Re: [DMCForum] Relays & current draw

["Ryan Wright" <ryanpwright@xxxxxxxxx>]

Problem solved.

I can't believe I didn't think of this to begin with: If I use a pair
of relays for the interlock system, it will work exactly as I want
without drawing any power when the ignition is off.

Here's the schematic: http://www.ryanwright.com/tmp/interlock.jpg

If the ignition is off, all actuators are available for use and no
standby power is consumed because no relay coils are energized (unless
the actuator is moving, which only happens for 1/2 second or so when
activated). If the ignition is turned on, power is cut to all
actuators UNLESS the e-brake is engaged, in which case power is
restored.

Ignore the two lights on the interlock relays in the schematic. I put
them there so I could easily see when the coils were energized. :)

-Ryan


On 2/26/06, Ryan Wright <ryanpwright@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Greg,
>
> > I believe most after market alarms activate and deactivate features based on
> > ignition sensing.  I looked over Toby's site and didn't see anything
> > specific about this.
>
> Sorry, I should clarify: I don't have Toby's alarm system. I do have
> his door releast ("launch") actuators.
>
> > You probably shouldn't ground the alarm itself to the parking brake as that
> > would cause it to function intermittently.  Meaning, when you applied the
> > brake, and subsequently the ground, the alarm will wake up and most react as
> > if they have been triggered.
>
> I must have typed something wrong - I never intended to turn the alarm
> on and off with the parking brake. It's been installed for 2 years and
> is constantly powered (both ground & power direct from the battery)
> and will remain that way.
>
> > If the ground through the emergency brake is not good enough for your
> > options then you could add a contact switch.  Either way I would talk with
> > Toby to make sure any modifications you do don't harm the system(s).
>
> They won't. I'm well versed in the installation of automotive
> electronics. All I'm doing is cutting power to three actuators when
> the e-brake is released. I just need to figure out how to do it
> without constantly drawing power via a relay... I don't see an easy
> way to add another switch to the brake. Maybe I can find a relay with
> a coil that draws substantially less power...
>
> -Ryan
>


 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DMCForum/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    DMCForum-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/