*NEW* USB Input/Output Board -- Fusion Brain - Page 49

2k1Toaster · 06-21-2007, 12:36 AM

Ok, the custom function inputter's basic functionality is there. It will be able to parse a formula with any number of variables and the variables could be either some number you define making it like a constant but easier to type, or it can be a current raw or evaluated value from an analogue input. Meaning it can evaluate the function based on that input's raw voltage such as 3 volts, or 20degrees.

One use for this would be the ultrasonic sensor. The speed of sound changes with the temperature of the air it is traveling in. So you would use an equation that relates both the current input voltage of the ultrasonic sensor's port of 2.3v for instance, and the current evaluated value of your temperature sensor say at 20degrees C.

I would like some feedback as to what functions would be needed for this function parser. Currently it adds, subtracts, multiplies, divides, square roots, and powers.

I think most functions are built off of that. Integral and differential equations I guess could be added, but I dont know of a sensor that would use that.

Any other operators that should be included? Maybe some constants like pi, and e? Suggestions?

2k1Toaster · 06-21-2007, 12:37 AM

Oh, and to wet your appetite some more, the Brains are in the US now after their 5,500 mile journey!

turbocad6 · 06-21-2007, 01:17 AM

cool

so with that custom function inputter I can use that to control my water pump for the pc cooling control?

was there ever a solution for a variable speed motor drive? do you know of anything I could buy to achieve this?

you gotta write a good guide explaining how to build a skin & set everything up, this can be pretty intimidating to otherwise anxious buyers, a good guide will let the average guy realize they'd be able to do this, & guide them through it

h3rk · 06-21-2007, 01:24 AM

it would be hard to do a variable speed drive setup without analog out or PWM. one possible work-around would be a setup with a motor operated potentiometer in series with the DC motor that you want to control. you could control the timing of the pot-motor, raising and lower the voltage dropped in series with the motor. This would vary with different dc motor designs. Not very elegant, but could work.

2k1Toaster · 06-21-2007, 01:26 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by turbocad6

cool

so with that custom function inputter I can use that to control my water pump for the pc cooling control?

was there ever a solution for a variable speed motor drive? do you know of anything I could buy to achieve this?

you gotta write a good guide explaining how to build a skin & set everything up, this can be pretty intimidating to otherwise anxious buyers, a good guide will let the average guy realize they'd be able to do this, & guide them through it

Yeah I will write a guide. There is already a hardware part of the manual. I've just been slacking and dont want to do it.

There is so much to put in there, it is sort of daunting. But it will be there soon.

And for variable motor control, is it directly driven by the motor, or are you referring to servos? Both are in the works.

As for the analogue outputs, that is pretty much done, just needs to be sent off to be made.

The servo control, Tim is working on. I am not sure of his progress. But the concept is there.

turbocad6 · 06-21-2007, 01:44 AM

I want to vary the speed of the motor itself depending on temperature readings, the motor itself on full might be a bit over 15 amps at 12v. I've used pwm motor controls on 110vac before, but don't know if anything is available for 12vdc

2k1Toaster · 06-21-2007, 01:49 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by turbocad6

I want to vary the speed of the motor itself depending on temperature readings, the motor itself on full might be a bit over 15 amps at 12v. I've used pwm motor controls on 110vac before, but don't know if anything is available for 12vdc

Actually the program will already do this. If you set the KEYSEQUENCE for either high or low to *SWITCHOUTPUT* then put the output number in the SETTINGS filed, once the input gets to a specified value, it will turn on or off that output.

turbocad6 · 06-21-2007, 01:53 AM

so you mean like 4 or 5 outputs, varied depending on temp, & each a different speed through a resistor?

2k1Toaster · 06-21-2007, 01:58 AM

Well you can do that. Although using a resistor as a voltage regulator can be problematic if the load changes.

What I am working on would be basically a digital to analogue converter. You use a few outputs and it gives a single votlage output based on the states of the outputs.

turbocad6 · 06-21-2007, 02:08 AM

ok, sounds great, I'll like to see how that works out.

I know a lot of automotive design for motor speed is done with resistors anyway, like blower speeds & even multiple speed coolant fans, I guess a motor is a pretty steady load really