I'm trying to get started in a project of automating my lawn sprinkler system. I have 8 zones that I would like to control via my computer. I was told a relay controller would work for this and wanted to know what type of Arduino board I should be looking at. I also wanted to use PHP to interface with the board to run the commands, I have seen a lot of projects that use PHP and I'm fairly familiar with it. Also does anyone know if there is a API for PHP as well, maybe some basic commands or a how to guide.
Thanks in advance for nay help on this matter,
--Phill
Any arduino would be suitable for this sort of think, you are not doing anything overly taxing.
You can use solid state relays or mechanical ones. Perhaps solid state will be better. Is it an AC load you are switching because there are different types for AC and DC. AC is the most common and cheapest.
I didn't see the PHP project page, thanks a ton for that gem
Is there are guide on how to interface with the device and a system via USB (Basically I'm asking how do I attache the arduino board to my sprinklers board)?
Would you recommend a arduino board?
Can I stack arduino boards, something like 2 four switch boards to get my eight switches? I know I would need 2 open USB ports then as well and write code for each USB port.
There is no need to, you can do all you need with one board.
I would recommend a basic standard Duemilanove board to get you going. The others have some sort of flavour or speciality.
Is there are guide on how to interface with the device and a system via USB
The Arduino has a USB socket on it so you just plug it in. When your project is loaded onto the arduino you can remove the USB lead and power it directly from a standard wall power supply and it will do the program you put into it using the USB lead.
