Q: So... what is it?
A: The EZ-3mirco is an uber-cool, 3-stage timer designed for simple props and displays.
Q: Why'd you do it?
A: That's easy! A lot of people spend countless -- often frustrating -- hours assembling their own 3-stage timers from off-the shelf parts and usually don't get the kind of performance they want. We made it easy.
Q: What's so special about a 3-stage timer?
A: Nothing much -- unless it has an EFX-TEK logo on it. Then and there you know it was designed to be user-friendly, has great support (if you ever need it), is quality-built, and fairly priced.
Q: I'm new to controls. How does a 3-stage timer work?
A: Good question! A 3-stage timer works as its name suggests: in three stages. After getting a trigger (start) input, there is a wait stage before the output is active. This is set with the PRE potentiometer. When that stage finishes the output is on for a time set by the RUN potentiometer. Finally, there is a hold-off period before the device will trigger again; this is set by the OFF potentiometer.
In the EZ-3micro we actually have another output called PULSE (which is copied to AUDIO). This is a very short output which can be used in applications that need a quick "blip" at the beginning of the run period (e.g., for starting an audio player).
This diagram shows the time relationship of the stages. Each stage on the EZ-3micro is indicated with a color-coded LED next to the associated pot.
(http://www.efx-tek.com/files/3stage_timing.png)
Q: What makes this different from any of the plans I can find on the Internet?
A: Again, this is an EFX-TEK product so it's not your run-of-the-mill control product. Instead of using analog timer chips (555) and RC networks to set timing, we use a precision microcontroller to give you repeatable timing. RC networks are subject to timing drift due to temperature changes -- you'll never have that problem with the EZ-3micro.
Q: How do I start it?
A: Your choice: 1) Dry-contact input (e.g., mat switch), 2) 12-24 DC voltage input, 3) Parallax-compatible PIR input, and 4) onboard push-button.
Q: What are the outputs?
A: In fact there are 2.5 -- let me explain. After the trigger delay there are two momentary (pulsed) outputs; one is a high-current output for valves, the second is a 5v or open-collector output for starting an external audio player (this is the 0.5 output). For the period set by the RUN pot a relay is active; that relay allows you to control anything you'd like, AC or DC.
Q: In my home-made 3-stage timer I had to change capacitors to change the output timing range. With no RC circuits am I stuck with the timing you've built into the EZ-3micro?
A: No! This is the uber-cool part. Your friends at EFX-TEK do their best to design flexible products and this one is no exception. There is a configuration jumper that will let you set the range of each pot as well as the pulse output duration. These settings are entered into the EZ-3micro through the timing pots when you're in configuration mode. Once you've entered your settings, power down, remove the configuration jumper, and power back up with your new settings! No computer required!
Configuration Options:
| A | B | C | D | E |
PRE | 0-10s | 0-20s | 0-30s | 5-15s (random) | 10-30s (random) |
PULSE | 250ms | 500ms | 1s | 2s | 5s |
RUN | 10-20s | 10-30s | 10-60s | 10s-2m | 10s-5m |
POST | 10-20s | 10-30s | 10-60s | 10s-2m | 10s-5m |
Q: Wait! Did you say I can do random pre-delay timing? In a non-programmable controller?
A: You got it! We did the hard programming on the inside so it's easy and flexible on the outside.
Q: Can I see it?
A: Sure, here's a picture.
(http://www.efx-tek.com/files/ez-3micro__rev_a.jpg)
Q: How much will it cost?
A: At this time the target MSRP -- which is subject to change -- is $34.95, with discounts ($31.95 for 5x, $26.95 for 10x). Keep in mind that you will need a 12v power supply as well. Still, the $34.95 price is $29.95 less than the Prop-1/EZ-3 combination -- and it doesn't require a computer. For your simple pop-ups, this is the way to go!
Q: I know you said it's not programmable but... can I program it?
A: Sure, if you're a PIC programmer. We will only provide the schematic for guidance, no source code. If you want to reprogram it you can, but you have to do it on your own.
