Hey,
I want to power some good old light bulbs with my BB. As the gpios do not give enough Amphere I though on powering them with a separate power source and then using the GPIOs just as a switch.
How would such a a thing look like? Do I use transistors for such stuff?
Best,
Bo
You can use an optically isolated triac
Isn’t there something easier to do?
Wouldn’t a specific transistor work without damaging the Beagleboard?
A light bulb runs on alternating current and a transistor only works with direct current. But you could use a relay.
Why does a light bulb run on alternating current?
I remember using a normal battery with light bulbs in school and it did work ^^.
However thanks for the hint with the relay!
Ah yes. I just assumed you meant light bulbs connected to the grid.
you use a relay circuit.
something thing like this http://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-4-CH-4-Channel-Relay-Module/dp/B0057OC5O8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384309498&sr=8-1&keywords=sainsmart+relay
I’m not sure if that exact one would work, but hope you get the idea.
Relays can be switched at small currents depending on the type you select.