Digital Circuit Design for Automation

I'm seeking an expert who build a kit from readily available electrical components that will allow me to control a bank of lights that I will fix to a "putaway wall" - that using a PC (preferably via wifi) will communicate with the lights so that they can be individually turned on and off in order to direct the operative to separate consolidated orders into individual orders for dispatch. We can write the required program just need the kit putting together. This is what chatGPT suggests : To build a circuit that allows you to control 30 lights individually from a PC, you can use a microcontroller, such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi, along with a relay module or transistor drivers to manage the lights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set this up: ### Components Needed: 1. **Microcontroller**: Arduino (e.g., Arduino Uno) or Raspberry Pi. 2. **Relay Module**: A relay module with at least 30 channels, or multiple relay modules to control all lights. 3. **LEDs or Lights**: The actual lights you want to control (ensure they are compatible with the relays). 4. **Power Supply**: Appropriate power source for your lights. 5. **Wires and Breadboard**: For connections. 6. **Computer**: To run the control software. ### Steps to Build the Circuit: #### 1. **Circuit Design**: - Connect each light to a relay. The relay will control the power to each light. - Connect the relays to the microcontroller (e.g., GPIO pins on the Arduino). - Ensure the relay is rated for the voltage and current of the lights you are using. #### 2. **Microcontroller Setup**: - **Arduino**: If you’re using an Arduino, connect the relay module to the digital pins (e.g., D2 to D31 for 30 relays). - **Raspberry Pi**: If you’re using a Raspberry Pi, connect the relay module to GPIO pins. #### 3. **Programming the Microcontroller**: - Write a program that listens for commands from your PC. - Use a serial communication library (like `pySerial` for Python) to receive commands. - Based on the command, turn on the appropriate relay to illuminate the light. Example code snippet (Arduino): ```cpp const int relayPins[30] = {2, 3, 4, ..., 31}; // pins for relays void setup() { [login to view URL](9600); for (int i = 0; i < 30; i++) { pinMode(relayPins[i], OUTPUT); digitalWrite(relayPins[i], LOW); // Start with all lights off } } void loop() { if ([login to view URL]() > 0) { int lightNumber = [login to view URL]() - '0'; // assuming input is '0' to '29' if (lightNumber >= 0 && lightNumber < 30) { digitalWrite(relayPins[lightNumber], HIGH); // Turn on light } } } ``` #### 4. **PC Software**: - Create a simple application to send commands to the microcontroller. This can be done in Python, C#, or any language that can communicate via serial. - The application should allow the user to select which light to illuminate. Example Python code: ```python import serial ser = [login to view URL]('COM_PORT', 9600) # Replace 'COM_PORT' with the correct port while True: light_number = input("Enter light number (0-29): ") [login to view URL]([login to view URL]()) ``` #### 5. **Testing**: - Power everything up and run the PC software. - Test each command to ensure the correct light turns on. ### Safety Considerations: - Make sure your relays are rated for the voltage/current of your lights. - Isolate the high voltage and low voltage sections of your circuit. - Use appropriate fuses and protective measures. ### Final Notes: - You might consider using more advanced options like an ESP8266 or ESP32 if you want to control the lights over Wi-Fi. - Consider adding a feedback mechanism (like a sensor) to confirm that the parcel has been delivered, which could automatically turn off the light after a set time or upon user confirmation.