Optical Sensor On/Off for 12V 3.6A Battery

[EagleOnePro]

Hi all I would like some ideas and pointers on how you think that I could drive my electromagnet to turn on/off with some form of optical sensor. I’m using a 12V 3.6A battery. I’m not too knowledgeable in the optical sensor arena. So if you have any ideas on how I could drive this inductive load give me your thoughts, thanks.

 

[d.arbitman]

What do you want the optical sensor to sense? A break in the beam would toggle power to the electromagnet?

 

[EagleOnePro]

yes, sorry for not making that clear.

 

[d.arbitman]

yes, sorry for not making that clear.

You might want to consider a photointerrupter. And some basic digital logic to control a digital mosfet.

 

[EagleOnePro]

I'v looked into them, I did not know of any others that may be easer.

 

[d.arbitman]

I have just one more question. Do you need the optical sensor as a safety device such that power to the magnet is cut off when the beam is cut or to mimic the behavior of a switch?

 

[meBigGuy]

You are asking for a photoelectric switch.
The simplest, least electronic way is to connect a photosensor to a relay.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BLZ93T2/?tag=pfamazon01-20

There are probably better ones if you look around.

 

[EagleOnePro]

I need it to mimic the behavior of the switch. I like the idea of a relay but relays have limited life's and don't last for as much repetitions as I need.

 

[meBigGuy]

Then find a solid state photoelectric switch. Granger has them, but they are expensive.

Google "phototriac coupler".