Used here to customise a performance recreational vehicle, IMO’s i3 controller also has a serious side in the automation of industrial and commercial vehicles for a range of applications including GSM/GPRS, telemetry and automated reporting.

The compact size and high functionality offered by the miniature i3 controller proved to be the ideal control platform for the latest in customised vehicles from Canada.  The i3, together with IMO’s iSmart and Smart I/O, was employed to fully automate all aspects of a customised ‘retro’ vehicle.

The Dragon SSR is based on a convertible pick-up truck manufactured by Chevrolet, and inspired by the classis long wheelbase Chevrolet pick-ups of the 1940’s and 50’s…..except that this one has a six litre 400hp engine with a sub six second 0-62 mph time.

Initially, the builder was looking automatically synchronise the vehicle’s lights, doors, and other features with music and a video.   IMO’s new i3 was selected as it would provide both logic control and HMI functions in a single unit; digital and analogue I/O; remote I/O, and open bus communications.  Importantly, the i3 controller also provided the system expansion capabilities that were required as the Dragon project progressed.

The customer’s requirements were growing all the time, with the automation of the air suspension system, built-in fridge, bar, entertainment system and the cueing of specialty lighting on the vehicle all now automated.  The door, boot, bonnet and suspension operations were synchronised to music and a looping video so virtually every aspect of the vehicle required some degree of automation.

This necessitated the use of sensors at all points around the vehicle; and the control of actuators, geared and servo motors. The builder also used the i3’s built-in timers and counters to synchronise with the video, and to communicate to one of IMO’s iSmart units and Smart I/O for sequencing.

One of the HMI functions was selection of either the show-mode or run-mode from the interactive menu.  Run-mode makes it suitable for normal driving: in show-mode, all the functions automate and synchronise to a video. However, before these functions can be actuated, the i3 checks to make sure the vehicle is stopped, and brakes applied.  Using the i3’s built-in GSM/GPRS modem, the vehicle can be controlled manually from a mobile phone.

Go here for i3 controllers from stock at at discounted prices