I want to operate a solenoid (6v 300mA) when a light source in
interupted.
I was thinking along the lines of a optical sensor and a relay but was
wondering if a componant existed that does this without my needing to
build a circuit at all?

davidt wrote:
>
> I want to operate a solenoid (6v 300mA) when a light source in
> interupted.
> I was thinking along the lines of a optical sensor and a relay but was
> wondering if a componant existed that does this without my needing to
> build a circuit at all?

With a bit more information, we can make
better recommendations. When you say
'light source', do you mean when the
ambient light in an area goes out, or
when an object cuts off a light beam?

For the latter, google 'photointerrupter',
'IR emitter/detector', illumination sensor'.

HTH

On 4 Jan, 02:57, Randy Day <randy....@shaw.ca> wrote:
> davidt wrote:
>
> > I want to operate a solenoid (6v 300mA) when a light source in
> > interupted.
> > I was thinking along the lines of a optical sensor and a relay but was
> > wondering if a componant existed that does this without my needing to
> > build a circuit at all?
>
> With a bit more information, we can make
> better recommendations. When you say
> 'light source', do you mean when the
> ambient light in an area goes out, or
> when an object cuts off a light beam?
>
> For the latter, google 'photointerrupter',
> 'IR emitter/detector', illumination sensor'.
>
> HTH

It would be when an object cuts off a light beam.
Using google I have found components that would do the detecting
stage, but none that would switch the 300mA load directly.
Sorry if this is a daft question, I only have a limited understanding
of electronics, and even that is 30years out of date.

On Thu, 3 Jan 2008 17:52:20 -0800 (PST), davidt <dav1d@talktalk.net>
wrote:

>I want to operate a solenoid (6v 300mA) when a light source in
>interupted.
>I was thinking along the lines of a optical sensor and a relay but was
>wondering if a componant existed that does this without my needing to
>build a circuit at all?

Search for "break beam detector" and look for one with a relay output
- usually good for 5 amps at 120 VAC.

You could probably find something surplus along those lines if you
need it inexpensive - they are used in the thousands in manufacturing.
--

On Jan 4, 9:35=A0pm, default <defa...@defaulter.net> wrote:
> On Thu, 3 Jan 2008 17:52:20 -0800 (PST), davidt <da...@talktalk.net>
> wrote:
>
> >I want to operate a solenoid (6v 300mA) when a light source in
> >interupted.
> >I was thinking along the lines of a optical sensor and a relay but was
> >wondering if a componant existed that does this without my needing to
> >build a circuit at all?
>
> Search for "break beam detector" and look for one with a relay output
> - usually good for 5 amps at 120 VAC.
>
> You could probably find something surplus along those lines if you
> need it inexpensive - they are used in the thousands in manufacturing.
> --

Have tried searching for "break beam detector" and variations, but no
luck. Are they known as anything else?

On Fri, 4 Jan 2008 16:38:28 -0800 (PST), davidt <dav1d@talktalk.net>
wrote:


>Have tried searching for "break beam detector" and variations, but no
>luck. Are they known as anything else?

Try " ir beam detector". Or variations.

Where IR is infrared

On Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:04:18 GMT, Hammy <spamme@hotmail.com> wrote:

>On Fri, 4 Jan 2008 16:38:28 -0800 (PST), davidt <dav1d@talktalk.net>
>wrote:
>
>
>>Have tried searching for "break beam detector" and variations, but no
>>luck. Are they known as anything else?
>
>Try " ir beam detector". Or variations.
>
>Where IR is infrared

You could probably easily modify something like this to suit your
needs.

http://www.smarthome.com/7460.html

davidt wrote:
> On Jan 4, 9:35 pm, default <defa...@defaulter.net> wrote:
>> On Thu, 3 Jan 2008 17:52:20 -0800 (PST), davidt <da...@talktalk.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I want to operate a solenoid (6v 300mA) when a light source in
>>> interupted.
>>> I was thinking along the lines of a optical sensor and a relay but was
>>> wondering if a componant existed that does this without my needing to
>>> build a circuit at all?
>> Search for "break beam detector" and look for one with a relay output
>> - usually good for 5 amps at 120 VAC.
>>
>> You could probably find something surplus along those lines if you
>> need it inexpensive - they are used in the thousands in manufacturing.
>> --
>
> Have tried searching for "break beam detector" and variations, but no
> luck. Are they known as anything else?
Three links for a (partial) solution on a dutch site:

http://www.conrad.nl/goto/?product=191710
http://www.conrad.nl/goto/?product=190978
http://www.conrad.nl/goto/?product=117536

On Fri, 4 Jan 2008 16:38:28 -0800 (PST), davidt <dav1d@talktalk.net>
wrote:

>On Jan 4, 9:35 pm, default <defa...@defaulter.net> wrote:
>> On Thu, 3 Jan 2008 17:52:20 -0800 (PST), davidt <da...@talktalk.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>> >I want to operate a solenoid (6v 300mA) when a light source in
>> >interupted.
>> >I was thinking along the lines of a optical sensor and a relay but was
>> >wondering if a componant existed that does this without my needing to
>> >build a circuit at all?
>>
>> Search for "break beam detector" and look for one with a relay output
>> - usually good for 5 amps at 120 VAC.
>>
>> You could probably find something surplus along those lines if you
>> need it inexpensive - they are used in the thousands in manufacturing.
>> --
>
>Have tried searching for "break beam detector" and variations, but no
>luck. Are they known as anything else?

Marlin p Jones had some surplus ones awhile back and I bought two,
none in today's catalog but they do have a kit

http://www.mpja.com/searchprods.asp?sea ... =&sort_by=

These are a common enough hobby surplus item, so you might get a list
of surplus shops and search

Break beam, detector or sensor, photo or optical controls or sensors,
infrared controls, and variations of those terms

Graingers catalog has them in the industrial controls section.

robotics sites are another source - but usually short range "retro
reflector" detectors/sensors


--