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Forum Index : Electronics : PicAxe Charger
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steveharr Newbie  Joined: 26/01/2007 Location: New ZealandPosts: 2 |
Hi, I'm new to this forum and would like a little help with making the PicAxe Charger. I have some experience making veroboard circuits for a few projects (LM3914 LED car battery tester) and I’m pretty sure I can complete this with a bit of help. Here goes: 1)Don’t know too much about heat sinks, what heat sinks will I need for this project? I’m in New Zealand but even we have Jaycar and Dick Smith here, can anyone spec/advise me of some? 2)Can I use relays to switch? If so what will I use? 3)Does anyone have a veroboard design already drawn out? 4)Anyone got any advice that may be helpful? Cheers, Steve. |
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Gizmo Admin Group  Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5078 |
Hi Steve. OK, some answers... 1) Any piece of aluminum will do, the mosfets dont get that hot. Something about 50mm by 100mm will do for each mosfet. 2) Yes relays are fine, and probably a better option. You would only need two mosfets instead of the 4 shown, one for load and one for charge circuites, and use the mosfets to drive a couple of automotive relay, about $5 each from a auto shop. 3) Dunno 
4) This ia a big project if your new to PicAxe chips, but a lot of people have built it with only minor problems. Take your time and check your work. Glenn The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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| sangeff Newbie Joined: 05/11/2005 Location: AustraliaPosts: 29 |
I have a pcb design for Glenns, controller that you can etch yourself, Its a bit rough being hand done but works well enough, Send me your email address if you would like it. Cheers Geoff |
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slarsen77 Newbie Joined: 05/03/2007 Location: United StatesPosts: 1 |
Geoff, I would like to get a copy of the PCB design for the controller also. If you would... Thanks, Scott slarsen77@verizon.net slarsen |
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| steveharr Newbie Joined: 26/01/2007 Location: New ZealandPosts: 2 |
Geoff, email steveharrison2000(at)hotmail.com Steve. |
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| greigy Newbie Joined: 07/12/2008 Location: New ZealandPosts: 4 |
hey guys would it be possible for me to also get a copy of the pcb layout cheers im building a system for the batch. cheers Greigcorlett@gmai.com |
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Gill Senior Member  Joined: 11/11/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 669 |
G'day to those posting for the first time. Hope you enjoy playing with the projects on this site as much as I have and share your discoveries of interest on this forum. It stimulates further design and improvements. A big project as Glenn says. Still I enjoyed making mine. Typical of me I couldn't stick with Glenn's original so built a PWM version. For PWM operation, switching was simplified to the shunt regulator type instead of load diversion. Other features were added and improvements made such as adding a socket for data logging via one of those $10 radio modules, 2 extra generator inputs and improving the display layout. If you are capable and interested in more than the basic, I have schematic of my mods, veroboard layout and description of changed function. The design changes are still under evaluation for a later presentation to the forum but if you tend to change things like I do I will post what I've done to inspire/expand your construction plans. Whatever you build I hope it's a great success. was working fine... til the smoke got out. Cheers Gill _Cairns, FNQ |
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| greigy Newbie Joined: 07/12/2008 Location: New ZealandPosts: 4 |
that would be awesome if you could do that mate. that would be much appreciated. my email again is greigcorlett@gmail.com |
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| Gill Senior Member Joined: 11/11/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 669 |
OK, I've assembled what I think are relevant files. Now I've done this on the spur of the moment as it were so for example the Manual was written for my Version 2 but we are now on version 3 so it may not be up to date with the newer features. Still with you being designers, it is all just a guide for your own versions. 2008-12-07_143012_Charger_gillMod.zip Many of the test/calibrate codes I used may be for earlier versions but again it is a guide for you to modify to your requirements. I used 'Windmill' as the (free)R232 radio logging software though it was/is difficult to setup and maintain. You may prefer to use one of the other Free softwares available. Changes to the code will then be necessary to send data as software requires. With your daring and the experience of previous builders of the project I reckon we can sort out most problems. was working fine... til the smoke got out. Cheers Gill _Cairns, FNQ |
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| greigy Newbie Joined: 07/12/2008 Location: New ZealandPosts: 4 |
awesome looking circuit gill. would you have a parts list and also do you have a schematic for the piglet |
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| Gill Senior Member Joined: 11/11/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 669 |
greigy, Sorry, no schematic, but have the veroboard layout. The ceramic cap with values not shown are 1nf.  Sorry no parts list, you'll have to get that off the schematic. Have taken some pics of the units and the TXmr module that solders to the back of a stereo jack but the usb port is playing up big time.  Maybe later. was working fine... til the smoke got out. Cheers Gill _Cairns, FNQ |
