Smartmains, Arduino based Softstart with extra's

[superR]

I made a PCB with some advanced on/off-options based on a Atmega328P, commonly used in Arduino Uno/Duemillanova's. The code that is implemented is written in an Arduino environment.

This post is an animo check. I might run an extra batch of PCB's and if many of you are interested I can make more.

What does it do?
Based on a jumper setting, multiple types of on/off choices can be made. Currently these options have been implemented;
-5Vdc trigger
-12Vdc trigger
-By tumble switch
-By momentary switch on 1 pin
-By momentary switch on 2 pins, 1 for on, 1 for off
-A custom on/off code requested by a guy on a local forum, on by either rise of trigger or momentary switch. Off by a drop of trigger or by a momentary switch.

Then what is the softstart about?
Depending on the implemented code it first directs the AC current trough power resistors and after a certain period shorts the power resistors.

What else does it do?
It's got a pair of delayed outputs on a PCB screw terminal which might be used to connect loudspeakers after X seconds or connect a preamp/minidsp output to a power amp after a delay.

So, is it a loudspeaker protector too?
Nope. Locally there are kits available for such a reasonable price that I won't even bother making a PCB for it; Velleman K4700

I want it! What does it cost?
It's not cheap on parts. A populated PCB included shipped in Europe is around 40 euro's depending on the country.

That quite a lot of money. On ebay there are cheaper options
True. If the ebay alternatives suit your needs, get one of those. If you use a specific type of on/off switching or want to implement a piece of code in an easy-to-learn programming environment, this might suit you better. I summed up the part cost and this is the best I can offer. Anything less would drain my wallet

I live in the US and am interested too.
Then you need to find the parts yourself. Shipping a populated PCB outside Europe is quite expensive compared to the value of the design. I have not looked at shipping cost but expect something like 15 to 20 US Dollars for a bare PCB shipped.

Will sourcing my own parts be hard?
I have not yet found a replacement PCB transformer. The transformer used is a EI30-2 2*6V 2W type. The pinout is like this
http://www.nordtek.com/images/Image/...drawing_1e.gif
Pin 1 and 5 for primary
Pin 6-7 for 6Vac out 1
Pin 9-10 for 6Vac out 2
If you can find a replacement for it, I expect no problems finding the rest.

Still interested, how do I "sign up"?
Leave a comment, if there are enough interested people, I will make some sort of sign-up document.

What does it look like?
See attached pictures and the early-prototype-phase YouTube video
Smartmains V1 - YouTube

[dsolodov]

I'd be interested in the one. WIll you publish more info, i.e. BOM and availability?

[superR]

In short;
EI30-2 transformer
DIL rectifier
7812 or similar
78L05
Some small C's 2*22p, 100n, 330n, 2000u elco
Atmega 168/328
16MHz crystal
ULN2003A
Shrack relais; RT314012
2.54 mm pin headers
jumpers
a couple of 3mm leds
some resistors, for pulldown, voltage divider, led current
Power resistors, grid 30mm, depending on your application.
Arduino-Uno or Duemillanove is highly recommended. Otherwise you cannot implement different kinds of code.

That's about it.
Concerning availability; I am still waiting for more interested people. I am not going to make a "Version 2" if you are the only one who's interested.

[dudaindc]

I am interested too...

[superR]

I'll keep this topic open for a couple more days. If none more show interest I can send you two the 2 of 3 remaining V1 PCB's and if needed, a programmed Atmega328P. Due to the distance between the two of you and me, it is hard to give support other than the BOM, email-support and code which is used by the microcontroller. Buying an Arduino Uno/Duemillanove on Ebay/DX and altering the code yourself is cheaper than sending a microcontroller back and forth.

We'll see. Next weekend, I'll either close the topic and PM with the two of you, or if more interest is shown, a V2 PCB can be made with keeping in mind the availability of PCB-transformers in the US. That's is the only part which I think might be hard to find.

[dudaindc]

Originally Posted by superR

I'll keep this topic open for a couple more days. If none more show interest I can send you two the 2 of 3 remaining V1 PCB's and if needed, a programmed Atmega328P. Due to the distance between the two of you and me, it is hard to give support other than the BOM, email-support and code which is used by the microcontroller. Buying an Arduino Uno/Duemillanove on Ebay/DX and altering the code yourself is cheaper than sending a microcontroller back and forth.

We'll see. Next weekend, I'll either close the topic and PM with the two of you, or if more interest is shown, a V2 PCB can be made with keeping in mind the availability of PCB-transformers in the US. That's is the only part which I think might be hard to find.

Great!
I already have an Arduino...
Thanks !!!