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  3. Current Sensing?

Current Sensing?

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  • sundberg84S sundberg84

    I dont know it its worth anything, but here is my solution for a energymonitor (pulse counter)

    https://www.byggahus.se/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=156953&d=1445108667
    https://www.byggahus.se/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=156955&d=1445109103
    https://www.byggahus.se/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208900&d=1486415706

    And to asnwer your question above, I use this for my hole house, and are going to build a portable current sensing monitor which i can move around and measure different outlets.

    S Offline
    S Offline
    Samuel235
    Hardware Contributor
    wrote on last edited by
    #53

    @sundberg84 - An interested little throw together!

    I really like the idea of that portable current sensor to move around. Please do publish those designs, that is something that could be of use to some!

    MySensors 2.1.1
    Controller - OpenHAB (Virtual Machine)
    Gateway - Arduino Mega MQTT Gateway W5100

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    • S Samuel235

      @gohan - While it would be possible, its not allowing much surface to attach to the meter. My soloution will be out by tonight i hope. I'm proposing we attach this module to the meter and connect into another board that is attached to the side of the meter that is the heart of the module (a atmega328 board). The designs and schematic anyway, we can then ponder over what my designs call and we can improve before production and release to openhardware.io

      gohanG Offline
      gohanG Offline
      gohan
      Mod
      wrote on last edited by
      #54

      @Samuel235
      Of course it would need a bigger surface than an led diameter, but could be smaller in volume.

      S 1 Reply Last reply
      1
      • gohanG gohan

        @Samuel235
        Of course it would need a bigger surface than an led diameter, but could be smaller in volume.

        S Offline
        S Offline
        Samuel235
        Hardware Contributor
        wrote on last edited by Samuel235
        #55

        @gohan The trouble is though, as i mentioned just in the post regarding the product from OpenEnergyMonitor, a photo transistor is not the best/optimal way to go about this. As the LM393 module is built, it is the correct method. Using a photodiode and a comparator. No one seems to be doing that, and this is exactly what i'm doing right now. I'm pretty confident we can get this to a size that would satisfy your suggestions, we shall see.

        Edit: Typo.

        MySensors 2.1.1
        Controller - OpenHAB (Virtual Machine)
        Gateway - Arduino Mega MQTT Gateway W5100

        gohanG 1 Reply Last reply
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        • scalzS Offline
          scalzS Offline
          scalz
          Hardware Contributor
          wrote on last edited by scalz
          #56

          Beep beep lol
          I'm joking. That was really quick to do. The box is same size 22mm. I'm not sure to see the point of making it smaller as it needs holding points.
          I've used solidworks.
          Yep I've done the pcb too. Ultra low power, a few parts. But I need to test the circuit (maybe at lunch) as I'm not planning to use comp nor amp. Again I did it because it was quick and because I can :)

          S 1 Reply Last reply
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          • scalzS scalz

            Beep beep lol
            I'm joking. That was really quick to do. The box is same size 22mm. I'm not sure to see the point of making it smaller as it needs holding points.
            I've used solidworks.
            Yep I've done the pcb too. Ultra low power, a few parts. But I need to test the circuit (maybe at lunch) as I'm not planning to use comp nor amp. Again I did it because it was quick and because I can :)

            S Offline
            S Offline
            Samuel235
            Hardware Contributor
            wrote on last edited by Samuel235
            #57

            @scalz - I might as well just leave it to you >.<

            Nice, solidworks is what i'm using at the moment too. Fancy sharing the files or is it just a quick rough idea that you're not sticking with?

            Would be nice to compare the two designs together for the circuit. I might see about getting a board produced at my Uni on the routing machine. Lets both make our versions and would be nice to compare them side by side. (I'm thinking about sending you one of mine once its produced, and you're welcome to scrutinise it to help me improve)

            Out of interest, i'm looking at either 3.5mm audio jack or RJ45 (RJ45 looks to be a slightly cheaper route) to connect back to the 'arduino' box. What are you thinking of doing for connectivity?

            MySensors 2.1.1
            Controller - OpenHAB (Virtual Machine)
            Gateway - Arduino Mega MQTT Gateway W5100

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            • scalzS Offline
              scalzS Offline
              scalz
              Hardware Contributor
              wrote on last edited by scalz
              #58

              It took me less an hour for the box+pcb..i wouldn't have invest more time as i've lot of others stuff to do.
              For the connector, I let the user choosing as I'm not really planning to design a dedicated pcb for the mcu side. Because there are already lot of boards and it just need one signal. Or I have multiple custom dev board with usb connection too etc. I was mainly interested in doing a low power sensor with a good digital level. Now I need to check my little idea..

