I dont know anything about arduino and I would like to control an ac appliance [a toaster for now, then perhaps a drill, a hot plate, speakers, and a lamp] with arduino.
I already modified the toaster to where it will turn on when power is applied, I don't need a user input yet, all I need is power to turn on for 90 seconds [when power is applied], then turn off.
Is this possible?
What kind of hardware and software do I need to get for this to work? I catch on pretty quick, what is the best way to learn arduino?
is there an arduino simulator that I can practice writing arduino without actually getting hardware so that I can experiment and learn?
You can use a relay. Make sure it's rated 13 amps!!! There are modules you can buy from ebay that will take a digital input and turn the relay on or off directly. If you use your own relay, you can put a diode pointing from ground to your output pin (in parallel with the relay magnet) to save you from frying your Atmega. I remember there's a sample program that blinks the LED on/off with a set period. You can Delay() it.
Best way to learn Arduino is to actually do it for real, no simulator. Try the example programs and build them. If you've never played with mains voltage, you might want to try something less risky, or even turn on/off a battery operated torch with the 13A relay so you can test it properly.
I forgot to mention, you might want to use a transistor to power the relay magnet. Actually... don't listen to me.... this is better:
Hi. Like one of the other posts said, you sould use a relay to do the job. Infact, just the other day I made a webpage that says how to control a DC motor. It's the same thing for a relay, but you don't need to use a PWM pin. All you have to do to program it is to set the pin HIGH or LOW. https://sites.google.com/site/arduinosoapy29/motor-speed-controller
