If it is a resistive load, then why not use a solid state relay. They take
care of zero crossing point automatically & the control line is optically
isolated from the AC lines.

Joe

> -----Original Message-----
> From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu 
> [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of Roy
> Sent: 11 January 2006 09:25
> To: 'Microcontroller discussion list - Public.'
> Subject: RE: [PIC] crockpot control?
> 
> 
> Detect zero cross point for switching relay on or off. 
> That way there will be minimal arching.
> You could use a TRIAC - same as light dimmer circuits.
> Jus make sure you wire TRIAC correctly as I have blown up a 
> PIC/RS232 port that way :-(
> 
>  
> > What's a good way for a PIC to control (on/off) a crockpot? 
> (120 VAC,
> a
> > couple hundred watts.)
> > "Good" in this case means simple, cheap, and most importantly, safe.
> I'm a
> > bit scared of high voltage, and I consider anything over 5V high :)
> I'd
> > just go with a relay, but I expect there'll be arcing when the
> contacts
> > close and that makes me nervous. Better ideas?
> > 
> 
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>  
> 
> 

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