Neutral Safety Position Sensor for MT (remote-start) using optical sensors
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Neutral Safety Position Sensor for MT (remote-start) using optical sensors
I want to make a safe and reliable neutral position sensor for a manual transmission (for remote-start).
I've read that people have used Magnetic Sensors (for home window security) to determine when the car is in neutral like this guy did: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/28230/3. I've also read that they are temperamental and unreliable at times. They won't always let the car start when it should. Picture of Magnet sensors:
I've also read that Astrostart (or Astroflex) use two pairs of Optical Sensors. I understand that these are installed like the magnet sensors in the picture. It sounds like the solution I am looking for, but I can't find any information on it. The installation manuals are not available (surprise, surprise), and these are not as popular, so there are less people talking about them.
Question: Does anyone know where to buy optical sensors for this application. Know how to install them?
note:
I know the safest thing would be to buy an remote-start alarm that is meant for a manual transmission, or mimic a turbo charged car so that you need to leave the car in neutral, but I don't do that, and I don't want to buy another alarm. I want to make a sensor that is rock-solid reliable.
I found a Peripheral Electronics NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) and a DEI 689M (don't think it's still manufactured or supported... maybe a lawsuit?). They do what the Compustar alarms do, and mimic a turbo-charged car. But, like I said, I don't want to do this.
I've read that people have used Magnetic Sensors (for home window security) to determine when the car is in neutral like this guy did: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/28230/3. I've also read that they are temperamental and unreliable at times. They won't always let the car start when it should. Picture of Magnet sensors:
I've also read that Astrostart (or Astroflex) use two pairs of Optical Sensors. I understand that these are installed like the magnet sensors in the picture. It sounds like the solution I am looking for, but I can't find any information on it. The installation manuals are not available (surprise, surprise), and these are not as popular, so there are less people talking about them.
Question: Does anyone know where to buy optical sensors for this application. Know how to install them?
note:
I know the safest thing would be to buy an remote-start alarm that is meant for a manual transmission, or mimic a turbo charged car so that you need to leave the car in neutral, but I don't do that, and I don't want to buy another alarm. I want to make a sensor that is rock-solid reliable.
I found a Peripheral Electronics NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) and a DEI 689M (don't think it's still manufactured or supported... maybe a lawsuit?). They do what the Compustar alarms do, and mimic a turbo-charged car. But, like I said, I don't want to do this.
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From: 99 probs but a stolen car aint 1, ca, cerritos/fullerton
Re: Neutral Safety Position Sensor for MT (remote-start) using optical sensors (jgojohn)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jgojohn »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I found a Peripheral Electronics NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) and a DEI 689M (don't think it's still manufactured or supported... maybe a lawsuit?). They do what the Compustar alarms do, and mimic a turbo-charged car. But, like I said, I don't want to do this.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
you answered your own question
I found a Peripheral Electronics NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) and a DEI 689M (don't think it's still manufactured or supported... maybe a lawsuit?). They do what the Compustar alarms do, and mimic a turbo-charged car. But, like I said, I don't want to do this.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
you answered your own question
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From: Beavertown, OR
Re: Neutral Safety Position Sensor for MT (remote-start) using optical sensors (jgojohn)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jgojohn »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I found a Peripheral Electronics NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) and a DEI 689M (don't think it's still manufactured or supported... maybe a lawsuit?). They do what the Compustar alarms do, and mimic a turbo-charged car. But, like I said, I don't want to do this.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Or someone probably has a patent and these other companies were in violation. Which is why I have never offered my design in a public forum. Once someone figures it out then everyone else copies and makes money off of it. A task is always easy once the solution has been revealed.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jgojohn »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've also read that Astrostart (or Astroflex) use two pairs of Optical Sensors. I understand that these are installed like the magnet sensors in the picture. It sounds like the solution I am looking for, but I can't find any information on it. The installation manuals are not available (surprise, surprise), and these are not as popular, so there are less people talking about them.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Optical sensors is the best solution and it's what I have used for the past 10 years. I wont tell you how to do it though. But you are on the right track, do a google search for optical sensors. Obviously no one makes anything for this specific task. You will have to adapt something or design something that will fit your needs.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Or someone probably has a patent and these other companies were in violation. Which is why I have never offered my design in a public forum. Once someone figures it out then everyone else copies and makes money off of it. A task is always easy once the solution has been revealed.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jgojohn »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've also read that Astrostart (or Astroflex) use two pairs of Optical Sensors. I understand that these are installed like the magnet sensors in the picture. It sounds like the solution I am looking for, but I can't find any information on it. The installation manuals are not available (surprise, surprise), and these are not as popular, so there are less people talking about them.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Optical sensors is the best solution and it's what I have used for the past 10 years. I wont tell you how to do it though. But you are on the right track, do a google search for optical sensors. Obviously no one makes anything for this specific task. You will have to adapt something or design something that will fit your needs.
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Re: Neutral Safety Position Sensor for MT (nsxxtreme)
Thanks for the response. It's nice to hear that someone has been doing it for a while with optical sensors. Could you tell me what optical sensors you have used?
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Re: Neutral Safety Position Sensor for MT (jgojohn)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jgojohn »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for the response. It's nice to hear that someone has been doing it for a while with optical sensors. Could you tell me what optical sensors you have used?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Mine is completely custom so I doubt it would help you much as you would need to design the circuitry to run it.
Try using mouser or digikey to find something.
Mine is completely custom so I doubt it would help you much as you would need to design the circuitry to run it.
Try using mouser or digikey to find something.
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