Smart Driver Board

[SHMD]

Smart Driver Board

 

SDB is complete – as of mid-July this year!

For the design and development, see:-

 

http://www.rmweb.co....rt-power-board/

 

 

What is it?

It's a:

piece of kit that is capable of doing so many things.

Thanks Jack, I literally couldn't have put it better myself!

 

 

I started this project because I wanted something that would control ALL my model railway motor needs and requirements as well as a test bed for all sorts of motor/power control experiments and tests.

I also had one eye on the future, with regards to my 5 year old son, who is always interested in what 'daddy' is doing.

 

 

Basically my “2012 Innovation Challenge” entry was to design and develop a “standard” PCB which has a Power Amp coupled to a rather useful Micro Controller.

I also wanted to use as much Freeware, (legitimately), as possible so that as many people/members could benefit from the design and use it for as little cost as possible.

However, a “good” PIC programmer IS definitely recommended here. A “PICkit2” if you can get one!

 

The schematic diagram:

 

Component placement:

 

PCB Layout:

 

3D checking before submitting for manufacture:

 

What I set out to achieve was to create a product that would fulfil ALL my – and thus hopefully other peoples too – various motor controller requirements for the foreseeable future BUT utilising ONE standard PCB for all the different situations.

This not only has the advantage of cost savings in terms of design, manufacturing and parts inventory but it also means that you can become familiar with the “design” and quickly build up a small library of software routines to not only aid in testing but to speed up application development software considerably.

 

I have also designed SDB to accept many different forms of input power supply but it is particularly well suited to using 'old' laptop power supplies. This has a number of advantages: Price, availability, size, power capacity, safety, and they have the added bonus of automatically overcoming some of the PAT testing regulations and bureaucracy. (You still have to visually inspect the PSU and leads for damage and wear but at least YOU can do this AND it does NOT need a PAT certificate!)

 

I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed developing and making my 2012 Innovation Challenge entry and I was seen “playing” with it in Airports, on Trains, and at Hotel Bars around the world. (With some concerned looks and some interesting conversations generated!)

I'm still going to continue “playing” with SDB as there are so many things to do! Some new and quite unexpected!

 

The making of SBD:

 

Some test subjects:

 

 

SDB greatest achievements:-

FreeSound.

Stepper control with open loop current control.

Twin DC (PWM) control.

Shuttle control and Journey Recorder.

 

My greatest Hopes:-

Somebody finds this useful/helpful.

 

My best moments:-

Every time I switch it on and it works!

Discovering a new application for SDB.

 

Motors/devices successfully tested/demonstrated:-

DC motors (tiny 1.5v phone vibrators up to 24v dc Can motors), Spot Lamp(s) (12v and 24v 15W!), Servors, Stepper Motors (Various, big and small), Locos (Bachmann 03, 08, 24 DC mode).

 

Faults:-

Some typo's on the schematic diagram.

J20, on the PCB, has the “r” and the “5” swapped around on the silk screen. (Most annoying!)

 

The future:-

Is my oyster! Ok then DCC, PC communications, Shuttle Sensor-less operation, and Automation.

 

 

Some testing:

 

 

This whole 2012 Innovation Challenge has been so immensely satisfying, educational and useful. Not only do I have a flexible motor controller, (optimised for model railway use), I am also the proud owner of a bespoke customisable deluxe twin DC train controller!

And that's not the half of it, when I get to the DCC projects that's when things will really get interesting!

SDB also allows me to carry on my modelling, the control side of things, when I am away from home travelling for work.

 

 

Anyway, I give you:

 

Thanks,

Kev.