120v control

[Charles Linquis]

Use a solid-state relay. OMRON and others make them and they can be driven directly from a PIC pin.

[b1arrk5]

I've used the X-10 example in the PicBasic Pro manual along with a TW-253 interface to control lights, and turn the Christmas tree on and off. The modules are inexpensive, I got mine from Radio Shack. For driving relays I usually use the ULN2803, a darlington driver chip that will drive up to eight relays, (but not all eight at once,) I also like the Omron relays.

Jerry.

[malc-c]

Use a solid-state relay. OMRON and others make them and they can be driven directly from a PIC pin.

I agree - simple to interface, and quiet in operation - I used 8 in a "disco light controller" to switch 240 vac spot lamps. They can be expensive, but if you're lucky, e-bay can result in a cheap purchase

EDIT:

Just searched e-bay - 240v 4 amp SSR - pack of 4 for a buy now price of £5.99 plus £2.50 PPH
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/solid-state-re...QQcmdZViewItem

[CocaColaKid]

The only problem with SSR is you need an appropriately sized heatsink whereas a standard relay does not. However you can't drive a power relay directly from a PIC. Either way has it's advantages and disadvantages. Also you can get SSR zero-cross switching built into them. This is really nice for switching inductive loads like motors.

[ruijc]

Dont want to steal the thead, but,

i have one 5v relay ( EDR201A0500 ) and it can switch up to 250VDC.

My question is, with this relay can i connect the pic directly to the relay ( no transistor required ) ?


Edit:
http://www.ece.com.tw/product/relay/edr/edr.htm

It does say "The high sensitivity allows direct driving by TTL", so it means i do not need the transistor. And this is a cheap relay (2.5 euros )
.

[CocaColaKid]

I personally switch all relays with a transistor. Even the little zero-cross SSR we use require 20mA to work properly.

[Archangel]

Hi ruijc,
I=E/R so I=5volts /500 ohm coil so I=.01amp or 10 ma. Unless my calculator lied it should work, make sure to install a diode to protect the port from back EMF.

[krohtech]

For driving relays I use an NPN darlington array DIP. Drive 8 relays for $.72 and has the diode built in to protect the pic from inductive spikes. If you are going to do home automation you will probable need many channels and these work very well.

see: ULN2803APG
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...=ULN2803APG-ND

OOPS I see Jerry already recommended a darlington driver, let me change my answer to "I agree with Jerry on the driver chip"