Re: Need simple design for remote control of outdoor lighting system


Yvan wrote:
Hello,

I would like to setup a control remote system for my outdoor lighting
system. The problem is that the power supply does not support any remote
control; an simple electronic device must be setup. The other problem is
that I am not an electronic guru. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I purchased the remote control device that closes a relay for about 500 msec
each time a button is pushed on the remote control. (This is actually a
Chamberlain garage door remote opener system)

The idea is to close/open the secondary on the low voltage 600 Watt power
supply that feeds the outdoor lights.

The pulse signal (temporary close of the relay for 500 msec) needs to be
translated to a permanent close/open of an electro-mechanical relay that
supports the 12V = 600 Watt output of the secondary.

Any idea what electronic design should be used ?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Yvan.

Hi, Yvan. Newbie questions are also generally well-received at
sci.electronics.basics.

The device you're looking for is called an impulse relay. When the
coil is energized, it initially does nothing, but when the coil is
de-energized, the relay contacts switch state. If it was closed,
pulsing the coil will open the contacts, and if it was open, pulsing
the coil will close them.

They're a little tricky to home brew for a newbie, so it might be best
just to buy one. I'm assuming you want to use 120VAC to control things
here. You might want to start with the Tyco/Potter&Brumfield S89
Series. Their part number is S89R11ABD1-120, and is sold by Digi-Key
as their P/N PB586-ND. It has a 120VAC coil, .250" faston connects,
and can switch up to 15 amps.

Now lighting loads have high inrush current, and the initial surge of
current as the lights are turned on will definitely be in excess of
15A, and possibly several times that. For longer service, I'd
recommend you use the impulse relay contacts to drive a small definite
purpose lighting contactor rated for this load, which should be easily
available at any electrical supply house.

I hope this has been helpful. Good luck with your project.

Cheers
Chris

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