Lighting can be controlled not only with the help of classic switches, but also using special modules that allow you to remotely turn on or off the light. A cotton light switch refers specifically to such devices, it can be bought at any electrical store and installed with your own hands.
Content
- Principle of operation
- Device installation
- Price overview
Principle of operation
This acoustic switch works on a special microcontroller that allows you to turn off the light by clapping your hands. Of course, such a control device can be used not only to control the lamp, but also many other electrical devices: fans, air conditioners, transformers.
The simplest sound switch consists of an electronic microphone in which the preamplifier is installed. Thanks to this detail, any sound that enters the device is amplified several times, due to which even the smallest pops are perceived by the sensitive element. The operation of the amplifier itself is additionally controlled by transistors VT1 and VT2. The circuit is regulated by two resistors R2; to equalize the signal, rectifying diodes VD1 and VD2 are installed.
When a clap sounds, the signal passes through the microphone and amplifies, after which it is converted into an electrical impulse. This pulse is aligned due to rectifying diodes. The sound by which the light comes on is controlled by a resistor, i.e., if the sound of popping is not exceeds the preset value, the light bulb or other device connected to the switch does not will turn on. After the signal is equalized on the capacitor (C8 is indicated on the circuit), the voltage increases, then the transistor switch VT3 opens.
Turning the light off and on is done by alternately discharging and charging the capacitors. After a full cycle of re-popping, the resistor and capacitor C10 will be discharged within 4 seconds, the device will go into an off state.
Device installation
You can assemble a simple acoustic switch for cotton with your own hands, it consists of the following parts:
- Resistors;
- Capacitor C12;
- Diode bridge (say, VD7-VD10);
- Transistors
Please note that capacitors must be at least 40 volts. But not everyone likes to fold electronic devices on their own, so it will be easier to buy a cotton sound switch in the store. There you can choose a model for any needs and opportunities.
The cotton regulator is installed according to the classical scheme in which it is used together with the usual one-key or two-key. Each individual device has an individual wiring diagram, but in principle they are all very similar. In short, you need to connect a single-key model in the network so that it feeds the cotton one. How to do it:
- The standard circuit of the switch and the lamp has the following form: from the panel through the junction box, the power is supplied to the standard switch. The neutral from the shield is to the lamp (or several lamps). The lamps are connected in parallel to a disconnecting device;
- You need to break the power circuit that goes to the key switch and set it to acoustic. It is very easy to do. The main advantage of the operation of such a device is its small dimension. It is not required to ditch the wall, since it is mainly such a controller that is installed on the lamp housing;
- As standard, the switch has two pairs of wires: white and black. White is assigned to power, black to the load. For example, white connects to phase and neutral cables from the shield, and black - from lamps;
- You can connect individual cords with special terminals or a simple winding. Soldering fasteners is not recommended;
- After that, you need to turn on a regular key switch and check the system. If you need to completely remove it from the system, then reinstall the power wires so that they lead directly to the cotton model.
It is very convenient that you can connect one switch for several lamps, it will control individual groups of devices. After installation, be sure to set the volume control to the desired level, otherwise the light will light up at the slightest bang or, on the contrary, will not turn on even from a strong knock. Most often, the regulator is a small rotary lever that needs to be screwed to the required level.
Video: cotton switch device features
Price overview
You can buy a cotton switch in any city, the price of the device depends on the brand and its characteristics. Good reviews about Ecosvet, PIC (12F683 board), Claps and Qusun. Consider the cost of the Ekosvet-X-200-L model:
| City | Price, y e. |
| Saratov | 9,5 |
| Chelyabinsk | 9 |
| Moscow | 9,7 |
| Voronezh | 9,5 |
| St. Petersburg | 9,7 |
| Samara | 9 |
| Rostov-on-Don | 9,5 |
