Simple DIY Auto Gen Start System

Ok guys here is a simple universal DIY auto gen start system anyone can make using off the shelf parts.

I simply used two cycle timer boards and a linear solenoid actuator to apply the choke.

https://www.amazon.com/UCTRONICS-Programmable-Multifunction-Segment-Automatic/dp/B07BT32T1M/ref=pd_sbs_1?pd_rd_w=KLwJF&pf_rd_p=527ea27c-adf6-4b67-9c5f-265eb29e0622&pf_rd_r=587J7P8AZEQYE4PGS5D2&pd_rd_r=61b261dd-3878-4216-9865-911c1d12b16d&pd_rd_wg=VUTRo&pd_rd_i=B07BT32T1M&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G15X91N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My original intention was to use my Thornwave LVD as this was a really nice controller that featured a bluetooth app I could access with my phone. Unfortunately I wired this off of my memory and well my memory was a little off and I fried it.

So I had to improvise and build a simple Arduino controller. This is very simple; it uses pins A0 as the input for the battery voltage fed through a voltage divider and then the LED (pin 13) as the output to trigger the timer boards. You will need a 12v to 5 volt buck convert to supply power to the Arduino. Wiring is self explanatory once you have all the components. If not simply ask here on the forum.

12 volt to 5 volt converter: https://www.amazon.com/Wolfwhoop-Converter-Step-Down-Regulator-Stabilizer/dp/B076P4C42B/ref=sr_1_18?dchild=1&keywords=ubec+12v+to+5v&qid=1616354828&sr=8-18

0-25 volt to 0-5 volt, voltage divider: https://www.amazon.com/Voltage-Measurement-Detection-Arduino-Geekstory/dp/B07FVVSYYH/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Voltage+divider&qid=1616354985&sr=8-1

Servo connectors for the Voltage Diverter board : https://www.amazon.com/HONBAY-Remote-Control-Extension-Airplanes/dp/B01LA9YDEI/ref=sr_1_3?crid=26OMX5R4C59P5&dchild=1&keywords=servo+connector&qid=1616355012&sprefix=servo+conn%2Caps%2C261&sr=8-3

Arduino Nano: https://www.amazon.com/LAFVIN-Board-ATmega328P-Micro-Controller-Arduino/dp/B07G99NNXL/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Arduino+Nano&qid=1616355128&sr=8-3

Arduino Nano Screw Terminal Shield: https://www.amazon.com/NOYITO-Terminal-Adapter-Arduino-ATMEGA328P-AU/dp/B07CBSMQ6T/ref=sr_1_2?crid=323U1UUMUQXDJ&dchild=1&keywords=arduino+nano+screw+terminal+shield&qid=1616355180&sprefix=Arduino+Nano+screw+%2Caps%2C262&sr=8-2

Code:

const int VoltageIn = A0;

const int AGSTrigger = 13;

int val =0;

int Voltage=0;

const int LVT = 1350;// Low Voltage Trigger set point. Note controls do not see a decimal point. So for resolution hole numbers are

// used 1350 = 13.50 volts

const int HVT = 1475;// High Voltage Trigger (Fully charged set point

void setup() {

digitalWrite (AGSTrigger, LOW);

Serial.begin(9600);

delay(100);

}

void loop() {

val = analogRead(VoltageIn); // reads the value of the potentiometer (value between 0 and 1023)

Voltage = map(val, 0, 1023, 0, 2210);

Serial.println(Voltage);

if (Voltage <= LVT){

digitalWrite (AGSTrigger, HIGH);

delay(100);

}

if (Voltage >= HVT){

digitalWrite (AGSTrigger, LOW);

delay(100);

}