prop-1 controller problem

[EricTheMannn]

my name is Eric G

I ordered a prop-1 controller from the efx-tek website. I used  the basic stamp editor to program the chip, it all worked fine with the test code i had written
it was wired to a multimeter to test for voltage  before the  real connection to a wiper motor, the first few test's worked fine. After installing vixen and following the forums exact guidelines, I tried a simple on off code witch worked as well. after a few moments with the code going with the pir sensor from parallax, it stopped responding. after a few more  test try's it completely stopped working. I used the prop-1 test code

' {$STAMP BS1}
' {$PBASIC 1.0}
Main:
DEBUG "Hello, World!"
END

to check the connection and it worked.

here is an example of the wiring

v+ to wiper motor +

output 0 to wiper motor -

sensor connected to p6

setup jumper connected to DN pins


could the prop-1 controller be faulty? or did i wire it wrong?

Thank You
-Eric

[JonnyMac]

A wiper motor consumes FAR more current than the Prop-1 can handle; you have probably blown the ULN chip which may now be shorting the power supply and stopping the who works.  You'll need to replace that and then put a relay between the Prop-1 and the motor.  For reference, detailed electrical specs are available in the Prop-1 docs.  If you're unsure about anything, feel free to post a question here before you start making connections.

On your question vis-a-vis faulty... the Prop-1 wasn't faulty when we sent it to you.  ;D

[EricTheMannn]

phew thank goodness it was only the uln and not the whole prop-1 device.  ;D

i will use a relay to trigger that device for now on.


thank you again for your help, and the best controller on the market!

-Eric

[JonnyMac]

Glad it was just the ULN -- we put that dude into a socket for a good reason (which you now have first-hand experience with).  Again, wiper motors can draw a lot of current, so in addition to the relay for activating it, you might need a bigger power supply, too.

[menehune]

I have a surplus windshield wiper motor and it draws around 2A at 12 V which is far too much for the ULN and the prop's power supply to provide. 

[EricTheMannn]

Just got the 5 new uln's    ;D it works great now ! I cant wait for the RC- 4 to come in.

ill post pictures of the project in the near future

Thanks again for the help

-Eric