Hello,
If it has been answered before I apologize. But I have scoured the internet, youtube etc for an exact example and can't seem to find.
I'm looking to build a simple watering system (soil sensor, water level monitor and pump). The sensors are ok.
My pump is a 12vdc unit. I'm in the UK so don't want to use the mains (as Ive read that can be dangerous) So i've bought a dc 12v adapter to drop the power. I've purchased a relay but noticed its an ac relay ( reading online there can be issues with this). Should I buy a Dc relay instead? What is the best way to wire the pump through the arduino? Open to suggestions. (beginner in electronics).
Cheers for any info
Thanks for the answer I'll have a look
I've purchased a relay but noticed its an ac relay ( reading online there can be issues with this).
Can you give us a link to the relay?
There two "sides" to a relay. In general the coil can't be driven by the 5V, low-current, output from the Arduino. You'll need a transistor or MOSFET driver circuit to drive the coil. There are "relay boards" with a relay and driver built-in.
On the contact side, contacts rated for 120 or 240VAC can be used with 12VDC.
An alternative would be to use a transistor/MOSFET driver directly to the DC motor ([u]example[/u]).
Make sure your 12V power supply can supply the current required by the pump.
...Solid state relays usually don't need a driver (they don't have a coil) but you can't use an AC solid-state relay for DC or vice-versa.
WOOOt !! Thanks . Now just gotta get it wired correctly
