Apex DOS DIY level switch?

[aquaterra]

Crap, my bad I think you're right I have the wrong premade cable listed. I have only bought the connector and pins myself, then crimped my own wires. Here are the correct parts for the connector housing and pins from Digikey.com

I guess I'm learning how to crimp!

 

[CuseReefer]

I guess I'm learning how to crimp!

Yeah my bad, take your time and use needle nose pliers. Buy alot of extra pins too for screw ups! It can be done, just take your time.

 

[CuseReefer]

Option 2 - Premade assembly (easier)
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- 6 pin Molex PCI Express Power Cable (http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Pin-Molex...508346?hash=item2edecd8c3a:g:n9kAAOSwNSxVAdh6)

All, DO NOT order this cable assembly. It doesnt use the microfit 3.0 connector that you need. I didnt look close enough but it uses the larger family series, either the minifit or minifit jr series which wont work. I'll look around for a premade assembly but most likely you will have to order the microfit 3.0 connector from digikey. I double checked the links in the first post under option 1 (crimp method) and those part numbers are right.

Sorry about that!

 

[DamianOZ]

All, DO NOT order this cable assembly. It doesnt use the microfit 3.0 connector that you need. I didnt look close enough but it uses the larger family series, either the minifit or minifit jr series which wont work. I'll look around for a premade assembly but most likely you will have to order the microfit 3.0 connector from digikey. I double checked the links in the first post under option 1 (crimp method) and those part numbers are right.

Sorry about that!

Found that out after buying them

Search for Mini-PCIe 6 Pin, bough some from eBay, they fit. i bought some from HK (eBay)

 

[CuseReefer]

Found that out after buying them

Search for Mini-PCIe 6 Pin, bough some from eBay, they fit. i bought some from HK (eBay)

My bad. I will have a handful of premade adapters to go from the 6 pin molex to 2 4 pin

 

[DamianOZ]

No hassle, thanks for sharing the pin out info.
I have it working fine, connected as per your diagram.

I did try a norm LED across pin 4 and 6, the LED powered on, but the voltage drop wasn't enough to trigger the level functions. I haven't tried a IR LED yet, it may drop the voltage a little more... nor have I tried a resistor.
I have 5 DOS, I don't need level switches, so some simple dummy loads to trigger the volume features should be easy to do...

Has anyone tried a 5mm IR LED for the load? or a resistor?

 

[DamianOZ]

OK, I tried 160Ohm (150R + 10R) across pins 6 & 4, it gives a voyage drop of 1.1V at pin 4 as expected, and triggers the liquid level function.

I also tried a 180 Ohm resistor, giving 1.2V, which also works fine... making it even simpler

 

[CuseReefer]

OK, I tried 160Ohm (150R + 10R) across pins 6 & 4, it gives a voyage drop of 1.1V at pin 4 as expected, and triggers the liquid level function.

I also tried a 180 Ohm resistor, giving 1.2V, which also works fine... making it even simpler

Good to hear. I will be working on a PCB that breaks out these IO to 2 4-pin headers. It will be a tiny 1 sq inch board with 3 heads on it. Will make it easier to make than the breakout cables I have put together already. Also I'll put provisions on it so that it either can breakout to optical sensors or populate resistors/diodes to just enable the SW features. These will be fairly cheap.

Also working on a APEX IO breakout board that will allow you to connect up to 4 optical sensors to the standard IO port on the APEX/PM1/PM2/PM3. Just sent these out for fab and will have prototypes up in a few weeks. This will allow anyone to start using optical sensors for ATO and such without having to buy a DOS. Also will have 6 normal 3.5mm plugs for doing standard sensors as well so you can have a mix of optical/contact switches.

 

[DamianOZ]

Have you looked at pin 7 of the i/o ? reserve or R5V or what ever they call it.

Put my meter on it and read 15V DC, it may be possible to run optic switches with out an external supply. Some of the 3 wire optic level switches might suit better.
For me, I have more inputs on the DOS for optical than I'll ever need.

 

[CuseReefer]

Have you looked at pin 7 of the i/o ? reserve or R5V or what ever they call it.

Put my meter on it and read 15V DC, it may be possible to run optic switches with out an external supply. Some of the 3 wire optic level switches might suit better.
For me, I have more inputs on the DOS for optical than I'll ever need.

It might be possible but unsure what that pin can actually source. Rather have a $5 5V supply than to fry an apex.

 

[CuseReefer]

So I hand made a break out cable and it was a PITA. So I whipped up a simple breakout PCB that will have a 6 pin molex on one side and 2 4 pin headers on the other for optical sensors. This will push directly into the DOS connector and then allow you to directly attach 2 prewired optical sensors. I will have these ready to go in 2 weeks. These will be much easier, cheaper, and more reliable to make than cables. Msg me if you want to get on the list. I will have a final cost in the next couple days, but I assure you it wont break the bank. You will still need to order the optical sensors on eBay listed in the org DIY post. Here is the PCB mock up:

DOS Side of PCB (Molex connector)

Optical sensor connector side

 

[aquaterra]

Got it working with quick release

 

[gettaReef]

Awesomeness

 

[CuseReefer]

First batch of boards is back for my Apex IO breakout card. Will be able to connect up to 4 optical sensors and/or 6 normal switches (via 3.5mm headphone connectors.

 

[reeksreef]

How would this hook up to the apex?

 

[CuseReefer]

How would this hook up to the apex?

Using a mini8 din cable to the io port.

 

[reeksreef]

I have the apex breakout box, would I still be able to use this?

My bad. I will have a handful of premade adapters to go from the 6 pin molex to 2 4 pin headers soon if anyone wants to buy one.

Using a mini8 din cable to the io port.

 

[CuseReefer]

I have the apex breakout box, would I still be able to use this?

This replaces the breakout box.

 

[ngvu1]

Nice...I don't have a DOS. I am waiting on the io break out card to be finished

 

[CuseReefer]

Yeah im testing it right now. Looks very promising. I did some small tweaks to the pcb for ease of assembly/mounting and sent it out for fabrication today.