Using RF Key Fob for activating cylinder.

[pbronson]

What is the best way to learn how to incorporate wireless technology as a trigger to activate a pneumatic cylinder. I currently activate the cylinder with a mat switch but would be interested in using a key fob as well if it is possible. This is for the same double acting cylinder project listed previously.

Thanks - Pete

[Caretaker.CCI]

Check out http://www.parallax.com/Store/Accessories/Communication/tabid/161/CategoryID/36/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/112/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductName

Download the documentation, get a 433 Mhz Keyfob and plug it into your Prop-1. If you want to learn more, try Linx Technologies at http://www.linxtechnologies.com/

It's pretty easy to do.

Greg

[pbronson]

Greg,

Thanks for the info. I will do as you say.

Pete

[JonnyMac]

Most key fob receivers provide an active-high output that matches a corresponding button press on the key fob -- this makes them look like an active high input, just as if you'd pressed a button.  What this means is that there's not change in the program, just what's connected to the trigger input.

I don't think that the receiver Greg referenced is a key fob receiver; Parallax doesn't seem to carry them any more. 

[Caretaker.CCI]

The one that I have receives a 418Mhz signal (purchased from Parallax several years ago). I don't see where Parallax carries that receiver anymore  but the receiver that I posted a link for looks identical to what I have (same Linx components etc.). I purchased the 433Mhz receiver but don't have a 433 Mhz keyfob to test it with. I don't have the money to get a 433Mhz keyfob at the moment but when I do I will test it.

Greg

[livinlowe]

Okay, I feel left out - what's a fob?

[JonnyMac]

You know that thing attached to your key ring that lets you remotely open your car doors?  That's a fob.

[Caretaker.CCI]

Does anybody know what the "FOB" stands for... I usually operate on the assumption that there's a reason for everything but the last time I went looking for meaning to this one I came up short.

Greg

[JonnyMac]

It's not an acronym -- and let's be careful not to steer this thread of its intent.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fob

[Caretaker.CCI]

I didn't think I was steering the "intent" of this thread away from the topic at all. If we're talking about wireless technology then he's going to be using a keyfob (or transmitting device of some kind). I thought it was appropriate to define the terms we would be using. His original question was about using a keyfob.

Greg

[pbronson]

I checked with Parallax and it appears that the receivers that they still carry lack a encoder/decoder that would be necesssary for security. The site that has the most info is Linx Technologies and they appear to have what I am looking for.

Pete

[JonnyMac]

You might find what you're looking for here: http://www.rentron.com/PicBasic/RemoteControl.htm

If you get an item with a dry-contact output then you can wire it in parallel with your normal wall-plate switch.

[pbronson]

Jon,

When you say "dry contact" do you mean as opposed to solid state?

Pete

[JonnyMac]

By dry contact I mean standard relay output.  If you connect your normally-open trigger button in parallel with the normally-open contacts of an RF-controlled relay, either will trigger the door open cycle.

[csolsen]

You might find what you're looking for here: http://www.rentron.com/PicBasic/RemoteControl.htm

If you get an item with a dry-contact output then you can wire it in parallel with your normal wall-plate switch.

Jon,  This link is great and the LC4 quad relay board (http://www.rentron.com/QRELAY.htm) looks ideal as a reciever, but I am clueless to find a dry contact transmitter board that would interface with a Prop-1.
Are you suggesting that we pull apart this  Linx CMD-HHLR-433 "Long-Range" RF Transmitter
(http://www.rentron.com/Linx/HHLR.htm) and hack into the buttons?
thanks,
Chris