Startup / Shutdown Controller w/ LCD Char Screen - Page 2

iceking69 · 11-28-2006, 09:05 PM

Have switch to inverter shut down w ignition switch. (Simple low volltage relay) Have laptop screen closed when installed in car. Set power options for laptop to go to standby mode when screen is closed. When laptop goes from ac power to battery power it will go to standby mode. When you start car up and inverter comes on laptop will boot back up automatically. Thanks, Richard
Should work but you know how Winblows is. Sometimes it takes some tweaking to get windows to operate properly.

LUWE SYGABU · 11-29-2006, 09:13 AM

FYI, you need to activate setup and set your startup and shutdown times using the menu and select buttons, prior to turning the ingintion. It is designed to be able to run setup without acc on. It will save your selections into the eeprom and they remain there until you either change the setting or reprogram the chip.

LUWE SYGABU · 11-29-2006, 09:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by iceking69

Have switch to inverter shut down w ignition switch. (Simple low volltage relay) Have laptop screen closed when installed in car. Set power options for laptop to go to standby mode when screen is closed. When laptop goes from ac power to battery power it will go to standby mode. When you start car up and inverter comes on laptop will boot back up automatically. Thanks, Richard
Should work but you know how Winblows is. Sometimes it takes some tweaking to get windows to operate properly.

I think that having a laptop mounted on your dash is certainly an option, not desirable by most. It is much less space consuming not to mention self gratifying to have a touch screen mounted in the dash. Sometimes more difficult = more fun.

Even if you are not intending to mount the laptop on the dash, some aren't using a laptop in their system. Good idea for a simple laptop power control though.

optczr · 12-19-2006, 11:13 AM

I have attached a revised drawing, which shows a some changes from the original.
1. R2 was changed from 1K to a 10K resistor.
2 The PIC16F877A, VDD line is listed as +5 and the VSS is now listed as GND.
Also wanted to say thanks to Luwe for his help.

optczr · 01-04-2007, 06:46 PM

In the process of making a board and if everything goes good, I'll get my screen tomorrow and install this into my car Saturday (after testing)

LUWE SYGABU · 01-04-2007, 07:29 PM

Lookin good OP!!! Looks like you're doin all the right stuff, I'm happy for ya. I hope everything goes well. I'm sure some would appreciate you posting your PCB file and labeling. I would also love to hear about your success. Thanks for all you have contributed to this little project for everybody.

LUWE

enhanced08 · 01-12-2007, 12:15 AM

How much did this cost you to build? I really want to try this! I have some electronics background but have never done any chip programming, where should I start with learning? do you need a special device to program the chip?

optczr · 01-12-2007, 11:09 PM

Hi Enhanced08: The startup circuit doesn't cost that much to make. The most costly parts are the LCD and the PIC16F877A, but you can purchase these items from Ebay for just a few dollars. As for all the other components, they can be purchased at any local electronic store for just a few dollars. I believe that I have spent about 25 dollars on the one I making and that’s with two PIC16F877A that I purchased from Ebay for 11 dollars. I also built a board for the circuit, making it easier to put this together. Luwe has also listed the HEX file on this thread for download, so all you have to do is program the PIC with a PIC programmer, which you can also purchase from Ebay. I’m almost done with mine and when I am, I will have some extra parts and circuit board, so if you are interested, let me know.

optczr · 01-12-2007, 11:13 PM

Hey Luwe:

Once I have everything working and looking good (I have already made changes), I will post the PCB file so that everyone can download it.

parksgm · 01-13-2007, 01:21 PM

Subscribed.

LUWE SYGABU · 01-14-2007, 11:02 PM

Hey guys, I changed my mind a little on the power to the LCD. The way I designed the circuit, the LCD had power to it 100% of the time. This isn't necessary, and you can help preserve the life of your LCD by putting a transistor on your LCD power wire. And this will work with the HEX I previously provided since this was my original intent when I first began the software design, and coincidentally, I left the code in place. Pin D6 is programmed to go HIGH whenever the LCD is needed, so all you have to do is put a PNP transistor in line.

Enhanced:
You are further ahead than I was last spring when I got into this stuff. I've always loved electronics but knew very little about it. I started learning about both electronics and microcontrollers concurrently originally with this particular project in mind. I wish I had got into it a long time ago, it's awesome to let your imagination go with the possibilities. I would suggest you get some ebooks or PIC programming books. There are plenty of online sources for free that you can access to train you. Get a development board that will allow you to expand your knowledge. I bought an EasyPIC from Mikroelektronika. I use MicroCode Studio with PicBasic Pro Compiler. Start simple, but I'm sure your probably smarter than me so you'll be able to do whatever you want.

OP: I want to see some pics of your PCB too man.

LUWE SYGABU · 01-14-2007, 11:22 PM

If you guys want to mess with the source code. Here you go....

I used microcode studio from mecanique with picbasic pro from microengineering

optczr · 01-15-2007, 03:09 PM

I have made a few layout changes from the first board layout, I posted a few days ago. I've posted a photo to show the board and its size. I will begin making the board this evening and should be done by tomorrow or the next day. If everything works and I don't have to make any changes, I'll post the board layout... I've also included the additional pads for the PnP transistor. Thanks Luwe.

optczr · 01-16-2007, 04:54 PM

I have made the PCBoard last night, using the laser printer method. If you don't know what that is, I have listed the web address. http://max8888.orcon.net.nz/pcbs.htm. Otherwise, the photo of the board is below and everything so far is looking good. I will begine stuffing the board this evening and if everything fits right and the board works, I will post everything for the board tomarrow.

LUWE SYGABU · 01-16-2007, 05:46 PM

Hey alright, that looks real good OP. I'm excited to hear how it works for ya.