CEB Press/Manufacturing Instructions/Controller Box/FeF Liberator Controller

Step 1

• Source 7/16" thick, 6" wide u-channel: 20 feet of it.
• Pieces needed: (click on image to enlarge)

• Torch or cold-cut channel to size

• Punch holes

Step 2

Source the electronics. Here is a diagram of the controller box

Here is the complete controller installed:

Electronics Box

Electronics Box

Gross Electronics:

• Electronics Box - local hardware store
• Extension Cord
  • Or house wiring with Female Plug and Male Plug.
• 2 alligator clips for battery connection - auto parts store
• House wiring box (blue box in picture above below the Arduino Shield - hardware store
• Fuse holder - car parts store
• 12v quick connect plugs - 5 pairs - for quick-coupling to solenoids out of controller box - car parts store
• Stranded 5A wire for solenoid connections
• Spade terminals (10) for connection to solenoid terminals
• Underground phone cable - makes very tough connectors for sensors
• Potting compound
• PVC pipe - with 1 end capped
• Stranded Cat 5 wire for sensor connections
• [5] Supermagnets -

Microelectronics:

• [2] Hall Effect Sensors - Sparkfun
• [1] Arduino shield kit - Makerbot
• [1] Arduino - Makerbot
• [2] RepRap PWM Driver Boards

Components for PWM Driver Boards

• [1] Replacement MOSFETS -
• []

Step 3

Shopping list for items which are shipped:

• [1] Arduino breakout shield - $25, Makerbot
• [1] Arduino (Duemilanove) - $30, Makerbot
• [2] Solenoid drivers -$13 ea., Makerbot
• [4] MOSFET replacements for solenoid drivers, VNP35N07-E - $3.34, Future Electronics (if not available, search at Octopart) (grate shaker is automated, no sensors needed for it)
• [2] Hall Effect sensors - $0.95 ea, Sparkfun
• [4] 3/8" V-groove bearings - $7.77 ea, VXB
• [6] Supermagnets - $0.48, Gaussboys
• [1] Potting Compound - $22 for 48 oz, Polymer Composites