The BrainSilo hackerspace is a bit short on variable power supplies, so I'm endeavoring to build one (or more). I figured I'd ping the community to see if there are others interested in building a power supply for themselves (to keep or donate to the hackerspace). I could obtain parts & host a build session.
Regarding functionality, here's what I'm thinking: * 0-24V DC variable * 0-2 amps (adjustable current limiting) * 7 seg/LCD display? * computer connectivity (USB)? * multiple outputs? * high voltage outputs (muahahaha...) ?
Chime in if you're interested or have ideas on what else would be useful in a power supply.
Good idea for a project. The USB interface is interesting. I've built
simple switching supplies (single phase VRs & converters), and lots of
regulator chips have an oversupply current detect/shutoff through a very
low value resistor (like 0.15ohm). Since I often need measure power, I'd
like to have a USB output that samples the current and voltage AT the
regulator so that I could compute power more accurately and log it over
time. Usually I just add a low value resistor to the supply line and probe
it with a scope, but having the info out of the supply's monitor would be
much more accurate.
However, making the USB stack work is way outside my knowledge, and seems
like such a HUGE learning curve that I always just move on to something
else. There's nothing on "instructables.com" showing how to do this, so
if you're taking requests....
On Sun, Oct 7, 2012 at 10:38 PM, Ben Porter <xenovaci...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello Hardware Hackers,
> The BrainSilo hackerspace is a bit short on variable power supplies, so
> I'm endeavoring to build one (or more). I figured I'd ping the community
> to see if there are others interested in building a power supply for
> themselves (to keep or donate to the hackerspace). I could obtain parts &
> host a build session.
> Regarding functionality, here's what I'm thinking:
> * 0-24V DC variable
> * 0-2 amps (adjustable current limiting)
> * 7 seg/LCD display?
> * computer connectivity (USB)?
> * multiple outputs?
> * high voltage outputs (muahahaha...) ?
> Chime in if you're interested or have ideas on what else would be useful
> in a power supply.
USB is pretty easy, I've done several USB enabled projects before. One
simple route is an Atmel USB enabled MCU (I.E, at90usb162) + the LUFA USB
framework. Connecting the power supply to a PC enables some cool use cases
- not only power tracking, but also control of the supply to make it into a
low-frequency function generator or programmed shut-off in certain
conditions (I.E, when charging batteries).
On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 10:38 AM, Peter Torelli <peter.j.tore...@gmail.com>wrote:
> Good idea for a project. The USB interface is interesting. I've built
> simple switching supplies (single phase VRs & converters), and lots of
> regulator chips have an oversupply current detect/shutoff through a very
> low value resistor (like 0.15ohm). Since I often need measure power, I'd
> like to have a USB output that samples the current and voltage AT the
> regulator so that I could compute power more accurately and log it over
> time. Usually I just add a low value resistor to the supply line and probe
> it with a scope, but having the info out of the supply's monitor would be
> much more accurate.
> However, making the USB stack work is way outside my knowledge, and seems
> like such a HUGE learning curve that I always just move on to something
> else. There's nothing on "instructables.com" showing how to do this, so
> if you're taking requests....
> On Sun, Oct 7, 2012 at 10:38 PM, Ben Porter <xenovaci...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hello Hardware Hackers,
>> The BrainSilo hackerspace is a bit short on variable power supplies, so
>> I'm endeavoring to build one (or more). I figured I'd ping the community
>> to see if there are others interested in building a power supply for
>> themselves (to keep or donate to the hackerspace). I could obtain parts &
>> host a build session.
>> Regarding functionality, here's what I'm thinking:
>> * 0-24V DC variable
>> * 0-2 amps (adjustable current limiting)
>> * 7 seg/LCD display?
>> * computer connectivity (USB)?
>> * multiple outputs?
>> * high voltage outputs (muahahaha...) ?
>> Chime in if you're interested or have ideas on what else would be useful
>> in a power supply.
> The BrainSilo hackerspace is a bit short on variable power supplies, so I'm
> endeavoring to build one (or more). I figured I'd ping the community to
> see if there are others interested in building a power supply for
> themselves (to keep or donate to the hackerspace). I could obtain parts &
> host a build session.
> Regarding functionality, here's what I'm thinking:
> * 0-24V DC variable
> * 0-2 amps (adjustable current limiting)
> * 7 seg/LCD display?
> * computer connectivity (USB)?
> * multiple outputs?
> * high voltage outputs (muahahaha...) ?
> Chime in if you're interested or have ideas on what else would be useful in
> a power supply.
I would be interested in building a couple of these.
A feature I'd like to see is a merging of certain function generator abilities. Often I need pulsed or PWM'd power, so it would be great to have that built in.
What sort of data can we send over USB? It would be interesting to have the ability to log things like current draw over time, etc.
if you make the microcontroller an Atmel ATmega328 (or other appropriate), you can use the Arduino IDE to program and take advantage of all those libraries (like PWM).
> I would be interested in building a couple of these.
> A feature I'd like to see is a merging of certain function generator
> abilities. Often I need pulsed or PWM'd power, so it would be great to have
> that built in.
> What sort of data can we send over USB? It would be interesting to have the
> ability to log things like current draw over time, etc.
Not to hijack this thread, but this brings up another opportunity for a
project:
I'd pay a fee for a course on the software architecture for connecting an
Arduino to Windows via USB.
I haven't written a win32 app since 1997, and attempting to use CygWin and
windows hardware makes me convulse. I figure someone must have solved this
for CygWin (or MS Studio, which I also haven't used since 1997). I ended
up using the Arduino IDE interface and serial comm + ctrl-v/ctrl-c to
download a 1Mb flash project I did. It worked but it sucked.
