I would like to share my idea, that maybe somebody could find usefull as well.
I wanted to get rid of as many batteries as possible, while maintin a "safe" shutdown, but also get rid of electricity in the whole circuit.
For the pracitcal issues, I couldnt get a CarPiHat so I went DIY way.
I rely on.:
- 2x relays; 1. FINDER relay (simple relay), 2. CRM relay (with additional features as timing)
1x convertor
1x rectifier diode
1x TVS diode
A quick describtion.:
FINDER relay;
- TVS diode is connected on coil (A1, A2) - just in case of voltage spikes
- redirects 12V to SIG. input on CRM relay
- closing contact (COM, NO) for GPIO on Raspberry Pi - Raspberry pi has a python script that watches if the contact is closed or opened. Once the IGNITION is turned off, the python script for shutdown executes and Pi is about to sleep.
CRM relay;
This relay has many functions, I am using a DELAY function. When 12V is provided to SIG. input, the delay will activate relay after 20 seconds passed. The same goes for the off state - when 12V is taken from SIG. input, after 20 seconds the relay is deactivated.
This relay also makes a
bypass for itself and powers the whole circuit. After IGNITION is off (
The relay keeps powering itself, untill the countdown of 20 seconds is done after removing 12V from SIG. input).
Rectifier diode is set on coil of this relay (A1) so that it wont be powering FINDER relay after IGNITION is turned off.
This setup works for me very well. The only downside is the 20seconds delay on startup (which I dont really mind, since I let the car to have a little warmup so that oil reaches the other parts of the engine). Also if I will try to startup my car after 20seconds passed, the Pi will die in the middle of the booting, since while starting, the car shutsdown everything.
So far, everything works like a charm. No problems for me.
Hope it is understandable, even the drawings.