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arachnidlabs / reload-pro

Schematics and code for the Re:load Pro
http://www.arachnidlabs.com/reload-pro/
Apache License 2.0
98 stars 32 forks source link

Feature Request - Use blue input port to measure voltage / cutoff #78

Open bluepup opened 9 years ago

bluepup commented 9 years ago

Let the ReLoad-pro measure voltage on the blue input port instead or additionally to the normal inputs. I now have the following use-case: Testing a step-down converter / battery combination I want to make sure I don't damage the LeadAcid Battery by draining it too low. So the load is on the output of the DC/DC converter and will still read 5V when the 12V Battery is already deep discharged. Also it would be nice to be able to monitor the battery Voltage, even without cutoff or cutoff done via script. I don't know if it would be even possible, but it would reduce the need to have another voltage measurement device connected to the computer. Which makes scripting more complicated.

Arachnid commented 9 years ago

This is a good idea, but unfortunately the accessory port lacks the requisite voltage divider to be able to do this.

Arachnid commented 9 years ago

Closing this may have been a bit hasty - it might be worthwhile to add the feature for use with an external voltage divider.

bluepup commented 9 years ago

Yes, an external voltage divider would be better than nothing if it works. But if it doesn't could the accessory port at least be used to trigger the cutoff using logic levels? What voltage is the nominal (max.) rating for that port?

Arachnid commented 9 years ago

Yes, that's also a definite option. The voltage rating on that port is 5v; it's got a 100 ohm resistor to limit current into it too.