Heres whats what. Im new to arduino and definitely new to circuits and all that jazz. Basically I want to use my arduino in my car. I want to tap into my headlight and taillight system and add a switch that when pressed, it will make my headlights and taillights blink. However, I have been getting mixed answers on whether my Arduino Diecimila can handle the input and output voltage required to do such an action.
I also would like to do something similar for the horn. When a button is pressed it will make the horn sound off to a certain tune.
Please tell me what you think. And if you think I need addition hardware, please let me know.
Well, the arduino will NOT be able to handle the voltage, or the current.. without external components.
But I must say, if you're new to electronics and circuits and what not, I don't think your car is the best place to start! Frying electrical components in vehicles.. well, generally cost more than a normal "repair".
I'm not sure how car horns work, so I don't know anything about the separate tones, but seems like it may be possible, but with external components again.
But if you're asking questions like "will these voltages work with my Arduino?" I think it's time for some research!
Ha, I agree! I need research and plenty off it. I never would have gotten started in this project if it was not for someone telling me that it could 'easily be done, it says on the site it can take up to 20v, you will be fine.' :PHowever, when I did start researching I found that it was a lot more complicated than just plugging wires into the arduino and writing code. I can write code all day, but still never understand currents and circuits and voltage. That part, unfortunately, is still way over my head, and have never had the education to learn.
But thank you for your quick and honest response. If you have any recommended readings or what not, let me know. I'm always trying to learn.
Well, since the arduino cannot handle it. How about using switches? Do you know of switches that take a small electrical current as the motivator for the switch? As in, the arduino sends a small current to the switch telling it to either turn of or on. Either constant power to be on and then no power for off, or one that every time it receives an electrical signal it switches? Im quite sure I have heard of these before, but have no idea what they would be called or where to find one.
Those are called relays but you could use transistors as well. Just make sure they are rated to the voltage you need (probably 12v in a car) and many amps.