Things I'd like to learn:
- How to scan USB to tell what kind of arduino is there
- Serial TX/RX programming as a term (AT x commands)
- Other interfacing protocols: eg. USB2.0 commands for data transfer
- Simple windows "shell" / "demo" code to implement these interfaces
- How to build them under Windows or CygWin (using MS Studio, Cygwin, or
Eclipse... probably Eclipse since it works on Linux and Windows)
- a test app to verify tx/rx round-trip between the app and the target
arduino
The web is not friendly to this activity for noobs... I need some
handholding and would pay a nominal fee for a half-day hands-on transfer of
knowledge.
On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 2:09 PM, Ben Porter <xenovaci...@gmail.com> wrote:
> USB is pretty easy, I've done several USB enabled projects before. One
> simple route is an Atmel USB enabled MCU (I.E, at90usb162) + the LUFA USB
> framework. Connecting the power supply to a PC enables some cool use cases
> - not only power tracking, but also control of the supply to make it into a
> low-frequency function generator or programmed shut-off in certain
> conditions (I.E, when charging batteries).
> On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 10:38 AM, Peter Torelli <peter.j.tore...@gmail.com>wrote:
>> Good idea for a project. The USB interface is interesting. I've built
>> simple switching supplies (single phase VRs & converters), and lots of
>> regulator chips have an oversupply current detect/shutoff through a very
>> low value resistor (like 0.15ohm). Since I often need measure power, I'd
>> like to have a USB output that samples the current and voltage AT the
>> regulator so that I could compute power more accurately and log it over
>> time. Usually I just add a low value resistor to the supply line and probe
>> it with a scope, but having the info out of the supply's monitor would be
>> much more accurate.
>> However, making the USB stack work is way outside my knowledge, and seems
>> like such a HUGE learning curve that I always just move on to something
>> else. There's nothing on "instructables.com" showing how to do this,
>> so if you're taking requests....
>> On Sun, Oct 7, 2012 at 10:38 PM, Ben Porter <xenovaci...@gmail.com>wrote:
>>> Hello Hardware Hackers,
>>> The BrainSilo hackerspace is a bit short on variable power supplies, so
>>> I'm endeavoring to build one (or more). I figured I'd ping the community
>>> to see if there are others interested in building a power supply for
>>> themselves (to keep or donate to the hackerspace). I could obtain parts &
>>> host a build session.
>>> Regarding functionality, here's what I'm thinking:
>>> * 0-24V DC variable
>>> * 0-2 amps (adjustable current limiting)
>>> * 7 seg/LCD display?
>>> * computer connectivity (USB)?
>>> * multiple outputs?
>>> * high voltage outputs (muahahaha...) ?
>>> Chime in if you're interested or have ideas on what else would be useful
>>> in a power supply.
Specifications I'm shooting for: 3 amps continuously @ < 10 volts, 1 amp
continuously up to 24 volts. The reduction in current is a limitation of
the transformer, and if a beefy enough transformer were used, it would be
possible to do 3 amps at 24 volts. Transformers of this power are pretty
spendy, but can be salvaged from old electronics for cheap.
With the transfomer (120 volts AC to 24 volts AC), some passives & other
various parts and the price for power electronics alone will be around
$20-25. A USB enabled microcontroller & supporting HW will probably be
another $5-10. Add in 7-seg displays, a fancy case, knobs & cables for ~
another $20.
I'm designing the supply so the microcontroller can be added later
optionally (it's only needed if you want to monitor/control the supply via
USB or power some cool display).
So does the price point & specs sound good? I can work on lowering the
cost if that's an issue. As far as timeline goes, I should have something
designed by next weekend, prototyped next week, and ready for others to put
together around the end of October. Also, if anyone wants to be involved
in the design/prototyping work, let me know! I'll probably be at the space
this Thursday hacking something together.
On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 6:14 PM, Aaron Eiche <aaron.ei...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I'll throw my hat in. I'd like to do one as well.
> On Oct 9, 2012 6:10 PM, "Noor" <noororber.moongarb...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I'm interested in any project I can learn something from.
>> If anything is going on I'd love to be a fly on the wall and learn
>> whatever I can.
>> I learn best hands on, so I'll be there to assist in anyway I can.
I just wanted to say I would be really interested in doing this with a
group of people. Power supplies are essential for molecular biology work
and right now I'm limited to an electrophoresis gel box with preset
voltages. Depending on the application with electrophoresis you might want
a voltage of 0.25 volts/cm to 5 volts/cm. So if the electrodes are 20cm
apart you might need 5V to 100V. Usually it would probably be closer to 100
for 20cm. You also generally want to be able to choose between either
constant amperage or constant voltage. I'm not sure if you would ever need
to go above about 30mA.
Ok so in that example (you'll have to forgive if any of this doesn't make
any sense. Its been quite a while since I've dabbled with electronics and
electricity) that would be 3 watts at 100V. So I would want to give myself
room for other applications that might require much higher amperage. So
would it be doable to make a 100 watt power supply with lets say a max
output of 300V?
Another reason I would be very interested in doing this is because in
biotech you use a lot of equipment but don't understand how it works. A lot
of people might not even understand the principles behind their equipment
and which I think something is lost there. I've also had an arduino
controller for too long and would be very interested in working on a
project that used it - or any micro controller for that matter.
Would anyone be interested in giving a class or discussion on the basic
concepts behind every step we might take to make a power supply, instead of
just instructions on how to build it. I could definitely use a refresher on
basic electronics and electricity - just to make sure I'm remembering
general electrical concepts right. Then anything on basic electronic
components and circuits would definitely help me out as I have forgotten a
lot there. Then if instead of just copying and pasting the code into the
micro crontroller I think it would be incredibly beneficial if anyone was
interested in going over the basics of how to program it.
