[dba-Tech] Foot switches / controls

John,
how about this:
- phase 1: have the existing switch start a slow ramp-up controlled by the 
microcontroller.
- phase 2: add some manual switches which define ramp-up and final speed.
- then I would build an own pedal either with LEDs and phototransistors or 
two coils and the pedal moving a ferrit core thus increasing/decreasing the 
transfer between coils. one coil having a simple oscillator, the other 
charging a C, and you  measure the dc with your controller

Lembit

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "JWColby" <jwcolby at colbyconsulting.com>
To: "'Discussion of Hardware and Software issues'" 
<dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 1:46 PM
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Foot switches / controls


>I am looking for something inexpensive to use as an analog (as in
> continuously variable) accelerator pedal for my son's ride-on toy.  ATM it
> is just a simple go/nogo switch.  I am working on a controller to 
> interface
> to that switch to allow me to do a "soft start" to ramp up the motors over
> time to spare the gearboxes the huge torque they see now as the motors 
> just
> come full on.  While I am at it I would like to actually allow a realistic
> accelerator which can be varied from off to full on over a range.  Someone
> pointed me to hall effect transistors but I haven't found a useful system
> there either.
>
> John W. Colby
> Colby Consulting
> www.ColbyConsulting.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
> [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of John Bartow
> Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 4:23 PM
> To: 'Discussion of Hardware and Software issues'
> Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Foot switches / controls
>
> I really have no idea what you're thinking of but here's a link to a foot
> pedal that I set a music instructor up with last year, in addition to the
> music program, etc.
>
> There's a serial or USB foot pedal:
> http://www.smartmusic.com/order/accessories.aspx
>
> HTH
> John B.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
> [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of JWColby
>
> Does anyone know of an inexpensive foot switch or better an analog
> (potentiometer) foot pedal?  I can find them as part of game controllers 
> but
> I really want just the pedal part.
>
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