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Feature: Add Triac Phase Control Plugin (_P184_Triac.ino) #5426

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Feature: Add Triac Phase Control Plugin (_P184_Triac.ino) #5426

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1d269c1
Triac plugin - Detect zero cross and trigger a triac.
thalesmaoa Nov 8, 2025
0af3bac
Name change
thalesmaoa Nov 11, 2025
4382a66
Dont remember
thalesmaoa Dec 16, 2025
39dc629
Merge branch 'mega' into feature/zero-crossing-dimmer
thalesmaoa Jan 21, 2026
7776d5c
Merge branch 'mega' into feature/zero-crossing-dimmer
thalesmaoa Jan 24, 2026
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6 changes: 5 additions & 1 deletion platformio_esp32_envs.ini
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Expand Up @@ -311,7 +311,11 @@ extends = esp32_IRExt_LittleFS_ETH
board = esp32_4M
build_flags = ${esp32_IRExt_LittleFS_ETH.build_flags}


[env:normal_ESP32_IRExt_4M316k_LittleFS_ETH_P184]
extends = env:normal_ESP32_IRExt_4M316k_LittleFS_ETH
board = esp32_4M
build_flags = ${env:normal_ESP32_IRExt_4M316k_LittleFS_ETH.build_flags}
-DUSES_P184
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@tonhuisman tonhuisman Dec 16, 2025

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We've dropped the _LittleFS_ETH part from all env names, so when rebasing with mega, this env might cause issues, but these are easy to fix 😃

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@thalesmaoanz thalesmaoanz Dec 16, 2025

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I'm sorry, I've pushed to the wrong origin. I was playing a little bit more with it.

image

https://robotdyn.pt.aliexpress.com/store/1950989/pages/all-items.html?productGroupId=40000005016219&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_allItems_or_groupList.pcShopHead_2562584.1_0&storeId=1950989&sortType=bestmatch_sort&shop_sortType=bestmatch_sort

I'm building a board for temperature control.

image

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@TD-er TD-er Dec 16, 2025

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Ehh a few remarks....
Looks like you may be using mains voltage on the headers at the bottom of that screenshot?
Those pins are way too close to the low voltage parts of the PCB.
The area under the dimmer circuit should also be isolated, so rather not have a copper pour on the top layer of the PCB, under the intended dimmer circuit.
If you would like to shield it, then you could add copper pour on the bottom side of your own PCB.
What happens if you scratch the green solder mask with some sharp pieces of the dimmer circuit? Then you expose the GND of the ESP to mains voltage.
The heat sink of the dimmer circuit is also way too close to the Wemos pins and is probably not isolated from mains.

Also you seem to be using a Wemos ESP32 form factor, which then has the WiFi antenna right above the copper pour area and thus will likely have a very sub-optimal WiFi performance, unless you will be using some external WiFi antenna.

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@thalesmaoa thalesmaoa Dec 18, 2025

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Hi @TD-er , I really appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

Looks like you may be using mains voltage on the headers at the bottom of that screenshot?

Yes. That is correct.

Those pins are way too close to the low voltage parts of the PCB.

I performed some calculations based on IEC 60664. For 500V, the minimum suggested clearance is 1.5mm, and I’ve allowed for 1.9mm. However, you’ve brought up a good point: I should have included an isolation slot (milling) in that area, which I missed.

The area under the dimmer circuit should also be isolated, so rather not have a copper pour on the top layer of the PCB, under the intended dimmer circuit.

I understand. I've decided to use a 3D spacer between them for now. The EMI is significant in Triac-based PCBs, and my intention was for the ground plane to act as a shield.

Also you seem to be using a Wemos ESP32 form factor, which then has the WiFi antenna right above the copper pour area and thus will likely have a very sub-optimal WiFi performance, unless you will be using some external WiFi antenna.

Do you have any specific tips for improving Wi-Fi performance in this layout?

I have already sent this batch to production, but I will definitely incorporate all of your suggestions into version 2.

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@TD-er TD-er Dec 18, 2025

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In open air the rule of thumb is 1 mm per 100V.
So for mains voltage you should keep 3 mm.
An encapsulated PCB trace (covered in solder mask) does have better insulation, so that figure of 1.5mm might be correct.... however... ;)
You're switching some load which can also be inductive. This means the voltages can be much much higher. Just looking at the EMI is also a good indicator there might be some inductive behavior.
N.B. you also have a trace quite close to the other pad of the screw terminal. I doubt that's at a minimal distance of 1.5 mm of the square pad of J1.

Regarding the antenna.
What you can do for testing, or at least proving the effect of the ground plane on the antenna, is using one or more stacked pin headers to lift the Wemos from the board.
If your Wemos board does have an IPEX connector, you may want to consider connecting an external antenna to it. Make sure the IPEX connector is actually wired as quite often there is a 0 Ohm resistor which needs to be moved (or 90 degree rotated) to either connect the PCB trace antenna or the IPEX connector.

If you have some PCB material left which doesn't have an area with copper on it (at least on one side), you can place it between the triac circuit board and the Wemos. Make sure no copper is on the side facing the triac board.
1.6 mm PCB material can isolate upto either 16 or 60 kV (not sure about the number), so it may prevent sparking between the triac board and the Wemos.

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@TD-er TD-er Dec 18, 2025

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Oh and if you let the boards assemble at for example JLCPCB, you can also use the ESP32 modules they have.
I typically use the 16M module with an UFL connector, so I can use the "MAX" builds and can use whatever antenna I like and place it wherever I like.

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@thalesmaoa thalesmaoa Dec 18, 2025

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Oh and if you let the boards assemble at for example JLCPCB, you can also use the ESP32 modules they have. I typically use the 16M module with an UFL connector, so I can use the "MAX" builds and can use whatever antenna I like and place it wherever I like.

Do mean like this:
https://jlcpcb.com/partdetail/EspressifSystems-ESP32_WROOM_32UEN4/C701344

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@TD-er TD-er Dec 18, 2025

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Yep, but then the 16M version so you don't have to worry about build sizes
https://jlcpcb.com/partdetail/736354-ESP32_WROOM_32UEN16/C701346

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@TD-er TD-er Dec 18, 2025

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Just add a few capacitors close to the module and 2 transistors for toggling GPIO-0 and reset so you can use those Wemos USB to UART boards for flashing. (CH340 chip, micro USB, 6 pin header)
Just make sure not to use the Vcc pin of those boards as the voltage regulator is a bit underdimensioned and by default wired to just forward the 5V which you need to scratch away, etc...
So just add a row of 6 pins in the correct order accessible on the side to allow you to use a programmer clamp with pogo pins to program the board.

II would just add an 1117 as linear voltage regulator as they are no-nonsense and stable. Not the most power-efficient, but they just work.

Check the datasheet to see if you need to pull-up or -down some GPIO pins (e.g. GPIO-0) and double check this: https://espeasy.readthedocs.io/en/latest/Reference/GPIO.html#best-pins-to-use-on-esp32

Make sure to have a good ground from the pads below the module to the GND plane on the other side.



; ESP32 MAX builds 16M flash ------------------------------
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