Outputs: Difference between revisions
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Latest revision as of 21:29, 13 October 2023
What are Outputs?[edit]
Outputs are the physical connection between Smart Box and an external device that it is controlling such as a lamp or motor. Smart Box has two types of output sockets, the blue and red ‘Digital Outputs’ on the top of the case and the ‘motor’ outputs on the side.
Digital Outputs[edit]
The eight digital outputs are designed to switch on and off lamps and buzzers or similar devices. Each output can be switched on and off individually and, using the Smart Move software, the power from each socket can be varied so that, for example, a lamp can be dimmed. The device is connected between the red and blue sockets. When the output is 'on' 5 volts will be available between each pair of sockets and the indicator beside each socket will light.
Motor Outputs[edit]
The motor outputs are pairs of sockets labelled A,B,C,D on the side of the case. These pairs of sockets give 5 volts. They can be switched on and off and the direction of current flow can be changed to allow a motor to be reversed. As with the digital outputs, the power output can be varied through the software, so that motor speed can be controlled.
Warning The outputs on Smart Box are protected against a ‘short circuit’ by overload protection, but as with any electrical power outlet you should take care to avoid shorting the outputs as large currents can flow. Tip - When connecting devices that have sockets on them such as a motor, plug the leads into the motor before you plug them into Smart Box so that the connectors cannot touch together.
Connecting your own output devices[edit]
The connection between your output device and Smart Box is made using a length of 2 core cable terminated with 4mm plugs. These plugs are available from most electronic suppliers and come with either solder or screw fixing. Suitable cable is sold as ‘figure 8' and is often used for loudspeaker connections.
Motors[edit]
Connect your motor to the pairs of motor sockets using 4mm connectors. The motor should be designed to operate at around 5 volts. Each motor output can supply up to 1.5 Amps. Most small motors require a fraction of this current.
Digital outputs[edit]
The digital outputs are designed to drive lower power devices than the motor outputs, any one load should not exceed 400mA. The total maximum load for all the digital outputs is 600mA. Again for most small devices this is more than adequate. A typical buzzer would take 25mA and a bulb between 40 and 60mA.
The total safe maximum load for all outputs, i.e. digital outputs and motor outputs together in any combination, is 1.5A.
Overload Protection[edit]
If the outputs are overloaded for more than a brief period the outputs will be switched off and any program that is currently running will be stopped. The Smart Move software will detect this as an error and will display a message warning of the overload condition. Any overload or short circuit must be removed before the program is run again.