total noob to prop controllers. few questions...

[frightmare]

alright i been home haunting since 1992 but all of my pneumatics were all manually controlled and i would like to finally step it up a bit.

for starters im running on an imac. i downloaded the stamp editor software for osx and it runs and all of that fun stuff, i also have access to a PC if need be.

ok i was going to pick up the prop-1 starter kit as well as the usb cable and connection. guessing this is pretty much a MUST for me since i want to learn this stuff.

NOW some questions.
im going to need something to trigger my props and since i been using motion detectors i was going to go with the parallax PIR sensor, now my question... with the PIR sensor to connect it to the prop-1 will the extension cable. is that plug and play? is there a place to plug the cable into the PIR sensor and on the prop-1 and it just 'works'?

now a question about my air valves... if i was to purchase new mac valves for my props could i go with the 24vdc powered ones and have the prop-1 power those valves right from the board? i also have some flickering LED tea lights i was going to remove the batteries and solder some wires to the inside and have them run from the board to turn on and off at certain points but they require less then 24vdc (ill have to grab a battery and see what they use for power)

sorry for the novel of noob questions. just curious. thanks!

[BigRez]

with the PIR sensor to connect it to the prop-1 will the extension cable. is that plug and play? is there a place to plug the cable into the PIR sensor and on the prop-1 and it just 'works'?

Yes!  The PIR has a three-pin connection on the backside that is connected directly to the prop-1 pins.  Of course it doesn't "just work" without the proper code loaded on the prop-1 to recognize the signal coming from the PIR.  Browse the boards for tons of examples on using the PIR with the prop-1. Don't forget to include the debounce code.

It'd make things easier if your valves and lights use the same voltage.  If the LEDs could take 12v, then you may want to get 12v valves instead.  Of course there's also the 5v TTL output pins you could use in combination with your supply voltage so that the LEDs could be powered from the TTL pins and the valves from the OUT connections.  Make sure not to exceed the max amps per unit though.

You could also switch the LEDs on/off using their own power and a relay controlled by the prop-1 if needed.  Just post your requirements and questions and someone is sure to provide a solution.

[frightmare]

cool thanks for the reply.
so the valves im looking at are 24vdc. so im guessing i would need to run some sort of relay or something to give them the correct 24v needed to operate since the prop-1 is 12v?

[JackMan]

so im guessing i would need to run some sort of relay or something to give them the correct 24v needed to operate since the prop-1 is 12v?

That would be correct. Chances are that your valves are gonna draw more current than the Prop-1 can supply anyway, so relays are a safe route. The Prop-1 will energize your relays and the relays will power the valves. Just be sure to use small PC type relays, not big honkin' ones.

[frightmare]

so im guessing i would need to run some sort of relay or something to give them the correct 24v needed to operate since the prop-1 is 12v?

That would be correct. Chances are that your valves are gonna draw more current than the Prop-1 can supply anyway, so relays are a safe route. The Prop-1 will energize your relays and the relays will power the valves. Just be sure to use small PC type relays, not big honkin' ones.

any links or recommendations?

[JonnyMac]

First recommendation: Read the forum guidelines:

-- http://www.efx-tek.com/php/smf/index.php?topic=266.0

We don't care that you're a "noobie" -- everybody is when the start and you get no brownie points for your newness.  ;D

You've made this thread unsearchable (and hard to read/follow) by others by making it multi-topic -- big violation of the above guidelines.

I'm sorry, I know this seems stern, but I've seen too many once-great support forums wiped out by users that don't follow posting guidelines; we can't let that happen here.  We will be imposing a new rule this year that multiple violations of our guidelines will result in "view only" (no posting status).  Honestly, we hate having to spell this stuff out.  Help us help you: post in accordance to the simple guidelines we make very easy to find.