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switching ac lights — Parallax Forums

switching ac lights

MR SPARKYMR SPARKY Posts: 23
edited 2008-10-22 21:21 in BASIC Stamp
I am trying to switch ac lights with a BS2IC. I am using fagor FT0807MH4304 logic level triacs. I cant get the controler to turn the lights on and off. they stay on when computer is connected and off when computer not connected. Am I missing something in the circuit. please help.

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I light up·everyones life!!!!!

Comments

  • FranklinFranklin Posts: 4,747
    edited 2008-10-21 16:00
    Well, if you include your circuit we might be able to tell you...

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    - Stephen
  • MR SPARKYMR SPARKY Posts: 23
    edited 2008-10-21 16:14
    i dont have any software to create the cicuit. what i did was connected L1 to MT1 and the load to MT2 the pin from BS2 to the gate through a 10k resister. i tryed to reverse MT1 and MT2. the light would only light with the computer connected to the controler.

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    I light up·everyones life!!!!!
  • MR SPARKYMR SPARKY Posts: 23
    edited 2008-10-21 16:38
    i provided a link to the triac i am using
    http://www.alliedelec.com/Images/Products/Datasheets/BM/FAGOR/FAGOR_ACTIVES-AND-PASSIVES_3490148.PDF

    i have attached a file frome design works express.

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    I light up·everyones life!!!!!
    cct
    cct
    Circuit1.cct
    17K
  • MR SPARKYMR SPARKY Posts: 23
    edited 2008-10-21 16:43
    if anyone knows where i can find software to design and test circuits it would be helpful.

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    I light up·everyones life!!!!!
  • Beau SchwabeBeau Schwabe Posts: 6,568
    edited 2008-10-21 21:54
    MR SPARKY,

    You need to provide a galvanic isolation between the TRIAC and the driver circuitry. The situation you have is dangerous in that the circuit is completed through the connection on your computer.

    The "safe" way to do this is use a SSR (Solid State Relay) which has all of the necessary isolation.

    If you want to roll your own with the TRIAC you have, there is a missing component called an OPTO-Isolator that you need to include. See the link below for a description/example of using an OPTO_Isolator to drive a TRIAC.

    Note: The OPTO-Isolator itself should have a triac output.


    www.signindustry.com/electric/articles/2000-11_ALDORtriacexplainted.php3

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    Beau Schwabe

    IC Layout Engineer
    Parallax, Inc.

    Post Edited (Beau Schwabe (Parallax)) : 10/21/2008 10:04:04 PM GMT
  • MR SPARKYMR SPARKY Posts: 23
    edited 2008-10-22 16:41
    thank you beau schwabe. i found that out later on in my searching.

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    I light up·everyones life!!!!!
  • MR SPARKYMR SPARKY Posts: 23
    edited 2008-10-22 16:49
    i see the diagram. but what size resistors should i use for my particular triac. how do i figure that out. what would be the best most afordable opto isolator be.

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    I light up·everyones life!!!!!
  • Beau SchwabeBeau Schwabe Posts: 6,568
    edited 2008-10-22 21:21
    MR SPARKY,

    The Opto-Isolator used in my previous post is a MOC3061.· The Datasheet below provides an example schematic.

    http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/MO%2FMOC3063-M.pdf

    DigiKey has them for·$1.12 here...

    http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?lang=en&site=US&keywords=MOC3061&x=8&y=10








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    Beau Schwabe

    IC Layout Engineer
    Parallax, Inc.
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