Power control - Hardware

System overview

The power control unit consists of 6 relays connected to an ATMega8 MCU. The main (lower) board is self sufficient and contains all necessary parts for proper function.

The top board serves as an easy indicator of the relay state. It plugs to the header pins on the bottom PCB.

Power control in action

The system can be connected to any AC circuit (limited by relay characteristics - usually up to 10A/400V AC). In the picture below the system is connected to the modified power board, serving individual 4 outlets (out of possible 6). The power control gets signal from computer or similar control device via RJ45 cable.

With the top board connected to the main unit it is possible to see which relays are operational at any moment. Red LED means that relay is conducting and green LED means that relay is not conducting (Unsafe/Safe).