Do-it-yourself automatic switching on of headlights. Do-it-yourself automatic switching on of the low beam headlights: we make a “Scandinavian” light

Owners of private houses when landscaping the site are concerned about the question of how to automatic switch on light at dusk and turn it off at dawn. There are two devices for this - a photorelay and an astrotimer. The first device is simpler and cheaper, the second is more complicated and more expensive. Let's talk in more detail about the photo relay for street lighting.

Device and principle of operation

This device has many names. The most common is a photorelay, but they are also called a photocell, a light and twilight sensor, a photosensor, a photosensor, a twilight or light-control switch, a light sensor or day-night. In general, there are many names, but the essence of this does not change - the device allows you to automatically turn on the light at dusk and turn it off at dawn.

The operation of the device is based on the ability of some elements to change their parameters under the influence of sunlight. The most commonly used photoresistors, phototransistors and photodiodes. In the evening, when the illumination decreases, the parameters of the photosensitive elements begin to change. When the change reaches a certain value, the relay contacts close, supplying power to the connected load. At dawn, the changes go in the opposite direction, the contacts open, the light goes out.

Characteristics and selection

First of all, choose the voltage with which the light sensor will work: 220 V or 12 V. Next parameter- protection class. Since the device is installed outdoors, it must be at least IP44 (numbers may be higher, lower - undesirable). This means that objects larger than 1 mm cannot get inside the device, and that it is not afraid of water splashes. The second thing to pay attention to is temperature regime operation. Look for options that marginally cover the averages in your region in both positive and negative temperatures.

It is also necessary to select a photorelay model according to the power of the lamps connected to it (output power) and the load current. It, of course, can “pull” the load a little more, but there may be problems. So it is better to take even with some margin. These were the mandatory parameters by which it is necessary to choose a photorelay for street lighting. There are a few more extras.

In some models, it is possible to adjust the response threshold - to make the photosensor more or less sensitive. Decrease the sensitivity when it snows. In this case, the light reflected from the snow can be perceived as dawn. As a result, the light will turn on and off. You won't like this show.

Pay attention to the sensitivity adjustment limits. They can be more or less. For example, for a Belarusian-made AWZ-30 photo relay, this parameter is 2-100 Lx, for a P02 photocell, the adjustment range is 10-100 Lx.

Response delay. What is the delay for? To eliminate false on / off light. For example, at night, the headlights of a passing car hit the photo relay. If the response delay is short, the light will turn off. If it is sufficient - at least 5-10 seconds, then this will not happen.

Selecting an installation site

For the correct operation of the photorelay, it is important to choose its location correctly. Several factors must be taken into account:

As you can see when organizing automatic lighting on the street, choose a place to install a photorelay - not the most simple task. Sometimes you have to move it several times until you find an acceptable position. Often, if a light sensor is used to turn on a lamp on a pole, they try to place a photo relay in the same place. This is completely optional and very inconvenient - you have to clean off dust or snow quite often and climbing a pole every time is not very fun. The photorelay itself can be placed on the wall of the house, for example, and the power cable can be pulled to the lamp. This is the most convenient option.

Wiring diagrams

The connection scheme for a photorelay for street lighting is simple: a phase and zero are connected to the input of the device, from the output the phase is supplied to the load (lanterns), and zero (minus) to the load comes from the machine or from the bus.

If you do everything according to the rules, the wire connection must be done in the junction box (junction box). Choose a sealed model for outdoor location, mount in an accessible place. How to connect a photorelay to outdoor lighting in this case is in the diagram below.

If you need to turn on / off a powerful lamp on a pole, in the design of which there is a throttle, it is better to add to the circuit. It is designed for frequent on and off, normally tolerates inrush currents.

If the light should be switched on only for the time the person is (in outdoor toilet, near the gate), add to the photocell. In such a bundle, it is better to first put a light-sensitive switch, and after it - a motion sensor. With this construction, the motion sensor will only work in the dark.

Connection diagram for a photorelay with a motion sensor

As you can see, the schemes are simple, it is quite possible to do it yourself.

