krezac / wireless-welding-pedal Goto Github PK

mr-sneezy commented 11 hours ago •
Hi, I have a similar interest in a BT remote TIG welding pedal and have been considering hardware options...

Seeing as this is the start of your project, have you considered using an ESP32 module for the TX and RX ends instead of separate BT HM-10 and Arduino modules ?
Benefits are that it has an Arduino compatible MCU and BT & BLE (also WiFi) on the one module for around $5-$7USD.
The ESP32 with a MCP41010 10K digital potentiometer should work as the RX end...
Thoughts ?

@krezac

Owner
krezac commented 10 hours ago
Hi Martin,
I'm actually considering that, exactly for the reasons you mentioned (I just have the stuff mentioned in the description at home, so the plan was to use them for proof of concept). Application code should be more less the same anyway (virtual serial port over BT).

At least for TX, as there is a reasonably priced board which already includes battery charger - https://www.laskarduino.cz/lilygo-ttgo-t8-esp32-s2-v1-1-vyvojova-deska/

For RX, I'd probably go for "custom" (power supply + relay + digi pot) shield on top of sth like https://www.laskarduino.cz/mh-et-live-esp32-minikit--wemos-d1-mini-shield-kompatibilni/

(the links are just to some local shop, I'm quite sure these can be obtained anywhere)

What's not clear to me is if the regulated voltage on MCP digi pot is also limited to 5.5V (some welding machines use 0-10V, I need to check that for mine). Someone was recommending AD5290.

BTW this is the construction of another Czech guy, unfortunately no more details than these pictures survived. May be useful for mechanical construction, though.
https://louiss13.rajce.idnes.cz/TIG/

Regards

@mr-sneezy

Author
mr-sneezy commented 9 hours ago
Those two modules you mention are also listed on one of my favorite cheap parts buying sites (banggood.com), easy choice.

I'm waiting for a foot pedal (cable type) to arrive for my model TIG machine, but in the meantime I measure around 4V across my amp control socket pins.
My plan is to convert it to wireless with the BT modules.

I'll check data sheets about the MCP41010 limits tomorrow, yes better to use a chip that suits more machines.