Building a Motion Detector with Relay Switch and Capacitors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around building a motion detector using a relay switch and capacitors, focusing on the wiring and components involved, including op-amps, photocells, and the integration of a relay switch. Participants explore the technical aspects of the circuit design and the challenges of detecting fast-moving projectiles.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their current setup using an op-amp, potentiometer, photocells, and an LED, and seeks advice on replacing the LED with a relay switch.
  • Another participant suggests using a phototransistor instead of CdS cells for detecting fast-moving projectiles, as CdS cells are slow.
  • There is a mention of needing a monostable to generate a sustained pulse for the relay, as relays require a longer activation time.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether a relay can handle 330V, as indicated in their circuit diagram.
  • Another participant requests the sensor circuit diagram to better understand the setup.
  • There is a correction regarding the connection of the LED in the circuit, with suggestions for alternative driver circuits for the relay.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate sensor for detecting fast-moving projectiles, with some advocating for phototransistors while others have not yet responded to this suggestion. The discussion on whether the relay can handle 330V remains unresolved, as participants have not reached a consensus on this point.

Contextual Notes

Participants have varying levels of experience with circuit design, which may affect their understanding of the components and their interactions. There are also unresolved questions regarding the specifics of wiring and component compatibility.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electronics, particularly those working on motion detection systems or relay circuits, may find this discussion relevant.

Gogeta007
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Im not sure if this should go here, but. . .
Im building a motion detector.

I have the breadboard hooked up the following way
using an op amp, a potentiometer, photocells, resistor and led.
After placing the Op Amp on the breadboard, put one pin on a Cds cell in the node connected to pin two of the op amp and the other Cds pin in the seventh pin of the op amp. The other cds cell likewise connects to pins two and four of the op amp.
Connect the middle pin of the potentiometer to pin three of the op amp, the right pin of the pot. to pin seven of the op amp and the left pin of the pot. to pin four of the op amp.
Connect the negative of the battery to pin 4 of the op amp
Connect the negative (usually shorter) lead of the LED to pin six of the op amp. Connect the other pin of the LED the 1K resistor. The other side of the 1K resistor should be connected to pin seven of the op amp.
Connect the positive battery wire to pin seven of the op amp.

http://img6.imageshack.us/i/breadboard.jpg/


So it seems to work fine, but I wanted to replace the LED with a relay switch, I was reading that you need a transistor to go with it to make a working switch. and I don't really know where to put the transistor, I am guessing its between the op amp and the relay switch?

The question is:
How much voltage can go troug the relay?

Im making a discharge from 5 capacitors (330V around 100uF) as soon as the photocell senses movement, what I want to know is how to wire it.

heres my tought in a little drawing:
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8531/relayswitch.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/i/relayswitch.jpg/


or if anyone can tell me how to make one?
also if someone can recommend a sensitive motion detector (i want it to sense a small projectile that's supposed to be moving fast, but it should pass right by the photocells

==thnkz in advance==

-gogeta
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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If the projectile is moving quickly, you would need to use a phototransistor as your sensor, as CdS cells are very slow.

You would also need to trigger a monostable to generate a long delay from the brief one caused by the moving projectile if you wanted to operate a relay. Relays are comparatively slow too, and yours would need a sustained pulse to pull it in.

Setting up phototransistors and monostables is not difficult, but it does require some experience to get it all working properly.
 
vk6kro said:
If the projectile is moving quickly, you would need to use a phototransistor as your sensor, as CdS cells are very slow.

You would also need to trigger a monostable to generate a long delay from the brief one caused by the moving projectile if you wanted to operate a relay. Relays are comparatively slow too, and yours would need a sustained pulse to pull it in.

Setting up phototransistors and monostables is not difficult, but it does require some experience to get it all working properly.
i have some soldering experience and little breadboard knowledge.
Ive done a failing railgun and a successful single stage coil gun before
if its not too hard would you mind giving me some tips/list/directions?

anyways can the relay hold 330V as shown in the picture or will it fry?
 
Can you post the sensor circuit diagram here?
 
mabs239 said:
Can you post the sensor circuit diagram here?

I don't really know how to symbolize an op amp. so i did what i could

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/7609/circuit.jpg


http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/7609/circuit.jpg

As I mentioned, it works fine (when it comes to making the LED blink)
but I want to know how to change that LED for a 330V switch
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Here the LED is connected between op-ampoutput and +Ve terminal. I expected it to be connected with -Ve terminal.

So the LED blinks when opamp output is low. You may use any of following the two circuits.

http://www.rentron.com/images/NPN-DRIVER1.GIF
http://www.rentron.com/images/PNP-DRIVER1.GIF


Also please go through the following document to understand relays.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/images_uploaded/relaydrv.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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