Christmas Tree Build
- Thread starter GTOKID64
- Start date
Skyking1992
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2006
- Messages
- 475
I haven't done a tree, so I don't claim to be an expert and there may very well be better ideas.
I did build a simple 3 light - stop, staged, go light. I used an arduino for the logic and did the programming myself. Not too complicated. I could have easily added more yellow lights with equal times between each yellow.
I did build a simple 3 light - stop, staged, go light. I used an arduino for the logic and did the programming myself. Not too complicated. I could have easily added more yellow lights with equal times between each yellow.
matt_i
Well-known member
Having worked with factory automation for 20-ish years I'd recommend a PLC. But only if you have the background into that or wish to learn.
Automation Direct has a CLICK plc which has simple ladder logic and free software. As I recall its doesn't have the "live monitoring" troubleshooting function on a PC. But you probably don't need that part.
Some simple timer-on-delays, cycle start, cycle complete, ice cube relays to switch the lamps.
Automation Direct has a CLICK plc which has simple ladder logic and free software. As I recall its doesn't have the "live monitoring" troubleshooting function on a PC. But you probably don't need that part.
Some simple timer-on-delays, cycle start, cycle complete, ice cube relays to switch the lamps.
Toolfool
Well-known member
A drag tree would be cool to have in the garage. I've seen them for sale, not cheap. Keep us posted with your progress.
LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
Do you want to use it for practice, or just to have something that mimics a real tree?
A real Portatree is ~$800.00. Then there's this for $200.00:
https://finishlinegarage.com/large-...tal-sign-garage-art-decoration-3-ft-tall.html
Let us know how you make out.
Tommy
A real Portatree is ~$800.00. Then there's this for $200.00:
https://finishlinegarage.com/large-...tal-sign-garage-art-decoration-3-ft-tall.html
Let us know how you make out.
Tommy
Toolfool
Well-known member
That 3' tree has been out of stock for some time.
GirchyGirchy
Well-known member
Yup, it's easy code. I set one up for a 'take your kids to work day' years ago, maintenance built it and we set it up with pushbuttons for "launching."
One could use relay out cards or a little PLC with them.
Omron makes a nice little PLC called the Zen. I messed around with one for a project, didn't end up using them but it was good for what it is. Software was pretty intuitive. They have some with 8 outputs, or a 4 output with an additional 4 output card. Only problem is the serial cable's not cheap and you'll need a serial-USB converter. Or you can program it from the unit, which I'm sure is tedious.
Steve in UT
Well-known member
+1 on the Click! I use them professionally, Nice, easy, cheap, units.
cvairwerks
Well-known member
A quick look shows a number of Arduino based trees out there, including some for slot car drags.
Throughfaith323
Active member
How often is it supposed to run through the cycle?
On command (button, motion, etc) or is it supposed to just keep cycling through?
This would help narrow down some ideas.
On command (button, motion, etc) or is it supposed to just keep cycling through?
This would help narrow down some ideas.
gtokid1964
New member
Thanks man - I will look into it.
gtokid1964
New member
Hey Tommy - yeah - really don't want to spend $800-$1000. I'm post pics when it's done. Thanks
gtokid1964
New member
For now, I would like the following sequence:
Pre-stage left (stay on)
Pre-stage right (stay on)
Stage left (stay on)
Stage right (stay on)
1st amber (on-off) - 2nd amber (on-off) - 3rd amber (on-off) 0.5 sec apart
Green on
All staging lights (off)
Once I get that I can deal with reaction time and red light.
Pre-stage left (stay on)
Pre-stage right (stay on)
Stage left (stay on)
Stage right (stay on)
1st amber (on-off) - 2nd amber (on-off) - 3rd amber (on-off) 0.5 sec apart
Green on
All staging lights (off)
Once I get that I can deal with reaction time and red light.
LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
Duh. I didn't even look. I just did a quick web search for "drag race christmas tree"...
Tommy
What! no option for a pro tree??
LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
Toolfool
Well-known member
I'd love to do this, but I have ZERO knowledge of code.
inphx
Well-known member
Low tech version is a soup can with a hand crank, some contactors to ground the lights and electric tape so some are connecting at different spots of the rotation of the drum.
Now that’s just silly. If you doing all that how hell are ya gonna steer - release the trans brake AND hit the NOS button at the same time...gezzzz
Toolfool
Well-known member
Now that’s just silly. If you doing all that how hell are ya gonna steer - release the trans brake AND hit the NOS button at the same time...gezzzz
You tell him, boss.
Hi all - thanks for all the replies. I started building the Christmas tree and will decide which way to got as far as the light timer. I am leaning toward Matt_i suggestion of the Click PLC + I would like to experiment with ladder logic.
BTW - here are a few pics of my shop.
BTW - here are a few pics of my shop.
Attachments
Toolfool
Well-known member
More info on the truck, KID.
gtokid1964
New member
It's a 88 Ford Ranger with a mild 427BBC with a glide, Ford 9", 4.86 gear - runs low 10s.
Toolfool
Well-known member
That looks like fun.