12V Photocell?
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From: Anderson, SC
12V Photocell?
I'm looking for a 12V DC photocell for under $30. I rigged up my headlights so that they come on when I hit unlock as a courtesy light, but I'd rather them not come on during the day simply because they're useless and that's a waist of battery power and my lights. Does anyone know where I could find one? The only 12V photocell I can find is on ebay for about $30. I'm just curious if I can find one cheaper because the 120V photocells that are the exact same thing as the 12V one I found are only like $6.
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I thought the specs told the MAXIMUM VOLTAGE the device can handle.
But $30 is frickin' absurd.
Digi-Key, Radio Shack come to mind:
Digi-Key - PDV-P8102-ND (Manufacturer - PDV-P8102)
^^^ That is one of many they offer, you should check the catalog.
CdS Photoresistors (5-Pack) - RadioShack.com
But $30 is frickin' absurd.
Digi-Key, Radio Shack come to mind:
Digi-Key - PDV-P8102-ND (Manufacturer - PDV-P8102)
^^^ That is one of many they offer, you should check the catalog.
CdS Photoresistors (5-Pack) - RadioShack.com
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,373
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From: Anderson, SC
I thought the specs told the MAXIMUM VOLTAGE the device can handle.
But $30 is frickin' absurd.
Digi-Key, Radio Shack come to mind:
Digi-Key - PDV-P8102-ND (Manufacturer - PDV-P8102)
^^^ That is one of many they offer, you should check the catalog.
CdS Photoresistors (5-Pack) - RadioShack.com
But $30 is frickin' absurd.
Digi-Key, Radio Shack come to mind:
Digi-Key - PDV-P8102-ND (Manufacturer - PDV-P8102)
^^^ That is one of many they offer, you should check the catalog.
CdS Photoresistors (5-Pack) - RadioShack.com
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Brentwood,CA
While it would be cool in theory just not worth the hassle IMO. You are trying to save a very small amount of power its 10 amps max or a 55W headlight that uses 12V would draw 55 /12 = 4.6 amps @ 12V . Over the time of 30 seconds you will not even consume more than using the 12v cigar lighter twice.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
I don't think either of those electronic components would pass enough current to activate an automotive relay, let alone the lighting circuit of a pickup.
Look at the specs and you see they are still 9-20,000 ohms @ 10 lux
Rather than reinvent the wheel and have to build an amplifier circuit that would in turn drive a relay, why not just get a low voltage photo controller for garden/accent lighting?
Many of these 12V units are rated to 2000W so load shouldn't be a problem
EDIT: sorry, I didn't realize how expensive the 12V ones were...
Lumatrol Low Voltage Photo Control (Dusk to Dawn) / 12 Volt / Swivel / LCS-612D | Light Bulbs Etc, Inc.
Look at the specs and you see they are still 9-20,000 ohms @ 10 lux
Rather than reinvent the wheel and have to build an amplifier circuit that would in turn drive a relay, why not just get a low voltage photo controller for garden/accent lighting?
Many of these 12V units are rated to 2000W so load shouldn't be a problem
EDIT: sorry, I didn't realize how expensive the 12V ones were...
Lumatrol Low Voltage Photo Control (Dusk to Dawn) / 12 Volt / Swivel / LCS-612D | Light Bulbs Etc, Inc.
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I have no idea, I merely looked 'em up and provided links and suggested
looking around those places. Both of 'em have telephone numbers where you
can call & ask questions (assuming you have a Radio Shack near you).
The other guys have got some good input on this....
looking around those places. Both of 'em have telephone numbers where you
can call & ask questions (assuming you have a Radio Shack near you).
The other guys have got some good input on this....
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Joined: Nov 2010
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I am a demented electronics designer by trade.
I learned long ago to not attempt to talk a tech out of a project.
We can make a very high quality circuit but it will require costs far more than $30. I see several hours of design time at $60. per hour. A 20A HS switch at $5. $20. of additional parts. A one-of-a-kind PCB layout at a minimum of $200 to get it routed and produced.
I did not bother to add this up.
On the cheap we could do a photo voltiac or photo diode or a photo resistor driving a comparator that drives a power switch to an automotive relay. But that would have to be hand wired to save the cost of a PCB.
IF you are into electronics you could do this yourself for $20 in parts plus your time.
We have to get $60. per hour to stay alive.
The cheap ac photo devices use a cheap scr with a photo resistor BUT scr's are hard to design into a dc circuit.
Good luck
I learned long ago to not attempt to talk a tech out of a project.
We can make a very high quality circuit but it will require costs far more than $30. I see several hours of design time at $60. per hour. A 20A HS switch at $5. $20. of additional parts. A one-of-a-kind PCB layout at a minimum of $200 to get it routed and produced.
I did not bother to add this up.
On the cheap we could do a photo voltiac or photo diode or a photo resistor driving a comparator that drives a power switch to an automotive relay. But that would have to be hand wired to save the cost of a PCB.
IF you are into electronics you could do this yourself for $20 in parts plus your time.
We have to get $60. per hour to stay alive.
The cheap ac photo devices use a cheap scr with a photo resistor BUT scr's are hard to design into a dc circuit.
Good luck
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