Looking for more ideas... current sensing

current
#1

Background:
I have a bunch (20+) of these current sensors (57P1820G) left over from an old model railroad project with my son where we made a circuit that sensed the current of an oncoming train and switched the crossing lights on based on a threshold value (tiny pot).

Ideas:
I'm thinking of the many cool ways in which these might be used in both analog and analog/digital projects and wondering if anyone has done/tried this.

Basics:

And a link to the full spec doc: http://www.viteccorp.com/data/CatalogSensing.pdf

#2

As far as i understand, it is basically a 300 turns coil.
So, by driving it with some current, it may be possible to use it as an electomagnet.

It may also be possible to use it like an electric guitar pickup (combined with a magnet).

#3

Yes, understood. And I did find a write up where someone did the guitar pickup thing... but I was curious if there could be some other potentially unique uses.. you know, since I have a bunch of them. :rofl:
And I realize since any derived current is proportional to the input this could be done other ways... but nonetheless, I'm open to ideas. :slight_smile:

#4

I have never experimented with magnetic pickups, but it can be fun experimenting it with something else than guitar strings such as metallic plates to make sort of resonators/reverbs.

#5

I like that you mentioned plates and reverbs... Hmmmm. I'll keep that idea flowing, although I do have a 2 spring reverb chamber waiting to be used in some future project that is near 2 years behind (small tube amp build for guitar ). :wink:

#6

perhaps some simple mechanical intervention could give bang for the buck...
How about instead of rotating tone wheels for an organ, current transformers with turns of wire from a regulated current supply and small diameter and pulse linear actuating grounded rods? Perhaps that could change the force field enough to give some character?

#7

Ahh yes... a variable inducter... will change the current slightly. I used the same principle in my home brew welder from rewound microwave transformers... ! :confounded:

#8

something like a Rhodes piano ?

#9

I had no idea... thanks for the info.

#10

I think this idea will sit on the bench for now... I look forward to any more input of ideas, but for now, have other projects to attend to. :grin: