Ok so we're doing a zany project. The important part is that I have a temp sensor in a fridge (working) and I want to regulate the temperature by being able to turn the fridge on and off based on the value of this temperature sensor. So what kind of device will do this? I'm imagining a power box that is able to receive data or some signal that will turn the strip off. Ideas?
Consider the PowerSwitchTail or the more recent PowerSwitch Tail II. Just note the need for a Darlington transistor or similar driver to supply it with the 25mA needed to close the relay.
Thank you so much for the help. Can you explain a bit more about the need for a Darlington transistor? I'm new to electronics and don't understand exactly what you mean. I can't just wire the microcontroller to the power tail?
I actually got the new one yesterday (the PowerSwitch Tail II) to control a Dremel for a CNC mill I'm building.
I just measured it and it's taking 8.5mA @ 5v so it looks like you can connect it directly to an Arduino pin with no problems.
Good luck!