I looked around and found these remote controlled switch sockets that works great and are really cheap. Update: check this blog post to learn a simple way to use OpenSprinkler to control remote power sockets. That’s why I found the next example is more practical, as it completely shields me away from power lines.Įxample 3: Switching Power Line Sockets using Remote Controlled Switches
![manually add opensprinkler manually add opensprinkler](http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/QeghKb4PLH0/maxresdefault.jpg)
Part of the reason I didn’t put up this example is that I don’t want to mess with high voltage. I didn’t put up a demo for this, but the idea is similar to example 1, except the relay coils will be replacing the light bulbs.
#Manually add opensprinkler driver
However, the driver ports are not protected, so make sure you are connecting your devices in the right direction! ( This diagram is only for OpenSprinkler v1.0! For other versions please refer to the circuit board design).įinally, I did a quick demo to show that it’s possible to output PWM signal (through the shift register) to the DC components to provide analog control, for example, adjusting the brightness of the light bulbs.Įxample 2: Switching Power Line Sockets using Relays The input power is protected by diode D1, so if you happen to connect the power incorrectly it shouldn’t blow up the circuit. I’ve marked the image below to indicate positive and negative leads. For light bulbs this doesn’t matter, but in general you should pay attention to polarity. For example, if your device works with 12V DC and draws 500mA when turned on, the transistor’s maximum voltage and current ratings must be at least 12V DC and 500mA.Ĭaution: Since DC has polarity, you have to distinguish between the positive and negative pins. Voila, I have a web-controlled light bulb array! Maybe use it to light up Halloween pumpkins?Ĭaution: Your transistors must have sufficient current and voltage ratings to drive the DC output. I then bought a number 12VDC 4-Watt landscape light bulbs and connected them to terminal blocks. The replacement is very simple because the triac pinouts match the transistors exactly, so they are inserted the same way into the PCB. Here I replaced the triacs with MPSA14 darlington transistors in order to switch DC components. If you have thoughts and suggestions, be sure to drop me a line. I’ve also included a couple of demonstrations that I quickly put up together as proofs of concept.
![manually add opensprinkler manually add opensprinkler](https://smarthomepursuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image-20-585x244.png)
The diagrams below show how various devices can be connected and switched by controller, allowing them to be scheduled from the same web interface. This provides an easy and safe way to control power line devices. Alternatively, you can use the controller in conjunction with an RF transmitter to send switch signals to a remote power socket. If you need to switch high-voltage devices, such as power line devices, you can use the controller to switch 24VAC relays, and the relays will in turn control high-voltage devices. The limit is due to the fact that the controller uses a single power supply design, and the switching regulator’s maximum input voltage is 40VDC.īesides, the triacs can be replaced by MOSFETs/transistors to switch DC devices, as long as the DC input is below 40VDC. The on-board triacs can be used to switch other AC devices, so long as the voltage required by these devices fall below 28VAC.
#Manually add opensprinkler drivers
In essence it is really a general-purpose development board that has a microcontroller, Ethernet controller, LCD, buttons, output drivers and terminal blocks to control devices.
![manually add opensprinkler manually add opensprinkler](https://rayshobby.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/os_fw18_stations.png)
With some modifications, OpenSprinkler can be used to switch other electronic devices via the same web interface.
![manually add opensprinkler manually add opensprinkler](https://albahra.com/opensprinkler/img/runonce.png)
Check this blog post for a simple way to use OpenSprinkler to control remote power sockets.