> Specifications I'm shooting for: 3 amps continuously @ < 10 volts, 1 amp
> continuously up to 24 volts. The reduction in current is a limitation of
> the transformer, and if a beefy enough transformer were used, it would be
> possible to do 3 amps at 24 volts. Transformers of this power are pretty
> spendy, but can be salvaged from old electronics for cheap.
> With the transfomer (120 volts AC to 24 volts AC), some passives & other
> various parts and the price for power electronics alone will be around
> $20-25. A USB enabled microcontroller & supporting HW will probably be
> another $5-10. Add in 7-seg displays, a fancy case, knobs & cables for ~
> another $20.
> I'm designing the supply so the microcontroller can be added later
> optionally (it's only needed if you want to monitor/control the supply via
> USB or power some cool display).
> So does the price point & specs sound good? I can work on lowering the
> cost if that's an issue. As far as timeline goes, I should have something
> designed by next weekend, prototyped next week, and ready for others to put
> together around the end of October. Also, if anyone wants to be involved
> in the design/prototyping work, let me know! I'll probably be at the space
> this Thursday hacking something together.
> - Ben
> On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 6:14 PM, Aaron Eiche <aaron.ei...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I'll throw my hat in. I'd like to do one as well.
>> On Oct 9, 2012 6:10 PM, "Noor" <noororber.moongarb...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> I'm interested in any project I can learn something from.
>>> If anything is going on I'd love to be a fly on the wall and learn
>>> whatever I can.
>>> I learn best hands on, so I'll be there to assist in anyway I can.
I think it would be a great idea to work some electronics theory/math into
the project. It's like that one guy said (Feynman): "What I cannot create,
I do not understand" or whatever. Of course, if you're just creating from
a script you won't really understand it either - so there should be some
instruction as to how things are actually working.
I do envision this thing being built as a group project(s), so I'll
remember to throw in some of the concepts behind the design too. If
anybody's up for it, I can even give a short talk on electronics this
Thursday at the space (so maybe it will sink in by the time we actually get
to building the power supply :)).
On Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 5:10 PM, Justin Dormandy
<justin.dorma...@gmail.com>wrote:
> I just wanted to say I would be really interested in doing this with a
> group of people. Power supplies are essential for molecular biology work
> and right now I'm limited to an electrophoresis gel box with preset
> voltages. Depending on the application with electrophoresis you might want
> a voltage of 0.25 volts/cm to 5 volts/cm. So if the electrodes are 20cm
> apart you might need 5V to 100V. Usually it would probably be closer to 100
> for 20cm. You also generally want to be able to choose between either
> constant amperage or constant voltage. I'm not sure if you would ever need
> to go above about 30mA.
> Ok so in that example (you'll have to forgive if any of this doesn't make
> any sense. Its been quite a while since I've dabbled with electronics and
> electricity) that would be 3 watts at 100V. So I would want to give myself
> room for other applications that might require much higher amperage. So
> would it be doable to make a 100 watt power supply with lets say a max
> output of 300V?
> Another reason I would be very interested in doing this is because in
> biotech you use a lot of equipment but don't understand how it works. A lot
> of people might not even understand the principles behind their equipment
> and which I think something is lost there. I've also had an arduino
> controller for too long and would be very interested in working on a
> project that used it - or any micro controller for that matter.
> Would anyone be interested in giving a class or discussion on the basic
> concepts behind every step we might take to make a power supply, instead of
> just instructions on how to build it. I could definitely use a refresher on
> basic electronics and electricity - just to make sure I'm remembering
> general electrical concepts right. Then anything on basic electronic
> components and circuits would definitely help me out as I have forgotten a
> lot there. Then if instead of just copying and pasting the code into the
> micro crontroller I think it would be incredibly beneficial if anyone was
> interested in going over the basics of how to program it.
> What do you all think?
> -Justin
> On Mon, Oct 15, 2012 at 11:47 PM, Ben Porter <xenovaci...@gmail.com>wrote:
>> Here's some of the parts I've scoped out for the power supply:
>> Specifications I'm shooting for: 3 amps continuously @ < 10 volts, 1 amp
>> continuously up to 24 volts. The reduction in current is a limitation of
>> the transformer, and if a beefy enough transformer were used, it would be
>> possible to do 3 amps at 24 volts. Transformers of this power are pretty
>> spendy, but can be salvaged from old electronics for cheap.
>> With the transfomer (120 volts AC to 24 volts AC), some passives & other
>> various parts and the price for power electronics alone will be around
>> $20-25. A USB enabled microcontroller & supporting HW will probably be
>> another $5-10. Add in 7-seg displays, a fancy case, knobs & cables for ~
>> another $20.
>> I'm designing the supply so the microcontroller can be added later
>> optionally (it's only needed if you want to monitor/control the supply via
>> USB or power some cool display).
>> So does the price point & specs sound good? I can work on lowering the
>> cost if that's an issue. As far as timeline goes, I should have something
>> designed by next weekend, prototyped next week, and ready for others to put
>> together around the end of October. Also, if anyone wants to be involved
>> in the design/prototyping work, let me know! I'll probably be at the space
>> this Thursday hacking something together.
>> - Ben
>> On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 6:14 PM, Aaron Eiche <aaron.ei...@gmail.com>wrote:
>>> I'll throw my hat in. I'd like to do one as well.
>>> On Oct 9, 2012 6:10 PM, "Noor" <noororber.moongarb...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> I'm interested in any project I can learn something from.
>>>> If anything is going on I'd love to be a fly on the wall and learn
>>>> whatever I can.
>>>> I learn best hands on, so I'll be there to assist in anyway I can.
> If anybody's up for it, I can even give a short talk on electronics this > Thursday at the space (so maybe it will sink in by the time we actually get > to building the power supply :)).
