Use linear encoder Gefran with Arduino UNO to detect motorcycle suspension behaviour

Projects Discussion and Showcase Science and Measurement
1

Hello to all
I'm writing from Italy and i'm not a totally newbie in electronics, (maybe concept can be little bit old...) but i am almost totally new with Arduino programming.
I have a project that i would make, a check system for motorcycle suspension movement.
A quick system description could be:

  • The linear encoder mechanically connected to motorcycle front fork, send signal to Arduino board.
  • The board trasform signals in mm to read on a display.
  • Millimeters values storeable for later download on a PC.

For the moment i have:
A Gefran PC-M- 175 linear encoder (datasheet attached) bought at at cheap price.
An Arduino UNO R3 board.

Before enter deeply in search and study for a working scketch, i would like to know if i need some other components, as hardware, to begin my project.
Is there someone who can give some infos

Thanks to all, Luigi.

Gefran PC-M-.pdf (783,5 KB)

2

So basically the "encoder" seems to be a 5k potentiometer. Connect one end to Gnd, the other to 5v, slider to an analogue input and you should be in business.

3

You'll need a display (obviously) and a battery, but those components should be all you need to do this. I wouldn't recommend powering it from the motorcycle: power is probably really dirty.

4

Thank you Jhaine.
I noticed that in datasheet there's an advice:

Avvertenze
Avvertenze1277×184 40.1 KB

It means: do not use the transducer as potentiometer

What would intented the maker?
Maybe don't use the transducer to control a device with input current (e.g. volume in an audio amplifier)?

Thank Luigi.

5

Hi cedarlake.
Yes, there's no problem using an external power, but you mean "dirty" the power coming from the motorcycle battery?

Thanks, Luigi.

6

No, it says dont use it as a variable resistor, a/k/a rheostat.

7

The power from the motorcycle battery itself is fine. It's the magneto/generator charging the battery that's the problem.

8

Yes Cedar.
It's true. But before battery there' always a regulator/rectifier.
Anway, i could take power supply from a dedicated battery; device that i would build can be used not necessarily in races but in free practice too, where 1 kilograms more don't affect so much the performance.

I'm a newbie and prefer proceeding step by step. For the moment i'm drawing the electrical scheme to have approvation comment on forum. I know that can be elementary, but " a drawing is better than hundred words to explain..."

9

No, it says dont use it as a variable resistor, a/k/a rheostat.

:+1: Thank you

10

This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.