Hello Forum, please forgive my lack of Arduino knowledge and overall ignorance. I am attempting to enhance my prototype product using a Adafruit Trinket. I have a MT3608 DC TO DC Power booster that is powering a 24v max heating filament. My question is this, can I use the Trinket to power at 3v then 4v then 5v for a periods of time? I want to set the Trinket at 5v and the MT3608 FOR 24V, then use the Trinket to power the MT3608 WITH 24V being the highest output. Or, will I need a different external power source other than the MT 3608. I hope this makes sense. If not, I'll try to elaborate as best as possible. Thanks guys n girls.
Assuming that the reason for these different voltage levels is to apply different levels of heat, the way this is typically done is to drive the heater at various duty cycles using a PWM output.
You are exactly right. I want to be able to hook up a button that will when pressed fluctuate between voltages for a period of time. Say 15mins then shut off unless pressed again or pressed 2x to cycle thru voltages. I looked up Amplifier Circuits for Arduino and saw this Arduino Nano Every. Can that be programmed to work?
Any of the Arduinos should work. Look at a Solid State relay for your PWM to heater interface. Run the Trinket at its appropriate voltage, going to high will fry it. The solid state relay will isolate the 24V from the Arduino. Get one that is opto isolated and a MOSFET output (DC). Your power booster is only good for 2A Max. Consider using a 24V power supply and a simple buck converter to power the Arduino, I would set it for about 8V output and power via Vin, that will give you some extra filtering. Letting us know what the current requirements of the heaters will help. If you do not have a multimeter I highly recommend one, even a cheap one would be OK for a while.
Everything sounds great except for the input power supply because the application runs off of a 5v input from a car USB or Cigarette Lighter. So the Trinket is great since it can only accept 5v. I just need to boost the output to the heating filament up to 24v. If there's an Arduino abt the size of the Trinket that can boost close to that 24v, kool! If not, a go between will work. Looks like that solid state relay to isolate the 24V from the Arduino will have to do. I will indeed look for one that is opto isolated and with a MOSFET output (DC).
How much current does the heater require, or how many watts does it use. That could be a deal breaker? If you do not know measure its resistance with your meter.
Your resistance is about 18.6 Ohms. At 12V you will need 6.5A @7.75 watts. at 24V you will need 1.2A @ 31 watts. The USB port is limited in the amount of power it can supply.
I do not know what you are using but I am assuming it is the USB port on your lap top. The typical specifications for a USB 1.0 and 2.0 standard downstream port, delivers A maximum of 500 mA or 0.5A which is 2.4 watts. With a USB 3.0, The limit is 900mA or 0.9A, which translates into A maximum of 4.5 watts.
My suggestion is at a minimum a 24V power supply that will source a minimum off 2A. This may have to be adjusted for your real load. I would also suggest you follow a few tutorials on basic electronics.
Hi gilshultz, I physically measured the resistance of the heater filament and you are correct in the 18ohms. The input source into the Arduino will be a car USB or Cigarette Lighter/USB conversion as the prototype invention is an accessory for cars.
Presently i have a spliced USB going from the car USB to the MT3608 which is powering the heat filament. The highest I can get it to register is 10v. The link that cedarlakesinstruments sent me on the Gravity:Mosfet Power Controller seams like it will do the job in boosting the heating filament higher. I may need to only boost it to as high as 14 or 16 volts. I will probably have to have a new heating filament made to accommodate this voltage. My new question is this, if the heating filament is currently 9.4V 4.75W, what will the new voltage and wattage be for me to tell the manufacturer of the heating filament to create? I believe you were telling me with saying - At 12V you will need 6.5A @7.75 watts. at 24V you will need 1.2A @ 31 watts. But I fear 12v will be too low and 24v to high. 14v will be good and 16v will givie the heating filament enough cushion to last longer.
(Thanks for the advice on learning basic electronics. I've been doing some homework on it but somethings still seem confusing. It requires a lot of math and thats never been my strong subject unfortunately) Thanks for all your help everyone! Its truly appreciated!
@gilshultz and @cedarlakeinstruments Thank you for all of your help. I figured out the specs that i need using an ohm calculator. Gilshultz you made that happen for me and I'm grateful. Cedarlakeinstruments you showed me the gravity mosfet power controller and for that i am grateful. I hope you keep helping everyone like you helped me. Thanks guys!