Hardware : Lane Supply Controller with timer
 

Overview

This page describes a lane power supply switch. It allows to switch on/off the lane power from the computer. 2 lanes.

All schematics have been built with Eagle. Eagle project files are available thru a mail request.

The lane supply controller circuit allows to controller each lane power supply from the PC using the parallel port.This system is used to switch on/off power supply on lanes during a staggered race or to switch off power supply just after a bad start.

These designs are free of charge for personnal use purposes only. 

Contact support@uracerweb.org for any commercial use of the designs.

Download Eagle project.

 

Lane supply controller

Schematic :

wpe1.jpg (49125 octets)

Placement

wpe2.jpg (23920 octets)

PCB

wpe3.jpg (13120 octets) Real PCB size : 65mm x 55mm

Part list :

IC1 : LM324 -x4 ampli op C1, C2 : capacitor 220µF
K1, K2 : 1RT standard relay   - 12V/5A D1, D2 : diods 1N4148
R1, R2, R5 : resistor 1k - 0.25W 1x Parallel port connector
R3, R4, R6 : resistor 10k - 0.25W ribbon cable + standard cable

External connections :

PC_CMD1 connected to one PC parallel port interface output pin (pins 2 to 9). Controls relay K1
PC_CMD2 connected to one PC parallel port interface output pin (pins 2 to 9). Controls relay K2
PC_GND connected to one PC ground pin (pins 18 to 25).
PWR_V+ connected to external power supply (+) output. Power supply voltage : 12V
PWR_V- connected to external power supply (-) output.
CMN_1, CMN_2 relay : common lane power supply
ON_1, ON_2 relay : on contact
OFF_1, OFF_2 relay : of contact

Detailed description :

The lane relay is by default connected on the 'on contact status relay'  in order to be able to play even when the computer is down (!!!).

The computer system should put the parallel port interface pin on 'off status' to switch off power supply on the lane the switch is connected. Example for relay K1 (same for relay K2) :

wpe4.jpg (9276 octets)

If you play with Ultimate Racer  the pin number you solder the PC_CMD output should be specified in the hardware parameters. Ex : if a controller is soldered on pin 5 on LPT1, specify it as follow :

Enabled Event Param1 Param2
Actif LPT - Control power supply LPT1 5