Stephen Craver
First off, to address the somewhat sloppy construction and/or appearance of the device: You see, I am disabled, battling MS for over 35 years (ahh, now it’s becoming clear why I even thought of building this thing, right?). I'm basically one-handed causing my fine motor skills, such as soldering or drilling holes in a straight line, well… to really suck. If you can manage to forgive that part, this device really can be beneficial and have an impact. Who knows, maybe a couple of rainbow or unicorn stickers on it might make it pretty??
My background consists of being an FM radio broadcast engineer for nearly 15 years, eventually jumping ship and landing as a professional software (c#) engineer for the past 20+ years.
CONTRIBUTORS WELCOMED
I have no schematic or code reviewers, but I really could use another set of eyes on this. Also, although the device has Wi-Fi connectivity, I could really use help accessing PICO's file system remotely (Telnet, SSH). HELP!
The device:
Just like I'm sure others with limited mobility already know, having a powered recliner is essential for getting up and out! But after you're up, you must lean over, press, and hold the "down" button to get the chair back to its normal position. That inconvenience gets even worse because, as the chair lowers, you’re leaning over with it to hold the button!
This puts an end to that by introducing a level of automation to the chair, bed, or purposes yet to be realized. Allow me to explain:
This device draws its power from the chair's power supply, converting and conditioning it to 5vdc to power the microprocessor and relays. It has provisions for up to two controllers. The first, or "Main Controller", is the one that came with the chair and most likely built into it. Its function stays as it always has. Although now under this device's control, it is 100% operationally transparent. The only caveat is that if the original controller/buttons have a light or USB charging port built-in to it, sadly neither will be operational. They will no longer have the 38-volt supplied to it/them.
The second controller is labeled "Logic Controller" and can be a 2 or 4 button model. If a 4-button model is used, the extra 2 buttons mimic that of the "Main" controller, thus eliminating the need for two controllers. With either model, its operation is where the magic happens, as detailed further below.
It's important to realize that the two controllers are completely independent and interchangeable with each other, allowing you to use one or both as your situation warrants.
There are a few needed explanations before continuing:
- The term "Controller" is the up/down button array. This can be hand-held or built-in to the chair. Regardless, it should have a plug on the end of its cord.
- The “Home Position”: This is when the chair is in its “normal”, upright position; Not lifted to exit.
- The "Duration Time": This is how long the motor is engaged (in seconds). "Down" adds to the time, "Up" subtracts from it. When in the Home position, this value is always 0. As it reclines, the value gets higher. As the chair begins to lift, this value gets lower (and will be a negative value).
Pressing the Up button on the Logic Controller:
If the chair is at its home position and/or the "Duration Time" is 0, the "up and out" process is activated, consisting of:
- The chair motor's "up" is engaged for an (adjustable) time (or optional mechanical limit switch, or both).
- Pauses at the top for 10 seconds (adjustable) allowing time to exit.
- Automatically activates motor "down" for an (adjustable) time (or optional mechanical home switch is activated*, or both).
If the chair is at its home position and/or the "Duration Time" greater than 0, then it's assumed...
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UPDATE: I unintentionally lied. I have business that will keep me from posting videos for a couple of weeks. Apologies!!