Features of connecting wires

The photorelay of any manufacturer has three wires. One is red, another is blue (may be dark green) and the third can be any color but is usually black or brown. When connecting, remember:

• the red wire always goes to the lamps:
• zero (neutral) from the supply cable is connected to blue (green);
• phase is applied to black or brown.

If you look at all the above diagrams, you will see that they are drawn in compliance with these rules. That's it, no more complications. By connecting the wires like this (do not forget that the neutral wire must also be connected to the lamp), you will get a working circuit.

How to set up a photo relay for street lighting

It is necessary to configure the light sensor after installation and connection to the network. There is a small plastic rotary dial in the lower part of the case to adjust the operation limits. Its rotation sets the sensitivity.

Find a similar regulator on the case - it adjusts the sensitivity of the photo relay

A little higher on the case there are arrows that indicate which way to turn to increase and decrease the sensitivity of the photorelay (left - decrease, right - increase).

To begin with, set the lowest sensitivity - drive the regulator to the extreme right position. In the evening, when the illumination is such that you decide that you should already turn on the light, start the adjustment. It is necessary to smoothly turn the knob to the left until the light turns on. On this we can assume that the setting of the photo relay for street lighting is completed.

Astrotimer

The astronomical timer (astrotimer) is another way to automate street lighting. The principle of its operation is different from the photorelay, but it also turns on the light in the evening and turns it off in the morning. Street lighting is controlled by time. IN this device data are laid down about what time it gets dark / dawn in each region in each season / day. When setting up the astrotimer, the GPS coordinates of its installation are entered, the date and current time are set. According to the programmed program, the device works.

Astrotimer - the second way to automate the light in the area

How is it more convenient?

• It does not depend on the weather. In the case of installing a photorelay, there is a high probability of a false alarm - in cloudy weather, the light may turn on in the early evening. When light hits the photo relay, it can turn off the light in the middle of the night.
• You can install the astrotimer in the house, in the shield, anywhere. He doesn't need light.
• It is possible to shift the on / off time by 120-240 minutes (depending on the model) relative to the set time. That is, you yourself can set the time as you like.

Flaw - high price. In any case, the models that are in the distribution network are quite solid money. But you can buy in China much cheaper, however, how it will work is a question.

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Automatic lighting on/off system

There are currently on the market ready-made schemes switching on and off lighting, and even with motion sensors. In many houses in landings you can see how these schemes work. You can try to do something similar with your own hands.

Automatic lighting is gaining popularity nowadays. Its main advantage is that now you don’t have to worry about whether you turned off the light at home or not.

Consider a photo switch device designed to turn on and off lighting, depending on the time of day (i.e., natural light). The diagram of the circuit breaker is shown in fig. 1. The sensor of the photo-switch is the photo-resistance F; a bridge circuit is used as a measuring circuit. The sensor that reacts to the amount of ambient light is located in one of the arms of the measuring bridge AG in series with a semiconductor valve 1VP. On the other shoulder BG the winding of the neutral relay is switched on 2P, shoulders WB And AB are formed by constant resistances R 1 and R 2. NO relay contacts 2R included in the control circuit of lighting lamps LO.

The measuring diagonal consists of resistance R 3 , with which the winding of the polarized relay 1P and the gas discharge lamp MN are connected in series, a capacitor is connected in parallel with the lamp MN and the relay 1P FROM. The IP relay is equipped with a changeover contact that closes one or another circuit (terminals 1 and 2) depending on the direction of the current in its winding.

Figure 1. Scheme circuit breaker.

The bridge is powered by a valve 2VP and through the tops of the measuring bridge G and V. The gas-discharge lamp MN is a neon lamp, in a cylinder of which neon gas is under low pressure (about tens of millimeters of mercury). A neon lamp does not have an incandescent cathode, but is equipped with two electrodes (in the form of plates, cylinders or wires). If the lamp voltage is below a certain value, called ignition voltage, no current flows through the lamp. At a voltage equal to the ignition voltage, ionization occurs and a current passes through the lamp. A neon lamp is always turned on through some resistance that limits the current.

