I have designed a small general-purpose buffer that can be used for buffering electrical add-ons to your car from the CANBUS system, so you don’t get Fault Codes.
This buffer can turn a load on or, conversely, turn something off when something else turns on, all without the ECU or Body Module knowing anything about it. It’s simple but quite versatile. Rated at 12V and 10A. Files available in the Download section.
The Prototype rain light has been working well for some time, so I have upgraded the design into its final form.
It’s still using 60 LED’s however they are now 3mm instead of 5mm so will now fit into a smaller form factor box which is easier to find. Download available in the Download section. I use PCB Way for my Circuit Boards. (# Not Sponsored)
While I was at it, a made a small adjustment to the flash timer by changing the wire to board connectors from “Push on” type headers to Screw type headers for reliability. I also sourced some .68uF capacitors so the unit now flashes at the designed rate. Download in the available in the download section. I use PCB Way for my Circuit Boards. (# Not Sponsored)
After some false starts and setbacks, I have a functioning Control Module prototype fitted in the car and it is working beautifully.
The basis for the unit is this Voltage sensing Relay Module I bought off AliExpress. Added to an interface with a Buffer OpAmp fitted.
I am leaving the home-made prototype board in the car for prolonged testing and should the results be as expected, I will have the above professional boards manufactured.
Check out the YouTube Channel for details.
Things are finally coming together with the Twin Fuel Pump Control Module project, with the new design tested on a Bread Board satisfactorily.
I have changed the MOSFET in the design to one with a drive voltage of 10V, which necessitated the inclusion of a 10V Voltage divider, other than that, it is the same as in the last post. Boards are being manufactured now.
Having all sorts of issues with the Twin Fuel Pump Control Board, so I did the mature thing and threw it all out. Time to start again.
Simplified the whole idea, got rid of the op-amp, and I am just using a single MOSFET. Bench testing of a bread boarded prototype is showing promise.
I have some new boards on order which will be here in about 3 weeks. I have to order a new MOSFET as the ones I have don’t turn fully on until 15.5V which is too high, although they will do for testing purposes.
Stay tuned.
