Need a remote switch idea

Shouldnt be hard to obtain a radio control kit ?

off-the shelf radio control hardware, (from a model shop) off-the-shelf "door" remote control reciiever (probably cheaper, may need a special antenna to get enough range)

both will increase the drain on the batteries, or may need a different voltage, etc...

you'll pobably want to upgrade to larger batteries (maybe D's or a lead-acid battery if you want rechargable)

it may be cheaper to install a solar panel and lead-acid battery and run the EL continuously, or with a little extra electronics, only at night.

retro-reflective tape could be a no-power solution (but a bit late now)

Bye. Jasen

--Yeah that's the kicker; it seems like any scheme I can dream up will require something like a car battery to keep things going, then I'll have to charge the battery periodically. What I'm hoping for is something that can work with a smaller battery that isn't awful to hump around; maybe a lantern battery?

The long-term solution is a rechargeable battery pack with a solar charger and a light/dark sensor.

Solar walkway lights with white LEDs are typically under $10 each and include all of the above. All the electronics in these lights is usually one piece that unscrews from the globe (1/4 turn). Make a box with a clear front and a reflective surface inside (aluminum foil is cheap). Mount one or two of the solar walkway light units through holes in the top of the box (depending on the size of the box). Put your indicator arrow or other info on the clear front. Use a color for the symbols/numbers that contrasts with the reflective interior and you'll have a day and night marker.

Perhaps not the answer you were looking for, but this solution requires no wiring and very little maintenance. If you expect guests late in the evening after several cloudy days, you may need to charge the batteries (most use AA nicad/nimh) that day (the charge on a heavily clouded day may only last an hour or so).

In the Atlanta, GA, area, a typical daytime charge provides 5 to 7 hours of light in the summer and 3 to 5 hours in the winter.

John

Hi, Ed. You know, I'd think the thing you're looking for would be commonly available for a relatively low cost, particularly with automotive and camera applications.

I was looking around a little bit, and saw a relatively inexpensive setup made by RFSolutions, a British outfit. They've got the whole kit, with keyfob transmitter and receiver that operates on a 12V supply. It's not high power -- two 6V lantern batteries in series should work for a long time. Looking at the receiver datasheet, you might want to go with the momentary relay outputs (switch selectable), and use them to drive a dual coil magnetically latching relay for minimum power consumption if that's an issue.

Their products are available through Maplin, a UK hobbyist distributor kind of like Jameco here in the States. I know we can order from them with a credit card online or by phone in the States, and you can also get help online or through email.

The webpages don't show very clearly what you're ordering -- you might want to email or call them for assistance.

I haven't used these myself, but your question made me curious. I'd like to know if these are what you're looking for. I was kind of hoping someone else had a solution.

Cheers Chris

--Thanks; that's where I'm headed. Now all I've got to do is find some cheap fiber optic..

-- "Steamboat Ed" Haas : Whatever happened Hacking the Trailing Edge! : to Porgy Tirebiter?