Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Looking for analog height sensors
| Looking for analog height sensors [message #156451] |
Thu, 12 January 2012 09:02  |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Does anyone out there in GMC land know of any OEM ride height sensors that output a voltage or are a simple resistance divider?
I have a system that needs analog input to control ride height, Dakota digital Air ride technologies make them, but they are about $100 each.
I'd much rather use a Mens mall sourced OEM version if at all possible
Thanks
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for analog height sensors [message #156455 is a reply to message #156451] |
Thu, 12 January 2012 10:25  |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
You ought to could make one fairly easily out of a TPS. Lookit the Vulcan 3 liter V6 as fitted to Rangers from about '03 to about '09. A lever soldered on the throttle plate would turn the TPS and you then got a variable resistance. Give it 12V on one end and ground on the other and limit the cuerrent, you got a voltage source.
Mounting and leverage are left as an exercise for the builder.
--johnny
'76 23' Transmode Norris
'76 palm beach
From: Keith V <my427v8@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 10:02 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Looking for analog height sensors
Does anyone out there in GMC land know of any OEM ride height sensors that output a voltage or are a simple resistance divider?
I have a system that needs analog input to control ride height, Dakota digital Air ride technologies make them, but they are about $100 each.
I'd much rather use a Mens mall sourced OEM version if at all possible
Thanks
--
Keith
69 Vette
29 Dodge
75 Royale GMC
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Looking for analog height sensors [message #156482 is a reply to message #156469] |
Thu, 12 January 2012 14:41 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| RF_Burns wrote on Thu, 12 January 2012 13:28 |
Johnny,
Great idea on using the throttle position sensor as a height sensor!
The Dakota Digital system looks great but the cost is scary. Using a couple TPS sensors into a little PLC with two analog inputs like the little Moeller's you could make a height adjustable system for the EL-1 or EL-2. You could have a preset Normal and city (increase height for driveways etc), at the flick of a switch!
http://www.klocknermoeller.com/easy412/easy412.pdf/16540402.pdf
One thing with the TPS is that it's designed to operate from 5 volts. Upping the voltage to ~14 volts will increase the power dissipation by a factor of ~8 times, so you might let the smoke out!
|
Well I have a system, it's simple, it has 2 pots, one adjusts height, the other tilts side to side. It also has a travel mode which just sets it to a fixed height.
My power level valves are leaking and sticking.
It uses a freescale processor ( MC9s12) to drive 4 solenoid valves to control the air pressure. Pretty simple really.
The system is all prototyped and running on my work bench.
I have 2 more ADC inputs I plan on using to read air pressure so after height is achieved, the system will switch to pressure mode and not try to adjust every time you go around a corner or the wind blows...
But I need real world experience before I add that.
I have thought about using TPS sensors, but there is no easy way to connect a lever arm to them as they expect a shaft.
Does the ranger TPS have an output shaft?
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
|
|
|
|
| Re: Looking for analog height sensors [message #156487 is a reply to message #156451] |
Thu, 12 January 2012 14:54 |
Rick Williams
Messages: 256
Registered: July 2004
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
A few years ago, I built a height measurement system for an EL-2. It is a rough prototype using a TPS. It could be adapted to any coach with a different type of linkage. It is fairly simple electronics. The LCD readout is a unitless number that reads 0 when the coach is level. There is a readout and sensor for each side. It might be possible to calibrate it in inches but I did not get that far. I figured if it read 0 when level, that was good enough. Major changes in my life put most of the GMC projects on the back burner. I don't know when if ever I will get back to this project. If anyone is interested in what I have, please let me know. I will be glad to share all information.
Rick
Rick Williams
Bliss, Michigan
1978 Eleganza II
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Looking for analog height sensors [message #156499 is a reply to message #156451] |
Thu, 12 January 2012 16:45 |
 |
John Heslinga
Messages: 632
Registered: February 2011
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Hi Keith:
Many of the Higher priced and loaded SUVs have ride hight sensors that are electrical in nature. Im not sure if they are voltage divider, frequency, Limit switch or Other. They generally control solinoid valves for the air shocks etc. through the On board computer. I would imagine that they may be very similar to Throttle Position Sensor like ohers are suggesting, because later computers lilke this kind of input. The mechanics of hooking them up under the vehicle would however be built, and they will be designed to be out in the Dust, dirt and any other crud under the vehicle. Many 3/4 and 1 ton trucks also have the sensors to adjust antilock brake stratigies for the rear wheels based on load. Late model Escalades, Suburbans, and some Envoy denalis in GM. Ford had them in Lincoln Navigators, Heavy duty 3/4 tons and 1 tons as well. You would also find them on Range Rovers as far as I know. Range rovers have adjusting travel heights which might suggest they are proportional in nature. All that being said, they may be nothing more than a go - nogo for 1 or two heights. The ones for the anti-lock braking statigy, however, probably are much more proportional
Sorry I cannot be more specific. Hope this helps in your search Because many of these OEM Sensor prices are out of ths world.
Sounds like you are working on somethng interesting! Good Luck.
