Using arduino to turn on multiple pushbutton switches

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1

I would like to use a mini push button switch (with a cabinet mounted momentary switch) to turn on an arduino nano. Then I would program the nano to turn on (and after a set time off) four additional mini switches. First, does this sound reasonable? Next, should the nano use pwm to communicate with the additional boards? If so, what should be the characteristics of the pulse?

2

Hello.

I do not generally see any issues with the setup you described; although you might try testing the cabinet mounted switch with the pushbutton power switch first to see if it works okay or if it has issues with excessive bouncing).

As far as controlling the pushbutton power switches form the Arduino Nano, you should not use a PWM signal. “Pulsing” in this context just means driving the pin high or low for a brief period. For example, something like the following Arduino code can be used to send a high pulse to the ON pin:

  digitalWrite(onPin, HIGH);
  delay(50);
  digitalWrite(onPin, LOW);

Brandon

3

Thanks. I will give that a try and let you know how I make out.

Greg Mason