              S 1 Reply Last reply
              1
              • scalzS scalz

                It took me less an hour for the box+pcb..i wouldn't have invest more time as i've lot of others stuff to do.
                For the connector, I let the user choosing as I'm not really planning to design a dedicated pcb for the mcu side. Because there are already lot of boards and it just need one signal. Or I have multiple custom dev board with usb connection too etc. I was mainly interested in doing a low power sensor with a good digital level. Now I need to check my little idea..

                S Offline
                S Offline
                Samuel235
                Hardware Contributor
                wrote on last edited by
                #59

                @scalz - Perfect, okay. Well i will sort something out with the MCU side in mine then. I might go down the route of custom board, but then again, it may be easier for the user to just use a arduino maybe, just that the connection of the sensor would be a little 'temp' if i don't do a custom board maybe. Not sure yet. Will get the sensor product sorted first.

                MySensors 2.1.1
                Controller - OpenHAB (Virtual Machine)
                Gateway - Arduino Mega MQTT Gateway W5100

                1 Reply Last reply
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                • S Samuel235

                  @gohan The trouble is though, as i mentioned just in the post regarding the product from OpenEnergyMonitor, a photo transistor is not the best/optimal way to go about this. As the LM393 module is built, it is the correct method. Using a photodiode and a comparator. No one seems to be doing that, and this is exactly what i'm doing right now. I'm pretty confident we can get this to a size that would satisfy your suggestions, we shall see.

                  Edit: Typo.

                  gohanG Offline
                  gohanG Offline
                  gohan
                  Mod
                  wrote on last edited by gohan
                  #60

                  @Samuel235
                  Sorry, I meant photodiode, I messed up the name. I am planning to use the module as shown in photos posted by sundberg

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                  • scalzS Offline
                    scalzS Offline
                    scalz
                    Hardware Contributor
                    wrote on last edited by scalz
                    #61

                    assembled my sensor this noon.
                    It looks like this from the top view, with the indication led (optional if battery powered device). The sensor is of course on bottom.

                    0_1489071698219_20170309_135129.jpg

                    So i just ran a few tests and was able to detect up to 40hz. Then missed pulses started. but i've not tweaked it yet.
                    My test config was a signal generator connected to an external led, put it in front of my sensor. And checked the result with a scope.
                    I think 40Hz should be enough lol, and was very suprised i was able to go as high with my circuit, that's cool.

                    I'll upload my files at openhardware

                    Enjoy MySensors Pulse :)

                    S 1 Reply Last reply
                    3
                    • scalzS scalz

                      assembled my sensor this noon.
                      It looks like this from the top view, with the indication led (optional if battery powered device). The sensor is of course on bottom.

                      0_1489071698219_20170309_135129.jpg

                      So i just ran a few tests and was able to detect up to 40hz. Then missed pulses started. but i've not tweaked it yet.
                      My test config was a signal generator connected to an external led, put it in front of my sensor. And checked the result with a scope.
                      I think 40Hz should be enough lol, and was very suprised i was able to go as high with my circuit, that's cool.

                      I'll upload my files at openhardware

                      Enjoy MySensors Pulse :)

                      S Offline
                      S Offline
                      Samuel235
                      Hardware Contributor
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #62

                      @scalz Do we get to see the PCB? or is the circuit that basic there isn't one?

                      MySensors 2.1.1
                      Controller - OpenHAB (Virtual Machine)
                      Gateway - Arduino Mega MQTT Gateway W5100

                      gohanG 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • S Samuel235

                        @scalz Do we get to see the PCB? or is the circuit that basic there isn't one?

                        gohanG Offline
                        gohanG Offline
                        gohan
                        Mod
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #63

                        @Samuel235
                        My bet is there isn't one :D

                        S scalzS 2 Replies Last reply
                        0
                        • gohanG gohan

                          @Samuel235
                          My bet is there isn't one :D

                          S Offline
                          S Offline
                          Samuel235
                          Hardware Contributor
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #64

                          @gohan - I'd be pretty shocked if there was when it was made this quick. Either way, its very nice and a quick turn around.

                          MySensors 2.1.1
                          Controller - OpenHAB (Virtual Machine)
                          Gateway - Arduino Mega MQTT Gateway W5100

                          YveauxY 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • S Samuel235

                            @gohan - I'd be pretty shocked if there was when it was made this quick. Either way, its very nice and a quick turn around.

                            YveauxY Offline
                            YveauxY Offline
                            Yveaux
                            Mod
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #65

                            @Samuel235 do not underestimate the @scalz man!

                            http://yveaux.blogspot.nl

                            S 1 Reply Last reply
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                            • YveauxY Yveaux

                              @Samuel235 do not underestimate the @scalz man!

