I'd like to start by saying hello. I got my first Arduino (Uno) 2 days ago, and I'm already loving the world of possibilities that just opened up for me.
Now onto the project.
I am looking to create a RF controlled quadbox extension cable to be controlled by another arduino. The idea is, once this is completed, I can use a second arduino with sensors and an RF transmitter to do the actual controlling, and wont need to open the quadbox to add a new sensor or bit of logic.
I have attached my current plan for wiring. (although I want to add a 220v AC to 5v DC converter directly into the box eventually)
My first question (although it's more of an electrical engineering question than an arduino question)
Do I need to split the neutral wires if the hot input is split? I tried to find a half hot wiring diagram to follow, but I see conflicting answers for this.
My second question is, does anyone have a recommendation for the relays or RF module? I only need the RF to go about 10ft and through some drywall.
I'm sure I'll have a bunch more in the next few days/weeks to come. Thanks in advance for any help, and I look forward to learning this amazing hobby with you all.
Do I need to split the neutral wires if the hot input is split?
No. in your house, all of the neutrals are permanently connected together, as are the grounds. Only the hots* go through circuit breakers & switches.
I suggest you consider using some standard [u]home automation[/u] components. (That's a 120V version and only one of the outlets is switched.) They've solved all if the engineering & construction issues involved in fitting everything into an outlet box, the electrical isolation and wireless reception.
You can build or buy the controller/transmitter but there are lots of advantages to buying the outlets (and/or switches/dimmers, etc.). If you do build a transmitter/controller, you still may want to buy a basic transmitter for testing & troubleshooting purposes.
There are a few home automation protocols. X-10 has been around for 30 or 40 years and it works by sending an RF signal over the AC power lines. Insteon sends a wireless RF signal plus a signal over the wiring. (I have a combination X-10 and Insteon system, and I didn't build any of it myself.) And, there are a couple more standards/protocols.
...I have made a hard-wired controlled outlet-box (on the end of an "extension cord") for some Arduino lighting effects by essentially building solid state relays and cramming the circuitry into the box.
- Here in the U.S., 120V has a hot, neutral, and ground, but 220V has two out-of-phase hot wires (plus neutral & ground) and both hot wires go through a ganged breaker.