Non Laser Electronics Help

[Stiffler]

Greetings members of Photon Lexicon!

I have a non-laser special effects project that I am working on that requires some electronics that are over my head, and since many of you clearly have electronics backgrounds I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. What I am trying to do is have a series of switched 110v outlets that are triggered one at a time from the same momentary switch, and only stay on for a pre set amount of time (.1-1 seconds). I will be more than happy to provide more details if some one can help me solve the problem here, but perhaps there is an electronics (or other more appropriate) forum that some one could recommend. Or some reading material, so that I can figure it out on my own.

Thanks in advance,

Eric

[ekeefe]

Hello,

I may be able to help, but I need more details.

When you say "pre set amount of time (.1-1 seconds)" are you looking for it to be adjustable after your project is built? Or do you need it to be set only once?

How much current per channel are you looking to drive? Is the load a lamp/light or an inductive load? Do you need to dim or speed control it?

Does this device just cycle through in a loop or run once? How would you like to start the device? For example a button, switch, DMX-512, MIDI, remote control... You get the idea.

Sorry for all the questions.

Please post more details about what you are trying to do and I will see what I can come up with.

ED

[Stiffler]

Hi Ed,

Thank you for responding!

So here is the scenario-

I have several air cannon style confetti cannons set up at a venue (or one air cannon with multiple solenoid valves) and I want to fire them one-by-one without pushing more than one button, and without relying on DMX. The solenoid valves I use are all rated at less than 30 watts, and the reason for the timed "on" is to conserve air pressure for additional blasts (and would need to be adjustable, as this would differ depending on the valve/airtank combination used). Up until now I have relied on a foot pedal switch & 4 switch American DJ lighting controller, but it's difficult to time the blasts, and I really want a solution that is idiot proof. Ideally I would like this to work 2 ways: I push a button, and it automatically cycles through all of the valves, OR, I push a button and it automatically triggers the next valve in line. I was trying to figure out a way to use timer switches, but I do not know enough about them.

Thanks in advance!

[ekeefe]

Hello,

How many channels would you like the device to handle?

How would you like to set the "ON" time, by a knob (inexpensive) or buttons and an LCD (more flexible)?

Would you need different "ON" times for each cannon or can they all be the same?

Are you just looking for a schematic so you can build this yourself or a complete one-off product?

When do you need it by?

I know all the questions are annoying, but clearly defining the problem to be solved is the first step. It makes the design go faster.

ED

[Stiffler]

Hi Ed,

Questions are important, not annoying:-)

I really only need 2 to 4 channels, and a single time control for all of them is sufficient.

Buttons & an LCD screen would be nice, but not necessary.

It might be nice to have a 5th channel, that connects to a second (or third, or fourth) set of channels so that I can daisy chain them.

I am a tinkerer, so ultimately I would like to build this myself. I think it would also be good practice for the laser components that I will no doubt be building in the future:-)

As far as time is concerned, I'd like to be working on a prototype in a week or 2, but there is no real deadline.

-Eric

[Infinite]

Hello,
If you haven't gotten this done yet, here's a thought.
Make a simple oscillator with a CD4001. You use just one cap and one resistor(look for 2 inverter oscillator). Try .1uf and 1m for a start. Play with those values till you get the switching speed you want.
Now run this into a CD4017. It will give you 10 sequential individual outputs. You don't want 10 so you run (for ex) the 5th output to reset and you'll have 4 sequenced outputs. You can use this 5th reset line to gate the oscillator off so it only cycles through the sequence once. Let me know if you want more details.
Rick

[Stiffler]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the reply. No, I have not got this done yet, I will look into using your idea.

-Eric

[Stiffler]

I should also mention that if anyone were to go to the trouble of providing me with a complete solution (instructions, schematics, etc), I would be more than happy to compensate them. I understand the value of good design, and believe that people should be compensated for their time/work/knowledge.

-Eric

[ekeefe]

@Stiffler

I am sorry I haven't got back to you, I am still willing to help.

As my location above reflects, I am in South Eastern Massachusetts. We had a huge storm, they're calling it the "Blizzard of 2013", and I lost power on Friday. Our power just came back on. It is now Monday as I type this.

I have not forgotten about your project and will have an update for you sometime tomorrow.

ED

[chad]

The first question is how much do you want to spend. There a bunch of ways of doing this but your budget will dictate what way is best.
The simplest and most reliable is to use time delay relays. Something like this.
http://www.alliedelec.com/search/pro...x?SKU=70175105

There a bunch of different models that would work. They are easy to wire and setup as well as being bullet proof when finished.
You can go with board level electronic things or micro controllers, or, or, But it depends on how much experience you have with nitty gritty stuff. If you want a project or if you can just throw a couple of hundred at something that will just work when you hit the button in the club....

chad