I've seen how arduino can trigger LED lights but can it be programmed to activate an external light/spot light e.t.c.
With the use of a transistor or relay, yes.
Okay thank you so much for such a prompt reply
How can it be done with a transistor (total beginner here!)
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aliali44:
I've seen how arduino can trigger LED lights but can it be programmed to activate an external light/spot light e.t.c.
An Arduino can (by the help of an infrared IR LED) send IR commands, like any IR remote control.
Do you think about using an Arduino as an IR remote control?
Which country are you from? Here in middle and western Europe Remote-controlled electrical mains sockets are rather popular, working with radio frequency on free ISM radio frequency.
ISM RF frequency band in Europe free ISM frequency is 433 MHz, in US it would be 315 MHz, I think.
You can connect a RF sender module to an Arduino, then use the "RCSwitch" library to send on/off commands to your remote controlled electrical mains socket.
Something like that, you want?
I think he means he wants to turn on a mains powered light with the Arduino, it is not clear whether it has to be wireless or not.
aliali44: Check out a Solid State Relay for your mains voltage:
thanks for all your guidance. I am doing an interactive installation and want to set off a spot light at specific times in the installation - it doesn't need to be wireless
spycatcher2k:
You are not in the GOOGLE territory of questions.
OP certainly is. Google has the answers to all of his/her questions, so far.
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