Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Automotive Voltage Indicator Monitors battery voltage Three LED Display

Automotive Voltage Indicator Monitors battery

Parts:

R1,R3,R6________1K   1/4W Resistors
R2____________100K 1/4W Resistor
R4,R5,R7,R8_____3K3 1/4W Resistors

D1__________Red LED (Any dimension and shape)
D2________Amber LED (Any dimension and shape)
D3,D4,D5_____1N4148 75V 150mA Diodes
D6_________BZX79C10 10V 500mW Zener Diode
D7________Green LED (Any dimension and shape)
D8,D9________1N4148 75V 150mA Diodes
D10________BZX79C12 12V 500mW Zener Diode

Q1,Q2_________BC547 45V 100mA NPN Transistors
Q3____________BC557 45V 100mA PNP Transistor

Comments:

Connecting this circuit to the battery of your vehicle, you will always know at a glance the approximate voltage available.
An
indication of battery voltage is useful to the motorist for
monitoring the batterys capacity to deliver current, and as a check on
the efficiency of the dynamo or alternator.
Threshold voltages of
the LEDs are set by means of two Zener Diodes (D6 & D10) plus two
further Diodes wired in series (D4, D5 and D8, D9 respectively) adding
a step of about 1.3V to the nominal Zener voltage.

LED indication:

  • Red LED D1 is on when battery voltage is 11.5V or less. This indicates a low battery charge.
  • Amber
    LED D2 is on when battery voltage is comprised in the 11.5 - 13.5V
    range. This indicates that the battery is good if the motor is off.
    When motor is running, this indicates no charge from dynamo or
    alternator.
  • Green LED D7 is on when battery voltage is 13.5V or
    more. This indicates a normal condition when motor is running and
    dynamo or alternator are charging.

source: redcircuits.com