[T2] electronic thermostat

[Joe St Croix]

An over ride switch.
If there will be an lcd display showing the temp, the ability to push a 
button to open or close the flaps as needed in case of an emergency.

-----Original Message----- 
From: Christophe Guilbert
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2014 10:43 PM
To: Type 2 List
Subject: [T2] electronic thermostat

Hi guys , a while ago , I announced that I will do an electronic
thermostat.
I did a prototype using an Arduino nano , a servo motor and a digital
temp sensor which control the servo.
The electronic and servo are located in the engine compartment. Servo
and arduino are voltage regulated against voltage fluctuations. The
flaps are moved  by the servo motor using a regular bicycle cable which
goes through the bracket which was holding the mechanical thermostat .
So far it looks really good, I will post everything once this project is
complete (soon) with details and video.

Meanwhile I would like some ideas/feedback about the way I should open
the flaps according to the temperature.

I have mainly 2 problems.
1) Where to put my temp sensor.
2) Flap opening(%) curve according to the temperature (which is
Dependant to 1)

So far , I wanted to install my (waterproof) temp sensor to the bracket
holding (the now missing ) mechanical thermostat , however the optimal
reading to open the flag of my sensor will be different than the one
provide by the mechanical thermostat. why  ? well correct me if I am
wrong but I suspect that since air is a great thermal insulator, most of
the heat received by the mechanical thermostat will come trough  its
metal mounting bracket which is attached to the engine. I probably will
have to take care of that while programing point 2)

Now , I also have this other idea. Instead of using the thermostat
bracket to hold my temp sensor , I can install an (none contact)
infrared temperature sensor just on the top  of cylinder III (by
drilling a small hole trough the tin to accommodate the sensor) and use
that temperature to control the flap. In this event what, should be
point 2) ???. I like this idea because I the control of the flap will be
the reflection of areal  cylinder temperature. I can also attach an LCD
display to my Arduino to monitor real time the temperature and even put
an alarm using a buzzer in case the flaps stay open too long , I also
wont need any thermocouple temp sensor attached to the spark-plug anymore.

Also , arduino has an endless possibilities , I would like to use it as
a mini computer for my bus later on .
I plan to check the voltage , RPM, oil temp , cyl temp, etc ....

If you guys dream to add something to my project , what would it be?

Thanks for any discussion.

Chris
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