Building an AC Power Switch Development Board

Ever want to create a design that automates turning on or off an AC powered device such as a light or a heating system? Well this video is for you! In this video we look at how to create a development board for switching on and off AC power. The switch is implemented with a TRIAC which is a semiconductor device so no moving parts like a relay based design. You can access the Eagle PCB layout files from this link https://github.com/ForceTronics/AC-Switch-Proto-Board/tree/master or you can purchase this development board from www.forcetronics.com

Download Eagles files from GitHub: https://github.com/ForceTronics/AC-Switch-Proto-Board

*********************************Arduino code shown in the video********

//This sketch is used to control Thyristor that is used as a switch to turn on and off an AC line powered light. //This code is free for all to use

int8_t dig = 0; //default is high for light off

void setup() {

  //for controlling Thyristor

  pinMode(7, OUTPUT); //set pin to output so it can sink current from optoisolator

  digitalWrite(7, HIGH); //when high the thyristor is off or open

}

void loop() {

  delay(3000); //light turns on / off every 2 seconds

  togLight(); //call function to turn light on / off using digital pin

}

void togLight() {

  if(dig) { 

     digitalWrite(7, HIGH); //turn off light

     dig = 0; //toggle dig value

  }

  else {  

     digitalWrite(7, LOW); //turn light on

     dig = 1; 

   }

}

Building a Smart Thermostat Part 1

In this project we will build a smart thermostat with features such as high accuracy temperature measurements, customized user interface, and, best of all, wireless control from an Android device. Since this is a big project it will be presented in three parts. This is part one where we will cover the basic design and get to a working prototype. To download the Arduino code follow the GitHub link below. Please share your comments!

Arduino code from GitHub

Smart Thermstat Part 1 (prototype)

Switching AC Line Power with a Thyristor (TRIAC)

In this video we look at how to use a Thyristor (TRIAC) as an AC line power switch. Great tool to use in home automation projects for turning on or off a light or building your own thermostat.

Thyristor Example Circuit

//This sketch is used to control Thyristor that is used as a switch to turn on and off an AC line powered light. //This code is free for all to use
int8_t dig = 1; //default is high for light off

void setup() {
  //for controlling Thyristor
  pinMode(3, OUTPUT); //set pin to output so it can sink current from optoisolator
  digitalWrite(3, HIGH); //when high the thyristor is off or open
}

void loop() {
  delay(2000); //light turns on / off every 2 seconds
  togLight(); //call function to turn light on / off using digital pin
}

void togLight() {
  if(dig) { 
     digitalWrite(3, HIGH); //turn off light
     dig = 0; //toggle dig value
  }
  else {  
     digitalWrite(3, LOW); //turn light on
     dig = 1; 
   }
}