Page 1 of 2

One for the electronics boffins...

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 16 1:28 pm
by db
I've rigged up a remote NOS bottle opener on the Belve using a Fiesta window motor.
Mechanically it works fine, but I need it to switch off automatically after opening and closing.
The motor needs to run for approx 1 second in each direction then stop at exactly the same point each time it closes!
I've got a momentary on-off-on dual pole switch so I can reverse the polarity between open and close directions.

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 16 4:30 pm
by Prothed
Does the valve have to turn by more than one revolution from closed to open?
If the answer is no then two limit switches could do it...
If yes then maybe open the valve for a set length of time (to make sure it is fully open) and sense the motor current to know when the valve is fully closed again (as the current will go up when the motor stalls)...

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 16 9:55 pm
by db
I just checked, it's almost 2 full turns to fully open, so I guess it's option B! The motor will hit resistance both ways so the current sensing idea should work for opening and closing?

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 16 11:00 pm
by Pete
I have not quite worked out why you need it at all? :scratch:

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 16 11:36 pm
by db
More useful for street than track use Pete, but so you can turn the bottle on and off without havin to stop, get out, unlock the boot, etc. Instead, if you feel the need to hit the bottle, you just hit the button!
The alternative is leaving the bottle open all the time. Unwise due to certain safety issues...

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 16 11:37 pm
by Pete
Does your insurance company know this fact?

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 16 11:47 pm
by db
Not yet. They've been very understanding about all the other mods so I'm fairly optimistic...

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 16 7:39 am
by Pete
I'd have a chat first. It would be a shame to go to all that effort for nothing.

Personally I would be very surprised if an insurance company would insure you for the use of Nitrous on the street, and I am sure they would walk backwards very fast in the event of an accident and the nitrous was connected.

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 16 10:54 am
by db
I hear ya ;)

I'm enjoying the challenge of making it, and it's cost nothing so far so it's no loss :)

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 16 11:10 am
by Dave999
not an area I know anything about

but

search google or ebay for

12 volt rotary actuator

used usually as part of factory plant instrumentation

low voltage switch in the cab or control room

triggers big fat relay based near the valve or door /flap that needs to be opened

and one of these actuator things does the job

mind usually designed for voltages found in that situation

you'd need to dig in the specifications to find one which throws the correct switches at the appropriate point and can also deal with the torque necessary.

linear actuator and gearing could also be used

attach a disk to your tap in place of its handle
the disk needs a groove round its perimeter and you use a cable to pull the disk round. much like the tuning set up in an old radio or the throttle linkage on a barrel throttle Bike/strimmer/chainsaw carb

Dave

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 16 11:43 am
by Prothed
What he says - or you could look for a (fiesta) window motor controller that would already have the current sensing circuit built in...

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 16 3:54 pm
by Blue
Mount the bottle within arms reach, job done. You're welcome.

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 16 4:11 pm
by db
:P

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 16 4:49 pm
by Prothed
Electrically operated solenoid valve - on/off - open/closed

About £200 (!) from NOS system suppliers.
About £50-100 from an industrial automation supplier.

See here for DIY NOS systems - http://www.nitrous.info/nitrous-solenoid.htm
(Disclaimer - absolutely no idea if this guys info is legit).

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 16 5:15 pm
by db
Thanks, I did ask at my local hydraulic suppliers before my mate gave me the motor. They can do a stainless industrial solenoid that can handle over 1000psi but at over £100 it wasn't worth messing around. I've seen used proper nitrous kit ones go for around that.