Laptop controlled electrical system

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firegood
Posts: 182
Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:55 pm

Laptop controlled electrical system

Post by firegood »

I know code 3 and prob a few other people make interfaces for there light bars and sirens, but does anyone know of a setup that has a pc interface to an output controller to toggle relays and such? I was thinking of possibly making a touchscreen program to control a lot of devices, but i havent been able to figure out any way to link the pc program and external outputs. Any ideas??
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Mikey
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: CDM1550 LS+, HT1250, MCS2000

Post by Mikey »

There was a setup like that on here, i think i have the program, let me see if i can dig it up for you this week.

Mikey
firegood
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Post by firegood »

Let my know what you have, also how did the switches interface to the computer. Does anyone know of a controller?
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wavetar
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Post by wavetar »

I don't know anything about them, but a quick Google search turned up plenty of products to do what you're looking for:

http://www.oceancontrols.com.au/control ... y_k074.htm

http://www.oceancontrols.com.au/control ... q_k108.htm

http://www.quasarelectronics.com/3074.htm

http://www.apogeekits.com/relay_control_k6714.htm

Some have free software for download.

Now, this has nothing to do with General Motorola Discussion, but I can see where it fits into the spirit of the Vehicle Install forum, so I'm moving it there.

Todd
No trees were harmed in the posting of this message...however an extraordinarily large number of electrons were horribly inconvenienced.

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Mikey
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: CDM1550 LS+, HT1250, MCS2000

Post by Mikey »

I know i have this program somewhere, it connected to a relay pack via a 9 pin serial cable. was written just for police and fire vehicles. I'll dig it up tommorow after i gorge myself with Turkey.

Mikey
jmr061
was KB9KST
Posts: 3176
Joined: Fri Sep 14, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by jmr061 »

I had one developed that works with a relay controller by controlanything.com

Honestly after using it for awhile, it is cool, but I ended up not installing it in my new truck. I just use a switchbox.

If you are interested contact me.

Jason
KuhnElectronics
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Posts: 255
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What radios do you own?: Moto, Vertex

Post by KuhnElectronics »

I played around a little with this program on my truck a long long time ago. I never finished the project, and I sold my relays...but I would eventually like to do something along the same lines... I was just never so confident in letting a Windows ran computer be in charge of my lights/siren... My luck I would get a blue screen of death running hot or something.

My temp project i had setup in my truck did include bypass switches to turn the functions of or on in case I didnt have my laptop, or it crapped out...

Here is a pic of the one I used....

I had the airhorn relay set to momentary, and I had the interesection button set to turn my siren on hyper yelp for like 7 seconds or something so I wouldnt have to reset it back to wail...

<img src="http://www.stepchainmusic.com/control.jpg">
Nick Kuhn - Communications Technician/Technical Manager
AMP Electronics - Chillicothe, OH
http://www.amp-electronics.net
firegood
Posts: 182
Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:55 pm

Post by firegood »

What language was that program in and what controller board were you using. I have looked at the above link, however i am looking for something a little cheaper preferably that dosent have onboard relays, as most of them already exist in my current setup.
DakotasKustoms
Posts: 23
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2005 4:56 am

Post by DakotasKustoms »

Digital CP is your answer ...

With the help of my co-workers and myself, we have developed a program to do just what you are looking for.

Up to 8 relays
Custom Text
Momentary Buttons (1 - 20 Sec)
"Emergency Button" - User Defined Set of Lights ... A Master On per say ... also able to Sequence to avoid excess alternator drain if needed
"Traffic Stop" Button - User Defined to Turn on or Off a set of lights. With one touch, can turn off all the front emergency lights, turn on the takedowns and turn on the rear tail strobes for example. Again, user defined.
Photo Animation Representation of Lights on Screen

Digital CP ties into your existing switches. So if your laptop is out for service .. no problem. All lights work as normal.

Also, At the top of the screen display, 5 buttons can open any program you choose. Mapping program .. CAD . Cameras .. Holmatro Extrication Book ... ERG Book ... anything you alreday use. With one touch you bring that program up. No more .. START --> PROGRAMS --> CUSTOM PROGRAM1 --> START PROGRAM.

A few other minor things added. I will get some SCREENSHOTS up in the next couple of days.

-Dakota
SacoRiverTech.com
-Dakota
-DakotasKustoms.com
firegood
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Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:55 pm

Post by firegood »

I look foward to it.
chief3
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Joined: Thu Nov 06, 2003 10:52 am

Post by chief3 »

Dakota,
Would be interested in learning more about your computer interface.
Please email any information to me at bbreiler@arialink.com
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jayres
Posts: 124
Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by jayres »

Dakota, please contact me regarding your software package... Jon
topcop1833
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 1:36 pm

Post by topcop1833 »

i too will through my name into the ring ref this program. mkeefethomas@comcast.net if you will....
opskmallory
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:53 pm

Post by opskmallory »

With how many departments have laptops in their cars, I bet you could sell your little program if you refined it a little bit. Do some research with some local agencies and use their input and suggestions..... ch'ching. $

Maybe even sell it to one of the big emergency lighting companies, or local installation shops that do the custom setup work.
DakotasKustoms
Posts: 23
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2005 4:56 am

Post by DakotasKustoms »

For those of you who asked, I have emailed you with some contact information. We are currently in the process of getting an info page up of the program with all the details.

Current interest:

AMR (23 Rescues)
Northeast Ambulance
Maine State Police Marine Patrol - Pending Deal
Saco Police Department (Maine - 6 Cruisers)
Buxton Fire Department (Maine 1 Rescue & 1 Chiefs Car)- Pending Deal
Standish Fire Department
-Dakota
-DakotasKustoms.com
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