Summary
Example of controlling the PowerSwitch Tail II, using an Arduino.
Description
This is an example of controlling the PowerSwitch Tail II, using an Arduino. The PowerSwitch Tail II is a relay that is enclosed in a case.
Why?
Because we can easily control physical devices.
Before We Begin
PowerSwitch Tail II
This example uses using the PowerSwitch Tail II, you can find the product here:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10747
Arduino
This example uses the Arduino Duemilanove version of the Arduino board. This board has been replaced by the Arduino Uno. All Arduino stuff can be found:
http://arduino.cc/en/
Upload Code to Arduino
If you don't have the Arduino environment, download it from the Arduino site (http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software). From here, copy the code from the bottom section labeled "The Code". Paste this into your sketch and upload it to your Arduino. Finally, from the menu, select "Tools > Serial Monitor". With the code uploaded already, enter 1 or 0 to turn the device on or off.
Hooking it up
Simply enough here's how this works.
- In my example, pin 13 of the Arduino is connected (by the orange line) to the PowerSwitch "1: +in"
- In my example, Gnd of the Arduino is connected (by the black line) to the PowerSwitch "2: -in"
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| Figure 1 - Arduino and Powerswitch Tail II |
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| Figure 2 - Arduino |
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| Figure 3 - Powerswitch Tail II |
The Code
char incoming_char=0;
void setup() {
// initialize the digital pin as an output.
// Pin 13 has an LED connected on most Arduino boards:
//pinMode(7, OUTPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
Serial.println("Setup has ended, entering loop()");
}
void loop() {
if (Serial.available())
{
incoming_char=Serial.read(); // Get the incoming char
if(incoming_char == '1')
{
digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the Powertail on
Serial.println("Switch ON");
}
if(incoming_char == '0')
{
digitalWrite(13, LOW); // turn the Powertail off
Serial.println("Switch OFF");
}
}
}
