Ive wired up a few x bees, and Ethernet shield and two uno's to control my Christmas tree over the internet.
The one near the tree is triggering a relay https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10747right off of digital pin 8. Is it safe to leave it plugged in and running?
-Nick
Is it ever a good idea to leave a xmas tree powered up and running - except when you're
in the same room?
Why not add a motion sensing device that turns the tree on when your in the room? If nobody is there to see it why leave it on?
winner10920:
Why not add a motion sensing device that turns the tree on when your in the room? If nobody is there to see it why leave it on?
A lot of people put trees next to their window, so that as people are driving by the house, they see the tree. My wife is the sort that likes the tree lit up as she is driving home. I am thinking about doing something with an Arduino next year (as I posted in the home & automation section). I suspect the main thing will be usual timers (but with allowances for keeping the tree on during the day on the weekend), and perhaps motion sensors for off hours (though with a large dog, I'm not sure motion sensors would be useful).
Note, the new tree lights using LEDs are a lot cooler than the incandescent tree lights of my youth (and I suspect they draw less power as well).