I have been working on a flashing sketch for some time, and I now like what I see.
I want to try and control the 6 arms of a Christmas snowflake display. I however really don't want to use relays unless I just can't do it any other way.
The led are driven from a single 12 VDC supply and I was wondering if simple optical couplers could be used to turn on and off each leg of the snowflake the same as it turns on the leds I use on my pro-to-board.
There are only 15 to 20 small leds per arm and it is driven by a 2 amp 12 VDC supply.
Just asking... don't really like the clacking of the relays inside the house...
Dan
don't really like the clacking of the relays inside the house...
Maybe use MOSFETs instead. They don't click !
i had use Solid State Relay one of my hobby projects, there is no clicking sound with it, maybe it can help you, but as @UKHeliBob said, mosfet is much more suitable.
Solid State Relay : 5V 1/2/4/8 Channel SSR G3MB-202P Solid State Relay Module For Arduino | eBay
thanks for the leads... the only solid state relays I have used were in the $50 each area... didn't realize they where around in this cheep form... thanks again
Those SSRs are for 240V so I think it's safe to assume AC. They may not work at all for a DC load - most likely unable to switch off.
Use a MOSFET instead, that's a DC device.
wvmarle:
Those SSRs are for 240V so I think it's safe to assume AC. They may not work at all for a DC load - most likely unable to switch off.Use a MOSFET instead, that's a DC device.
@wvmarle is right, i did use on DC loads but the loads were 9V or 12V - 1AMP, so it worked well but not sure about high DC loads.
Mosfets are simple and cheap.
Sketch one LED circuit. And post the sketch.
Relays of any kind don't make sense in most LED applications