Convert a circuit from 24 to 12vdc

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1

I want to use this circuit with 12vdc instead of 24.

So, I want my output(right side) to be 12vdc with the

variable milliamps, based on the microcontroller input.(left side)

Can anyone explain which resistors may need to be changed

to make this happen? (Or any other changes)

This is way past blinking the led and I’m a bit lost here.

I want to at least have some idea before I start to

take measurements and make things hot and smokey.

Thanks.

(I think it will work just the way it is, but I’m not sure)

2

Try it and see. My gut tells me it’ll probably work (at 15V, I’d be more certain), since it’s only 20mA max, so the transistors don’t need to be saturated. It’s probably designed for 24V supply because that’s a common supply voltage for industrial equipment.

That said, I’m sure you could find a simpler 4-20mA converter online. Perhaps I should ask the obvious question: what are you trying to control?

3

lyndon:
That said, I’m sure you could find a simpler 4-20mA converter online.

First, thank you so much for being un-greedy with your knowledge, generous.

Second, it’s taken me about 10 years to find this thing.

Where might I look for a simpler 4-20ma converter online?

I might as well switch before I get started,

although I have already ordered some parts.

(Using 1-5v from a pic or arduino)

If this circuit does not work correctly. Does this mean I would

get my 4-20ma, but then have too much voltage reduction below 12vdc?

If this is correct, what would I need to change, the transistors or the resistors?

If I understand the circuit, at least partially, the 10K resistor network

is just used because it’s a big resistance and because it matches the other 10K resistor.

I’m a little foggy on transistors. Is saturation, the point where the transistor

switches ‘ON’? If so, I don’t know how to select a more useful or correct transistor.

I’m in trouble when I try to venture beyond blinking the LED.

And all I remember is P=IE and E=AR. So when it comes to figuring out how

to select a transistor, it may as well be quantum mechanics.

Thanks for your generosity.

4

4-20 mA interfaces are industry standard since about 1950, and many companies sell them. There are also interface ICs that are dedicated to the task, for example from Analog Devices: http://www.analog.com/en/products/inter … 20-ma.html

See this article: https://www.sensorsmag.com/components/i … -interface

5

jremington:
4-20 mA interfaces are industry standard since about 1950, and many companies sell them. There are also interface ICs that are dedicated to the task, for example from Analog Devices: http://www.analog.com/en/products/inter … 20-ma.html

See this article: https://www.sensorsmag.com/components/i … -interface

Oh man! These Analog Devices have 'Lectrolytes!

Wow, where am I,

and where are my pants?

I thought I was out of the forest when I discovered the 4-20mA Loop,

but this is a full beam out.

You know I’m thankful.

fwiw, I made my mistake by trying to learn in a general way

about controlling valves, in my case. When I picked out the

valve I wanted to use, it described the 4-20mA control clearly

in the data sheet. And now I’m here. I’ll get off your shoulders now.

6

There are more modern ways of control. You can probably find a valve to suit your needs that’s digitally controlled and avoid the whole 4-20mA debacle since you’re starting with an Arduino.

7

Thanks Lyndon

I’ll check into direct digital valves.

I’m still going to try to build this circuit.

I’d like to see how well it works. I spent about $40

for the parts. The precision resistor array was $19.

But thanks to good suggestions here, I found a 4-20mA

board for $2 on ebay. So when I go to actually control

my test valve, I’m going to go from arduino to DAC to 4-20 board,

and see how that works out.

You have all been very helpful, thanks.