Light Senor with Timer Possible for Controlling Landscape Lights?

Started by shorty73, November 04, 2011, 12:17:22 AM

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systemdm


shorty73

Just wanted to say thanks for the help to everyone, I think I have a workable setup now...   >!

Backward Engineering

#32
Light Sensor Project Update

The 6V Solar Panel that I ordered was not available, so I have made a few changes to the design to work with a 5V Solar Panel.
I replaced the MOSFET with a logic level MOSFET that will work with the lower voltage.
This design will fit inside a PACTEC CNM-0000 plastic enclosure. (see attached)

I have also added an alternate design that uses a photo resistive sensor and requires a 3 wire connection.

Both designs should be fully compatible with X10 dimmers.

I have laid out a printed circuit board using ExpressPCB software and ordered 3 boards.  
Each board will have 2 each of the above mentioned designs for a total of 6 each boards on my order.
The boards will not arrive until 11/28/11.

I'm attaching a schematic of each design and will send a copy of the ExpressPCB files to anyone that provides an email address (send me a PM)
However you may wish to wait for my final progress report on the project.  At $65 per order, I don't plan on ordering more boards at this time.

I need to pull the schematics due to some design problems but I will re-post them once the problems are resolved.

Backward Engineering

More background on controlling light loads (CFLs and LED lamps)

I found this very informative white paper on designing triac circuits that explains the importance of the triac's holding current.

I have attached the paper.

Don

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