Circuit that controls time and distance for a 7.6v vehicle?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around designing a circuit that can control the duration of travel for a vehicle powered by 7.6 volts. Participants explore different circuit types and configurations, including pulse-width modulation and timer circuits, to achieve this control.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the type of circuit needed to control travel time for a given distance.
  • Another participant suggests that a cruise control system might be relevant to the design.
  • A participant shares a link to a PWM speed control circuit rated for 12 volts and questions its functionality at 7.6 volts.
  • It is noted that the 555 timer can operate between 3 to 15 volts, suggesting the circuit could work at 7.6 volts.
  • There is uncertainty about the problem definition, with one participant indicating that controlling speed does not inherently control travel duration.
  • Discussion includes the potential use of a 555 timer configured as either an astable or monostable multivibrator to achieve the desired control.
  • One participant proposes using two circuits in series: one for duration control and another for speed control, but notes the need for further schematic details to assess practicality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the approach to controlling travel duration, with some focusing on speed control and others emphasizing the need for a duration-specific solution. No consensus is reached on the best method to achieve the desired outcome.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations regarding the definitions of control mechanisms and the practical implementation of circuit modifications. There is also an absence of schematic details that could clarify the feasibility of proposed solutions.

lonely_nucleus
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I have to design a circuit that can control how long it takes for it to travel a given distance. I do not have much progress. I am wondering what type of circuit this is?
 
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lonely_nucleus said:
I have to design a circuit that can control how long it takes for it to travel a given distance. I do not have much progress. I am wondering what type of circuit this is?

Cruise control?
 
I found this circuit. Anyone know if it can control the duration for the current to flow? I am going to be using about 7.6 volts but this circuit is rated for 12 volts. Will it still work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FA804-DC-MOTOR-SPEED-CONTROL-12V-2A-20W-HHO-PWM-CIRCUIT-KIT-NEW-/320979230658?hash=item4abbda5fc2

I am looking for this overall
7 volts dc brushed motor time control circuit
 
Last edited:
Since the 555 is rated to work with a Vcc from 3 to 15V, the circuit should work as designed at 7.6V.

However, I am not quite sure how your problem is defined. The circuit you showed is a pulse-width modulated speed controller (aka chopper circuit). It will control the speed of the motor, which is one way to control "how long it takes for it to travel a given distance." But the motor will keep traveling at that speed forever.

Your second post implies that you want to stop the motor after a given duration, which is a different approach to the problem.

The 555 timer on the ebay product will be configured as an astable multivibrator, with the on-board pot controlling the duty cycle. A duration controller would use a 555 configured as a monostable multivibrator. The circuits are not very different, and a bit of cutting and soldering could probably turn one into the other. Without seeing the schematic, it is hard to tell how practical this would be.

You might use two of these in series: a monostable circuit to control the duration followed by an astable to control the speed.
 

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