That would be great! I also have an electronics learning kit<http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3814337>in my locker at BrainSilo that anyone who wants to could make some circuits with. You would know better than me, but it might be a good way to demo some of the electronics concepts. For example it comes with a small transformer. Anyone who wants to experiment making some circuits with it would be more than welcome. I have several electrical and electronics books that have been collecting dust for years, but maybe I could make copies of pages that would be most relevant to your discussion. That way people would have something to take home with them they could actually keep as reference and study for understanding.
On Tuesday, October 16, 2012 7:55:14 PM UTC-7, Ben Porter wrote:
> I think it would be a great idea to work some electronics theory/math into > the project. It's like that one guy said (Feynman): "What I cannot create, > I do not understand" or whatever. Of course, if you're just creating from > a script you won't really understand it either - so there should be some > instruction as to how things are actually working.
> I do envision this thing being built as a group project(s), so I'll > remember to throw in some of the concepts behind the design too. If > anybody's up for it, I can even give a short talk on electronics this > Thursday at the space (so maybe it will sink in by the time we actually get > to building the power supply :)).
> On Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 5:10 PM, Justin Dormandy <justin....@gmail.com<javascript:> > > wrote:
>> I just wanted to say I would be really interested in doing this with a >> group of people. Power supplies are essential for molecular biology work >> and right now I'm limited to an electrophoresis gel box with preset >> voltages. Depending on the application with electrophoresis you might want >> a voltage of 0.25 volts/cm to 5 volts/cm. So if the electrodes are 20cm >> apart you might need 5V to 100V. Usually it would probably be closer to 100 >> for 20cm. You also generally want to be able to choose between either >> constant amperage or constant voltage. I'm not sure if you would ever need >> to go above about 30mA.
>> Ok so in that example (you'll have to forgive if any of this doesn't make >> any sense. Its been quite a while since I've dabbled with electronics and >> electricity) that would be 3 watts at 100V. So I would want to give myself >> room for other applications that might require much higher amperage. So >> would it be doable to make a 100 watt power supply with lets say a max >> output of 300V?
>> Another reason I would be very interested in doing this is because in >> biotech you use a lot of equipment but don't understand how it works. A lot >> of people might not even understand the principles behind their equipment >> and which I think something is lost there. I've also had an arduino >> controller for too long and would be very interested in working on a >> project that used it - or any micro controller for that matter.
>> Would anyone be interested in giving a class or discussion on the basic >> concepts behind every step we might take to make a power supply, instead of >> just instructions on how to build it. I could definitely use a refresher on >> basic electronics and electricity - just to make sure I'm remembering >> general electrical concepts right. Then anything on basic electronic >> components and circuits would definitely help me out as I have forgotten a >> lot there. Then if instead of just copying and pasting the code into the >> micro crontroller I think it would be incredibly beneficial if anyone was >> interested in going over the basics of how to program it.
>> What do you all think?
>> -Justin
>> On Mon, Oct 15, 2012 at 11:47 PM, Ben Porter <xenov...@gmail.com<javascript:> >> > wrote:
>>> Here's some of the parts I've scoped out for the power supply:
>>> Specifications I'm shooting for: 3 amps continuously @ < 10 volts, 1 amp >>> continuously up to 24 volts. The reduction in current is a limitation of >>> the transformer, and if a beefy enough transformer were used, it would be >>> possible to do 3 amps at 24 volts. Transformers of this power are pretty >>> spendy, but can be salvaged from old electronics for cheap.
>>> With the transfomer (120 volts AC to 24 volts AC), some passives & other >>> various parts and the price for power electronics alone will be around >>> $20-25. A USB enabled microcontroller & supporting HW will probably be >>> another $5-10. Add in 7-seg displays, a fancy case, knobs & cables for ~ >>> another $20.
>>> I'm designing the supply so the microcontroller can be added later >>> optionally (it's only needed if you want to monitor/control the supply via >>> USB or power some cool display).
>>> So does the price point & specs sound good? I can work on lowering the >>> cost if that's an issue. As far as timeline goes, I should have something >>> designed by next weekend, prototyped next week, and ready for others to put >>> together around the end of October. Also, if anyone wants to be involved >>> in the design/prototyping work, let me know! I'll probably be at the space >>> this Thursday hacking something together.
>>> - Ben
>>> On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 6:14 PM, Aaron Eiche <aaron...@gmail.com<javascript:> >>> > wrote:
>>>> I'll throw my hat in. I'd like to do one as well. >>>> On Oct 9, 2012 6:10 PM, "Noor" <noororber....@gmail.com <javascript:>> >>>> wrote:
>>>>> I'm interested in any project I can learn something from.
>>>>> If anything is going on I'd love to be a fly on the wall and learn >>>>> whatever I can.
>>>>> I learn best hands on, so I'll be there to assist in anyway I can.
<justin.dorma...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> If anybody's up for it, I can even give a short talk on electronics this
>> Thursday at the space (so maybe it will sink in by the time we actually get
>> to building the power supply :)).
> That would be great! I also have an electronics learning kit in my locker at
> BrainSilo that anyone who wants to could make some circuits with. You would
> know better than me, but it might be a good way to demo some of the
> electronics concepts. For example it comes with a small transformer. Anyone
> who wants to experiment making some circuits with it would be more than
> welcome. I have several electrical and electronics books that have been
> collecting dust for years, but maybe I could make copies of pages that would
> be most relevant to your discussion. That way people would have something to
> take home with them they could actually keep as reference and study for
> understanding.
> On Tuesday, October 16, 2012 7:55:14 PM UTC-7, Ben Porter wrote:
>> I think it would be a great idea to work some electronics theory/math into
>> the project. It's like that one guy said (Feynman): "What I cannot create,
>> I do not understand" or whatever. Of course, if you're just creating from a
>> script you won't really understand it either - so there should be some
>> instruction as to how things are actually working.
