Hi,
Opening caveat: my electronics knowledge is pretty basic, I appreciate any help.
I've pulled apart an action camera and soldered some wires to the switch contacts for the power/function button and the shutter button. For both switches when I touch the pair together it functions the same as the button (success!). So what I want to do is use an Arduino to control each of these. I'm assuming a transistor each switch will work (would relays be better?). Others have done the same, but I'm struggling to understand their methods.
I've got some of these transistors: BC547 NPN transistor. I can't figure out the wiring because the examples I can find use the Arduino to power whatever the transistor is controlling, whereas this already has its own power source.
Questions:
-Is the transistor above appropriate for this purpose?
-How do I figure out what resistor to use? Is it based on the transistor or the circuit the transistor is controlling?
-I'm assuming I can't just connect the transistor Base to a digital output (with a resistor) and run the two switch wires through the transistor Emitter and Collector? Or do I need to connect the Emitter to the Arduino ground and one of the switch wires? As in this diagram
If anyone could help, or point me towards a more appropriate guide.
Thanks