The circuit works in the following way.If it is bright outside (illuminance is above 10 OK), then the current in the measuring diagonal comes from the point B to the point BUT, and a polarized relay 1 P switched on in such a way that its changeover contact is closed to the clamp 1. Relay 2R disabled (the current passing through its winding is insufficient to operate the relay); the relay contacts are open, and therefore the lighting lamps LO disabled.

The current in the measuring diagonal comes from the point B to the point BUT because the potential of the point B above potential point BUT, this follows from the fact that the voltage loss on the arm AB more loss tension on the shoulder WB(which, in turn, is explained by the appropriate selection of resistances R 1 and R 2); in addition, resistances are connected to the same circuit terminal. It should be borne in mind that the current in the measuring diagonal does not pass continuously, but in pulses, jumps. Gradually Capacitor FROM is charging and the voltage on it increases; when the voltage on the capacitor plates becomes equal to the ignition voltage of the gas-discharge lamp MH, the lamp ignites and passes current through the relay winding 1P. Thus, due to the presence of a discharge lamp in the circuit, the relay will operate more clearly and reliably at a certain voltage value (equal to the ignition voltage of the discharge lamp).

Simplifies light control, the ability to adjust settings using any gadget that is always near you.

When the illumination decreases, the electrical resistance of the photocell increases; due to this, the current in the arm AB decreases and, accordingly, the voltage drop also decreases. Since the voltage drop in the shoulder BV remains constant, the voltage drop in the shoulder AB can become so small that the potential at the point BUT will become a large potential at the point B, and the current will change its direction and flow from BUT to B. This will happen when daylight by the evening will decrease and become less than 10 OK . As the illumination decreases, the current in the measuring diagonal will increase, the voltage on the capacitor FROM increases and at its value equal to the ignition voltage of the lamp MN, the capacitor will be discharged through the lamp and the polarized relay 1P in the opposite direction; the relay will transfer its contact to the clamp 2 (this violates the measuring bridge circuit). In this case, the neutral relay coil 2R will be connected to the full voltage of the AC 220 V. Relay 2R will work and by closing its contact will turn on the lighting lamps LO. Thus, with the onset of evening twilight, electric lighting automatically turns on.

When morning comes, the light rises, and the photo switch should turn off the electric lighting. Let's see how this happens. With increasing illumination, the electrical resistance of the photocell decreases. F, in connection with which the direct current passing through this shoulder (AG) increases. Along the measuring diagonal A B a constant (or rather, pulsating) current will pass through the following circuit: phase L 2 - clamp 2 - B - A - 1VP - F - G- phase L 1, in addition, along the same diagonal will pass alternating current, forming the following circuit: phase L 2 - clamp 2 - B - A - B - R 4 - phase L 1.

While the illumination is low, the potential difference between the points B And BUT insufficient to light the lamp MN and, as a result, for the operation of the polarized relay 1P. As the illumination increases (above 10 OK) potential at a point BUT, as already explained above, there will be less potential at the point B; the current will reverse its direction, and the capacitor FROM discharged into a lamp MN and relay 1R from the point B to the point BUT; the relay will work and transfer its contact to the clamp 1. In this case, the relay coil 2R will be disconnected from the full voltage of the network 220 IN and will work to turn off your contact; electric lighting will be turned off.

As you know, the dipped beam must be turned on when driving a motor vehicle, not only in the evening and at night, but also in the daytime. In a situation where running lights do not work, the traffic police officer has the right to issue a fine to the driver. Of course, this is a small amount, but it creates a headache. In this regard, most motorists are faced with a number of inconveniences due to the fact that many simply forget to turn on the dipped beam when getting into the car, or do not turn off the lights when leaving the car, which is why the battery is completely discharged in the morning.

In order to get rid of such problems, many decide to modify the process of turning on and off the headlights. Thanks to the simplest circuits, the headlights can turn on simultaneously with the ignition or at the moment the engine is started. At the same time, during the daytime, the dipped beam headlights will light up, but not the dimensions, and at night everything will work in the usual mode. Let's consider both options.