>> I do envision this thing being built as a group project(s), so I'll
>> remember to throw in some of the concepts behind the design too. If
>> anybody's up for it, I can even give a short talk on electronics this
>> Thursday at the space (so maybe it will sink in by the time we actually get
>> to building the power supply :)).
>> On Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 5:10 PM, Justin Dormandy <justin....@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>> I just wanted to say I would be really interested in doing this with a
>>> group of people. Power supplies are essential for molecular biology work and
>>> right now I'm limited to an electrophoresis gel box with preset voltages.
>>> Depending on the application with electrophoresis you might want a voltage
>>> of 0.25 volts/cm to 5 volts/cm. So if the electrodes are 20cm apart you
>>> might need 5V to 100V. Usually it would probably be closer to 100 for 20cm.
>>> You also generally want to be able to choose between either constant
>>> amperage or constant voltage. I'm not sure if you would ever need to go
>>> above about 30mA.
>>> Ok so in that example (you'll have to forgive if any of this doesn't make
>>> any sense. Its been quite a while since I've dabbled with electronics and
>>> electricity) that would be 3 watts at 100V. So I would want to give myself
>>> room for other applications that might require much higher amperage. So
>>> would it be doable to make a 100 watt power supply with lets say a max
>>> output of 300V?
>>> Another reason I would be very interested in doing this is because in
>>> biotech you use a lot of equipment but don't understand how it works. A lot
>>> of people might not even understand the principles behind their equipment
>>> and which I think something is lost there. I've also had an arduino
>>> controller for too long and would be very interested in working on a project
>>> that used it - or any micro controller for that matter.
>>> Would anyone be interested in giving a class or discussion on the basic
>>> concepts behind every step we might take to make a power supply, instead of
>>> just instructions on how to build it. I could definitely use a refresher on
>>> basic electronics and electricity - just to make sure I'm remembering
>>> general electrical concepts right. Then anything on basic electronic
>>> components and circuits would definitely help me out as I have forgotten a
>>> lot there. Then if instead of just copying and pasting the code into the
>>> micro crontroller I think it would be incredibly beneficial if anyone was
>>> interested in going over the basics of how to program it.
>>> What do you all think?
>>> -Justin
>>> On Mon, Oct 15, 2012 at 11:47 PM, Ben Porter <xenov...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> Here's some of the parts I've scoped out for the power supply:
>>>> TL494CDG4: pwm controller
>>>> Si8234AB-C-IS: mosfet driver
>>>> MAX9918ASA+: current sense amplifier (for current feedback)
>>>> NTD5867NLT4G: power mosfet
>>>> Specifications I'm shooting for: 3 amps continuously @ < 10 volts, 1 amp
>>>> continuously up to 24 volts. The reduction in current is a limitation of
>>>> the transformer, and if a beefy enough transformer were used, it would be
>>>> possible to do 3 amps at 24 volts. Transformers of this power are pretty
>>>> spendy, but can be salvaged from old electronics for cheap.
>>>> With the transfomer (120 volts AC to 24 volts AC), some passives & other
>>>> various parts and the price for power electronics alone will be around
>>>> $20-25. A USB enabled microcontroller & supporting HW will probably be
>>>> another $5-10. Add in 7-seg displays, a fancy case, knobs & cables for ~
>>>> another $20.
>>>> I'm designing the supply so the microcontroller can be added later
>>>> optionally (it's only needed if you want to monitor/control the supply via
>>>> USB or power some cool display).
>>>> So does the price point & specs sound good? I can work on lowering the
>>>> cost if that's an issue. As far as timeline goes, I should have something
>>>> designed by next weekend, prototyped next week, and ready for others to put
>>>> together around the end of October. Also, if anyone wants to be involved in
>>>> the design/prototyping work, let me know! I'll probably be at the space
>>>> this Thursday hacking something together.
>>>> - Ben
>>>> On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 6:14 PM, Aaron Eiche <aaron...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> I'll throw my hat in. I'd like to do one as well.
>>>>> On Oct 9, 2012 6:10 PM, "Noor" <noororber....@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> I'm interested in any project I can learn something from.
>>>>>> If anything is going on I'd love to be a fly on the wall and learn
>>>>>> whatever I can.
>>>>>> I learn best hands on, so I'll be there to assist in anyway I can.
What does everyone's schedule look like for next Saturday? I was wondering if Ben and (sorry I'm really bad with names I forgot the other guys name) would be interested in posting a bullet point list of different concepts that need to be understood to understand the mechanics behind a power supply.
Example:
- What is Voltage, What is Current, What is Resistance? How do they relate - What is Voltage - What is a transformer and why would you use one? - ...resistor - ...capacitor - ...etc
Anyone who is interested could research each bulleted point on the list and present on Saturday. Then give any reference material out to anyone who attends so they can use it later. I think it would be beneficial for those interested in learning about electrical systems to research a small portion of the project and then present it as I think it would help solidify the concepts and creating a dynamic learning experience where everyone is involved. I could be horribly wrong but I think this could be more beneficial than having a passive one way presentation where a bunch of people listen to one or two presenters. Then as we all work as a group Ben and his friend (sorry again...the only reason I remember Ben's name is because I can see it right on the forum) can connect all the theory together as we build the power supplies.
I was thinking this way everyone could not only walk away with a power supply they built, but also the foundational knowledge to potentially build something else that is not a power supply, but their own project.
