So, I added the buck converter and all of the hardware acts as expected when tested stand alone... with one exception that I cant figure out. If I touch my screwdriver (steel precision screwdriver) to any of the pulled up inputs, they trigger? Is this a common problem? Is there a simple solution?
The power 110v comes into the brain box itself. It is distributed to the adjacent 4x4 box that has the 2 outlets (should be in the picture). The 12v power supply plugs into one of those outlets and then plugs back into the brain box via barrel jack. The power and ground go from there to distribution blocks that provide power and ground to all of the components including the barrel jack that goes to the arduino. So all the grounds should be common, I dont understand what could cause this?
My arduino was triggering during other events. I had no idea why. I just realized that if I use a metal screwdriver on my pulled up inputs (yes I was working on it with it powered up... just putting in an input) it triggers the input... I dont understand how my body touching a pulled up input could be enough to cause a trigger LOW?
If that is still a problem, please post complete details of your hardware. Otherwise you will only get generic answers about high impedance inputs, electric fields, etc.
You did ask the same in your main thread about 40min ago.
What do you switch with the relays. Do you have back-EMF protection on the loads.
How long is you input wiring. Is it twisted, or messy.
One cure for the switches is adding a 100n ceramic cap between input to ground, close to the arduino pin.
Leo..
Other really noisy stuff is fluorescent lighting, a neighbor with an arc welder, nearby lightning strikes, old AC powered motors (universal: drills, vacuum cleaners.) The world in very noisy.