Fun DIY Projects and Relays
There is not an appliance in your house that does not make use of a relay switch. They are commonly used along with many other electrical components and included in air conditioning units, heaters, washers, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators. They are used in vehicles in a wide variety of ways. They are essential for turning cycles or devices on or off. But relays are also used in many different types of DIY electrical projects. They can be a very useful component and used in a variety of ways. Here are just a few DIY projects that use relays.
Bluetooth Remote Powered by Arduino
Bluetooth is a useful means for sending an electronic signal. Using a simple relay and a few other electrical components you can build a 2 channel Bluetooth remote switch. The purpose of the remote switch is to be able to turn different devices on or off using an android phone. This might be useful for turning off things like lights or televisions. You will need an Arduino board, relay board, Bluetooth module, a battery holder and a small container or box to place all the components in. You will need to be able to write some code in order for the computer to be able to communicate with the Arduino. But once you have the code completed you can wire it all together. The relay board and the Arduino need a 5V power supply and the two will be wired together. After you have the code programmed and the Arduino and relay boards connected you will need to install the Arduino Bluetooth app on the phone.
Power Switch Controlled by the Computer
A popular DIY electronics project for advanced do-it-yourselfers is to create a remote that can be use to power devices on and off. This particular project is more like a computer controlled power outlet. Using a parallel port you can actually control up to 8 different devices. The heart of this project is the relay which is the actual hardware used to control the outlet. You can use an extension cord to power the relay by connecting the positive and negatives up correctly. If you do want to use the parallel port to control 8 different items, it is important to note that you will also need to purchase 8 relays – or one for each item to be controlled.
Relays can be Used for Remote Car Starters
By using a GSM activated relay you can use your cell phone to start your car. There is of course an app for that already- but you have to be within 10 feet of the car and press the button just right for it to work. DIY enthusiasts can build a remote on their cell phone and turn their car on from any place in the world remotely. The GSM activated relay has a SIM chip which can be used on a cell phone network. The relays allow it to be activated by either a cell phone call or a text message. Check out the different options since we all have different needs and desires. There is a Quad Band version that uses 7 relays. In this case, one is activated by a phone call and the remaining items are activated through a text message. The relays can be set so that they are latched or momentary.
Clap Switch
Using relays many experienced do-it-yourselfers make a wall mountable clap switch so that lights can be turned off or on just by clapping their hands. This is a complicated project and even the most advanced person may find several different areas difficult. You will need to gather up quite a few components such as transistors, resistors and a terminal block. Test the circuit to ensure it works properly and then place the PCB which is made in the breadboard. Place the necessary components on the breadboard and solder them in place. Then you can test to see if it is all working correctly. This is a complicated project and the completed project can be placed on a wall, or it can even be placed in a lamp or a wall switch by those who know what they are doing.
Bluetooth Remote Powered by Arduino
Bluetooth is a useful means for sending an electronic signal. Using a simple relay and a few other electrical components you can build a 2 channel Bluetooth remote switch. The purpose of the remote switch is to be able to turn different devices on or off using an android phone. This might be useful for turning off things like lights or televisions. You will need an Arduino board, relay board, Bluetooth module, a battery holder and a small container or box to place all the components in. You will need to be able to write some code in order for the computer to be able to communicate with the Arduino. But once you have the code completed you can wire it all together. The relay board and the Arduino need a 5V power supply and the two will be wired together. After you have the code programmed and the Arduino and relay boards connected you will need to install the Arduino Bluetooth app on the phone.
Power Switch Controlled by the Computer
A popular DIY electronics project for advanced do-it-yourselfers is to create a remote that can be use to power devices on and off. This particular project is more like a computer controlled power outlet. Using a parallel port you can actually control up to 8 different devices. The heart of this project is the relay which is the actual hardware used to control the outlet. You can use an extension cord to power the relay by connecting the positive and negatives up correctly. If you do want to use the parallel port to control 8 different items, it is important to note that you will also need to purchase 8 relays – or one for each item to be controlled.
Relays can be Used for Remote Car Starters
By using a GSM activated relay you can use your cell phone to start your car. There is of course an app for that already- but you have to be within 10 feet of the car and press the button just right for it to work. DIY enthusiasts can build a remote on their cell phone and turn their car on from any place in the world remotely. The GSM activated relay has a SIM chip which can be used on a cell phone network. The relays allow it to be activated by either a cell phone call or a text message. Check out the different options since we all have different needs and desires. There is a Quad Band version that uses 7 relays. In this case, one is activated by a phone call and the remaining items are activated through a text message. The relays can be set so that they are latched or momentary.
Clap Switch
Using relays many experienced do-it-yourselfers make a wall mountable clap switch so that lights can be turned off or on just by clapping their hands. This is a complicated project and even the most advanced person may find several different areas difficult. You will need to gather up quite a few components such as transistors, resistors and a terminal block. Test the circuit to ensure it works properly and then place the PCB which is made in the breadboard. Place the necessary components on the breadboard and solder them in place. Then you can test to see if it is all working correctly. This is a complicated project and the completed project can be placed on a wall, or it can even be placed in a lamp or a wall switch by those who know what they are doing.