PDA

View Full Version : Low Voltage Photo Sensor


bwilly
Sep 1, 2011, 06:13 PM
I have a low voltage (12V) address plaque that I want to install with a down to dusk photo sensor but I am having a difficult time finding it. Any ideas?
Thank You
Brad Willyerd

Stratmando
Sep 1, 2011, 07:11 PM
This may be overkill:
Amazon.com: Precision LCS-612D - Lumatrol 12 Volt Photo Control, Swivel: Home & Garden (http://www.amazon.com/Precision-LCS-612D-Lumatrol-Control-Swivel/dp/B000NVBS3O)
It can be built with less than $5 in parts, Plan on building it? can help

ma0641
Sep 1, 2011, 08:34 PM
Stratmando, that is a bit pricey! Bwilly, If you Google "low voltage photo sensor", there is one on Amazon for $8 and I believe HD and Lowe's carry a similar product.

ma0641
Sep 1, 2011, 08:37 PM
$8.28. Koralia Photocell Day / Night Sensor for use with 12... by Hydor USA...

bwilly
Sep 2, 2011, 06:38 PM
Stratmando:
I would be very interested in building my own. I am electronically inclined and would enjoy the adventure. Where can I find the parts?
Thank You

Stratmando
Sep 2, 2011, 08:20 PM
Here's a different style, about $31,
Flexcharge 12 volt dc photoswitch solar boat 10 amp new | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flexcharge-12-volt-dc-photoswitch-solar-boat-10-amp-new-/250881791874?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a69b85782)
Years ago, I got these Engineer's Mini Notebooks from Radio Shack and they when through the different devices(Photo, Leds, Digital, etc.) They had a light detector and a dark detector, and noticed they used the same parts, just wired differently, So I addes a DPDT switch, so it was a light or dark detector by the switch position, next book they came out with, had that switch added as well, you couldn't help bu8t notice the 2.
I also have Circuit encyclopedias, 1000's of useful circuits. I will dig something up. Look at these:

Flexcharge 12 volt dc photoswitch solar boat 10 amp new | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flexcharge-12-volt-dc-photoswitch-solar-boat-10-amp-new-/250881791874?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a69b85782)

And:

http://electronickits.com/kit/complete/complete.htm

Also:

http://www.bowdenshobbycircuits.info/

And here's some Circuit Encyclopedias at good prices, you WILL Learn, like it or not,:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=circuit+encyclopedia&_sacat=0&_odkw=ciruit+encyclopedia&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

Good Luck

jerro
Sep 3, 2011, 03:08 PM
If your address plaque has a cord with a built in 12volt transformer as part of the cord that you plug into a 120volt recept just buy a 120v photocell and dedicate the recept to the photocell