Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
#2052196
04/11/16 09:59 PM
04/11/16 09:59 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,377 Tennessee
WyleECoyote
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Is there a DC voltage sensor that is on/off at a predetermined voltage?
I'd like a sensor/switch that when it senses 17 volts or greater, it turns on a light. Below 17 volts and the light is off.
Does such a thing exist - or will it need to built?
If it needs built, I need a mad-scientist out there to build it for me!
Thanks for any input you can provide.
Wile E. Coyote Super Genius, Lover of FCA US LLC Products ************* 68 Road Runner (440 4-spd), 71 Superbee (383 slap), 71 Charger 500 (383 4-spd wA/C 1of 182), 72 Imperial, 74 Charger SE (440 sunroof), 84 D350 Crew-cab Dually (440), 75 D300 Dually Tandem (318 4-speed)
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: WyleECoyote]
#2052209
04/11/16 10:05 PM
04/11/16 10:05 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,041 Lincoln Nebraska
RapidRobert
Circle Track
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Circle Track
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Lincoln Nebraska
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If it needs built, I need a mad-scientist out there to build it for me! I want that mad scientist to build me a zapper that will fry peoples' cell phones when they go off in meetings (with or without smoke). Here's a BTT for ya
live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: RapidRobert]
#2052330
04/11/16 11:33 PM
04/11/16 11:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 755 Tempe, AZ
loco340cuda
super stock
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What you are looking for is a comparator. The comparator will compare an input voltage against a reference voltage and will output either a high or low voltage depending on where the input signal is compared to the reference.
So in your case the reference voltage is 17V, as long as the input voltage is less then 17V the comparator will output 0V and the light will be off. Once the input is slightly greater then 17V the comparator will output a voltage (something >0V, usually whatever it's supply voltage is) and this output voltage could be used to power the light. You might need additional circuity after the comparator to power the light just depends on the design.
Typically this type of gadget is something that an electronics guy has to design up on a printed circuit board.
Last edited by loco340cuda; 04/11/16 11:35 PM.
70 Cuda 340 4 speed - now stroked to 416ci (SOLD) 2017 Mustang Shelby GT350
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: RapidRobert]
#2052816
04/12/16 03:06 PM
04/12/16 03:06 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,274 s.w.fl
bonefish
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master
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Posts: 7,274
s.w.fl
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If it needs built, I need a mad-scientist out there to build it for me! I want that mad scientist to build me a zapper that will fry peoples' cell phones when they go off in meetings (with or without smoke). Here's a BTT for ya i want one that will zap the guy in front of me that is texting when the light turns green.BTT
Last edited by bonefish; 04/12/16 03:07 PM.
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: loco340cuda]
#2053019
04/12/16 08:13 PM
04/12/16 08:13 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,377 Tennessee
WyleECoyote
OP
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,377
Tennessee
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What you are looking for is a comparator. The comparator will compare an input voltage against a reference voltage and will output either a high or low voltage depending on where the input signal is compared to the reference.
So in your case the reference voltage is 17V, as long as the input voltage is less then 17V the comparator will output 0V and the light will be off. Once the input is slightly greater then 17V the comparator will output a voltage (something >0V, usually whatever it's supply voltage is) and this output voltage could be used to power the light. You might need additional circuity after the comparator to power the light just depends on the design.
Typically this type of gadget is something that an electronics guy has to design up on a printed circuit board. Thanks Loco - great info! I figured I'd have to find a Radio Shack Forum and hire one of them there guys to build it! Thanks again for your time and knowledge!
Wile E. Coyote Super Genius, Lover of FCA US LLC Products ************* 68 Road Runner (440 4-spd), 71 Superbee (383 slap), 71 Charger 500 (383 4-spd wA/C 1of 182), 72 Imperial, 74 Charger SE (440 sunroof), 84 D350 Crew-cab Dually (440), 75 D300 Dually Tandem (318 4-speed)
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: 451Mopar]
#2053024
04/12/16 08:19 PM
04/12/16 08:19 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,377 Tennessee
WyleECoyote
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I don't reckon none too precise. My 84 Ram is possessed. About every 4 to 6 months, the voltage regulator goes full tilt at 17+ volts. 3 alternators and 8 VR's later, I've accepted the fact that it is what it is and so now I carry a spare VR and just swap it out when it goes. I don't always glance down at the aftermarket gauge set I have so it can be a few days that go by before I notice it. As such, I'd like a little dash mounted LED dummy light that will fire off and let me know we're cooking again! An ACME fix!!
