Arduino Relay Driver

[TheTubejunky]

Great vid and detailed explaination (not to mention the high video quality) ☺

Thank You for uploading it!

I gather from this video and others that using an external power source would be in my best interest to drive my relays/servos/DC motors (inductive loads),... just to be on the safe side when the mA`s are in question.

[RuthJ180]

@TheTubejunky, Glad you liked the video! I usually power the circuit on my breadboard with the 5V and Gnd in the Power header on the Arduino. There are a lot of options when it comes to powering your components. You could use a variable power supply, a batter pack, or a voltage converter with the right adapter so you can use power from a wall receptacle. Make sure you follow the schematic that is in the video notes. The diode is what will protect your power supply.

[aaronandnicole]

That makes sense. I have just ordered a arduino mega and a 4 relay board for a differential temp/pump controller system. Did you have any problems with the relay needing to many Many mA. I think the arduion puts out about 40mA and the relays I need consume about 72. Do I wire up 2 output pins at once? Thanks in advance.

[RuthJ180]

@aaronandnicole, I used relay with part number OJE-SH-105DM. It could handle up to 5 Amps at 240V AC. The data sheet for it says: Rated Coil Voltage = 5 VDC, Nominal Current = 91 mA, Must Operate Voltage = 3.5 VDC. I was able to use it with the Arduino. I don't think you can add current by having more than one output pin. I think you may need an external power source. The place you bought the relay board from may be able to anwser the question better. I'm always learning more about relays.

[snakegi]

@aaronandnicole i am starting a new blog and my first post was a 4 channel relay driver check out at oscircuit blogspot. with pcb design and wathever

[aaronandnicole]

question, why does everyone use arduino pin 3?

[RuthJ180]

@aaronandnicole, I always take some sample code from the Arduino software and modify it. So I guess it always uses pin 3. According to the Arduino documentation: Each of the 14 digital pins on the Duemilanove can be used as an input or output, using pinMode(), digitalWrite(), and digitalRead() functions. Some pins have specialized functions also, check out the Arduino web site and choose the "Hardware" link. YouTube isn't letting me post the URL.

[Froggy19510]

Very good video. FYI there is always high voltage across the power leads on the relay when it releases. It acts like a solenoid and produces high voltage spikes . That is the reason for the diode.8)

[RuthJ180]

@Froggy19510 Thanks for checking out the video and thanks for the info. I read that it was there to protect against any surges but I didn't know exactly how they could happen.

[bscoeryan]

i lke it....

[mrmeval1]

Thanks for the video. :)

You can find relays in all kinds of stuff that's thrown away. The specifications are usually printed on them or you can look up part numbers at octopart or google.

If you're using an SSR most can be directly driven by an Arduino digital pin. Do Not pulse CCFL's more than once every minute or they will die and in some cases shatter the bulb.

[RuthJ180]

@mrmeval1, thanks for the good information about relays. I just used the one that was mentioned in the hobby robotics article.

[mrhaze000]

i also think its great for a girl doing advanced electronic work i am also doing work with an arduino and i love it email me sometime well talk mrhaze000@gmail.com hope to hear from u soon\

[CleanEdgeProductions]

Where did you get your relay if you don't mind me asking?

[RuthJ180]

@CleanEdgeProductions: Pretty sure I got it from Mouser. Otherwise it was Jameco

[transistorbaluba]

i added the wrong video :(

[ellpancha]

hi girl, nice videos, like girls doing electronic things,,,, i doing something similar, i what to control mi car whith micro controler, i have the BS2 by parallax, y just bought my ardunio mega in ebay im waitin for it, but i dont know about arduino code, can u hellp me please? I have some videos on my channel

[RuthJ180]

That sounds like you'll have some fun projects with the arduino and your car. Download the Arduino IDE. It comes with a lot of great code samples. When I want to program the arduino I just take some code that is already written and just modify it a little to do what I want. If you have specific questions, send me a message and I'll try to help out.

[transistorbaluba]

Hi. i'm making a photo camera shutter control on my Arduino. I have a plan to use two relays to control focus, and activate snap shot. when i'm finish i will respond here with it ;-) have a nice day.

[RuthJ180]

Cool! I look forward to seeing your shutter control.