Calling all Electrical Engineers or enthusiasts

Gizmokev

I have a "system" which I install into vehicles which I need to have the ability to fine control the current flowing into the system. My original thinking was to use a variable resistor inline of the positive but I dont think these will be up too the job.

Essentially the "system" will be set to allow a max of 10A flow at 13.8V, the resistance being set by the "system". I need to be able to adjust between 0.2A and 10A in this scenario.

My installations so far have been to take power direct from the battery (both + & -) and take them into a Ring Smart Relay RCT460 to detect when the engine is running and provide power down to the system. I have then had to adjust the current drawn by changing the "system" internally to get the required amps. This is a very fiddly job and takes time which can be better spent hence my request here.

So my request here is simple....does anyone have the ability to draw me a diagram of how to build a unit that will do 2 functions outlined underneath.

1. Replace the need for a seperate smart relay without the need to find an ignition live
2. Allow fine control of the current taken by the "system" (I call this choking it back) whilst leaving the voltage the same.

Here is hoping you can help me in my quest.

Kev

jairaj

Can't you just use a current regulator for 2)? You can get some pretty clever programmable and adjustable current regulators these days. Have a look around RS components and Farnell and similar websites.

keith1200rs

You might be better posting somewhere like http://www.edaboard.com/

Keith

bicyclepirate

Gizmokev I am an engineer! But I don't have a clue what your talking about. sorry.

But to alter the current without changing the voltage your variable resistor will need to be installed parallel to your system, also if you move it to low it will short out so best to use a fuse / variable resistor and resistor combo. I don't mean to be patronising but your post seems a little confused over voltage, current and resistance.

The voltage drop across the battery is increased to 14 volts from 12 ( I seem to recall) when the engine is running, you should be able to set up a simple circuit to determine this which means you won't require a separate switch.

Anonymous

It's snakeoil anyway. You may as well just stick in some technical looking jumble of wires, and charge double.

cooldad

yeehaamcgee wrote:

It's snakeoil anyway. You may as well just stick in some technical looking jumble of wires, and charge double.

You'll have to apologise when everyone is getting a gazillion mpg with his gizmo.

I'm thinking of selling homoeopathic petrol. A gallon of Thames Water's best with a molecule of gasoline.

Anonymous

Pfft, that's too mainstream. I see your idea, and raise you water, with the memory of a single carbon nucleus in it.

cooldad

According to homoeopathic theory, that would be like 97 octane? I just need 93. Better still, dilute until there's nothing and you could run Sellafield on it.

Anonymous

Ho wabout, no water, no petrol, AT ALL?

cooldad

Run on a vacuum? Could be the secret of interstellar travel.

Anonymous

Nah, that would suck.

cooldad

That almost deserves a smiley.

Anonymous

what about a small part, of a very large smiley?

Ryan Jones

Ripoff Specialists Components are, well a ripoff, try 230 plus