Demand for NB alternator control circuit?

timk · Postby **timk** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 9:11 pm

Hi,

I'm looking at doing a run of PCBs for an NB alternator control circuit. The circuit will control the NB alternator and also drive the battery warning light on the dash.

The circuit would be useful for anyone looking to run aftermarket engine management in their NB.

Do you think there is much demand for such an item?

Cheers

timk · Postby **timk** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 9:38 pm

Basically a combination of these circuits, both designed by Jason Cuadra:

voltageregulator_lg.gif

alt_warning.GIF

Just in case anyone searches; on the alternator warning circuit a 0.1uF or 0.22 uF cap between top and middle terminals of TL431 is necessary to make the warning light act digitally.

geofiz · Postby **geofiz** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 12:16 am

+1 for me.
Saves me doing it later on. I have to finish the MS3 loom and setup yet, but will be looking for one in the not to distant future. What sort of $$$ and timeframe are you looking at?

timk · Postby **timk** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 1:20 am

geofiz wrote:What sort of $$$ and timeframe are you looking at?

The cost depends on the quantity, but once I have the layout finalised I will get some quotes. I'm not doing it to make money, it's just to share the expense.

Cheers

Tedsmx5 · Postby **Tedsmx5** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 6:26 am

+1 please
Ted

geofiz · Postby **geofiz** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 2:25 pm

saboteur wrote:
geofiz wrote:What sort of $$$ and timeframe are you looking at?

The cost depends on the quantity, but once I have the layout finalised I will get some quotes. I'm not doing it to make money, it's just to share the expense.

Cheers

Sounds good. I wasn't questioning the motive behind getting them made, just a ballpark idea on final $$$ to ensure I am not committing to something that I later find is more expensive than anticipated.

greenMachine · Postby **greenMachine** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 7:58 pm

Not all ECUs need this - Haltech E8/11 and later can control the alternator

, don't know about others ...

:mrgreen:

Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 8:32 pm

One assumes that everyone who needs this would know (people who want a megasquirt).

Dann

Postby **Okibi** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 12:18 am

I'd probably take at least one.

timk · Postby **timk** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 1:30 am

I'll be using it with an Adaptronic.

timk · Postby **timk** » Mon Sep 19, 2011 1:51 pm

Okay, we've designed the PCB and got some quotes back from suppliers.

I should be able to do these with a professional 2-layer board (with silkscreen etc) including all components for around $65. It would be up to the buyer to solder in the components. It took us a fair while to lay the components out but we have come up with a very compact design that will be less than 4.75 x 6.25cm.

The board costs are fairly exxy due to the low volume, but it should be a nice bit of kit.

What do you guys think?

sailaholic · Postby **sailaholic** » Mon Sep 19, 2011 3:13 pm

Which adaptronic are you using that needs this?

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

timk · Postby **timk** » Mon Sep 19, 2011 3:36 pm

The cost above is based on 4 other people going ahead by the way, if we got more built it could work out cheaper.

I am using an Adaptronic Basic Select e420d but it is needed for any standalone that can't control the alternator. The NB plug and play versions of the Adaptronic retain the factory ECU for this reason.

timk · Postby **timk** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:49 pm

f_devocht wrote:You forgot the capacitor that got added later. Without the capacitor, the warning light will always be on very dim.

I wrote it in text just to trick you:

saboteur wrote:Just in case anyone searches; on the alternator warning circuit a 0.1uF or 0.22 uF cap between top and middle terminals of TL431 is necessary to make the warning light act digitally.

f_devocht wrote:Also, you might want the board made to the size of the MS case so you can slide it in.

That's an awesome idea! I've sent off an order to get a dozen of these printed, but if they don't work with the MegaSquirt case then the next revision can be made to accomodate.

Will post up some pics when the boards arrive!

Cheers