On Wednesday, October 17, 2012 2:13:16 PM UTC-7, sircastor wrote: > I think I'm likewise interested in "A talk on electronics"
> On Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 9:05 PM, BioDude(Justin) > <justin....@gmail.com <javascript:>> wrote: > >> If anybody's up for it, I can even give a short talk on electronics > this > >> Thursday at the space (so maybe it will sink in by the time we actually > get > >> to building the power supply :)).
> > That would be great! I also have an electronics learning kit in my > locker at > > BrainSilo that anyone who wants to could make some circuits with. You > would > > know better than me, but it might be a good way to demo some of the > > electronics concepts. For example it comes with a small transformer. > Anyone > > who wants to experiment making some circuits with it would be more than > > welcome. I have several electrical and electronics books that have been > > collecting dust for years, but maybe I could make copies of pages that > would > > be most relevant to your discussion. That way people would have > something to > > take home with them they could actually keep as reference and study for > > understanding.
> > On Tuesday, October 16, 2012 7:55:14 PM UTC-7, Ben Porter wrote:
> >> I think it would be a great idea to work some electronics theory/math > into > >> the project. It's like that one guy said (Feynman): "What I cannot > create, > >> I do not understand" or whatever. Of course, if you're just creating > from a > >> script you won't really understand it either - so there should be some > >> instruction as to how things are actually working.
> >> I do envision this thing being built as a group project(s), so I'll > >> remember to throw in some of the concepts behind the design too. If > >> anybody's up for it, I can even give a short talk on electronics this > >> Thursday at the space (so maybe it will sink in by the time we actually > get > >> to building the power supply :)).
> >> On Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 5:10 PM, Justin Dormandy <justin....@gmail.com>
> >> wrote:
> >>> I just wanted to say I would be really interested in doing this with a > >>> group of people. Power supplies are essential for molecular biology > work and > >>> right now I'm limited to an electrophoresis gel box with preset > voltages. > >>> Depending on the application with electrophoresis you might want a > voltage > >>> of 0.25 volts/cm to 5 volts/cm. So if the electrodes are 20cm apart > you > >>> might need 5V to 100V. Usually it would probably be closer to 100 for > 20cm. > >>> You also generally want to be able to choose between either constant > >>> amperage or constant voltage. I'm not sure if you would ever need to > go > >>> above about 30mA.
> >>> Ok so in that example (you'll have to forgive if any of this doesn't > make > >>> any sense. Its been quite a while since I've dabbled with electronics > and > >>> electricity) that would be 3 watts at 100V. So I would want to give > myself > >>> room for other applications that might require much higher amperage. > So > >>> would it be doable to make a 100 watt power supply with lets say a max > >>> output of 300V?
> >>> Another reason I would be very interested in doing this is because in > >>> biotech you use a lot of equipment but don't understand how it works. > A lot > >>> of people might not even understand the principles behind their > equipment > >>> and which I think something is lost there. I've also had an arduino > >>> controller for too long and would be very interested in working on a > project > >>> that used it - or any micro controller for that matter.
> >>> Would anyone be interested in giving a class or discussion on the > basic > >>> concepts behind every step we might take to make a power supply, > instead of > >>> just instructions on how to build it. I could definitely use a > refresher on > >>> basic electronics and electricity - just to make sure I'm remembering > >>> general electrical concepts right. Then anything on basic electronic > >>> components and circuits would definitely help me out as I have > forgotten a > >>> lot there. Then if instead of just copying and pasting the code into > the > >>> micro crontroller I think it would be incredibly beneficial if anyone > was > >>> interested in going over the basics of how to program it.
> >>> What do you all think?
> >>> -Justin
> >>> On Mon, Oct 15, 2012 at 11:47 PM, Ben Porter <xenov...@gmail.com> > wrote:
> >>>> Here's some of the parts I've scoped out for the power supply:
> >>>> TL494CDG4: pwm controller > >>>> Si8234AB-C-IS: mosfet driver > >>>> MAX9918ASA+: current sense amplifier (for current feedback) > >>>> NTD5867NLT4G: power mosfet
> >>>> Specifications I'm shooting for: 3 amps continuously @ < 10 volts, 1 > amp > >>>> continuously up to 24 volts. The reduction in current is a > limitation of > >>>> the transformer, and if a beefy enough transformer were used, it > would be > >>>> possible to do 3 amps at 24 volts. Transformers of this power are > pretty > >>>> spendy, but can be salvaged from old electronics for cheap.
> >>>> With the transfomer (120 volts AC to 24 volts AC), some passives & > other > >>>> various parts and the price for power electronics alone will be > around > >>>> $20-25. A USB enabled microcontroller & supporting HW will probably > be > >>>> another $5-10. Add in 7-seg displays, a fancy case, knobs & cables > for ~ > >>>> another $20.
> >>>> I'm designing the supply so the microcontroller can be added later > >>>> optionally (it's only needed if you want to monitor/control the > supply via > >>>> USB or power some cool display).
> >>>> So does the price point & specs sound good? I can work on lowering > the > >>>> cost if that's an issue. As far as timeline goes, I should have > something > >>>> designed by next weekend, prototyped next week, and ready for others > to put > >>>> together around the end of October. Also, if anyone wants to be > involved in > >>>> the design/prototyping work, let me know! I'll probably be at the > space > >>>> this Thursday hacking something together.
> >>>> - Ben
> >>>> On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 6:14 PM, Aaron Eiche <aaron...@gmail.com> > wrote:
> >>>>> I'll throw my hat in. I'd like to do one as well.
> >>>>> On Oct 9, 2012 6:10 PM, "Noor" <noororber....@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>>>> I'm interested in any project I can learn something from.
> >>>>>> If anything is going on I'd love to be a fly on the wall and learn > >>>>>> whatever I can.
> >>>>>> I learn best hands on, so I'll be there to assist in anyway I can.
I might not be completely understanding your question, but doesnt the Arduino IDE work just fine on Windows? Or are you interested in developing an alternative arduino IDE that would run under windows?
