I am currently working on a project where I would like to use a picaxe. Let me see if I can provide enough information to start.
I have a sequencer that operates on AC voltage. It uses a coil heater to heat an element that closes contacts. The resistance of the coil determines the time it takes it to heat enough to close the contacts. When the voltage is removed, the coil cools and causes the contacts to open. This unit has anywhere from 1 to 6 sets of contacts. (different models). Each set of contacts are timed differently.
My goal is to test these units to to check for proper timing and duration. Here is the data that I use to determine that, and would like to capture this data and send it to a computer screen:
1. The amount of time from the start of the test until each set of contacts closes (TTC-1, TTC-2, TTC-3, etc.).
2. Duration of the closure.(CD-1, CD-2, CD-3, etc.).
3. Total test time. (From start of test until all closures re-open).
As soon as all of the contacts close, power will be removed allowing the contacts to open up (as the coils cool down the contacts open).
Side notes:
These devices are used in the HVAC industry.
1 output for driving a relay to turn on the AC voltage will be necessary.
1 output is necessary for an Test in progress Indicator.
1 Output will be necessary for a completed test indicator. (Indicators will be LED's). The timing is not "critical" and only needs the accuracy of 1-2 seconds.
I am thinking that A 28X will work, but not sure if something smaller will. Data will be printed using a screen print function.
I assume that storing the times in registers then reading the registers would be the proper way. Inputs to the picaxe could be provided via Opto-Isolators?
Thanks in advance for any information/insight you may have.
Any Ideas would be appreciated.
I have a sequencer that operates on AC voltage. It uses a coil heater to heat an element that closes contacts. The resistance of the coil determines the time it takes it to heat enough to close the contacts. When the voltage is removed, the coil cools and causes the contacts to open. This unit has anywhere from 1 to 6 sets of contacts. (different models). Each set of contacts are timed differently.
My goal is to test these units to to check for proper timing and duration. Here is the data that I use to determine that, and would like to capture this data and send it to a computer screen:
1. The amount of time from the start of the test until each set of contacts closes (TTC-1, TTC-2, TTC-3, etc.).
2. Duration of the closure.(CD-1, CD-2, CD-3, etc.).
3. Total test time. (From start of test until all closures re-open).
As soon as all of the contacts close, power will be removed allowing the contacts to open up (as the coils cool down the contacts open).
Side notes:
These devices are used in the HVAC industry.
1 output for driving a relay to turn on the AC voltage will be necessary.
1 output is necessary for an Test in progress Indicator.
1 Output will be necessary for a completed test indicator. (Indicators will be LED's). The timing is not "critical" and only needs the accuracy of 1-2 seconds.
I am thinking that A 28X will work, but not sure if something smaller will. Data will be printed using a screen print function.
I assume that storing the times in registers then reading the registers would be the proper way. Inputs to the picaxe could be provided via Opto-Isolators?
Thanks in advance for any information/insight you may have.
Any Ideas would be appreciated.