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Editorial Team
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Asked: 2026-05-12T05:33:47+00:00

I’d like to start out with the Arduino to make something that will (preferably)

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I’d like to start out with the Arduino to make something that will (preferably) dim my room lights and turn on some recessed lighting for my computer when a button or switch is activated.

First of all, is this even possible with the Arduino?

Secondly, how would I switch on and off real lights with it? Some sort of relay, maybe?

Does anyone know of a good tutorial or something where at least parts of this are covered? I’ll have no problems with the programming, just don’t know where to start with hardware.

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  1. Editorial Team

    An alternative (and safer than playing with triacs – trust me I’ve been shocked by one once and that’s enough!) is to use X-10 home automation devices.

    There is a PC (RS232) device (CM12U UK or CM11 US) you can get to control the others. You can also get lamp modules that fit between your lamp and the wall outlet which allows you to dim the lamp by sending signals over the mains and switch modules which switch loads on and off.

    The Arduino has a TTL level RS232 connector (it’s basically what the USB connection uses) – Pins 0 and 1 on the Diecimila so you could use that, connect it via a level converter which you can buy or make and connect to the X-10 controller, theirs instructions on the on the Arduino website for making a RS232 port.

    Alternatively you could use something like the FireCracker for X-10 which uses 310MHz (US) or 433MHz (UK) and have your Arduino send out RF signals which the TM12U converts into proper X-10 mains signals for the dimmers etc.

    In the US the X-10 modules are really cheep as well (sadly not the case in the UK).

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