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Step 4Connect the microcontroller
Since I intended to use solenoids for the bumpers on the top of the surface, I used 4 digital pins on the Arduino and an 8 channel DC opto-isolator board.
I am powering the Arduino through the USB cable to the computer.
I am powering the opto-isolator board with a regulated 12V 1.5amp power supply.
I originally tried to construct my own board from either 4 TIP120 transistors or a Darlington ULN2074 array. I had problems getting power to switch multiple solenoids with the transistor circuits. However, although the homemade board would have been cheaper, but less reliable and less versatile for future projects.
I have used regular mono audio cable to connect the solenoids to the opto-isolator board. This cable is useful because it contains 2 wires, and is durable/flexible.
I am powering the Arduino through the USB cable to the computer.
I am powering the opto-isolator board with a regulated 12V 1.5amp power supply.
I originally tried to construct my own board from either 4 TIP120 transistors or a Darlington ULN2074 array. I had problems getting power to switch multiple solenoids with the transistor circuits. However, although the homemade board would have been cheaper, but less reliable and less versatile for future projects.
I have used regular mono audio cable to connect the solenoids to the opto-isolator board. This cable is useful because it contains 2 wires, and is durable/flexible.
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