Automatic switching on of headlights when ignited

In order to organize such work of lighting elements, it is necessary to connect them to the ignition power source, and as many people know, some devices can be connected at any position of the ignition switch, while others begin to function only when the ignition is already on. Based on this, the most convenient place to connect the headlights is the stove power button (the rightmost switch block).

For this scheme you will need:

• any full-time five contact relay;
• diode;
• wires.

1. Remove the size switch (leftmost switch block).
2. Disconnect the positive wire from the key block responsible for the low beam operation (usually green double wire) and connect it to the relay.
3. In the positive wire that goes to the stove switch, you need to cut an additional wire and also connect it to the relay.
4. Connect a wire to the relay that powers the headlights themselves.
5. Throw the wires to the minus (on the case).

Connections can be soldered, but normal insulated twisting is enough for full-fledged work. As a result, the automatic dipped beam will work as soon as you turn on the ignition.

However, this method is considered not the most economical, since the headlights start working immediately, which is not very important in winter time when the engine needs to be warmed up or when the vehicle is being repaired.

To avoid such inconveniences, you can complicate the circuit a bit so that the dipped beam is turned off during parking, regardless of the ignition on or off.

Automatic switching on of headlights after starting the engine

To organize a similar scheme of work, you can go in two directions: connect to an oil pressure sensor or to a handbrake.

Method 1: Connecting to an oil pressure sensor

To make this connection you will need:

• relay;
• transistor (2 pieces);
• wires;
• chip K561TP1.

All parts are placed in a small housing from the relay, after which the device must be connected to an oil pressure sensor. When the pressure in the engine lubrication system returns to normal, that is, when the engine is turned on, the sensor will open, and power will be transferred from it to the capacitor. Ultimately, the voltage to the relay will be supplied through the transistors included in the power supply to the headlights. When the engine is turned off, power from the sensor is supplied to the desired lamp located on dashboard. At this time, the capacitor that enters the headlight control unit begins to discharge and the power supply to the relay stops.

In this case, you can also control the headlights in manual mode if you use a parallel connection. In order to set the time for turning off and on the headlights, it is enough to select the resistance on the board. The higher this parameter is, the longer the headlights will turn on and off after a longer period of time.

True, not everyone likes this method, since such a scheme is much more complicated (you need to pull the wires and make 3-4 connections).

Method 2: Connecting to the handbrake

This method is much simpler, since in this case it is enough to slightly modify the headlight connection scheme during ignition, which we talked about at the very beginning. To do this, just add another relay and a short wire (about 25 cm) to the standard contact of the handbrake button.

Thanks to this method, the headlights will turn off as soon as you pull the handbrake, and light up when you release it.

In custody

All these methods take a minimum of time and money investments, and the result eliminates many troubles. Automating the process of turning on the headlights does not require special skills in electrics, so you can handle this connection yourself without any problems.

Automatic switching on of the headlights is necessary to turn on the headlights in case of a sharp deterioration in visibility without the participation of the driver. In some countries, turning on the headlights is required when the vehicle is moving.

On foreign cars, automatic headlight switching is installed, for the implementation of which an appropriate sensor is used. Often this sensor is combined with a rain sensor attached to the windshield. The principle of this sensor is based on the measurement of illumination using photocells.

But for a domestic car owner, this method is hardly suitable. According to the rules traffic dipped headlights must be turned on not only at night, but also during the day. When this requirement arose, it became necessary to apply automatic switching on of headlights when the car was moving and turning them off when parked, in order to save energy and prevent the headlights from being left on when parked. According to the laws of the market, electrical equipment enterprises for cars and craftsmen immediately responded to this need. Everyone has an excellent principle of operation, depending on what the car owner wants to get and what costs and complications the scheme wants to go to. Consider some of the most common schemes.

A way to turn on for the forgetful.

The most simple circuit Automatic headlights protect against driver forgetfulness and prevent the headlights from turning on when the ignition is off. On most vehicles this is done by design at the factory, and where it is not implemented it can be easily done. To do this, it is enough to supply power to the power button or headlight relay through the ignition switch terminals, which close when the ignition is turned on, but open when the starter is turned on.