On Tuesday, October 9, 2012 3:19:44 PM UTC-7, pjt wrote:
> Not to hijack this thread, but this brings up another opportunity for a > project:
> I'd pay a fee for a course on the software architecture for connecting an > Arduino to Windows via USB.
> I haven't written a win32 app since 1997, and attempting to use CygWin and > windows hardware makes me convulse. I figure someone must have solved this > for CygWin (or MS Studio, which I also haven't used since 1997). I ended > up using the Arduino IDE interface and serial comm + ctrl-v/ctrl-c to > download a 1Mb flash project I did. It worked but it sucked.
> Things I'd like to learn:
> - How to scan USB to tell what kind of arduino is there > - Serial TX/RX programming as a term (AT x commands) > - Other interfacing protocols: eg. USB2.0 commands for data transfer > - Simple windows "shell" / "demo" code to implement these interfaces > - How to build them under Windows or CygWin (using MS Studio, Cygwin, or > Eclipse... probably Eclipse since it works on Linux and Windows) > - a test app to verify tx/rx round-trip between the app and the target > arduino
> The web is not friendly to this activity for noobs... I need some > handholding and would pay a nominal fee for a half-day hands-on transfer of > knowledge.
> -p-
> On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 2:09 PM, Ben Porter <xenov...@gmail.com<javascript:> > > wrote:
>> USB is pretty easy, I've done several USB enabled projects before. One >> simple route is an Atmel USB enabled MCU (I.E, at90usb162) + the LUFA USB >> framework. Connecting the power supply to a PC enables some cool use cases >> - not only power tracking, but also control of the supply to make it into a >> low-frequency function generator or programmed shut-off in certain >> conditions (I.E, when charging batteries).
>> On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 10:38 AM, Peter Torelli <peter.j...@gmail.com<javascript:> >> > wrote:
>>> Good idea for a project. The USB interface is interesting. I've built >>> simple switching supplies (single phase VRs & converters), and lots of >>> regulator chips have an oversupply current detect/shutoff through a very >>> low value resistor (like 0.15ohm). Since I often need measure power, I'd >>> like to have a USB output that samples the current and voltage AT the >>> regulator so that I could compute power more accurately and log it over >>> time. Usually I just add a low value resistor to the supply line and probe >>> it with a scope, but having the info out of the supply's monitor would be >>> much more accurate.
>>> However, making the USB stack work is way outside my knowledge, and >>> seems like such a HUGE learning curve that I always just move on to >>> something else. There's nothing on "instructables.com" showing how to >>> do this, so if you're taking requests....
>>> On Sun, Oct 7, 2012 at 10:38 PM, Ben Porter <xenov...@gmail.com<javascript:> >>> > wrote:
>>>> Hello Hardware Hackers,
>>>> The BrainSilo hackerspace is a bit short on variable power supplies, so >>>> I'm endeavoring to build one (or more). I figured I'd ping the community >>>> to see if there are others interested in building a power supply for >>>> themselves (to keep or donate to the hackerspace). I could obtain parts & >>>> host a build session.
>>>> Regarding functionality, here's what I'm thinking: >>>> * 0-24V DC variable >>>> * 0-2 amps (adjustable current limiting) >>>> * 7 seg/LCD display? >>>> * computer connectivity (USB)? >>>> * multiple outputs? >>>> * high voltage outputs (muahahaha...) ?
>>>> Chime in if you're interested or have ideas on what else would be >>>> useful in a power supply.
Apologies for no update on this project in such a long time... I got sidetracked with a delta style CNC router project that dead-ended for the time being...
Regarding learning about electrical stuff: I'd recommend this site - http://play-hookey.com/. It's been around forever and has some good content. If you still have questions I'm more than happy to answer them.
Back to the power supply: The whole project is probably going to be pushed back a month or so (end of November)... It will eventually get done though! If anyone really wants it to happen sooner, just keep poking me and mebbe I'll get there sooner :)
On Saturday, October 20, 2012 3:11:48 PM UTC-7, BioDude(Justin) wrote:
> What does everyone's schedule look like for next Saturday? I was wondering > if Ben and (sorry I'm really bad with names I forgot the other guys name) > would be interested in posting a bullet point list of different concepts > that need to be understood to understand the mechanics behind a power > supply.
> Example:
> - What is Voltage, What is Current, What is Resistance? How do they > relate > - What is Voltage > - What is a transformer and why would you use one? > - ...resistor > - ...capacitor > - ...etc
> Anyone who is interested could research each bulleted point on the list > and present on Saturday. Then give any reference material out to anyone who > attends so they can use it later. I think it would be beneficial for those > interested in learning about electrical systems to research a small portion > of the project and then present it as I think it would help solidify the > concepts and creating a dynamic learning experience where everyone is > involved. I could be horribly wrong but I think this could be more > beneficial than having a passive one way presentation where a bunch of > people listen to one or two presenters. Then as we all work as a group Ben > and his friend (sorry again...the only reason I remember Ben's name is > because I can see it right on the forum) can connect all the theory > together as we build the power supplies.
> I was thinking this way everyone could not only walk away with a power > supply they built, but also the foundational knowledge to potentially build > something else that is not a power supply, but their own project.
> What does everyone think?
> -Justin
> On Wednesday, October 17, 2012 2:13:16 PM UTC-7, sircastor wrote:
>> I think I'm likewise interested in "A talk on electronics"
>> On Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 9:05 PM, BioDude(Justin) >> <justin....@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> If anybody's up for it, I can even give a short talk on electronics >> this >> >> Thursday at the space (so maybe it will sink in by the time we >> actually get >> >> to building the power supply :)).
