New User Introduction/Interest Feeler - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ArTrvlr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 08:07:30 pm
content: I didn't find a specific newbie introduction section so I'll put it here.I have no electronics background or training. My career has all been automotive related. Working on cars involves the electrical system, so I am not a stranger to basic wiring, switches, relays, sensors, etc. Cars are also my hobby, and that is what brings me here, seeking help on an automotive related electronics project.I am restoring/modifying a 1958 Oldsmobile. Part of that involves replacing the original steering column with a late model GM column with the turn signal lever serving also as the headlight dimmer, cruise control, hazard warning & windshield wiper/washer switch. My plan is to use all those switches instead of any dash mounted switches. The first four functions listed are not a problem as they are all functionally similar to any other switch for the same purpose. The wiper/washer portion is partly on/off & momentary contact, so that is still not a problem. Where I am stumped is the delay wipe portion. The 5 delay settings are various resistors that work in conjunction with a circuit board in the wiper motor to adjust the delay time.I have info from the GM service manual on how this works. I have the GM wiring diagram of the wiper circuits that includes details of the internal contacts of the wiper switch for each function. I have my own bench test results of voltages through the switch in each position and also resistance values for the 5 delay positions. I have home brewed diagrams for a wiper delay circuit, but it uses a potentiometer instead of individual resistors. The wiper motor that works with the GM column switch will not fit on my car. My car was originally equipped with vacuum operated wipers, but there is an aftermarket electric wiper motor available. What I don't have is the ability to connect the dots (or the electrons) between the column switch and the new motor.Thanks for reading this far. If anyone is interested in sending me in the right direction on this project I can supply details of the info I have and what I have already tried.Thanks in Advance.NOTE: As suggested below I started a new topic here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/windshield-wiper-delay-circuit/

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 08:25:39 pm
content: Welcome!Quote from: ArTrvlr on March 13, 2022, 08:07:30 pmNot a section, but there is this threadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/new-member-please-introduce-yourself/Quote from: ArTrvlr on March 13, 2022, 08:07:30 pmYou might not find much help waiting for others to ask first. Here we do it the other way. Open a new topic with a short but suggestive title, e.g. "Wiper motor switch connections 1958 Oldsmobile" or so, then tell what you tried, what outcome you were expecting, and what you see instead of the expected outcome.A picture with the existing schematic and the physical switch/motor you have would help a lot, so others will understand what is it about.

author: m3vuv
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 06:29:29 am
content: this could be done with a 555 and some timing caps resistors and a relay etc,google 555 timer schematic.

author: CaptDon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 01:26:11 pm
content: One thing that IS required for the 'intermittent wiper' function is that the wiper motor needs to have a built in 'carry over' switch so the wipe cycle completes itself. Other wise the wipers will come to a stop when ever the relay or mosfet/transistor circuit stops supplying power. As for speed selection, you will be getting into a circuit which uses pulses, maybe 50 to 100 per second and they will vary from maybe 30% pulse width for lower speeds up to maybe 80% pulse width (a.k.a. on time) for the medium speed. I should think there are already some kits available from street-rod wiring vendors. I seem to remember a company called 'Easy-Wire' or something like that who offered all kinds of wiring and retro fits for the Hot-Rod and Street-Rod crowd. I like to go to 'Spring Carlisle Car Show' and also 'Street Rod Nationals East' and there are very knowledgeable folks there in the vendor booths!! Cheers mate, best luck!!

author: ArTrvlr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 03:31:56 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on March 13, 2022, 08:25:39 pmThanks for the advice. I will start a new topic with all the info I have.That new topic is here.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/windshield-wiper-delay-circuit/

author: Terry Bites
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 05:14:38 pm
content: This is a repalcement circuit for an old land rover- the principle is the same.https://hackaday.io/project/21728-landy-wiper-control/details

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 05:27:07 pm
content: I can probably help, but I'd need to know what year/model the new steering column came from as well as the technical details on the replacement wiper motor. The solution may be as easy as taking apart the wiper motor assembly from the steering column donor and extracting the control module circuitry.

author: ArTrvlr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2022, 05:38:51 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on March 14, 2022, 05:27:07 pmThanks, I'll post some more info on the new topic here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/windshield-wiper-delay-circuit/