How can I use GPIO as light bulb switch?

[Bodo Kaiser]

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

[Jacob Ole Juul Kolding]

You can use an optically isolated triac

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[Bodo Kaiser]

Isn’t there something easier to do?

Wouldn’t a specific transistor work without damaging the Beagleboard?

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[Jacob Ole Juul Kolding]

A light bulb runs on alternating current and a transistor only works with direct current. But you could use a relay.

[Bodo Kaiser]

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!

[Jacob Ole Juul Kolding]

Ah yes. I just assumed you meant light bulbs connected to the grid.

[siddharth...@gmail.com]

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.