I am building an above the bar around the basement layout with a few switches and would like to be able to turn off a couple areas of track. I can control switches remotely. I am struggling figuring out how to use relays or toggle switches remotely. Most wifi switches are for DC or high voltage AC. Any help would be greatly appreciated
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@hharvey posted:... I am struggling figuring out how to use relays or toggle switches remotely. Most wifi switches are for DC or high voltage AC.
By "for DC or high voltage AC" do you mean the wifi devices are powered by DC (e.g., 5V, 12V) or high voltage AC (e.g., 120V wall outlet)? How the device is powered can be different than what the device can control (what it can turn on and off). If you are willing to wire/assemble at the module level (should NOT require soldering), there are many inexpensive DC-powered wifi RELAY modules. The relay itself can switch/control AC or DC of any voltage you will encounter in O-gauge trains:
These come with 1, 2, 4, 8, etc. relays per module.
I'd be surprised if not astonished if someone makes a low-voltage (14-18V) AC-powered wifi relay module. So where to get 5V DC if all you have is low-voltage O-gauge AC? You could use an AC-to-DC converter module.
One AC-to-DC converter can supply power to multiple wifi relay modules.
If this seems like a possible direction to take, there are some i's and t's to dot and cross. I realize this DIY approach is not for everyone.
Thank you. It sounds like I should power the relay with low volt DC, then use the relay to turn my AC on and off from the train transformer to the track.
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