picaxe sprinkler

[theofox]

Hi, I'm a newbie but so far I have learned how to program a picaxe which I now want to use to turn my spinklers on and off. I know that I could use relays to switch the solinoids but I want a cheaper solution. Can some show me a circuit using transistors or something similiar ?

thanks

 

[(*steve*)]

Many reticulation solenoids operate from AC, and do so because operating them from DC can cause issues with corrosion.

Do you have any solenoids? Are they AC or DC? What current do the require?

You may have to look at using a triac to switch them.

Frankly, a relay may be easier (note that you'll still need a transistor to operate the relay, a picaxe will not be able to supply enough power to operate a relay (unless you can find a relay that required 5V 20mA or less that is suited to your needs)

 

[theofox]

thanks for the reply. the solinoids are 25 volt AC. I think they draw 500 milliamp at startup then a constant 300. Cost is a problem so I'll look into the triac idea.

 

[KMoffett]

Off the shelf: http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=18194+RL
Or is that too pricey for your project?

Ken

 

[theofox]

Thanks Ken but even at $5.00 they are too expensive when multiplied by 6(1 for each valve).
I'll keep looking.