Wile E. Coyote Super Genius, Lover of FCA US LLC Products ************* 68 Road Runner (440 4-spd), 71 Superbee (383 slap), 71 Charger 500 (383 4-spd wA/C 1of 182), 72 Imperial, 74 Charger SE (440 sunroof), 84 D350 Crew-cab Dually (440), 75 D300 Dually Tandem (318 4-speed)
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: WyleECoyote]
#2053293
04/13/16 12:49 AM
04/13/16 12:49 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,895 Oregon
hooziewhatsit
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It could be done... You would need a voltage regulator to provide a fixed reference, then the comparator, and a voltage divider to knock your 17v down to something lower. It could likely be done on a breadboard (cheaper and faster than having a circuit board fabbed). As for your original problem, you've made sure everything has a very good ground?
If you ever find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: WyleECoyote]
#2053475
04/13/16 09:37 AM
04/13/16 09:37 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,664 IN
ahy
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IN
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What you are looking for is a comparator. The comparator will compare an input voltage against a reference voltage and will output either a high or low voltage depending on where the input signal is compared to the reference.
So in your case the reference voltage is 17V, as long as the input voltage is less then 17V the comparator will output 0V and the light will be off. Once the input is slightly greater then 17V the comparator will output a voltage (something >0V, usually whatever it's supply voltage is) and this output voltage could be used to power the light. You might need additional circuity after the comparator to power the light just depends on the design.
Typically this type of gadget is something that an electronics guy has to design up on a printed circuit board. Thanks Loco - great info! I figured I'd have to find a Radio Shack Forum and hire one of them there guys to build it! Thanks again for your time and knowledge! Ouch! That's no fun. In that situation I would be tempted to either - replace every single wire and connector in the charge and regulation circuit, clean every ground to bare metal, add hard wire grounds and buy a new high end (not parts store) regulator or - Install a self regulated alternator such as a Powermaster with a stout 6 gauge charge cable to the battery or fender relay.
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: hooziewhatsit]
#2053526
04/13/16 11:13 AM
04/13/16 11:13 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,377 Tennessee
WyleECoyote
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It could be done... As for your original problem, you've made sure everything has a very good ground? My ground wires have ground wires..........
Wile E. Coyote Super Genius, Lover of FCA US LLC Products ************* 68 Road Runner (440 4-spd), 71 Superbee (383 slap), 71 Charger 500 (383 4-spd wA/C 1of 182), 72 Imperial, 74 Charger SE (440 sunroof), 84 D350 Crew-cab Dually (440), 75 D300 Dually Tandem (318 4-speed)
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: WyleECoyote]
#2053662
04/13/16 02:35 PM
04/13/16 02:35 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,895 Oregon
hooziewhatsit
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It could be done... As for your original problem, you've made sure everything has a very good ground? My ground wires have ground wires.......... So that's a yes... I can sketch out a circuit later today that would use radioshack components to do this if you're interested.
If you ever find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: 451Mopar]
#2053814
04/13/16 07:25 PM
04/13/16 07:25 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,377 Tennessee
WyleECoyote
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Use the simple Zener diode circuit. With he comparator you could build in some hysteresis (amount of voltage change around your set point before the output changes), but for what you are doing you don't need it and the circuitry would be much more complex.
It sounds like the regulated ground wire from the alternator field to the regulator may be grounding out on something which puts full field current to the alternator and max alternator output?
If it does it again, do some troubleshooting before changing out parts. I did have a shorted out voltage regulator on my '84 Ram.
There is also the possibility something is pulling down the engine compartment (ignition) +12 volt power, and the regulator is sensing a lower voltage than the output voltage of the alternator. Thanks 451. When it goes full field to 17+, I've shook more wires than Elvis Presley shook his leg trying to find one grounding out. Even when its a new VR I've moved wires to try and get it to fail. That's why I say I'm convinced its possessed. I love the truck too much to give up on it so until (IF) it can be found / discovered, I'm just gonna keep on throwing VR in it!
Wile E. Coyote Super Genius, Lover of FCA US LLC Products ************* 68 Road Runner (440 4-spd), 71 Superbee (383 slap), 71 Charger 500 (383 4-spd wA/C 1of 182), 72 Imperial, 74 Charger SE (440 sunroof), 84 D350 Crew-cab Dually (440), 75 D300 Dually Tandem (318 4-speed)
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Re: Electronics aficionados enter! Voltage sensor needed!
[Re: 451Mopar]
#2053992
04/14/16 12:07 AM
04/14/16 12:07 AM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,377 Tennessee
WyleECoyote
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Nice truck. Pic of my '84 RamCharger before I rolled it.
A twin! Sorry to hear about the roll.....
Wile E. Coyote Super Genius, Lover of FCA US LLC Products ************* 68 Road Runner (440 4-spd), 71 Superbee (383 slap), 71 Charger 500 (383 4-spd wA/C 1of 182), 72 Imperial, 74 Charger SE (440 sunroof), 84 D350 Crew-cab Dually (440), 75 D300 Dually Tandem (318 4-speed)
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