Oldschoolgrimmy
New member
First of all, this is something of a duplicate thread... I started one very similar to this with the same question, but somehow managed to delete my original post, so that makes no sense now. I've asked an admin to please delete that thread, and I guess I now better than to try to do this on my phones Safari browser. Not good!
So, here's the deal. I'm a complete noob at this, but I would like to build a few arduino-based relay boxes with solid-state relays and control them with Vixen 3 for this Halloween, and then Christmas. The idea is that I'll do a small light show at Halloween and work all the bugs out, and then go all-out at Christmas once I've got some experience. The main issue I'm having with choosing equipment to buy for my builds is that most of the solid-state relay modules I've found on ebay are limited to 8 amps per channel. The trouble is, a few of the channels on my normal display are more than likely over 2 amps. I use C9 and C7 strands that have had the bulbs replaced with the LED retrofit bulbs, which are still very efficient, but do draw way more power than the standard mini-lights. So I need a solid state relay that will work the same way as the 2 amp modules, but handle more AC amps safely. I've found some boards that will handle 8 amps that can be switched to high-level trigger just like the 2A modules.
But before I go buying parts, I'd like to check with someone smarter than me regarding the compatibility of these boards. They both appear to work on a 5V power supply, and both can be run at a high-level trigger. If I use these different types of relays in the same build and use the same arduino program for everything (I'm going to have to copy one that's available online--I'm no programmer), will the software treat the two types of relay the same, and will they work the same? Here are the exact modules I've got in mind:
2 Amp Board: http://r.ebay.com/7JbeWE (8-Channel High Level Trigger Solid State Relay Module 240V/2A 5V for Arduino)
8 Amp Board: http://r.ebay.com/EQKkz0 (8A 380V 1/2/4 Channel SSR Solid State Relay highlow trigger For Arduino uno R3)
Again, some guidance from someone smarter than me would be greatly appreciated! I've always been "that guy" on my street who puts up ludicrous numbers of lights at Christmas, but I think it's time to take it to the next level!
BTW, can anyone recommend a good program to load onto the Arduinos? I've been planning on using the one listed here (recommended by Dee Higgenbottom on his "Cheapskate" Youtube channel): http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?36477-Multiple-Arduinos/page2
Thanks in advance, guys! :thup:
oldschoolgrimmy
So, here's the deal. I'm a complete noob at this, but I would like to build a few arduino-based relay boxes with solid-state relays and control them with Vixen 3 for this Halloween, and then Christmas. The idea is that I'll do a small light show at Halloween and work all the bugs out, and then go all-out at Christmas once I've got some experience. The main issue I'm having with choosing equipment to buy for my builds is that most of the solid-state relay modules I've found on ebay are limited to 8 amps per channel. The trouble is, a few of the channels on my normal display are more than likely over 2 amps. I use C9 and C7 strands that have had the bulbs replaced with the LED retrofit bulbs, which are still very efficient, but do draw way more power than the standard mini-lights. So I need a solid state relay that will work the same way as the 2 amp modules, but handle more AC amps safely. I've found some boards that will handle 8 amps that can be switched to high-level trigger just like the 2A modules.
But before I go buying parts, I'd like to check with someone smarter than me regarding the compatibility of these boards. They both appear to work on a 5V power supply, and both can be run at a high-level trigger. If I use these different types of relays in the same build and use the same arduino program for everything (I'm going to have to copy one that's available online--I'm no programmer), will the software treat the two types of relay the same, and will they work the same? Here are the exact modules I've got in mind:
2 Amp Board: http://r.ebay.com/7JbeWE (8-Channel High Level Trigger Solid State Relay Module 240V/2A 5V for Arduino)
8 Amp Board: http://r.ebay.com/EQKkz0 (8A 380V 1/2/4 Channel SSR Solid State Relay highlow trigger For Arduino uno R3)
Again, some guidance from someone smarter than me would be greatly appreciated! I've always been "that guy" on my street who puts up ludicrous numbers of lights at Christmas, but I think it's time to take it to the next level!
BTW, can anyone recommend a good program to load onto the Arduinos? I've been planning on using the one listed here (recommended by Dee Higgenbottom on his "Cheapskate" Youtube channel): http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?36477-Multiple-Arduinos/page2
Thanks in advance, guys! :thup:
oldschoolgrimmy