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Thread: Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains

  1. #21
    Member Khalid's Avatar
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    Wow.. Thats a nice idea CarveOne..This idea is plausible and doable...and i just imagine the beauty of that fountain.. But it will waste a lot of water as no recycling will be done.. and need a drain pipe too... (Environmental issues)

    Japanese are very clever people...
    updates:
    Last night, i have improved the software.. The binary code was further converted into Hexadecimal and Decimal...
    Today i will try to make a communication between hardware and Software...

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  2. #22
    Member Khalid's Avatar
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    Here is a bad GUI...

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-graphicalfountain-jpg  
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
    http://my-diysolarwind.blogspot.com/


  3. #23
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    I was just trying to offer an idea for something "extra". I know that it will have some extra effort in software, and other issues to overcome.

    It seemed to be something that would eventually happen anyway, and I was hoping that you would be the one to do it first. At least in the software side of it and let someone else figure out the rest. There's always an artist looking for a new way to express himself or herself. They can usually find the financial backing to build it.

    Good luck with your new waterfall venture.

    CarveOne

    CarveOne
    http://www.carveonecncwoodcraft.com


  4. #24
    Member Khalid's Avatar
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    Hi carveOne,
    I can do that in the software but only for you...If you agree to make one and install it in your beautiful workshop

    Look at the video of the working simulator and the following data:

    0000000000000000
    0000001111000000
    0000111111111000
    0000111111110000
    0000001111100000
    0000001111100000
    0000011111110000
    0011111111111110


    Just see how the leds on/off as per each row of data...
    [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGZjb0nHGJQ"]YouTube - DIY Graphical fountain simulator.flv[/nomedia]

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-sketch-graphical-fountains-jpg   Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-sketch-graphical-fountains1-jpg  
    Last edited by Khalid; 03-13-2011 at 08:41 AM.
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
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  5. #25
    Member Khalid's Avatar
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    Hi,
    Here is 5 step GUI for graphical fountain Programmer and Controller. Any suggestion is appreciated to make it rich with functionalities..

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-graphical-fountain-software-gui-jpg  
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
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  6. #26
    Member Khalid's Avatar
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    After testing 16 valves PCB , today i etched a PCB for 40 solenoid valve controller.. I also purchased a 6" dia PVC pipe and drilled 40 holes each 6mm diameter...

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-40-solenoid-valve-pcb-jpg   Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-pcb-40-solenoid-valves-jpg  
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
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  7. #27
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    Some advancements and updates on the software and hardware:

    SOFTWARE Updates:
    1- The software now can support all types of popular image format. Previously it only support WMF file Format.

    2- Now you can add Colored images and then convert it in Pure Black and white.
    3- Multuple image effects added, like Flip, Mirror and invert.
    4- Delay Timer provided.
    5- Scroll Bars were added to move big pictures inside picture container.

    HARDWARE:
    1- The PCB for controlling 40 solenoid valves was designed and etched.
    2- The simulator was tested and a short video is in following youtube link:
    [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gCgXjO2Noo"]YouTube - Graphical Fountain 40 Solenoid Valve simulator.flv[/nomedia]

    3- Ordered more 30 solenoid valves. The pipe fittings are being machined on lathe. Hope i will be able to post some pictures in coming days.

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-graphical-fountain-jpg   Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-pcb-backside-jpg   Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-simulator-40-solenoid-valve-jpg  
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
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  8. #28
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    Here is the 6" Diameter PVC pipe with 40 fittings for solenoid valves

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-pipe1-jpg  
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
    http://my-diysolarwind.blogspot.com/


  9. #29
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    UPDATES ON SOFTWARE:
    I updated my Graphical programmer software:
    1- A Loop checkbox and STOP button is added. If the 'Loop Checkbox' is ticked, the graphical hexadecimal data will be send to the microcontroller in a loop. So we will able to continuously run the graphical fountain and repeat the designs.
    2- Pressing the Stop button will do following:
    It will check how many bytes are in shift registers. Then the software will send numbers of '0X00' to finalize the shiftout function. After shifting out the software will turnoff all the valves by sending 5-bytes '0X00' to the controller.
    UPDATES ON Hardware:
    Here are the 40 solenoid valves attached to the rig ...

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-solen-jpg   Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-solenoid-close-jpg   Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-solenoid-installed-jpg   Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-graphical-waterfall-software-jpg  

    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
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    Have you checked that the solenoid valves are responsive enough to turn on and off every few milliseconds?



  11. #31
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    Hello Pavlo,
    Hmm... Not checked so far... but just touching the 24V to the solenoid gives a frequent response... I will check the response later tomorrow

    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
    http://my-diysolarwind.blogspot.com/


  12. #32
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    Here is the completed controller with all the wiring and IRF540.