John and Cathie Heslinga
1974 Canyonlands 260
455, Manny tranny and 1 ton, 3:70 LS,
Red Seal Journeyman, DTE, BEd. MEd.
Edmonton, Alberta
|
|
|
|
| Re: Looking for analog height sensors [message #156512 is a reply to message #156451] |
Thu, 12 January 2012 18:45 |
g.winger
Messages: 792
Registered: February 2008
Location: Warrenton,Missouri
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
|
Kieth,,,,a throttle sensor might work. I might have one i can send you if you want one,,,,,PL (attatched to your foot,,,drive by wire!!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for analog height sensors [message #156528 is a reply to message #156482] |
Thu, 12 January 2012 20:20 |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Keith, what does the second pot do for you (the one that "tilts side to side")?
Thanks,
Jay
76 PB
Portland, OR
> From: my427v8@hotmail.com
> Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:41:41 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Looking for analog height sensors
>
> Well I have a system, it's simple, it has 2 pots, one adjusts height, the other tilts side to side. It also has a travel mode which just sets it to a fixed height.
...
> --
> Keith
> 69 Vette
> 29 Dodge
> 75 Royale GMC
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: Looking for analog height sensors [message #156536 is a reply to message #156451] |
Thu, 12 January 2012 21:36 |
|
John Heslinga
Messages: 632
Registered: February 2011
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
In the following article.
http://community.cengage.com/Chilton/blogs/davids_blog/archive/2010/11/10/ford-and-lincoln-4-wheel.aspx
It shows a Ford Explorer air suspension Sensor. The post under the picture is
"On 2006 and earlier models, there are two linear ride height sensors that have a total stroke of about 3 inches. Sensor output is 0.25 volts at full extension and 4.75 volts at full compression."
Hopefully this will help in your men's mall search.
John and Cathie Heslinga
1974 Canyonlands 260
455, Manny tranny and 1 ton, 3:70 LS,
Red Seal Journeyman, DTE, BEd. MEd.
Edmonton, Alberta
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for analog height sensors [message #156537 is a reply to message #156528] |
Thu, 12 January 2012 21:49 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| jayrabe wrote on Thu, 12 January 2012 20:20 |
Keith, what does the second pot do for you (the one that "tilts side to side")?
Thanks,
|
Jayrabe,
The pots are only meant to be used while camping for leveling.
The first pot adjusts the coach up and down
the second pot allows you to level it side to side for those sideways sloping camp sites.
For travel you flip a switch and it ignores the pots
I already have a handful of TPS sensors, and have seriously thought about using them, but I thought I'd ask before running off and re inventing the wheel..again.
The biggest problem in using TPS sensors is that they have to be mounted facing away from the coach body. the the input shaft has to be supported. Makes for a more complex bracket.
wireless air does not excite me.
Why?
it's wireless
No height sensors
might as well use a toggle switch and a pressure gauge.
Or get an adjustable pressure switch and have the air compressor jsu shut off at the desired pressure.
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Looking for analog height sensors [message #156563 is a reply to message #156536] |
Fri, 13 January 2012 07:52 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Thats exactly what I was looking for!
And did you see the next sentence?
"Later models have four identical potentiometer-type sensors, one at each corner, .."
Either version looks very useable.
I see a field trip in my future!
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
|
|
|
|
| Re: Looking for analog height sensors [message #156570 is a reply to message #156563] |
Fri, 13 January 2012 11:06 |
 |
mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| Keith V wrote on Fri, 13 January 2012 05:52 |
Thats exactly what I was looking for!
And did you see the next sentence?
"Later models have four identical potentiometer-type sensors, one at each corner, .."
Either version looks very useable.
I see a field trip in my future!
|
OK... A possible source for height sensors for a "roll your own height feedback" system: SOME 1995 and up, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.
It looks like there could also be air pumps (with integrated vent solenoids) and separate solenoids that could be used with or without the height sensors. IE: replacement for your old system. These used parts should be in better shape than the 80's GM stuff I have been finding.
The local Pick-N-Pull has quite a few Explorers listed but the only way to see if any have the "4-Wheel Air Suspension" (4WAS) option, is to go and look. (95 to 00... nothing as new enough (07+) to have the updated sensors)
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
| Re: Looking for analog height sensors [message #156575 is a reply to message #156451] |
Fri, 13 January 2012 13:19 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Are you looking to make something??
I toyed with a design that I want to use, It uses magnetic reed switches, similar to those in security sensors and a magnet that moved up and down on a rod, ( I assume you are using this for ride height.
AllElectronicCorp has the reed switches and I found a powerful magnet, they come in 6's, from Ace, about 1/2" round, 3/16" thick.
If interested, I think I still have the "thinktank" drawings around. It is pretty simple to build on your own.
The reed relays trigger/trip a relay which operates the valves or pump depending on your system.
My thoughts
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for analog height sensors [message #156576 is a reply to message #156537] |
Fri, 13 January 2012 13:22 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
In reference to side to side leveling.....
wouldn't a automotive tilt switch work for that?? Or something of that fashion....
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
[Updated on: Fri, 13 January 2012 13:24] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Fri Oct 11 16:44:47 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.02139 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
