calling all Car and Tractor specialist

[amptramp]

You can also use linear variable differential transformers.  This is a transformer with a moveable core where there are two windings that are wired in series opposition.  Move it in one direction and the AC voltage increases.  Move it the other way and it increases but in the opposite phase.  It requires some circuitry, namely, an AC source (AC line voltage is OK) and an output amplifier that is also a phase detector, multiplying the output with the input signal.  For a rotary control, synchros, selsyns and resolvers have been used for years in aircraft instruments.  There are lots of options - you just have to decide on cost, complexity and suitability for the intended purpose.

[duck_arse]

.....
Getting out of the bath tonight,  ......

that time of year again already?

if you want IR transistor/diode/receiver, hack open an old mouse, one with one ball will have at least two sets.

[feddozz]

hi rich, heres a nifty lil circuit...

might give this a go myself at some point..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmkYwvCjXoY

This looks brilliantly simple. I wander if it actually works: does it gives a gradual increase in LED brightness, is the sweep  comfortable? H own close can the foot get to the sensor/emitter?

Has anybody implemented it yet?

[EBK]

hack open an old mouse, one with one ball . . .

Before you do that, you should probably ask him how he lost his other ball.  He might have some interesting stories to tell.

[Kipper4]

Lots of good options here.
I'm glad I asked.

Cheeky git Stephen.

[thermionix]

hack open an old mouse, one with one ball . . .

Before you do that, you should probably ask him how he lost his other ball.  He might have some interesting stories to tell.

I'm reminded of "The Rodeo Song"...still cracks me up every time I hear it.  Probably NSFDIYSB so you can look it up on youtube if so inclined.

"Well it's 40 below and..."

[Jdansti]

hi rich, heres a nifty lil circuit...

might give this a go myself at some point..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmkYwvCjXoY

Based on comments for the video, if you need the LED to be normally on and turn off as your foot gets closer to the sensor, then use a PNP transistor. If you want me he opposite, use NPN. I assume for a wah, you'd use a vactrol with the LED end connected where the LED is shown on his schematic.

[deadastronaut]

John, yup..

thats how i,d implement it...

i have some RX TX on order, its so simple its worth a bread up anyway..

see how it responds...

wah, vol, whatever...

[deadastronaut]

Hi guys,

i pulled some 3mm RX TX leds from an old light sensor night light thingy,..

and have that guys circuit on breadboard...

works great, i swapped his 100k pot for a 1M....

i get about 1.5 inch range before it starts to light up....

the action is very smooth too....a nice rising light...cool.

i might get my 5mm ones in the post today, so i,ll see how they perform..

see if the range differs etc...works perfectly in total darkness and normal light conditions too..

im running it on 9v...

note, the RX,TX leds have to be butted up to each other....

great lil circuit....

[Kipper4]

So what should i search for to make the circuit D.A. made please.
photo transistors. Photo diodes?

ie what is a Tx Rx?

[EBK]

Tx=Transmitter Rx= Receiver

Sometimes called an IR matched pair or emitter/detector pair or a photo detector or a photogate....

[thermionix]

what is a Tx Rx?

Texas prescription drug?

No, probably transmit/receive.

(Edit- beat by EBK)

[Kipper4]

Thanks you guys are too much

So maybe these will fit the bill

http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/infra-red-tx-rx

https://www.proto-pic.co.uk/infrared-emitters-and-detectors-pair.html

https://www.rapidonline.com/osram-matched-t1-frac34-infrared-emitter-and-detector-pairs-29406

[feddozz]

If you are in the UK look at bitsbox.com

[Kipper4]

Will do Vince. Thanks
I love their wire bundles.

https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=172_180&zenid=usce55o0ticum3b7q8p0ddpr74


nice choice. (not affiliated)

[Kipper4]

This Ir sensor has some nice potential applications.
interactive gain control for dirt boxs
speed and depth in tremolos, vibes.
swellers

[Kipper4]

Great stuff as soon as I get back off holiday. I'll breadboard some stuff.

[deadastronaut]

Get the 5mm ones...

you get 2 sets off ebay for 1.79.



i got the 3mm ones by mistake, have ordered the 5mm,s...

with the 3mm,s you get around 1.5" range....roughly an average wah pedal gap..

but with the 5mm,s the guy on the vid has a much longer range....better adjustment etc...

[Kipper4]

Thanks Rob. I think I saw those last night browsing.
I'll order some when I return.

I also have, unrelated, some of these. I bought hoping to use one day.
http://www.bitsbox.co.uk/data/optos/4N35.pdf

[Kipper4]

I like the look of the led type packaged ones that can be poked through the enclosure but will probably be weary of the spacing which I guess could be critical.
Whats your experience with spacings Rob?