Cell Phone Controlled Remote Switch for Engine Pre-Heaters
I am looking into developing a cell phone controlled remote switch that would allow you to call a number and have the airplane start pre-heating before you even leave for the airport.
I have found a circuit board that when triggered by the light of the cell phone screen will energize a relay that inturn energizes a recepticle you can plug your engine heater into.
The cell phone would be of the inexpensive pre-paid type and would be pluged in and powered on all of the time.
The cool trick is that you don’t have to even have the phone answer the call. The phone always activates the screen light when the incoming call is received and that is what triggers the control circuit via the light sensor.
The unit can be programmed to energize the recepticle for 0.5s, 2s, 30s, 1 min, 5 min, 15 min, 30min and 1 hour after which it will shut down automatically.
I am going to have to do some more research regarding the actual recommended cell phone and whether or not it would be included or be purchased independently by the customer. This might be a better way to go because the customer would likely want a local number to call to avoid any possible charges. The phone has to be a non-flip type phone as the unit has to be mounted beside the circuit board and have the light sensor siliconed to its screen.
I am interested in what you have to say about this.
E-mail me with your comments HERE
Dave