It seems you’re encountering trouble integrating your fog machine with a relay and PIR (motion) sensor setup. Let’s break down the potential issues and how to get your fog machine functioning as expected, triggered by the PIR sensor.
Typical Setup:
- Fog Machine: Has a manual switch for fog activation.
- Relay: Used to automate the fog machine’s switch. It’s usually a 5V or 12V relay connected to the manual switch wiring.
- PIR Sensor: Activates power to multiple sockets when triggered, including the one powering your relay.
Common Issues and Fixes:
- Relay Activation:
- Problem: Your fog machine triggers when wired to the relay’s Normally Closed (NC) connection, but this causes the fog machine to cycle continuously, ignoring the PIR.
- Solution: You should connect the fog machine to Normally Open (NO) and Common (C) terminals of the relay. This way, the circuit only completes when the relay is energized (when the PIR is triggered).
- Check: Ensure that when the PIR activates the power, the relay switches states from NO to NC, triggering the fog machine.
- Triggering the Relay:
- Problem: The relay isn’t switching properly or is always staying in the closed state (NC).
- Solution: Ensure the relay is receiving proper 5V or 12V from the power supply. The relay should have an IN1 trigger pin that activates it. To test:
- Use a multimeter to check if the relay is receiving a signal from the PIR.
- Ensure the relay is correctly wired with positive to VCC and ground to GND, and check if IN1 receives a trigger signal.
- If the PIR only provides a momentary signal, you might need to ensure the trigger duration is long enough for the fogger to work.
- Jumper Configuration:
- Problem: The relay board is powering up, but the relay coil is not engaging.
- Solution: Make sure the positive power supply goes to JD-VCC and not just VCC. This configuration ensures that the relay coil gets power to switch states.
- Test: Try bridging the GND to IN1 to see if the relay triggers. If not, check for proper wiring or consider using a voltage trigger (if needed).
- Fog Machine Manual Switch Wiring:
- Problem: Tapping the manual switch wires together works, but when connected to the relay, the fog machine doesn’t activate correctly.
- Solution: If touching the wires manually triggers the fog, it confirms that the wiring to the manual switch is correct. The relay should simulate this connection when it activates. If the relay isn’t completing the circuit when powered, the issue could be:
- Incorrect relay wiring.
- Power supply issues to the relay.
- Faulty relay board.
- PIR Duration Settings:
- Problem: If your PIR only sends a momentary pulse, the relay might not stay activated long enough to trigger the fog machine.
- Solution: Make sure your PIR sensor has a configurable time delay to hold the relay on for several seconds (long enough for the fogger to release a decent amount of fog). Alternatively, you may need a latching relay for more control over timing.
Recap of Connections:
- Power to Relay:
- Connect 5V to JD-VCC and GND to the relay’s ground pin.
- Trigger Signal:
- The trigger (IN1) should be grounded or powered depending on the relay’s design (most are negative triggered). Ensure the trigger wire is coming from the correct source (PIR sensor or other activation device).
- Fog Machine Wiring:
- Connect the fog machine’s manual switch wires to the NO and C terminals on the relay.
Additional Tips:
- Test the Relay: You can manually test the relay by connecting and disconnecting IN1 to ground to ensure it clicks and switches state.
- Multimeter Test: Use a multimeter to test if the relay is correctly energizing and closing the circuit.
- Safety First: Be cautious of the wiring inside the fog machine’s manual switch, as it may involve high voltage (120V). If you’re unsure, consider getting professional help to avoid electric shock hazards.
By carefully following the steps and double-checking your wiring, you should be able to automate your fog machine using the relay and PIR sensor. Good luck with your setup!