Laptop controlled electrical system

firegood · Post by **firegood** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:05 pm

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??

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:34 pm

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 · Post by **firegood** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:52 pm

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

Post by **wavetar** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 7:04 pm

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

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 11:22 pm

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 · Post by **jmr061** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 9:57 am

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 · Post by **KuhnElectronics** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 6:27 pm

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">

firegood · Post by **firegood** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 7:36 pm

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 · Post by **DakotasKustoms** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:43 pm

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

firegood · Post by **firegood** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:36 pm

I look foward to it.

chief3 · Post by **chief3** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 12:21 pm

Dakota,
Would be interested in learning more about your computer interface.
Please email any information to me at bbreiler@arialink.com

jayres · Post by **jayres** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 1:08 pm

Dakota, please contact me regarding your software package... Jon

topcop1833 · Post by **topcop1833** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:47 pm

i too will through my name into the ring ref this program. mkeefethomas@comcast.net if you will....

opskmallory · Post by **opskmallory** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 12:42 am

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 · Post by **DakotasKustoms** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 3:53 pm

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