These light sensor switches seem to be very common on eBay, so I bought one to check it out. I wouldn't recommend these for switching high inrush loads like a metal halide light, but they look quite acceptable for low power LED lamps. The units are rated at 10A, but I'd advise against using them anywhere near that rating.
The simple capacitive dropper circuit is not rated to supply the relay's full current continuously, so the voltage rail drops to about 6V when the relay has pulled in. This is actually a good thing, since it won't harm the power supply and it reduces the dissipation in the relay's coil. When the voltage rail is pulled down by the energised relay, all the voltage divider reference voltages drop to match, so it doesn't really affect circuit stability, although it does explain the shorter turn off delay.
Probably points of failure are the relay contacts if used with a high inrush or operational load, possible water ingress, although it does seem to be designed to shed water in a controlled manner and the inevitable degradation of the dropper capacitor which will finally result in the relay not pulling in properly.
Here's a link to Andrew's website where he's selling the Quicktest units.
https://nodedist.com/store/cliff-quicktest-us-canada-version
Here's a link to a general search on eBay com for the dusk sensors.
110V version - http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&LH_BIN=1&_nkw=Automatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+110V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch&_sop=15
220V version - http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Automatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+220V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch&_sop=15&LH_BIN=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.A0.H0.XAutomatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+220V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch.TRS1&_nkw=Automatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+220V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch&_sacat=0
12V DC version - http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Automatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+12V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch&_sop=15&LH_BIN=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.TRS0&_nkw=Automatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+12V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch&_sacat=0
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
The simple capacitive dropper circuit is not rated to supply the relay's full current continuously, so the voltage rail drops to about 6V when the relay has pulled in. This is actually a good thing, since it won't harm the power supply and it reduces the dissipation in the relay's coil. When the voltage rail is pulled down by the energised relay, all the voltage divider reference voltages drop to match, so it doesn't really affect circuit stability, although it does explain the shorter turn off delay.
Probably points of failure are the relay contacts if used with a high inrush or operational load, possible water ingress, although it does seem to be designed to shed water in a controlled manner and the inevitable degradation of the dropper capacitor which will finally result in the relay not pulling in properly.
Here's a link to Andrew's website where he's selling the Quicktest units.
https://nodedist.com/store/cliff-quicktest-us-canada-version
Here's a link to a general search on eBay com for the dusk sensors.
110V version - http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&LH_BIN=1&_nkw=Automatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+110V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch&_sop=15
220V version - http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Automatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+220V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch&_sop=15&LH_BIN=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.A0.H0.XAutomatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+220V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch.TRS1&_nkw=Automatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+220V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch&_sacat=0
12V DC version - http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Automatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+12V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch&_sop=15&LH_BIN=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.TRS0&_nkw=Automatic+Auto+On+Off+Street+12V+Control+Light+Sensor+Switch&_sacat=0
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
i use this and but only for 9watss bulb
Handy to have
funny story, I was picking up a cliff unit to use for mains stuff based on the videos you make, the amazon listing in the us has two reviews giving props to Big Clive. pretty cool stuff sir. needless to say it was 20usd cheaper on ebay. And the 555, when I think about it, its a hysteresis device to me. so much to say, never knowing when to say it. cheers.
I first used 555 timers to time my ham repeater builds in the later 70’s. To get stable repeatable timing, tantalum capacitors were used. Teaming these up with cmos gates it did a basic but pretty good job. The 556 is the dual device, with two timers. I have A 555 cook book there are all types of circuits, blinkers, oscillators. It is a very versatile device.
After realizing that you did answer a question during your livestream that inquired as to which you answered that though you were "gay" ,you also seem to have found it awkward to try and find the words that you couldn't come out so non shallont then as if to pick up where you decided to go back simply stated since it was more your couldn't share at the moment said perhaps some day you would make a video about that as well? As with Fran lab I was certainly enjoying the content of wich gave myself the inspiration to make a good effort to stay positive in my own difficult times every one who discovered their own individual callings nest chooses as you yourself can attest as feeling the obligation to give in return on YouTube with your own contributions in return for what you felt from those who had given to you from their videos you had watched. Very good carry on as long as you can fit as I know from experience that good things never last unfortunately or perhaps get better I now believe thanks to inspirational individuals as yourself sir.
Too bright. Washed out. Out of focus. But other than that, great vid. I need one of those switches.
How well are Wago connectors resistant to corrosion? How many videos have you made? I'm still intrigued by all
your projects!
I love the new matt helps with scaling.
Hi Clive, I've been using a 12v version for several years to control our solar powered led illuminated street address sign. Was very interesting seeing what's inside and how it works!
I have two solar pannels connected to a battery system in my house , trying to work out an automatic system to turn on a larger load when the pannels are producing highest power . I tried currant detection module from eBay but think it's only for AC. Any thoughts ?
That's cool
The problem is that the camera is focusing on that mat! Everything you put on it, is out of focus. I personally find it a bit disturbing and to busy to look at the things you do, with that background. Better take the MDF bench back!
Thanks the wires on my one is brown red,blue ,please explain is blue neutral,brown live red where do I wire this red to