Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Microcamper power systems panel
I forgot that I had posted this pic on the EOC site when I finished and tested the power systems panel... Here it is, posted to the blog for posterity's sake.
Microcamper v2.0 frame completed
Hello all,
Just wanted to post some shots, as I've healed up and got around to finishing the microcamper project's hardware frame. I removed the rear passenger interior trim panel and intend to completely replace it with a sink, faucet, countertop, fold-out table, 6 gallon h2o tank, and a deep cycle RV battery. These and other systems will be controlled via a set of control panels that I am in the process of finishing up. As for now, here are a few pics of the aluminum framework that I riveted together.
This first one is from the rear with the table frame folded in, so that you can see how much space this project is (not) taking up in the back of the Element. Nevermind the mess of parts and tools... they're a necessity!
Followed by a close-up of the framework. The blue cooler serves dual purposes as a cooler (duh) and it is drained to the outside for use as a sink.
This is a shot from a little further away to get an overall look. Table frame is extended.
A view from the front. Table frame collapsed.
If anyone has any interest or questions, you can email me directly, or find me on the Element Owner's Club (http://www.elementownersclub.com)... My user name is hooptey and I'm trying to chronicle the project there as well.
Just wanted to post some shots, as I've healed up and got around to finishing the microcamper project's hardware frame. I removed the rear passenger interior trim panel and intend to completely replace it with a sink, faucet, countertop, fold-out table, 6 gallon h2o tank, and a deep cycle RV battery. These and other systems will be controlled via a set of control panels that I am in the process of finishing up. As for now, here are a few pics of the aluminum framework that I riveted together.
This first one is from the rear with the table frame folded in, so that you can see how much space this project is (not) taking up in the back of the Element. Nevermind the mess of parts and tools... they're a necessity!
Followed by a close-up of the framework. The blue cooler serves dual purposes as a cooler (duh) and it is drained to the outside for use as a sink.
This is a shot from a little further away to get an overall look. Table frame is extended.
A view from the front. Table frame collapsed.
If anyone has any interest or questions, you can email me directly, or find me on the Element Owner's Club (http://www.elementownersclub.com)... My user name is hooptey and I'm trying to chronicle the project there as well.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Microcamper v2.0 preview
Hi, all...
I've suffered a minor setback and won't be able to complete the new microcamper design as fast as I'd like. I had a little accident and fractured my ankle, and since I live in a third story apartment, I haven't been able to get down the damn stairs to work on Ellie.
However, before I busted myself, I went to the surplus store and bought the remainder of the supplies I'll need for the project. I also got my rapid-prototyped parts out of the FDM machine at the lab. Here's a preview pic of one of the control panels:
It's in its raw green plastic form, but since then I have refinished it black with white lettering. (The same goes for the other interior controls.)
Anyway, as soon as I can get down to some plastic forming and riveting, I'll get some pics of the project build as it goes on. Thanks for everyone from EOC and otherwise who's continued interest in my camper setup gets me motivated enough to get off the couch every once in a while... even when I'm not hurt!
-Justin
I've suffered a minor setback and won't be able to complete the new microcamper design as fast as I'd like. I had a little accident and fractured my ankle, and since I live in a third story apartment, I haven't been able to get down the damn stairs to work on Ellie.
However, before I busted myself, I went to the surplus store and bought the remainder of the supplies I'll need for the project. I also got my rapid-prototyped parts out of the FDM machine at the lab. Here's a preview pic of one of the control panels:
It's in its raw green plastic form, but since then I have refinished it black with white lettering. (The same goes for the other interior controls.)Anyway, as soon as I can get down to some plastic forming and riveting, I'll get some pics of the project build as it goes on. Thanks for everyone from EOC and otherwise who's continued interest in my camper setup gets me motivated enough to get off the couch every once in a while... even when I'm not hurt!
-Justin
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Element cellular control DIY information
The poor man's OnStar... For the Element!
[E-Star]
You will need:
1) A cellphone [contracted or prepaid, your choice]
2) A wired, earbud-style handsfree headset for the cellphone
3) A 12VDC car charger for the cellphone
4) A printed circuit board [Radioshack Catalog #: 276-150]
5) A 741-style operational amplifier chip [Radioshack Catalog #: 276-007]
6) 12VDC Miniature Relay [Radioshack Catalog #: 275-233]
7) One (1) 100k ohm 1/4 watt resistor
8) One (1) 1k ohm 1/4 watt resistor
9) Several feet of thin gauge hookup wire
10) Soldering iron and Rosin core solder
11) A Multi-meter
12) A small plastic project box
STEP 1: BUILD THE AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT
This is by far the most difficult step. If you are not able to complete
this step, this project may not be for you. All it really requires is a
little bit of patience, and some basic soldering ability.
Complete the circuit as shown on the diagram. This circuit will be built
on the printed circuit board. Start your build on one end or the other so
that there will be room for adding the relay to the board.
STEP 2: ADD THE RELAY CIRCUIT
Next, we add the relay to some of the spare room on the PC board. New
connections on the diagram are shown in gray.
STEP 3: INTERFACING WITH THE CELLPHONE
Cut and strip the wires of the headset as close as possible to one of the
earbuds. If you have a mono headset, this should be easy as there is only
one choice! Use your multimeter to find which of the two wires leading to
the earbud is (+), and which is (-). You can do this by plugging the
handset in to the cellphone and checking for voltage readings as you press
keys, etc, which causes a sound signal (voltage) to be sent to the earbud
lines. If you exposed a single wire (+) surrounded by an insulating line
(-) when you cut the headset, you don't need to plug it in and test to
know the difference. Unplug the headset again and splice the (+) headset
wire you just exposed to the (+input) wire on the printed circuit. Splice
the (-) wire to the (-input) wire.
