CEB Press Control Code

Overview

The Compressed Earth Brick Press operation is automated using a microcontroller.

Code is uploaded to the microcontroller and the microcontroller saves the code; when the microcontroller is turned on, it will run the saved code to control the other CEB Press electronics; the CEB Press operation code is written to loop so that the operator does not need to reset the microcontroller for each brick.

The code commands the microcontroller to send digital signals to the solenoid driver, which powers the hydraulic solenoid valves.

Software-Side CEB Press Operation Procedure

Upload Code and Run

Testing Procedure

• • If you are using Arduino Uno, go to the following webpage and download the CEBTestingV2Uno.py file:

http://openpario.net/documents/1261

• If you are using Arduino Duemilanove, go to the following webpage and download the CEBTestingV2.py file:

http://openpario.net/documents/1260

• Go to the following webpage and follow the steps for uploading the CEBTesting.ino code into the Arduino Microcontroller

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/CEB_Press/Manufacturing_Instructions/Code_Upload

• Connect the computer to the Arduino Microcontroller on the CEB Press via USB cable

• Open Terminal and navigate to the folder containing the CEBTestingV2.py file

• In Terminal, type:

python CEBTestingV2.py

• Note: for Windows and Mac users, open the file using python through a method of your own choosing/compatibility

• Note: The CEB Testing Graphical User Interface should now pop up in a new window

• In the GUI, click "Open Connection"

• Click other buttons to test the CEB Press:

Mosfet C11 starts the shaker

Mosfet C10 moves the drawer right

Mosfet C9 moves the drawer left

Mosfet C6 moves the pressfoot up

Mosfet C3 moves the pressfoot down

Sensors lights the sensor LEDs on the solenoid driver board when you move a magnet around the sensors

LED Blink lights the sensor LEDs on the solenoid driver board intermittently

• Note: see the annotations within the code using a text editor for more details on the testing procedure

• Note: look for the LEDs of the solenoid driver board and of the solenoid valves lighting up as you click on the relevant buttons within the GUI

• Note: Connect a battery to the controller box to power the solenoid valves

• Note: Start the hydraulic pump for live testing of the CEB press when you are confident with the testing procedure and the CEB Press

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