Controlling several 120v AC (EL panels) with Arduino

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

Hi,
I need to control (switch on/off and dim) several 120v AC ElectroLuminescent displays with an Arduino. This looks like this is what I need to build: Controllable Power Outlet - SparkFun Electronics

It would be quicker for me to buy it already assembled. Another problem would still be that I need to control several of them, dozens in the final project, so if I need one relay box for each EL panel I will struggle, I guess I might need smething simimlar to this:
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221213348/http://cubloc.com/product/03_02cusb22r.php

Also Adafruit is selling this all in one solution Powerswitch tail 2 : ID 268 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
but still only usable for one EL panel, and I need to use a lot.

Maybe one of you guys have already come across a single device (dream!) where I can plug my digital inputs, and ouput to many 120v AC devices?

I only have basic knowledge in Arduino and electrics, but very happy to learn!

thanks!

2

The 'dim' part got me confused.
Do you only want to switch them on and off, or dim the full range ?

How many is 'several'. Maybe only 5 ? or 500 ?

Search on Ebay for "8 channel relay" and "SSR-25DA", to see if that is something you like.

3

Hey Caltoa,

Sorry for late reply, I found what I needed, which is the EL Escudo.

Eventually I would like to use about 100 EL panels, and with one EL Escudo I can only use 8, but that's enough for a start. Of course, if you have any idea what to use for firing several hundreds of them it'd be great to know.

Bruno