This is my first solo Picaxe project (hardware and software).
The idea was originally for a basic BNC cable tester, but the specification grew and grew until it eventually turned into a multi input / output tester for the majority of cables used in the Event ProAV hire business.
The tester uses a 40X1 Picaxe to give 10 input and 10 output test pins. Pinouts of the various cable types are entered into the software along with their names to give a description of the cable under test on the LCD screen.
The test procedure has two tests. The first is a continuity test to determine the cable type and its instantaneous continuity. If passed, the next test is the 'Wiggle' test where all output ports are powered up for 10 seconds and the inputs monitored for intermittent contacts. Bright green and red LEDs give a second visual display pass or fail.
The LCD screen has a serial backpack as it only needs 1 valuable Picaxe pin. The screen is turned off and on using a pulse relay when the tester falls asleep after 15 seconds on inactivity.
The tester has been in daily use for several months now and is proving very reliable.
Future improvements would be:
Use rechargeable batteries and re-charge the batteries when the mains is plugged in.
Get the battery monitor working properly by using the DC-DC converter to power the Picaxe as well as the LCD. The current DC-DC is not powerful enough to drive both LCD and Picaxe.
Locate the LCD commands on the EPROM to free up some space....
Thanks for looking, comments and suggestions welcomed.
Cheers
Alan
The idea was originally for a basic BNC cable tester, but the specification grew and grew until it eventually turned into a multi input / output tester for the majority of cables used in the Event ProAV hire business.
The tester uses a 40X1 Picaxe to give 10 input and 10 output test pins. Pinouts of the various cable types are entered into the software along with their names to give a description of the cable under test on the LCD screen.
The test procedure has two tests. The first is a continuity test to determine the cable type and its instantaneous continuity. If passed, the next test is the 'Wiggle' test where all output ports are powered up for 10 seconds and the inputs monitored for intermittent contacts. Bright green and red LEDs give a second visual display pass or fail.
The LCD screen has a serial backpack as it only needs 1 valuable Picaxe pin. The screen is turned off and on using a pulse relay when the tester falls asleep after 15 seconds on inactivity.
The tester has been in daily use for several months now and is proving very reliable.
Future improvements would be:
Use rechargeable batteries and re-charge the batteries when the mains is plugged in.
Get the battery monitor working properly by using the DC-DC converter to power the Picaxe as well as the LCD. The current DC-DC is not powerful enough to drive both LCD and Picaxe.
Locate the LCD commands on the EPROM to free up some space....
Thanks for looking, comments and suggestions welcomed.
Cheers
Alan
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