>> > That would be great! I also have an electronics learning kit in my >> locker at >> > BrainSilo that anyone who wants to could make some circuits with. You >> would >> > know better than me, but it might be a good way to demo some of the >> > electronics concepts. For example it comes with a small transformer. >> Anyone >> > who wants to experiment making some circuits with it would be more than >> > welcome. I have several electrical and electronics books that have been >> > collecting dust for years, but maybe I could make copies of pages that >> would >> > be most relevant to your discussion. That way people would have >> something to >> > take home with them they could actually keep as reference and study for >> > understanding.
>> > On Tuesday, October 16, 2012 7:55:14 PM UTC-7, Ben Porter wrote:
>> >> I think it would be a great idea to work some electronics theory/math >> into >> >> the project. It's like that one guy said (Feynman): "What I cannot >> create, >> >> I do not understand" or whatever. Of course, if you're just creating >> from a >> >> script you won't really understand it either - so there should be some >> >> instruction as to how things are actually working.
>> >> I do envision this thing being built as a group project(s), so I'll >> >> remember to throw in some of the concepts behind the design too. If >> >> anybody's up for it, I can even give a short talk on electronics this >> >> Thursday at the space (so maybe it will sink in by the time we >> actually get >> >> to building the power supply :)).
>> >> On Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 5:10 PM, Justin Dormandy <justin....@gmail.com>
>> >> wrote:
>> >>> I just wanted to say I would be really interested in doing this with >> a >> >>> group of people. Power supplies are essential for molecular biology >> work and >> >>> right now I'm limited to an electrophoresis gel box with preset >> voltages. >> >>> Depending on the application with electrophoresis you might want a >> voltage >> >>> of 0.25 volts/cm to 5 volts/cm. So if the electrodes are 20cm apart >> you >> >>> might need 5V to 100V. Usually it would probably be closer to 100 for >> 20cm. >> >>> You also generally want to be able to choose between either constant >> >>> amperage or constant voltage. I'm not sure if you would ever need to >> go >> >>> above about 30mA.
>> >>> Ok so in that example (you'll have to forgive if any of this doesn't >> make >> >>> any sense. Its been quite a while since I've dabbled with electronics >> and >> >>> electricity) that would be 3 watts at 100V. So I would want to give >> myself >> >>> room for other applications that might require much higher amperage. >> So >> >>> would it be doable to make a 100 watt power supply with lets say a >> max >> >>> output of 300V?
>> >>> Another reason I would be very interested in doing this is because in >> >>> biotech you use a lot of equipment but don't understand how it works. >> A lot >> >>> of people might not even understand the principles behind their >> equipment >> >>> and which I think something is lost there. I've also had an arduino >> >>> controller for too long and would be very interested in working on a >> project >> >>> that used it - or any micro controller for that matter.
>> >>> Would anyone be interested in giving a class or discussion on the >> basic >> >>> concepts behind every step we might take to make a power supply, >> instead of >> >>> just instructions on how to build it. I could definitely use a >> refresher on >> >>> basic electronics and electricity - just to make sure I'm remembering >> >>> general electrical concepts right. Then anything on basic electronic >> >>> components and circuits would definitely help me out as I have >> forgotten a >> >>> lot there. Then if instead of just copying and pasting the code into >> the >> >>> micro crontroller I think it would be incredibly beneficial if anyone >> was >> >>> interested in going over the basics of how to program it.
>> >>> What do you all think?
>> >>> -Justin
>> >>> On Mon, Oct 15, 2012 at 11:47 PM, Ben Porter <xenov...@gmail.com> >> wrote:
>> >>>> Here's some of the parts I've scoped out for the power supply:
>> >>>> TL494CDG4: pwm controller >> >>>> Si8234AB-C-IS: mosfet driver >> >>>> MAX9918ASA+: current sense amplifier (for current feedback) >> >>>> NTD5867NLT4G: power mosfet
>> >>>> Specifications I'm shooting for: 3 amps continuously @ < 10 volts, 1 >> amp >> >>>> continuously up to 24 volts. The reduction in current is a >> limitation of >> >>>> the transformer, and if a beefy enough transformer were used, it >> would be >> >>>> possible to do 3 amps at 24 volts. Transformers of this power are >> pretty >> >>>> spendy, but can be salvaged from old electronics for cheap.
>> >>>> With the transfomer (120 volts AC to 24 volts AC), some passives & >> other >> >>>> various parts and the price for power electronics alone will be >> around >> >>>> $20-25. A USB enabled microcontroller & supporting HW will probably >> be >> >>>> another $5-10. Add in 7-seg displays, a fancy case, knobs & cables >> for ~ >> >>>> another $20.
>> >>>> I'm designing the supply so the microcontroller can be added later >> >>>> optionally (it's only needed if you want to monitor/control the >> supply via >> >>>> USB or power some cool display).
>> >>>> So does the price point & specs sound good? I can work on lowering >> the >> >>>> cost if that's an issue. As far as timeline goes, I should have >> something >> >>>> designed by next weekend, prototyped next week, and ready for others >> to put >> >>>> together around the end of October. Also, if anyone wants to be >> involved in >> >>>> the design/prototyping work, let me know! I'll probably be at the >> space >> >>>> this Thursday hacking something together.
>> >>>> - Ben
>> >>>> On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 6:14 PM, Aaron Eiche <aaron...@gmail.com> >> wrote:
>> >>>>> I'll throw my hat in. I'd like to do one as well.
>> >>>>> On Oct 9, 2012 6:10 PM, "Noor" <noororber....@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >>>>>> I'm interested in any project I can learn something from.
>> >>>>>> If anything is going on I'd love to be a fly on the wall and learn >> >>>>>> whatever I can.
>> >>>>>> I learn best hands on, so I'll be there to assist in anyway I can.