This method has a very important advantage - simplicity. There is an opinion that the included headlights will give an additional load, but this is not so. If the connection is made correctly, then when the starter is turned on, the headlights will turn off. Conclusion: simple reliable way without cost.

Automatic switching on of headlights via relay.

The second way to implement automatic headlights is to connect the electromagnet of the headlights on relay or an additional relay to the generator excitation circuit, or rather the charging signal lamp circuit. This method is suitable for almost all modern cars.

For implementation it is necessary to add five contact relay type 90.3747. Connect the wire from the ignition switch to pin 85 and 30. Connect output 86 to the output of the generator, to which the wire from the charge control lamp is connected. Connect terminal 88 to the headlight relay or directly to the fuses protecting the headlight circuit.

In this case, when the ignition is turned on, the power from the ignition switch, the relay electromagnet coil, goes to minus through the generator winding, while the relay operates and opens contacts 30 and 88. After starting the engine and starting the generator, a plus appears at the output of the generator control lamp. At the same time, the relay turns off and closes contacts 30 and 88, turning on the headlights.

To prevent a harmful circuit in this case, it is desirable to use a diode connected in series with the relay coil directed towards the generator. The headlights in this case will only burn when there is a charging current, subject to the integrity of the circuit, which can be controlled by the battery charge lamp.

Automatic switching on of headlights via pressure sensor.

In the third connection method, automatic switching on of headlights, Kulibins suggest using a sensor emergency pressure engine oils. The connection diagram is identical to that described earlier, only the relay coil is connected not to the generator, but to the emergency oil pressure sensor. In this case, the headlights will light up immediately after the pressure in the lubrication system appears. The disadvantage is that the headlights turn on regardless of the health of the generator. With low oil pressure idling, if the engine condition is not the best, the headlights will flash when the sensor is triggered.

Only the simplest and possibly primitive ways of implementing automatic headlight switching are considered here. On the Internet you can find many more schemes, both simple and quite complex. Also in stores you can offer ready-made blocks for the implementation of this function.

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So, since I constantly forget to turn on, and even worse, turn off the dipped beam, I decided to try to automate this process. The usual relays sold in the store did not suit me because the light either turns on immediately after the ignition is turned on / the engine starts, or after reaching a certain voltage, and the voltage, as you know, is a fickle thing.

Therefore, the relay used a standard five-pin, because. I did not find a four-pin normally-closed one. To the output "30" of the relay, we connect the wire connected to the red twin wire from the ignition lock chip, which turns on the starter solenoid relay. To the conclusion "86" we hook the wire from the chip of the generator bulb. Conclusion "85" - mass. We connect to the output "87a" green wire with the button for turning on the outdoor lighting. We do not connect anything to the output "87".

Principle of operation:
Ignition is off - there is no voltage on the relay and the headlights do not light up.
The ignition is on - the minus on the generator lamp and the headlights do not light up.
Starting the internal combustion engine - a plus appeared on the lamp, but a plus also appeared on the retracting starter, the relay is open and the headlights do not light up.
The internal combustion engine has earned, we release the starter, the relay closes, and because on the generator lamp plus, this plus goes to the three-lever light switch. Well, actually the scheme:

That is, the headlights light up only when the engine is running and the starter is turned off. This is especially true in winter, because. the fewer unnecessary consumers during engine start-up, the more likely it is to start.
Light switching in the steering column three-lever switch occurs as follows: 0 - the headlights are off, 1 - the low beam is on, 2 - the high beam is on.

Here is a photo of the implementation:

Dimensions are switched on separately by the button for turning on the external lighting. I reasoned about the dimensions like this: they are needed only at night, and at night you won’t forget to turn them on 100%, because as soon as it gets dark, the instrument readings will become invisible. Forgetting to turn it off is also possible only in a very large park, because. the burning dimensions at night will immediately catch your eye. You can make the dimensions turn off automatically, but these are extra relays and extra wires. IMHO it's useless.
I think this scheme is almost perfect. The only thing I would like to improve is that the dipped one burns both in the zero and in the first positions of the steering column switch. But then you need an additional relay, so that when you switch to the far gas, the near one and also the forced shutdown of the headlights from the button or the handbrake.