How to Switch Between two different Lights?

Projects General Guidance
1

(Hi im Relatively new at the whole Arduino thing so i was wondering if i could do this..:slight_smile:

I'm About to go on vacation and i have a pet ball Phython. I have to change his light every day to a night time light and a day time light. I Want this process
to automatically repeat every night and morning so it wont require my presence. I understand from a couple of friend that I may need a Relay if i am going
to power the lights with a regular wall outlet. Thats about as far as i know. Anyting such as programming or the right relay or how to hook up would be Great help thanks.

2

SSR (for your application the 10A model should be fine).
It has two input pins that accept dc 3V to 24V (sometimes 36V) . There is +v screw term and a GND screw term.
For simple on/off , a digital HIGH connected to these two pins turns on the SSR.
The SSR output screw terminals should be treated exactly like relay spst contacts. Cut the LINE (HOT) connect one of the cut wires to one of the OUTPUT screw terminals and the other cut wire to the other screw terminal.
For duty cycle (variable )control of the SSR , use a PWM pin & GND to control the dc input screw terminals intead of a digital pin.
If you use one of the PWM pins then you can do either.

3

Thanks I'll try to do that. Is the programming easy?

4

You could get two of these:

5

Is the programming easy?

6

The PowerSwitch Tail is for people who either don't have the time or inclination to wire it up themselves or are not qualified to wire circuits for 120vac (would your wife to do it?, probably not. The Power Switch Tail was made for housewives and old people or busy or lazy people)
If you are none of the above then,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOT-OF-2-CRYDOM-SOLID-STATE-RELAY-D1210-120Vac-10A-A-AMP-3-32Vdc-/301181950791

7

The Power Switch Tail was made for housewives and old people or busy or lazy people

OR

Hi im Relatively new at the whole Arduino thing so i was wondering if i could do this..smiley

8

Thanks a Bunch guys...I'm obviously a beginner and im not sure even how the relays even work or how to program the arduino. I can only program leds to blink and barely know the if statement. I want to order the crydom Relays but im scared because i dont know how to program the arduino or how to hook them up to the two lights at all.

9

Hi im Relatively new at the whole Arduino thing so

Oh yeah, right , and them.. (how could I forget our Newbie friends ?)

10

Use the PowerSwitch Tail.
As far as programming, if you can turn on a led you can turn on a PowerSwitch Tail.

For time of day:
You would have to look into a RTC for setting the time if you want accuracy.
Or
You can use a light dependant resistor to get the relative time of day.

Try to write some sketches.
When you need help ask for it.