Re-Wiring my 1541

[Frank1541]

I have been looking for a project that combines my to hobbies. Working on my highly modified 1541 and electronics. So I am going to completely rewire the tractor.
My plan is to remove all the old switchs (except ignition) and replace them with solid state or at least water proof switches. All the switches will act as inputs to an Arduino controller using optical isolation. They will use 12 volts.
All the electrical components will be switched with relays. I am going to use a Parallax digital IO board for both functions, it has 8 inputs and 8 relays. The indicator lights will be controlled by a separate darlington array.
I am still trying to decide where I am going to mount the system. It will be around 6" by 8". My first thought is under the battery box.
The control logic will mimic the current system exactly, including all the safety systems. The software will include some diagnostics. I may add inputs for oil pressure / temp, voltage and maybe even RPMs.
About the only thing I am not completely sure of is the function of the current voltage sensor. I think it only senses voltage and lights the indicator if the voltage drops too low and has no regulation function.
I will take pictures and post as I work on it over the winter. I hope to install it next summer.

[Shrewcub]

Sounds like a neat project! I have been toying with the idea of buying an arduino, I just don't know what I will do with it. I'll be watching!

[Sam Mac]

For someone that has no clue what your talking about what is an "Arduino controller" ? What is the reason that you are doing this?

[j4c11]

Hope to see your work on GitHub so we may all learn from it

[Shotgun Wedding]

How long will your finished project be able to stay in orbit before it has to re-enter the atmosphere for re-fueling?

May want to put some heat resistant tiles for re-entry if keeping the mower deck on, those decks are fairly thin metal and may heat up quite a bit.

Also, relocate the radio antenna, Houston has trouble making contact on Cyclops cubs due to that weird hood and headlight assembly.

[jimbob200521]

Have you given any thought to a Raspberry PI instead of your Arduino controller idea? It would allow you to do more in the way of user interface such as a small touchscreen on the dash or mounted somewhere displaying live relevant data. Or maybe I'm just getting greedy haha

[j4c11]

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

Have you given any thought to a Raspberry PI instead of your Arduino controller idea? It would allow you to do more in the way of user interface such as a small touchscreen on the dash or mounted somewhere displaying live relevant data. Or maybe I'm just getting greedy haha

I don't think a Pi is the right choice for this project, it has to boot up and whatnot, and then do you keep it on and drain the battery or shut it down. A controller is more suitable.

Plus, the Pi it's more susceptible to the increased radiation and cosmic rays in orbit.

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by j4c11

I don't think a Pi is the right choice for this project, it has to boot up and whatnot, and then do you keep it on and drain the battery or shut it down. A controller is more suitable.

Plus, the Pi it's more susceptible to the increased radiation and cosmic rays in orbit.

Very true, I did NOT think about that

I wasn't too concerned about the boot up time as it would take maybe a minute while the machine warms up. A nice little enclosure and the elements wouldn't be a problem but I do agree with your point in regards to simplicity. Just me wishful thinking of combining a computer with a Cub

Edit: I thought about getting one of those vehicle 12v coolers that goes between seats and somehow mounting it to the inside of my cab for snow duty. I could keep chains, gloves, tools, etc in it and it'd provide a nice little arm rest. Then if I could only move the hydro and lift controls to it I'd be 100% spoiled haha

[j4c11]

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

I wasn't too concerned about the boot up time as it would take maybe a minute while the machine warms up.

If I'm understanding correctly, the OPs intention is to turn the safety switches into inputs, and so the controller logic would have to be functioning in order to be able to start the tractor. But how funny would it be to hear someone say "I'm waiting for my Cub to boot up"

Edit: you could probably get a Pi to talk to the Arduino controller...

[Terry C]

This project sounds cool. I'm not a fan of adrino but I have programmed some PLCs for my CNC machines,for tool changers and misc functions.