I've good experience with Arduino, but always with digital electronics and low-power loads. I'd like to automate my ceiling fan using an IR remote control but I've no experience with controlling AC other than using a simple relay to switch things. The arduino/IR part is clear.
I've a ceiling fan with a rotating knob controller. Without the cover it looks like this:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gqzwcqx98kyf5ij/2014-08-10%2014.39.57.jpg
How should I control it? I don't mind having only one speed so the quick solution is using a relay. Is there anythink like a "digitally controlled rotary knob" so I can also choose speed? As far as I understand this should be nothing else than a variable resistor, but I do not know anything about controlling AC loads.
Best Answer
Ceiling fan switch diagrams
You can easily do it with three arduino activated relays; you might be able to do it with only two.
You'll need to figure out how the switch maps position to connections as it rotates, and replace all of those connections with relays. Relatively easy, but somewhat time consuming.