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Use of Microcontroller for this Application

08/25/2016 2:57 AM

Dear Sir

Can i use a micro controller for an existing analog setup of Auto transformer - HV transformer.

i.e to control the dimmer(auto transformer) using a micro controller that provides the input to HV transformer(50kV 100mA).

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#1

Re: use of MICROCONTROLLER for this application

08/25/2016 3:45 AM

I wouldn't trust you to turn on a flashlight.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: use of MICROCONTROLLER for this application

08/25/2016 7:59 AM

??

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: use of MICROCONTROLLER for this application

08/25/2016 9:52 AM

The point is that if somebody has to ask if a micro-controller can do something then it is unlikely that person can use a micro-controller at all. Now a person who knows the capabilities of a micro-controller and the ways to control a HV transformer can certainly get these two to work together but that person won't ask us for help in such a clueless fashion.

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: use of MICROCONTROLLER for this application

08/25/2016 11:01 AM

Well said, and GA.

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#5

Re: Use of Microcontroller for this Application

08/25/2016 1:33 PM

Although I agree this appears to be over your head, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt in that maybe this is a language barrier issue.

First, the term "autotransformer" refers to the way a transformer is connected, in that the the primary and secondary are the same set of wires, not separated as they are in an "isolation transformer". It's not that it is "automated". You seem to be equating that term with "dimmer", they are not even close.

What you MIGHT have been thinking of is what is called a "Variac" or "Variable Transformer" , which is often built as an autotransformer in terms of the wiring connections. It operates similar to old wire-wound dimmers in that a rotating element moves across coil connections to change the voltage but in this case does so by changing the transformer ratio, not the resistance as a dimmer did. Still, at its core, nothing is inherently "automatic" about a Variac, in its simplest form the rotating element just has a big knob.

You CAN buy a motorized Variac wherein the rotating portion is attached to a small gear motor that can be controlled by remote signals: ie turn clockwise, turn counterclockwise. In theory if one already had a non-automated version of a motorized Variac, one could automate it with a micro controller I suppose. In practice when you go to purchase a motorized Variac, it likely already comes with a very simple control interface for the motor, often with a voltage feedback and PID loop to have it maintain a stead output voltage with a varying input. It's not rocket science... Sure, that can be done in a separate micro controller, but why?

if what you meant was that you currently have a manual Variac and you want to automate it with a micro controller, sure, you can do that. But what you are leaving out of this is the issue of fitting a motor operator onto the Variac after the fact. Possible? Yes, with a decent machine shop at your disposal and a lot of time and effort in designing a mechanical coupling method, proper torque requirements, gear reduction and controllable stepper or servo motor. But in that scenario, the micro controller is the simple part of it.

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#6

Re: Use of Microcontroller for this Application

08/25/2016 5:01 PM

No. Get someone else to do it.

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#7

Re: Use of Microcontroller for this Application

08/27/2016 4:59 PM

I suggest you look at JRaef's reply. To help a little, if your analog control box has an "output voltage" derived input and lower and raise relay outputs it can be replaced by a "PID" microcontroller or another analog box which can be bought new. But there is design work to ensure that the inputs and outputs of the new box are compatible with the old or have conversion hardware to join them up in a safe and workable way. Also, the PID loop parameters of the new box must match the old.

If you still have the old analog control, it may be easier to test how much of it works and get it repaired - it might be as simple a fault as a failed power supply or transformer. Old analog gear with axial lead resistors and capacitors may be big enough to read all the part numbers and values and replace all the parts with new equivalents.

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