Looks like an awesome piece. You guys are awesome.
That big fat transistor on the Pulse output is for you and your (noisy!) air cannons. Hopefully, this will fit in well with some of the cool props you build.
I am sure I will make good use of it! I promise to never bring air cannons near you again. :)
So how/when can I order 10 ?
We'll let you know! ;D
I need to purchase a bunch of these now( in the next week) are there any beta versions available yet ? How can it be taking so long to get these to market ?
No beta units yet. While showing the prototypes (pictured above) at Transworld we listen to feedback and made a small design change that has been implemented; new boards are on the way now. Once they're built up and verified (when we get back from HauntCon) we can roll them into production.
QuoteHow can it be taking so long to get these to market?
We'd love to have them for sale now, but we have to be careful with our resources, especially for a low-cost product like this. We can't jump into a 500-unit production run without being absolutely sure there won't be problems because we have to pay for them up front. Making big runs is the only way to keep pricing where our customers want it and still have a viable business. And the fact is, we have several other projects going at the same time (ours and for clients); every project has to be handled with care because a mistake at the production stage could ruin us.
Jon-
How are you guys coming along on these?
Sorry if I'm being a pest :o
Shawn
The first run is in production now; we made a couple small adjustments to improve durability (like adding an self-resetting electronic fuse that is becoming standard in our products).
Quote from: JonnyMac on August 15, 2011, 03:41:20 PM
The first run is in production now; we made a couple small adjustments to improve durability (like adding an self-resetting electronic fuse that is becoming standard in our products).
Channeling Mr. Burns -
Excellent Thanks for the Update!
Can the run time be dialed back to 1-5 seconds? The pulse is perfect for the audio. But I need the run to be in the area of 1-5 seconds.
Buzzkill,
Here is the lowest settings (Zone A) for EZ-3micro from the EZ-3micro PDF, which I attached.
PRE Delay ( 0-10s )
RUN Time 10-30s
OFF Time 10-30s
PULSE / Audio ( 0.25s )
No, 10s is the fixed minimum for the relay output.
For anything that has to run less than 10, I just use the pulse output and set it to .5, 1.0, 2.5, or 5 seconds.
What a great idea Brain. Just remember that output can't handle what the relay can in high volts and amps. With extra circuit or a 5VDC relay you can do what you have suggested.
The pulse output can handle 5amps. That should be way more than any low voltage device a prop builder would be wiring to it. It was put there to handle my air cannons and similar devices, which pull at a max, 1 amp @ 12vdc.
In one of the posts above it says the schematics are available if you want to hack the EZ3-Micro. I'd like to fool around with it and wanted to know where to download it.
I'm attaching it here pending an update (that does not affect programming) and posting it on our web site.
Please understand that we will not provide source code for the EZ-3micro, so before you change the program, be sure that you are very confident in what you're doing. You will need a PicKit2 or PicKit3 programming tool to download your own firmware (we've used both).
www.efx-tek.com/downloads/EZ-3_micro__v1x00.pdf (http://www.efx-tek.com/downloads/EZ-3_micro__v1x00.pdf)
Quote from: JonnyMac on December 17, 2011, 07:35:32 PM
I'm attaching it here pending an update (that does not affect programming) and posting it on our web site.
Please understand that we will not provide source code for the EZ-3micro, so before you change the program, be sure that you are very confident in what you're doing. You will need a PicKit2 or PicKit3 programming tool to download your own firmware (we've used both).
Thanks Jonny. I have all the necessary tools. I tried to click the attachment, but it is trying to download the index.php file not the pdf attachment. Is this a firefox issue?
It downloaded in Google Chrome for me, so it may be a fire fox issue
I found FF had an issue, too, so I've created a direct link instead of an attachment. See above.
Quote from: JonnyMac on December 17, 2011, 09:35:15 PM
I found FF had an issue, too, so I've created a direct link instead of an attachment. See above.
Bingo, that worked. Thanks so much!
You're welcome. If you decide to post code, please do that as a separate thread, not here in the Q&A. Have fun!