Notes:
Using a photocell such as the ORP12 this
circuit activates a relay when the light falls below a preset level.
In bright light the resistance of the
ORP12 can be as low as 80 ohm and at 50lux the resistance increases
to over 1 Mohm. The 150k control should
provide a wide range for light intensities, if not its value can be
increased. The output of the op-amp
feeds a transistor which controls the relay. The 270k resistor provides
a small amount of hysteresis, so that
the circuit switches on and off with slightly different light levels.
This
eliminates relay chatter ( or a
disco effect with your porch light ). Take great care if you decide
to wire the
relay to activate a mains lamp. Make sure
the relay contacts provide adequate isolation and have ample
rating for the load.
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