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-controller1-jpg   Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-controller2-jpg  
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
    http://my-diysolarwind.blogspot.com/


  13. #33
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    Here is another video in sequence with the graphical waterfall LED simulator toward the actual controlling of single solenoid valve... You can hear the ON/OFF sound from the solenoid valve.
    In the last few frames the solenoid stopped working and i just stumped what happen?..and after a little investigation found the +ve wire of solenoid detached..as i connected it temporirly with squash tape..smiley-wink

    The positive thing of this test was:
    1- My Connections of IRF540 good.
    2- Solenoid response time is also good.
    3- During the testing my circuit didn't get back emf from the solenoid as i have connected IN4007 across the solenoid. Thus my circuit is safe.
    4- Testing one solenoid valve successfully gave me confidence that all the remaining 39 valves will work great.
    5- I thought the LED of the tested solenoid valve will not be bright or will be off but it also work as usual.
    6- The 74HC595 and microcontroller IC are as cold as in ice room.

    Here is the link of video:
    [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCnFGR4CeFw"]YouTube - graphical fountain and solenoid.flv[/nomedia]

    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
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    Awesome project! Keep up the good work



  15. #35
    Member Khalid's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by The Blight View Post
    Awesome project! Keep up the good work
    Thank you ,
    Hope i will be able to provide a low-cost alternative of expensive graphical waterfall.

    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
    http://my-diysolarwind.blogspot.com/


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    Quote Originally Posted by pavlo View Post
    Have you checked that the solenoid valves are responsive enough to turn on and off every few milliseconds?
    You can make the solenoids switch faster and cleaner by driving the coil with a higher voltage and regulated current (much like a stepper motor).

    You can also drive them with a fast over-current pulse, of a short duration, followed by a normal "holding" current. This is quite easy as you can use a capacitor to supply the fast over-current pulse.



  17. #37
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    Quote Originally Posted by RomanLini View Post
    You can make the solenoids switch faster and cleaner by driving the coil with a higher voltage and regulated current (much like a stepper motor).
    Hi Roman, Thanks for your post and suggestions.
    I am driving the solenoid with separate power supply 24VDC 12Amp.... I also want to make it more faster to operate, how can it be faster?

    Quote Originally Posted by RomanLini View Post
    You can also drive them with a fast over-current pulse, of a short duration, followed by a normal "holding" current. This is quite easy as you can use a capacitor to supply the fast over-current pulse.
    Roman,
    You are 100% right about the capacitor and installation of capacitor is in my plan. So total 40 capacitor each 50VDC and about 270mFarad .Each Solenoid valve is 24VDC and 260mAmp. What do you think about the capacitor i chose or what rating caacitor should i chose?
    Any other idea?

    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
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  18. #38
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    Hi Roman,
    here is the sketch for the installation of capacitor across IRF540. Is this scheme right?

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Lets build Computer Controlled Graphical Fountains-capacitor-location-png  
    http://free3dscans.blogspot.com/ http://my-woodcarving.blogspot.com/
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  19. #39
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    Hi Khalid.

    No that's not the way to connect it. The simplest way is to use a resistor between the power supply +32v and the + terminal of the solenoid. Then the capacitor from that point to ground.

    When the FET and solenoid is OFF the cap will charge to 32v. Then when the FET turns on the cap will supply the pull-in current to operate the solenoid, and after a short time (some milliseconds) the cap will be semi discharged and the resistor will supply enough holding current to keep the solenoid pulled in, and solenoid voltage will be about 20 to 24v.

    Ideally for it to work well you need to overdrive the PSU voltage, so it gets (example) 32v pulse from the cap to pull the solenoid in, then once powered through the resistor the solenoid gets about 24v.

    I also think as the IRF540 FET is rated for just 100v it's not a great choice for switching the solenoid. I would look at some of the off-line switching FETs like K series that are rated for 600v or 800v. They commonly use them in mains SMPS.

    As for the resistor and capacitor values, you need to switch the solenoid on/off at the fastest frequency it will get in normal use. The look on the 'scope waveform to make sure the resistor is small enough so it is fully charging the cap during the shortest OFF time. The cap needs to be big enough to give a good pull-in effect but small enough so it is discharged during the shortest ON time.

    Sorry I know it sounds complex but it is actually quite simple in practice.



  20. #40
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    Khalid! I always wanted to do a project like this, at one point I began searching for the acceleration of an object in free fall due to gravity and estimated that I need a fountain of about 5 meters high (if I recall correctly) for a drop of water to reach the floor in one second (this is a 1st year of physics problem, but I'm not a physicist )

    So, you need to know if your solenoids can open/close fast enough to keep the pace of the drawing at certain dpi. For example: if the solenoids are able to open/close at a pace of 50ms that means you can have a resolution of 1000/50=20DPS (dots per second) as you may realize that means you can only have 20 dots per 5 meters and thats not that good IMHO so you need faster solenoids, at least with a 10ms response time.

    Food for thought, hope you can test your rig soon.

    Oh, I almost forgot, there are at least three patents for this kind of fountain, you can google them and check how they did it, I recall doing this too


    Pablo

    ● Distribuidor Syil en Argentina ● "www.syil.com.ar" ●


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