STEP 4: SPLICING THE CIRCUIT INTO YOUR ELEMENT
Carefully connect the (+power) wire on the printed circuit to a source of
constant 12V power. Connect the (-ground) wire to ground. Splice the
(-actuator) wire to the door unlock wire. This wire is located above the
left kickpanel on the driver's side, under the dash. This wire is white
with a green stripe.
STEP 5: TEST AND MOUNT
At this point, you can plug the cellphone into the headset and call the
phone. This should cause the ringtone, otherwise heard through the
earbud, to cause the amplifier to send a much higher voltage through the
relay, thereby causing the unlock wire to connect with ground and thus
unlock the door. If you have issues here, check all of your connections.
It also doesn't hurt to have your cell headset volume at maximum and a
loud but simple ringtone selected. (I use a single DING text message
tone)... If all is well, mount the bare circuit neatly into the plastic
project box and use double-sided tape to secure it under the dash or on
the firewall. Plug your phone charger in to an auxiliary outlet (that's
only on when the key is on) or go ahead and carefully disassemble (smash)
the 12VDC plug on your phone charger and wire the charger in directly.
Secure the phone under the dash or against the firewall. (I use velcro to
attach it under the dash. If you keep the phone in an area away from the
firewall or body, it will have less signal blocked by steel and get better
reception.)
IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR... ENJOY YOUR E-STAR!
[E-Star]
You will need:
1) A cellphone [contracted or prepaid, your choice]
2) A wired, earbud-style handsfree headset for the cellphone
3) A 12VDC car charger for the cellphone
4) A printed circuit board [Radioshack Catalog #: 276-150]
5) A 741-style operational amplifier chip [Radioshack Catalog #: 276-007]
6) 12VDC Miniature Relay [Radioshack Catalog #: 275-233]
7) One (1) 100k ohm 1/4 watt resistor
8) One (1) 1k ohm 1/4 watt resistor
9) Several feet of thin gauge hookup wire
10) Soldering iron and Rosin core solder
11) A Multi-meter
12) A small plastic project box
STEP 1: BUILD THE AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT
This is by far the most difficult step. If you are not able to complete
this step, this project may not be for you. All it really requires is a
little bit of patience, and some basic soldering ability.
Complete the circuit as shown on the diagram. This circuit will be built
on the printed circuit board. Start your build on one end or the other so
that there will be room for adding the relay to the board.
STEP 2: ADD THE RELAY CIRCUIT
Next, we add the relay to some of the spare room on the PC board. New
connections on the diagram are shown in gray.
STEP 3: INTERFACING WITH THE CELLPHONE
Cut and strip the wires of the headset as close as possible to one of the
earbuds. If you have a mono headset, this should be easy as there is only
one choice! Use your multimeter to find which of the two wires leading to
the earbud is (+), and which is (-). You can do this by plugging the
handset in to the cellphone and checking for voltage readings as you press
keys, etc, which causes a sound signal (voltage) to be sent to the earbud
lines. If you exposed a single wire (+) surrounded by an insulating line
(-) when you cut the headset, you don't need to plug it in and test to
know the difference. Unplug the headset again and splice the (+) headset
wire you just exposed to the (+input) wire on the printed circuit. Splice
the (-) wire to the (-input) wire.
STEP 4: SPLICING THE CIRCUIT INTO YOUR ELEMENT
Carefully connect the (+power) wire on the printed circuit to a source of
constant 12V power. Connect the (-ground) wire to ground. Splice the
(-actuator) wire to the door unlock wire. This wire is located above the
left kickpanel on the driver's side, under the dash. This wire is white
with a green stripe.
STEP 5: TEST AND MOUNT
At this point, you can plug the cellphone into the headset and call the
phone. This should cause the ringtone, otherwise heard through the
earbud, to cause the amplifier to send a much higher voltage through the
relay, thereby causing the unlock wire to connect with ground and thus
unlock the door. If you have issues here, check all of your connections.
It also doesn't hurt to have your cell headset volume at maximum and a
loud but simple ringtone selected. (I use a single DING text message
tone)... If all is well, mount the bare circuit neatly into the plastic
project box and use double-sided tape to secure it under the dash or on
the firewall. Plug your phone charger in to an auxiliary outlet (that's
only on when the key is on) or go ahead and carefully disassemble (smash)
the 12VDC plug on your phone charger and wire the charger in directly.
Secure the phone under the dash or against the firewall. (I use velcro to
attach it under the dash. If you keep the phone in an area away from the
firewall or body, it will have less signal blocked by steel and get better
reception.)
IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR... ENJOY YOUR E-STAR!
After a difficult summer of hard work...
It's time to start playing with the Element again! I will be posting some update pictures of the Element Microcamper v2.0 project later today, mostly as a tease, as well as some DIY information for the cellular control setup I wrote about in the EOC forums a few nights ago...
I plan on making a significant amount of entries in the near future as these projects develop. Stay tuned!
I plan on making a significant amount of entries in the near future as these projects develop. Stay tuned!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Ellie goes surfing...
Well, I was the one that went surfing... Decided to use Ellie's camp setup to allow myself and a friend to get to the beach last night- (New Smyrna Beach, FL) and sleep in the Element overnight so that we could wake up and hit the surf at dawn. Setup worked well, even with two people. One in the back and one in the "guest bed"- reclined passenger seat... Anyway, here's a few pics of Ellie silhouetted against the surf and sun. Surf was big enough to get on but pretty sloppy. Closed out too easily but I managed to get a few good rides!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
