> I'm trying to figure out how to use my PIC to control an AC voltage.
>
> For example:
>
> I have a fountain that las low voltage AC lights, and a set of low voltage
> AC pumps (say 3 lights and 3 pumps, all run off of 12V AC, max all three
> lights and all three pumps would be on.  The pumps are rated at 3.6A).  I
> want to create a program to turn on and off lights and the pumps
> at my will.
>
> Obviously, my PIC circuit is a DC circuit.
>
> So, can anyone suggest what I might be able to do in order to control this
> AC voltage?  I don't need to funnel a lot of power, 60 watts
> (actually 43.2,
> but increasing a bit for safety) per "switch".
>
> So, the AC side would be 12V AC, the DC would be 5V DC for the PIC and
> either the LCD or perhaps LED's to indicate what is on and off.
>
> Any resources, sites, small samples would be most appreciated.

        Look up triacs and opto-couplers, they are perfect for this sort of
application. TTYL

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