by ericmark »
Tue Jul 05, 2022 12:17 am
I note the power supply, input 85 - 265 volt AC 50 - 60 Hz output 5 volt 3 watt, so question one is why is there a battery pack?
Second unit seems to be a simple timer, 12 volt, so what voltage is the motor, first using 5 volt second using 12 volt.
Autistic does not mean they can't do electronics, when I got tested and was found to be dyslexic, on telling lecturer he said most engineers are, being able to think out of the box, helps.
As to if he can program a full blown PLC not sure, but likely he can tell you what is needed.
I would think he can likely program in ladder, better than me.
I was taught using Electronic work bench, it allows one to simulate the device before building it, once he has worked out what to do, you can get bread boards which allow you to wire it all together easy, Google "electronic breadboard" it comes from the days when it was a board like one would slice bread on, and you knocked in nails, and soldered wired nail to nail head.
May want to try "crystal set radio kits" I did not use a kit, it was some wire off an old transformer, wrapped around a loo role centre, a germanium diode (silicon is no good) and a high impedance ear piece. Also called a crystal ear piece.
I would say look for an amateur radio club, they will likely help when things go wrong, don't be put off by the amateur radio bit, it is basic an electronics club, if your son can't go, you go, you can take his projects in and they will help to correct errors.
I know it takes time, we have an autistic lad at the heritage railway I work at, he works hard, under guidance of his mother, he must be around 25 year old, some times he shouts, which can be off putting, but he is slowly getting use to us, and us of him, and he is slowly fitting in to do useful work.
Thing is with a radio club, or heritage railway, speed is not important, and a strong autistic guy with an old foggy like me, and form a good team, I have the knowledge, he has the strength and dexterity I lack.
And main point, no one worries about how long it takes.