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How to make a simple dimmer to control light from a smartphone using Arduino

Using the Arduino Nano module, you can build a simple dimmer, with which you can remotely control not only turning the light on and off, but also its brightness. All control is done from your smartphone without any remote control. The circuit is simple and quite repeatable even by a novice radio amateur.

You will need the following parts


  • Arduino Nano -
  • Bluetooth module HC-05 -
  • Triac BTA16 or BT139 -
  • Optocoupler EL817 or PC817 -
  • Optocoupler with triac output MOC3020 or MOC3021 -
  • Diode bridge -
  • Resistors 47 kOhm, 1 kOhm, 100 Ohm, 200 R -

Scheme and firmware


Dimmer circuit on Arduino

On the left side of the Arduino there is a zero detector. It gives a signal to the module when the sine wave passes the zero mark, turning from positive to negative.
On the right side there is a triac switch with galvanic isolation on an optocoupler. The bluetooth module is also connected to the Arduino.
Firmware for Arduino and phone application in the archive:
downloads.zip [3.6 Mb] (downloads: 209)

The application must first be copied to the phone's memory in any way convenient for you.

Making a simple dimmer on Arduino Nano


First of all, let's program the Arduino Nano. Let's upload the firmware, so to speak.
We install the Arduino on the board using pads. This makes it possible to remove it from the board at any time.
We install Arduino on the board

We drill holes in the board and install a diode bridge.
We drill holes in the board and install a diode bridge

We install an optocoupler and resistors in the zero detector circuit.
We install an optocoupler and resistors in the zero detector circuit

We install and solder the Bluetooth module header.
Install and solder the Bluetooth module header

Bottom view of soldering. Long conductors are made of installation wire.
Bottom view of soldering

We solder the optocoupler with the triac.
We solder the optocoupler with the triac

Take the bluetooth module.
Take the bluetooth module

We install it in the block on the board.
Install bluetooth into the header on the board

We connect the plug with the wire and the load in the form of an incandescent lamp.
Connect the plug with the wire and the load in the form of a lamp

We will power the Arduino from a separate 5 V unit. We will connect it via micro USB.
Arduino will be powered from a separate 5 V block

That's all, the dimmer is ready for use.

Dimmer check


Install the application on your smartphone.
Install the application on your smartphone

We connect via bluetooth to the dimmer.
Connect via bluetooth to the dimmer

Now you can control the brightness of the light.
Now you can control the brightness of the light

We move the slider in the application and the brightness of the lamp increases from zero.
Move the slider in the application and the brightness of the lamp increases from zero

And to full brightness.
And to full brightness

Watch the video


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