Trackman
Member Since: 16 Apr 2010
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 430
|
The OUT pin is a data bus line ( like RS232) but I believe its driven by a transistor from any circuit diagrams I have seen.
So to answer your question, you could put a low current LED on this and it should filcker when data is present but it will not show that the FBH is actually on or off. You might be able to work out from the LED pulses what is happening but I have not tried this.
Ian.
|
 5th Oct 2010 2:02 pm |
|
|
|
|
Trackman
Member Since: 16 Apr 2010
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 430
|
Its whats call active low.
It sits high and goes low when data is being sent so an Led will flicker.
If you want an led to light when the FBH is running you could put the LED across the FBH water pump supply. Follow the wires from the same connector that OUT is on and you should find the pump - its on the same wiring loom but a different connector (Three connectors are Power in, Pump and Data) 
Ian.
|
| 5th Oct 2010 4:19 pm |
|
|
wiggs
Member Since: 03 Sep 2006
Location: Manchester
Posts: 14372
  
|
Biz wrote:I was just wondering if the OUT pin which provides +12V while the FBH is on can be used to power directly a simple 12V LED as an indication that it's on? Is it that simple?
Yes ..its that simple
....it will only tell you the oval timer has fired up ...if you want a true indication then as said above ..use the FBH water pump signal G4 Gone ...but not forgotten
Last edited by wiggs on 5th Oct 2010 4:31 pm. Edited 1 time in total
|
| 5th Oct 2010 4:27 pm |
|
|
discoBizz
Member Since: 20 Sep 2008
Location: Manchester
Posts: 1416
 
|
Thanks wiggs
So I did remember correctly someone mentioning the OUT pin on the timer is live +ve 12V only when the FBH is burning 
Seen an FBH timer mod with some elaborate relays before the LED, safe to just wire it to the OUT supply without them?
Basically, as is evident, all I want is an indication the FBH has received the remote command and is operating...
(edit: ah, ok, it's on when the timer is on  Do you happen to know which is the +12V for the pump on the FBH plug then and will snap-locking onto it do the job?) ==> Guide - Inexpensive AV Modification
==> Guide - Extend the multimedia of your Discovery III (September 2011, v1.2 uploaded)
|
| 5th Oct 2010 4:31 pm |
|
|
wiggs
Member Since: 03 Sep 2006
Location: Manchester
Posts: 14372
|
The GSM / and oval timer are very reliable ...just use the 12v out to tell you its recieved the signal ...
I have fitted a few LED 's for friends ...but i dont bother ..mine fires first time every time
Sorry i edited the last post  G4 Gone ...but not forgotten
|
| 5th Oct 2010 4:35 pm |
|
|
|
|
jsui
Member Since: 07 Sep 2010
Location: Helsinki area
Posts: 58
 
|
There seem to have been some discussion or questions about optimal location for the GSM (or other mobile network technology) box.
Optimally, the antenna should be located so that it has clear radio visibility to the horizon, i.e. not under the metal sheet bonnet, not right next to the A pilars (as they again are made of metal). Somewhere on top or inside the top of the (plastic) dash covers near the window would probably be the optimum.
Optimal "direction" of the antenna stick (or equivalent if integrated inside the GSM box) would probably be either pointing straight up, or bent to side in about 45 degree angle (because most network base stations have cross-polarized antennas, tilted to 45 degree angles). The worst would probably be when the stick lies horizontally (that may even be the most optimal position in some rare cases, but in an average typically not good).
From a technical perspective, generally, it does reduce power consumption of the radio kit, if it receives strong radio signal from the network, because otherwise it will itself switch to higher transmission power level (to be better heard by the network), meaning bigger current drain from the battery. The radio kit does also transmit occasionally also when it is not actively being asked to send or receive something, so this could somewhat (slightly?) impact the power consumption even in case when the GSM remote is not used for a while.
What I understand from some of the GSM box manufacturers is that when the box receives strong signal from the network, typical power consumption may be in order of some 10 milliamperes, whereas very weak signal may cause the box to switch to max transmission power meaning some 100 milliamperes. The latter is still not a catastrophy, but if the vehicle remains unused for quite a while, it may still make some difference, as D3 seems to be hungry for electricity.
|
| 6th Oct 2010 7:41 am |
|
|
DG
Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50978
|
My GSM box is located in the roof lining above the front cabin light console, where I also have the oval timer unit. Never had a problem with reception with the antenna lying horizontal 21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
|
| 6th Oct 2010 7:51 am |
|
|
jsui
Member Since: 07 Sep 2010
Location: Helsinki area
Posts: 58
|
That should be a good location too, as it is elevated high, thus suffering less from any radio wave propagation obstacles, contributing to good reception.
|
| 6th Oct 2010 8:22 am |
|
|
|
|
Trackman
Member Since: 16 Apr 2010
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 430
|
No idea but use a meter to check resistance back to the battery or the power input connector from the pump connector.
Ian.
|
| 6th Oct 2010 11:29 pm |
|
|
|
|
Trackman
Member Since: 16 Apr 2010
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 430
|
No reason why you can't.
The relay contacts on each unit will isolate the rest of the electronics from each other.
Watch out for fumes if you run the FBH in the garage 
Ian.
|
| 13th Oct 2010 10:51 am |
|
|
|
|
(and Murphy's law: can't find the post now)