                              S Offline
                              S Offline
                              Samuel235
                              Hardware Contributor
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #66

                              @Yveaux - Oh, i know what this guy is capable of, at no point do i underestimate him. I'm actually very jealous ;)

                              MySensors 2.1.1
                              Controller - OpenHAB (Virtual Machine)
                              Gateway - Arduino Mega MQTT Gateway W5100

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                              • scalzS Offline
                                scalzS Offline
                                scalz
                                Hardware Contributor
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #67

                                thx guys :joy:

                                @Samuel235
                                in fact i'm jealous of you too as you're studying electronics, looks cool ;)
                                I've only designed the pcb for the moment, electronics in my thing is air wired, i don't remember how this soldering style is named??
                                so this looks like this
                                0_1489094889444_20170309_220932.jpg
                                i'll check a few things for tomorrow, and also would like to try sensing a few others led colors and i'll post, no problem. I've been able to go up to 110hz though, then it was fluctuating too much (40hz was because i forgot to remove a capa on the signal generator side).

                                S 1 Reply Last reply
                                1
                                • gohanG gohan

                                  @Samuel235
                                  My bet is there isn't one :D

                                  scalzS Offline
                                  scalzS Offline
                                  scalz
                                  Hardware Contributor
                                  wrote on last edited by scalz
                                  #68

                                  @gohan said in Current Sensing?:

                                  @Samuel235
                                  My bet is there isn't one :D

                                  @Samuel235 said in Current Sensing?:

                                  @gohan - I'd be pretty shocked if there was when it was made this quick. Either way, its very nice and a quick turn around.

                                  rooo i didn't pay attention! So who pay for the bet :joy: but that's gohan which is betting, right :stuck_out_tongue:

                                  0_1489095803073_myspulse.png
                                  So there is one, which should be very low power, afew uA (compared to the 0.4mA min of the lm393), and cheap. I just need to change a few routes, very quick.

                                  I told you ;) (i'm kidding of course)

                                  gohanG 1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • scalzS scalz

                                    @gohan said in Current Sensing?:

                                    @Samuel235
                                    My bet is there isn't one :D

                                    @Samuel235 said in Current Sensing?:

                                    @gohan - I'd be pretty shocked if there was when it was made this quick. Either way, its very nice and a quick turn around.

                                    rooo i didn't pay attention! So who pay for the bet :joy: but that's gohan which is betting, right :stuck_out_tongue:

                                    0_1489095803073_myspulse.png
                                    So there is one, which should be very low power, afew uA (compared to the 0.4mA min of the lm393), and cheap. I just need to change a few routes, very quick.

                                    I told you ;) (i'm kidding of course)

                                    gohanG Offline
                                    gohanG Offline
                                    gohan
                                    Mod
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #69

                                    @scalz
                                    the PCB is only designed, so it was't actually there inside the sensor, so my bed still stands :D

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    1
                                    • scalzS Offline
                                      scalzS Offline
                                      scalz
                                      Hardware Contributor
                                      wrote on last edited by scalz
                                      #70

                                      ahah, well played ;)

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      1
                                      • S Offline
                                        S Offline
                                        Samuel235
                                        Hardware Contributor
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #71

                                        No, you owe us all money! STAND BY YOUR BET! xD

                                        I like it @scalz - you're approach is much better for low power modes, much better than mine. I see that the comparator is not needed for such application, i'm going that route because its the 'done' way. However, you're style is much better for battery powered nodes which will naturally attract people.

                                        I'm really struggling to get to grips with KiCAD and i'm starting to give up after just one footprint. This thing would have been hours ago if i just used eagle.

                                        The style is more 'inline' (not the technical term, but that is how i know it). What photodiode/resistor are you using? Most should pick up quite a decent range of wavelengths on the blinking LED.

                                        MySensors 2.1.1
                                        Controller - OpenHAB (Virtual Machine)
                                        Gateway - Arduino Mega MQTT Gateway W5100

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                                        • scalzS scalz

                                          thx guys :joy:

                                          @Samuel235
                                          in fact i'm jealous of you too as you're studying electronics, looks cool ;)
                                          I've only designed the pcb for the moment, electronics in my thing is air wired, i don't remember how this soldering style is named??
                                          so this looks like this
                                          0_1489094889444_20170309_220932.jpg
                                          i'll check a few things for tomorrow, and also would like to try sensing a few others led colors and i'll post, no problem. I've been able to go up to 110hz though, then it was fluctuating too much (40hz was because i forgot to remove a capa on the signal generator side).

                                          S Offline
                                          S Offline
                                          Samuel235
                                          Hardware Contributor
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #72

                                          @scalz - The general photodiode has a range of "Wavelength range (S10%) 400 nm to 1100 nm (SFH
                                          213)", quoted from a datasheet here: http://www.osram-os.com/Graphics/XPic5/00101689_0.pdf. So this means that we should be good for a fair few different LED colours.

                                          MySensors 2.1.1
                                          Controller - OpenHAB (Virtual Machine)
                                          Gateway - Arduino Mega MQTT Gateway W5100

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