Asked — Edited
Resolved Resolved by Rich!

H Bridge As On/Off Switch

Morning All

This is one of those really, really, really basic questions. If I want to power up my robot (turn him on/off) via the EZ Board I'm assuming I simply use an H Bridge. I'm using a 12 volt system so an H Bridge is the only safe way if I want the EZ Board to control this function, right?

Thanks,

Daniel


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Ireland
#1  

Yes you are right to a point If you are using a H Bridge to drive motors and that is controlled by the Ez-b,then you could say that. Please explain a little more if you would like more assistance.

United Kingdom
#2  

The EZ-B would need to be powered on before it can control anything - so you wouldn't be able to use it to turn itself on.

But you can use the digital pins to switch circuits with either a TIP122 based transistor circuit (see my user details I have done a tutorial for this) or via a relay if the power required is high or voltages are different etc.

But you would need the EZ-B to be powered on before it can control anything.

#3  

Thanks Everyone

I was considering a small button hidden on my unit to switch on the EZ system or perhaps using a remote control of some sort. This project is a 1:1 B9 robot from Lost in Space so one option is wiring the power pack to actually function as an on/off switch for EZ.

Daniel

#4  

Hi Daniel,

How about wiring one of the toggle switches in the programming bay to turn on and off the EZB's. There are 3 in there. I'm using one Programing bay switch to as a 2nd main power switch, one to turn on and off internal torso lights (as work lights or to show off to interested people) and the last one turns on and off the EZB's.

The power pack is a good option also but that keeps you from installing the power pack pull animation. Do you plan to build this feature into our B9? If so haw are you going to design it? When I designed my PPP animation set up I found I had to keep my EZB's powered up while the rest of the robot looked dead. I'm using an ADC port on the EZB to watch the Power Pack switch inside the torso. When I pull the pack the ADC sees the voltage change and a script I've written then operates a digital port connected to a relay that opens up and shuts every off to make him appear deactavted. Another digital port operates a H-Bridge that runs my hip motor that makes him lean over. Still another port tells my MP3 Trigger to play the AHHHHHHhhhhh sound file. If my EZB looses power It wont know when the PP is reinserted and turn everything back on and stand him up and play the Wake up sound file. Pretty simple really. You may be wiring up your differently. I'd live to hear how your doing it.

Dave Schulpius

#5  

Hi Dave

The programming bay seems the most logical place. One builder had three hidden switches in the top of the bay for specific functions. I'm dropping my power pack idea. I kept the fit really tight to avoid getting it knocked out (kids in the house).

I love your hip motor action and that may be my next major upgrade. :D

Daniel