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| domwild Guru  Joined: 16/12/2005 Location: AustraliaPosts: 873 |
Thanks, Gill. Great work. Downloaded the zip file and am printing the stuff out. What is the difference between the 28 and the 28X1? Regards, Taxation as a means of achieving prosperity is like a man standing inside a bucket trying to lift himself up. Winston Churchill |
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| Gill Senior Member Joined: 11/11/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 669 |
Dom, There are 4 versions of the 28PicAxe. The 28A, the 28X, the 28X1 and the 28X2. The 28X2 is not yet available but will be released eventually. I can't recall all the differences but the charger is made to utilise the features of the 28X. The 28A will not do because it does not have PWM which is what this modified charger is all about. You may find the more advanced featured 28X1 will still do the job, but why pay more for features not used? The Rev-Ed site in UK has all the details on the PicAxe.Link to Rev-Ed was working fine... til the smoke got out. Cheers Gill _Cairns, FNQ |
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| domwild Guru Joined: 16/12/2005 Location: AustraliaPosts: 873 |
Gill, Thanks for that. Rev-Ed is flogging the X1 and do not give any info for the old 28X, which is what I bought. Not to worry, if I am desparate, i can get onto their forum to find out. Your compiler directive "28X1" made me aware i could be running into problems. The PWM of the Picaxe would be considered to be pulse charging the battery, is there an optimal frequency for pulse charging? Thanks, Taxation as a means of achieving prosperity is like a man standing inside a bucket trying to lift himself up. Winston Churchill |
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GWatPE Senior Member Joined: 01/09/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2127 |
Hi Dom, Most of the info you need is in the picaxe programming application in the help section. These are the pin connections for the 28A,28X,28X1. 
Gordon. PS. I see PWM is available on all the X-series, but not the A-series. I will be waiting for the 28X2. become more energy aware |
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| greigy Newbie Joined: 07/12/2008 Location: New ZealandPosts: 4 |
what software do you use to design the veroboard pcb's looks like it makes a nice job |
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| Gill Senior Member Joined: 11/11/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 669 |
Dom, It's a while ago but I recall I was using a 28X but I lost an input(possibly zapped it myself if the truth be known)but still ran it for a while with reduced features. Forced Boost or Dump it was, so no way vital to normal charging. In my next PICAXE order I asked for another 28X but they sent me a 28X1. So that's why the 28X1 directive. I have a vague recollection there may be some change in the eeprom range between the two. The 28X1 has 1 less address available than on the 28X or was it a different address number range, anyhow, as I had chocka-block full usage of eeprom on the 28X, I made minor changes to suit the 28X1. Just check the eeprom address allocations and see what the differences are. (I'm on a newer computer as the old one's USB has died and no way of transferring all my files to this one without a hard drive transplant) If it's a smaller allocation the 28X will still do the job with an allocation spare, no worries. If it's different memory allocation numbers for the eeprom then you'd have to change the code where applicable. It wasn't a big change as I recall. No, it's not really pulse charging, more like pulse Dumping. The optimal frequency for charging is 1000Hz but the lowest PWM frequency with the PicAxe is 4000Hz. There are several other factors that apply, So ultimately it doesn't suit desulphation pulsing. It's on my list of things to do though...... one day. was working fine... til the smoke got out. Cheers Gill _Cairns, FNQ |
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| Gill Senior Member Joined: 11/11/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 669 |
greigy, I use StripBoard Designer 1.01 It's free but it does have some quirks but I know my way around them now. Should you get it, I can give you my component library which is much more than the basic ones supplied. The free download may state it will take 1,000,000 minutes before saving your work, accept that, then 'OPEN' the same file. A window appears that overrides the nag setting, file saved. There are other free strip board (veroboard) designers out there. Some are too basic and restrictive but do a google and see what you come up with. was working fine... til the smoke got out. Cheers Gill _Cairns, FNQ |
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| domwild Guru Joined: 16/12/2005 Location: AustraliaPosts: 873 |
Gordon and Gill, Thanks for answers. Notice the pins have additional functionality from a 28X to a 28X1. Regards, Taxation as a means of achieving prosperity is like a man standing inside a bucket trying to lift himself up. Winston Churchill |
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vasi Guru Joined: 23/03/2007 Location: RomaniaPosts: 1697 |
Hi Gill, You still use Stripboard Designer? I found a better one here. Is free and no limitations and is looking great. It have also a version for Win98 if someone is still using it for electronics and CNC ... It have three modes: - stripboard - perfboard - pcb Hobbit name: Togo Toadfoot of Frogmorton Elvish name: Mablung Miriel Beyound Arduino Lang |
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