kind of stepper motor.)
In order for the Arduino to control the motor in the linear actuator, you need a module called an "H-bridge". Don't get one based on the ancient L293 or L298 chips, there are much better alternatives these days.
In order to recommend an h-bridge driver, we will need to know the specs of the motor in the linear actuator you choose.
If the OEM fog light switch is connected to fog lights already installed on your car, I'd recommend speaking to someone who does inspections of cars where you live as modifying it may cause your car to fail inspection.
Before you get to far please look up automotive requirements. Automotive is one of the nastiest electrical environments to place electronics in. There is load dump, _+ 24V -12V, etc. I would also suggest you read this and associated documentation. file:///home/gil/Documents/Junk/Distraction_NPFG-02162012.pdf
@PaulRB Thanks! I will look into options. Something like this:
with this:
looks like it may be a good option. I haven't checked that they are compatible yet, just what I found on a cursory search. @er_name_not_found I would be leaving the current fog light setup, and adding an additional switch, but using an OEM fog light switch for the on/off functionality, and the stock appearance.
gilshultz (can't tag more than two ): Thanks for the tip. I'm aware that adding any kind of aftermarket or custom electronics to cars can introduce all sorts of issues, which I am hoping to avoid. My goal is to keep all of the stock functionality and reliability, so I'll check out the documentation you suggested.
I don't have any immediate plans to start the project, as I would like to do it at the same time as other modifications (I don't really want to disassemble the interior multiple times). I'm more so in a research phase, curious what the possibilities are, so that I can have things planned out for if/when I go ahead with the project. Thanks all, for your responses.
Get an actuator that has built-in limit switches. When the limit it hit, the actuator will stop moving in that direction, but it will still respond to reverse power that moves it in the other direction.
With one of these actuators, you could do what you want with no electronics other than a DPDT switch. I thinkthis one might do it if it can carry the current.
): Thanks for the tip. I'm aware that adding any kind of aftermarket or custom electronics to cars can introduce all sorts of issues, which I am hoping to avoid. My goal is to keep all of the stock functionality and reliability, so I'll check out the documentation you suggested.