Arduino: open a circuit digitally

Question

hello there. i'm new with arduino but i managed to do some interesting projects. One problem i faced is: I want to build a password keypad in order to open my garage door. My garage door is NOVOPORT and has a circuit so if you connect (open) the circuit it will open (if closed) or close (if open) the garage door. For the moment i have installed a switch (ordinary momentary light switch) so when i click the door is opened or closed.

Now back to the problem. I can build a password app in order to turn on a light for example but the problem with the garage door is that im afraid to send 5v current to the motor. So is there any solution to digitally just open a circuit with arduino and not send a 5v power.

please help, thx in advance

best regards,

mconners · Accepted Answer

I think on your first project the relay is the way to go. It's easy and inexpensive. Without looking at a schematic of the whole circuit it would be hard to suggest another way.

As far as the other circuit, with the remote control, you might find it difficult to figure out what the ir code is, but it could be done, if you had the schematic, you might be able to do a similar thing as above, intercept the button press, accept a valid passcode, then bring the line where the button used to go either high or low to match the normal button action, that could be accomplished with an Arduino with little to no external components.

You have some interesting projects. Good luck.

Mike

mconners · Answer

Really what you want to do is replace the momentary switch that you put in place with a digital switch that can be controlled by the arduino. Without knowing the specifics of your application no one will really be able to give you a full answer.

One quick suggestion might be to put a relay in place of your momentary switch and activate the relay using the arduino after the passcode has been properly entered.

Taking the risk of being accused of spamming, something like the following might be what you are looking for:

http://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-2-Channel-Relay-Module-Arduino/dp/B0057OC6D8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=M760SG5PMAT8&coliid=I2GQZEOG05XYU1

The parts themselves should be available through your element 14 affilliated retailer if you want to build your own, I just included the link to show the finished item.

Good luck,

Mike