BAF

err, photoresistor, I know what that is. Is a phototransisotr like a photoresistor, except it controls a transistor instead of a resistor?

Why are you using a 4n27 in this circuit? Why not j ust a mosfet or transistor or something? Or is it for isolation?

MP3Car.com

 

mp3hombre

--I would suggest you do use voltage regulation instead of zener regulation
--I would add a diode at the regulator input for protection, just in case.
--Since you need to isolate the pic inputs, use zener/resistor instead of optocouplers.
--No need to use optocouplers at the pic outputs.

Saab9-5

Honestly, not much. I got back from my business trip in the States this Friday and have spent the weekend recovering from jetlag. Since I can't sleep on planes, jetlag is always bad for me going East. But now that I'm back, I can finish working on this project.

@jbraddoc - Funeral Mode? I've never heard of that in a car before. You driving an ex-Hearse or something? The project will provide the basic input/outputs and you'll need to integrate it into your car's wiring. Taht way the project can be used by other people.

@Juliemac - Thanks for the lead/idea but I'm more familiar with PIC micros and I already have the hardware (chips, programmer, etc). Anyone is more than welcome to port this project over to another processor once I'm done.

@BAF - Yes, a phototransistor is exactly that. You get a switched state based on an optical value. I'm using the photoresistor so that the user can determine the switching on/off point for the lights. And the 4N27 is for isolation though it may be overkill and not necessary.

@mp3hombre - Thanks for the suggestions.

jbraddoc

LOL no.. It was DaimlerChryslers way of illuminating the dash fully in the daytime with the lights on. That is just what they call it. You know how when the lights are off, the Clock and radio displays are really bright, but when your turn the lights on, they loose intensity by like 25 percent? With the dimmer knob in the top position, the dash lights stay at full intensity, so they are visible in the day, even with the lights on.

vinthewrench

You probably should do a bit more conditioning for the logic power supply.
here is what I used in a light controller I designed a while back using ATmega instead of PIC. I used a diode to prevent reverse installation..
I also used a TVR to manage some of the spikes I see now and then.
I liked the LM9071 power management also.. just a thought

Attached Images

 

projectpcmr2

i have a mr2 93 model ( flip up lights) does anyone know how to modify it so it can come up at the same time.. then when you see a fine chick coming by you can wink one headlight (left or right) i seen it done but ive been wondering does anyone here know how to wire it up? maybe if i can find some schematics for the mr2 headlight controller might help..

BAF

This sounds pretty cool.

jbraddoc

So .. Umm.. I am thinking that this thread like.. Um died? LOL.. is the project still in development, or .. has that died also?

MP3Car.com