(Variable) Rate control

In the modules folder there are folders for rate control using the Nano or Teensy. Under the Nano folder there are 3 different pcbs with RC12 being the newest. It is the least expensive, but requires soldering. In the Nano folder there is firmware in RCnano. This firmware can be loaded and installed with the Arduino IDE. Alternatively hex files for the old or new bootloader are listed. Another option is to use PCBsetup here: GitHub - SK21/PCBsetup: Setup software for AgOpengGPs rate control and steering modules.. This app can install the firmware and change the install settings without using the Arduino IDE.
Also under modules there is a SwitchBox folder. Here there is a pcb and firmware to build a switch box to control the sections, use auto or manual rate and increase or decrease the rate.
Another folder under modules is RelayDriver5. This a pcb to mount on a 8 or 16 relay module found on Amazon. It connects to either a Nano at 5V or a Teensy at 3.3V using I2C.

2 Likes

Thank you SK21 that is exactly the guidance I needed. Really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

On the relay driver board, which component orientation is correct please:
A:


B:
image

B is correct, pin 1 is in the lower right.

1 Like

Hello all.
Just wondering if someone could help me out. Ive got a polmac rapid check flow meter hooked to my teensy rate controller board that will hold a rate in speed simulation mode quite well untill i increase or decrease speed by 2 or 3 ks (also happens when rate is increaed or decreased), then the applied rate starts counting up fast into the thousands in a few seconds dropping the pressure and the rate doesn’t come back down. Sometimes after turning section off then back on it will get back to the normal rate applied range but it isnt right because the pressure is still low.
I can get it working accurately again by shutting off pump which closes the regulator valve as the applied rate returns to 0L/Ha and when turned back on the rate is stable untill i change the speed again.
Pulsed are 230ppl as indicated on the tag and doing about 14lpm.
Time for one pulse >50ms/pulse is selected
When swapped to <50 the errors happen more often.
Have played with the minimum UPM to try holding it in the sweet spot but doesnt work.
Running ethernet with the latest AOG and rate control app
Board pre assembled by JLC
Thanks
Mike

Have you tried it without using the speed sim mode, in the field?

Thanks for the tip. I just went out to test in the field and that issue didn’t pop up.
Just wondering if there are any resources on how to use your app.
Ie what figures to put/play around with in the control tab and what buttons like ‘on screen’, ‘bump buttons’ and other do.
Great app by the way. Appreciate all the hard work you and the broader community does!

Most buttons have help when using the ? at the top of the page. “Bump Buttons” shows the up/down rate buttons instead of product info. For my sprayer I have Proportional at 40 and Integral at 1. It will be trial and error to get the right numbers.

I checked in your directory on github the AOG_RC_VR. Is it operational?

No just experimental.

@SK21 On the RC12 board (nan0, is it ok to use all electrolytic capcitors? Im struggling to find 10uf and 2.2uf non-electrolytic capcitors in New Zealand.
Also may I ask what the ethernet sheild you recommend for the nano is please ?

I think they should work. I use a ethernet shield similar to this one:
https://www.amazon.ca/Ethernet-ENC28J60-Microchip-HR911105A-Webserver/dp/B09JD75KMD/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=nano+ethernet+shield&link_code=qs&qid=1693396737&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-13

1 Like

I use this model for my kaupoi and works fine

Another pcb question… JLC is out of AZ1117H-3.3TRE1 voltage regulator. How do I find an alternative? Thanks

Check Digikey, Mouser, Aliexpress.

I didn’t phrase my question right. I can find another one elsewhere, will I have to solder it myself? I would be a little nervous soldering smd. Or will JLC solder it for me?

Search for az1117 at JLC .I think they have other variations that will work.

thankyou I think I found one that will work

and then jlc doesn’t have all of the 340 ohm I need. Can I have them a different value?

Yes something close.