Switch for Power Block also controlling Marquee light?

[electricmagma]

I have an AC Cabinet light (fluorescent) that I am using for the marquee. I want to use the same switch that turns off the PI from the control block to turn off the light as well. Has anyone done this, and do you think I will harm the control block if I do this?

Cheers

[losdelfuego]

I think the easiest way to do this would be with a DPST (double pole, single throw) switch. This kind of switch has one mechanism (the "throw"), be it a latching button or a toggle, but two circuits (the "poles") that are activated by it. So you would wire your control block to one set of poles, and your lead to your light on the other set.

I think that would work.

[electricmagma]

Thanks!! That makes sense!!!!!

[obsidianspider]

@electricmagma I like the double throw switch idea that @losdelfuego suggested, but if that doesn't suit your build you could also look into having the GPIO of the Pi control a relay that enables the marquee light to get power.

[electricmagma]

@obsidianspider OOOOOOOOOH I like that idea too!

[LaserGecko]

@obsidianspider That should be easy with a 5VDC coil relay. You wouldn't even need to turn on/off a logical pin. The Pi's 5VDC pins are connected directly to the power input and since the PowerBlock controls that power, it should go off when the Pi shuts down.

Right? I think. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[electricmagma]

I did end up using a DPST switch and it worked out great. The monitor would go into deep sleep, and seem "off" the marquee would turn off, and the PI would wait for the switch to turn back on. Once turned on, it would wake the screen and the marquee would come on at the same time. It works well!