I have a robo project that is powered by 12 volts-dc
A motion dector activates the device(a fan and LED light pack), the fan comes on with motion, the LED light only comes on if there is motion and if it is dark outside.
Pretty simple except I cant get the dusk/dawn sensor hooked up right. I can get the unit turned on by motion but the whole unit shuts down in daytime and works at night, I tried to wire the PIR on its own circuit but cant get it to work or keep I burning My LEDs up. If you can help, thanks in advance.
Mike
I just ordered an Arduino Duemilanove USB Microcontroller Board, and looking into what size resisters I will need. TY
Richard is quite correct. It may be easier to integrate these various devices with a microcontroller. Also, knowing the specifications of each product is essential for integration and preventing damage to hardware.
A quick fix for the burning LED array would be to place a resistor (rated for the appropriate wattage) to limit current to the LEDs and prevent them from burning.
You seem to have alot going on there, you should pull up the specifications for each device.
You using a microcontroller in there or just wiring things up together?
Doesn’t seem like you are providing much information about what you have to work with and these devices may operate at different voltages which can explain the LEDs burning up. It is also more efficient to PWM the LEDs and make sure you provided the operating voltage they require or not too much current.
If you need help getting it all to work together we can help. Maybe suggest different approaches that might be more efficient. I wouldn’t drive the LED’s directly from the Arduino for example, opting for an external transistor which is itself controlled by the Arduino. This way you can PWM the LEDs for best efficiency using a digital output on the Arduino.
The movement sensor should be able to plug into a digital input on your microcontroller and the light sensor can be used with an analog or digital input (not sure what type you have). I think the Arduino’s I/O ports are 5V tolerant so don’t feed 12V into them.