An Arduino Arc Welder that , when toggled on, runs on a schedule that you set. The toggle can be either a manual or electronic switch.
This routine adds extra realism to your scene in that the welding being done is not continuous but randomly done as it is in real life.
About This Arc Welder
The sketch here is particularly powerful. Not only does if look realistic when added to your scene, you can control if and when it runs.
In the sketch there is a table that looks like this. int weldingTable[][2] = {{1, 2}, {2, 1}}; The numbers on the left in each represent the time the welder will run. The numbers on the right represent the time it will then remain off Change those times to suit your desires.
And since it includes a switch, you can determine when it will operate with any toggle or with an input from an external source.
Materials Required
Arduino Nano – You may also use an UNO
LEDs – The basis welder uses two white. We show yellow here so that you can see it against the white background.
You may increase the number or LEDs and/or change the colors.
Resistors – Equal to the number of LEDs.
Prototype Board – i piece
A toggle switch of some sort. You can also use a latching push button. In place of a physical switch you can take an input from an external source.
Kit
All the parts shown are readily available. For your your convenience, however, You may get a cost and time saving kit to make this at Kits.
Arc Welder Demonstration
In this short video to make the flashing visible have used yellow and blue LEDs . We normally use white. Some folks use a blue marker to cover part of the LEDs with blue.You may also add a third LED.
The video doubles as a wiring diagram.
The code simulation was made using WOKI. It is a great tool, resource and help center.
Wiring Diagram
It is important to remember to add resistors on the anodes of the LEDs.
Replace the UNO with a nano. Saves you some money.
Get The Sketch
To make it easy for you, the sketch is instantly available on Pastebin. Click here to examine and, if you wish, download it.
Getting Parts
Getting parts can take a lot of time if you get them from the Far East, assuming you get good quality, or they can be rather expensive it you buy them one at a time. Kits are cost saving and everything comes to you at once. And these are shipped Europe and the US. And the materials have been approved for quality. Look at them at This Page.
Arc Welder Library
There are all the arc welder sketches available.
Arc Welder That Runs Continuously – Simple but effective and easily modified.
Arc Welder Switch Controlled. – Turns welder on and off using a simple toggle switch.
Arc Welder Timed Operation – The arc welder will start and stop on a time schedule that you set.