DIY Headlight Controller module using Arduino NANO microcontroller (Page 3/3)
Lambo nut MAR 24, 06:59 AM
And people wonder why the smart ones don't post or just leave.
Neils88 MAR 24, 03:21 PM
I save the perfect, bullet proof solutions for production level equipment. For prototypes and fun projects like discussed here, general solutions are fine. I type everything I post using my phone... this results in some omissions for the sake of my sanity.

I'd love to start a thread where people could talk about all the out of the box projects they are working on or have thought about.... with the rule that ideas should be discussed not torn apart.
jdv MAR 24, 07:51 PM
WalkerTexan Thank you for putting the time and effort into this for the community. I appreciate more qualified people sharing and giving a spark of enthusiasm to move this hobby forward. Some people don't know how to be positive. THANK YOU AGAIN.
reinhart MAR 25, 03:06 AM
Cool idea. Thanks for sharing. I agree that construtive critiism is great. I don't agree with and wouldn't do a lot of the mods I see on here but I respect those that try something new and innovate.
zkhennings APR 21, 12:39 PM
Awesome idea, I am going to try and construct this and upgrade to some later model headlight motors. They are much easier to find brand new than the 84-86 motors. Thanks for putting in the time and sharing your idea!
Dukesterpro SEP 21, 06:52 PM
I guess the statement of "if you have a good idea, 10 people have already thought of it" is very much true. I just discovered this post today.

If you guys remember my new headlight control system from my previous thread, they work almost identically to what is defined here.

I have been using my system daily with Gen 2 motor for almost 6 months now. Im going to start off with something. It works people. It really really works. I am so disappointed in the fact that some members ran off this intelligent forum member because they think they know better without actually trying it. The only real difference between my system and the one described here is that I have a manual override and disconnect switch. So I can always put the headlights up and disable the Arduino with just a toggle switch. I will say my code is a little tighter than the original but it isn't far off and he could have gotten there if more support had been shown.


As far as battery concerns, I disabled sleep mode and through it on my 86 while it was on the jackstand. I was able to start the car and then instantly shut it off for over a month without the Arduino killing the battery. It took 7 whole weeks before the battery became to low to start the vehicle. Is it a battery leech, yes, intrinsically it will drain the battery more than if it wasn't there but it's more than usable. Plus with my disconnect toggle if I am going to park for a long time I just turn the Arduino off from the front trunk.

I think I am going to release the schematics for people to try out. I am sorely disappointed with the way this man was treated. You guys overlooked a great idea before it even had a chance to blossom.
theogre SEP 22, 04:00 AM
Again, "Arduino" can be used to run Gen2 Motors but Not this "Project..." This "I hate X thing" Goes way beyond Battery Drain or & no snubber in several areas. (Also seems He's remove all data from arduino.cc or they had other issues because link just above is Dead & Search won't help.)

Example & ⚠️ Warning: Anyone using relays listed here & related brands w/ sim PN is going to Burn them to run these motors directly. Just when depend how often used & more. You Hope When they Burns they Fail Open. If stuck Close then can/will Burn other more Expensive parts to Burn the car down.

I know "The Expert" & many others didn't read a data sheet because most "manufacturers" of them Don't publish the Data sheet + He repeatedly Claims the Relay handles 10A for this job. Only data available is @ amazon, ali ex, etc or marking on the Parts that are AC rating like most Switch/Relay parts to completely wrong! Worse, The rating on the Parts often don't match ratings for PN printed on them if you find datasheets.

Fact: Nearly All Relays/Switches Contacts Volts & Amp Ratings printed on them are for AC Only & 100% Resistive Loads like Standard Light Bulbs... AC or DC Inductive Loads Derate to 1/2 to 0 printed rating. In this case & very typical to ~ 1/3 of AC Resistive rating. Isn't just this relay, many 120/240VAC Switches burn out & quickly running garbage disposers, florescent tubes & related.

More Proof?
By searching PN, I found only 3 Data Sheets for this part sold under many brands. One @ Elegoo is Songle that puts same relay in many "Kits" they sell. (Online direct or ISO of disks w/ many Kits.) 2 is link to Songle @ other site. 3'rd sheet is so poorly "copy/past" is missing a lot of data needed & ignored by anyone that knows facts like AC & DC contact rating are way different but some sheet say nothing for DC &or Inductive Loads.

⚠️ Warning: Relay listed above in Not Rated 10A for DC but 7A Max for Resistance Loads like light bulbs and 3A Max for Inductive Loads like any Motor.
Read Data Sheet at https://datasheetspdf.com/d.../SRD-05VDC-SL-C.html

Summary:
3. ORDERING INFORMATION
SRD XX VDC S L C
code:
Model	Nominal coil voltage  	Structure	Coilsensitivity	Contact	Form
SRD	03,05,06,09,12,24,48VDC	S:Sealed 	L:0.36W    	C:1   	Form C

7. CONTACT RATING
Type FORM C
Contact Capacity:
Resistive Load 7A 28VDC, 10A 125VAC, 7A 240VAC
Inductive Load 3A 28VDC, 3A 120VAC

I've tested Gen2 Motors In The Car with Hood Closed & pulls 4 to 5 Amps Running Up/Down. Motor in Stall at the End of Travel can suck 8 to 10 Amp for a few Micro Seconds if the Module Shuts Down normally. If module has problems & the Timer runs out, you have a motor in Stall that can pull even More Amps.

Caution: Songle products often don't match PN to Ratings printed on them. Same PN but end w/ A not C has small charges in rating in the sheet vs printed on it. Even if all are made as A that get a little better amps for some jobs but doesn't help for this application.

If you think Omron & others Well Known Brands will last longer for these small relays... Not for switching power to motors. Yes Omron make the "custom" relay for OE Module but only set Direction. (PN on Relay is Custom Job to meet GM Spec.) MOSFETs that handles motor amps Turn On/Off power to them.
Omron G5LE is equiv to above only rated to 4 Amps 30 VDC for inductive loads.

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 09-22-2023).]