Hi everyone,
I'm very new to this, and am debating getting an adruino of some kind if it will do what I need it to do. if you all could suggest part numbers with your replies that would be helpful too...
I have 5 sensors that send a constant 5v signal. when the sensor is tripped, the voltage cuts down to 2.5v.
I have a tone generator that will play a constant tone
I have an amplifier that amplifies that tone and plays the sound.
My goal is, to have the tone play only when the voltage drops down to 2.5
I was looking into voltage monitoring relays, and all kinds of things, but then started to wonder if one adruino, could monitor the voltages on all 5 devices, then have it trip one of 5 different relays depending on what sensor was tripped. OR have the adruino just send the tone to the proper place, but not sure if the adruino can have 5 sound cards or whatever would be needed for that.
I'm sure this is all vague, but I wasn't sure what all info would be needed for help.
Hello, The short answer to your question is Yes, and in order to be more helpful, we'll need to understand what you are looking to achieve more clearly.
If I understand your use case, you want to monitor 5 sensor units and have a sound play if any one of them operates (that is, if a signal on a sensor changes from 5v to 2.5 volts). So, questions:
Do you need to discriminate which sensor operated or only that any sensor operated?
What should happen if the sensor resets - should the sound continue or stop?
If a sensor operates and a sound is played, what will stop/reset the system? Does it need human intervention? What will the neighbours do if you are away for a week and the system operates?
The sensor operational specifications may be important. There are different solutions for slow-changing signals versus fast-triggered signals.
What is the system monitoring - this is important since development systems (like Arduino) are not specified for operating where people's health or safety might be at risk.
Let us know a bit more about what you're trying to achieve and we'll be able to assist with more useful answers.
If you can live with 2V and 3V trip levels use a simple 74HC914 or 74HC14. They are less then a buck depending on package. Place a 10K resistor in series with the input to protect it. These can drive the Arduino relay modules, no Arduino needed. As a cravat you get 6 for the price of one chip. This response is to help you get started in solving your problem, not solve it for you.
Good Luck & Have Fun!
Gil