Web Enabled Arduino Plug Outlets
Author: Jared Bouck
Project Cost: 33.00 - 80.00
Est Construction Time: 2.5 Hr
Required Skill Level: Fairly Basic Skills all around
Overview:
This is mostly just a fun article that I wanted to write for the simple reason of accessible information for anyone. Basically this is a example project that demonstrates how extremely easy it is to use the Arduino based platform to control high voltage devices via a webpage. This type of concept has many practical applications from home automation to office pranks. While in this article we will demonstrate this concept with a single relay controlled outlet this can easily be scaled up to control up to 15 separate relays with minimal cost using the components used in the base project.
Over the last 2 years I have had an opportunity to learn and teach the Arduino platform to many people I know. While I know the arguments between PIC and Arduino well I will indulge here and evangelize the Arduino platform for a moment. I believe that the Arduino platform is superior to any other entry level microcontroller platform without hesitation. When you can take nontechnical hippy artists and give them a tool to create interactive art installations with a minimal investment, or give it to a teenager and spark there interest in the technology with highly accessible and easy to use hardware you know it is a great platform alone. It may not be for everyone, but I use and love it. PIC Trolls Be Damned!
Check out this simple overview video and you can download the source
here. Don't forget to vote with your dollar and donate to help keep projects like this coming!
