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Control 120V AC Outlet with BS1? — Parallax Forums

Control 120V AC Outlet with BS1?

gboultongboulton Posts: 3
edited 2005-07-11 15:15 in BASIC Stamp
Hi all!

Complete newbie here [noparse]:)[/noparse] Certainly willing to do my own research, but I'm not having a whole lot of luck finding any info.

I have one very simple question:

Can a basic Stamp 1 be used to simplpy turn on or off a 120 V AC outlet? If so, could anyone simply point me in a good direction to do some studying and research. i certainly won't ask anyone to spell out step by step instructions [noparse]:)[/noparse]

Thanks in advance,

/gb

Comments

  • NewzedNewzed Posts: 2,503
    edited 2004-12-10 00:58
    Take a look at the X-10 Firecracker.· Works for me.

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    Sid Weaver
    4 digit serial LED

    http://hometown.aol.com/newzed/index.html
    ·
  • gboultongboulton Posts: 3
    edited 2004-12-10 01:54
    Sid,

    Thanks for the quick reply! Did a little snooping, found several descriptions of controlling firecrackers with a basic stamp. That gives me a great place to start my project.

    Thanks again!

    /gb
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2004-12-10 14:56
    Sid's idea is certainly more appropriate for someone not experienced with switching high-voltage.· One other option you could consider is an SSR (Solid-State Relay).· Many run on standard TTL output, are optically isolated from the Stamp, and can switch 120VAC loads using only 1 I/O pin.

    CAUTION is always advised when working with mains voltages, and you should ALWAYS make sure there is NO POWER to the circuit when working on it.· That said, it's a common way to switch mains voltages.

    If you have any doubt as to your ability to do it, I would stick with Sid's suggestion, since it's safer.



    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Chris Savage

    Knight Designs
    324 West Main Street
    P.O. Box 97
    Montour Falls, NY 14865
    (607) 535-6777

    Business Page:·· http://www.knightdesigns.com
    Personal Page:··· http://www.lightlink.com/dream/chris
    Designs Page:··· http://www.lightlink.com/dream/designs
    ·
  • gboultongboulton Posts: 3
    edited 2004-12-10 20:28
    Thanks for the advice, Chris.

    I'm really not sure where I fall here. *heh* have a significant amount of electronics, programming, and electrical project experience, but have NEVER played with a Stam,p or SSR...I'm guessing "first Stamp project" probably isn't the right time to start "first SSR project" as well [noparse];)[/noparse]

    Other than a concern about how much current the X-10's will handle (One device I'll be switching draws a fair amount...haven't checked yet to know exactly how much) which I'll obviously have to research, I think Sid's idea is going to work very nicely...and even let the device be wireless. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    As I do more research, and form up a plan, I'm sure you guys will hear from me again [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    Thanks again to both of you for the quick responses and ideas.

    /gb
  • AlWilliamsAWCAlWilliamsAWC Posts: 135
    edited 2004-12-10 21:03
    Be sure to look at http://www.al-williams.com/firecracker.htm.

    Regards,

    Al Williams
    AWC
    http://www.awce.com
    ·
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2004-12-13 16:10
    The SSR solution is quite simple. One pin from the BasicStamp can toggle it on/off.
    The problem with SSR is that you should or
    I should say MUST install a circuit breaker or a fuse in the 120AC LINE as a saftey precaution.

    The SSR usually fails in a short circuit mode. This may become a fire hazard.
    And the SSR has difficulty with certain devices upseting its internal electronics (such as fluroent lams due to high voltage transformers)

    In sum, both the X-10 and the SSRs are solid state devices and have switching limitations created by the internal workings of solid state switching of 120VAC.

    Alternatively, you can simply drive a +5 or +12VDC relay via a Darlington transistor (which is properly protected by a flyback diode). This simple solution results in you having a mechanical relay which is most likely to fail into an OFF mode. Thus, you have less of a fire hazard.

    Much as purists would love to go solid state all the way, the relay is quite useful and will be around for a long time. Especially when you you want to build something that you can leave unattended.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    G. Herzog in Taiwan
  • christo1423christo1423 Posts: 19
    edited 2005-07-11 14:16
    A solution I thought of is to use a servo or DC Motor to flip a physical switch thus keeping the high voltage completely off of the Basic Stamp. I admit I use a BS2 and I have no Idea if a BS1 can control a Servo or DC Motor but if it can this could be a solution.
  • allanlane5allanlane5 Posts: 3,815
    edited 2005-07-11 15:15
    Christo:

    1. Please don't hijack posts from December 2004.

    2. Please only post your USB solution (USBWhiz) once. Not on every single USB related post.

    Thanks.
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