I'm Dave and I'm a rank noob with ZERO electronics or computer experience. I have a number of projects I'd like to have made, but I won't be the one actually making them (I'll get someone who actually knows what they're doing).
Where I'm hoping you folks can help me is to tell me if what I want to do is even feasible, and if so, perhaps point me in the right direction so I can speak (halfway) intelligently with the builder.
My ideas for the Arduino are mostly automotive related, to deal with with 12v car systems.
The first idea is to have a roof vent cooling fan that is 3-way switched (off/on/auto), with auto being a temp sensor that will turn it on when the interior temp reaches "X" degrees and off when it drops to "Y" degrees. By running it through a board, I could also (I hope) monitor the vehicle battery and have it auto shut down when the battery gets too low (so I can still start the engine, and not kill off the battery by draining it too far).
Just so we are clear: I am NOT asking anyone to design a circuit or write code for me, just looking for conceptual info.
Temp sensor.
Transistor to control the fan.
Two resistors to measure the battery level.
Probably a few other things but that's about it.
Rob
Thanks Rob.
If I may inquire further...
In addition to the fan, I'll want to be running a few other items while the van is off, including a portable cooler that will draw about 40 watts at 12 volts. The idea is that the cooler will keep drinks cool and the fan will keep the van cool while I'm parked at the beach for several hours in the sun. I still need enough battery to start the van when I return, and would just as soon not run the battery down far enough to hurt it.
Could the few resistors monitor the battery well enough to allow for that?
I'd also like to run a 12v powered cooler at about 40 watts to keep drinks cold while the van is stopped. The board would need to be able to accommodate for that battery drain as well, and to (hopefully) turn them both off before the van won't start or the battery gets hurt.
I originally considered placing thin solar panels on the van roof, but an engineer friend explained that the shadow of my (rather complex) roof rack would basically negate them.
terryking228:
HI, like Rob says this is doable. More than that, it's an opportunity for you to learn something new.
If you've got ideas, you need tools to make them reality. Microcomputers are the #1 tool in the world in 2011.
Get an Arduino. Do it. Ask questions or work along with your friend. You will Get It.
I hear what you're saying, and I'll probably get involved, but honestly, I don't have the brains for it: I know what I want to accomplish, and have come up with some pretty cool designs and ideas, but my concentration, math, and logic skills just aren't up to the task.
MY tools for making my ideas a reality are welders, plasma cutters, and friends who are smarter than me. Luckily, I have all 3...
MY tools for making my ideas a reality are welders, plasma cutters,
Dave, I wouldn't want to be without my welder, cutoff saw, radial arm saw, router and the crane on my GMC... but more tools of more kinds are ALWAYS better. Don't sell yourself short!
Ain't none of us as smart as that guy who said , "Imagination is more important than knowledge."..
Ride along with your friend, learn some about Arduino. When you "Get It", you'll be more surprised than me...
Could the few resistors monitor the battery well enough to allow for that?
The Arduino can only accept voltages up to 5v and of course the car battery is a nominal 12v. Technically all that is required to reduce the 12v to 5v is two resistors, however given that this is in a vehicle I'd add some protection against load dump at least.
Anyway it's not hard, we'll get into that if the time comes.
BTW, of all the practical skills that I can think of I consider welding and metalwork to be the most useful.
