Harry,

I understand the circuitry on electric kilns, the thermocouples, the
relays, etc - but haven't a clue about the Idle stabilizer system. I
know there are some on this list who have a serious understanding of the
thing - perhaps they could provide some direction/help. I can use a
soldering iron - but that's about my limit. Dunno about the programming
required in either case. But I'm game. For Vanagon owners, a new little
black box they could easily build would be a blessing.

John

On 11/12/2013 8:39 PM, Harry Hoffman wrote:
> Hi John,
>
> So, I've done a lot of projects with arduinos. If you decide to move
> ahead with this project I'd be happy to contribute where I can (I
> currently have two small kids so time seems to have evaporated).
>
> Cheers,
> Harry
>
>
> On 11/12/2013 09:30 PM, JRodgers wrote:
>> I keep getting project announcements about a micro-controller board
>> called the Arduino and some of them really look interesting. I would
>> really like to get into this stuff, but haven't a clue when it comes to
>> electronics and programing microprocessors. About all I can say about it
>> is that I can tell a resister from a capacitor - and maybe a transistor
>> - and an IC chip - but beyond that - I'm as dumb as a stump. Trying to
>> create a circuit that could do something worthwhile would probably give
>> me a nervous breakdown. But there are two things I would like to do with
>> this, of maybe someone already has. One - is build a programmable
>> controller that could control the firing of an electric kiln - and have
>> it work in conjunction with a desktop PC. The second - and most
>> important thing - would be to develop a digital replacement box for the
>> Analog box that controls the Idle Stablizer System in the Vanagon.
>> That's the box just forward of the right hand stop light in the Vanagon.
>> Those things are expensive - and becoming more and more scarce. At one
>> time someone was working on something like this - but I haven't heard
>> anything about in in the last two-three years. So maybe some
>> knowledgeable person or persons could/would take up the challenge for
>> the Vanagon List family??  Maybe come up with something like Darrel
>> Boehlers ECU test kit he designed a few years ago. That accomplishment
>> would be a grand thing. I would do such a thing - but like I said - on
>> electronics, I'm dumber than a stump.
>>
>> Anyone game? Or maybe want to talk of this??
>>
>> John in Birmingham
>