12v DMX relay

[kicknargel]

Working on a gag where we need to individually control 16 sets of 2-4 12v rotary lights (like on construction vehicles). The lights are 25w @ 12v, so perhaps as much as 100w @ 12v per "unit."

Any good leads on dmx relays that can switch this?

Or other good ideas? We could just build a switch box and run a ton of cable, or perhaps use 120v relays with a power adapter on each.

Thanks.

 

[n1ist]

Northlight has a DMX 8-relay unit that is rated at 8A per relay for low voltage DC
http://www.northlightdmx.com/DMXtoRelay.htm

There are a bunch of 8 and 16-channel units up on eBay as well

/mike

 

[Traitor800]

Your probably going to be hard pressed to find a DMX control board that can handle that kind of current. Your best bet is going to be using the output of a DMX relay board to trigger an actual relay. I've done this many times with great success for lighting gags as well as some simple automation like kabuki drops just by changing out the relay. As far as DMX relay boards go, I have had good luck with the Pathway dinrail mount control boards.
-Chris

 

[VRommel]

Good Morning!

The 1003 eDIN module from Pathway Connectivity provides DMX512 to contact closure over 12 relays that can be normally open or normally closed. The relays are rated for 100000 cycles minimum at 2A at 30V. Accordingly, I don't think you should consider our eDIN product for this gag. That being said, you might want to take a look at the 4850-16 SNAP panel. It could be your answer. More can be found here: http://www.pathwayconnect.com/images/stories/cut/4850-X SNAP Control Panel R2.pdf

Applications assistance is always available by writing to [email protected]

Best Regards,
Pathway Connectivity


Van Rommel
Director Business Development

 

[kicknargel]

Thanks, I'll look into those. Does it matter if I switch the + or - side, in terms of rating on the relay? (Some metering I just did seems to indicate not.)

 

[VRommel]

Thanks, I'll look into those. Does it matter if I switch the + or - side, in terms of rating on the relay? (Some metering I just did seems to indicate not.)

Hi. It is best practice to switch +.

VR

 

[RickR]

Look at dfd.com also. It may well be they don't have the amperage either, but I'm sure they can build something for you.

 

[MikeJ]

Do you already have the lights? There are 120v versions, so you could use regular old DJ style relay packs.

 

[kicknargel]

Thanks for the help. At this point my plan is to plug the 12v power supplies into shoebox dimmers (which I have) and control them that way. I'm sure it's not ideal for the power supplies, but they're cheap, this only needs to last a few days, and I think it's worth a try. Van I appreciate your help, but was looking for a more distributed and low-profile solution. I did reach out to Northlight and got no response.

 

[Les]

You could try wiring some in series but you'd need 10 lamps per circuit. I agree that off-the-shelf power supplies are the way to go. If you get the magnetic type, they may be more forgiving.

 

[MikeJ]

What dimmers do you have? Some have a relay mode; that would be best.

 

[porkchop]

Sorry I'm so late to the game here. You've probably already used the shoebox dimmers, but I'll ramble on for posterity's sake.

Blue Point Engineering makes an 8 channel base PCB relay card. Basically they send you a card that does all of the DMX magic and you just solder on the SSR's that you need for a the job. The base card is $165 and the SSR's they recommend for a 10A @ 60 VDC rating are ~$35 each so sadly it's not exactly what I would call an affordable solution, but would still give a you a reasonably small and streamlined control solution for under $500 in parts. There are some cheaper compatible SSR's out there, but buyer beware I guess.

 

[kicknargel]

Good point on relay mode- I'll check that. Initial testing has been successful.

porkchop- yes, we're pretty locked into our solution at this point (load in Saturday) but thanks for the lead. Looks like they have the kind of variety of product I was hoping for.

 

[porkchop]

Next time I guess

 

[VCTMike]

I built three of these kits to control fog machines....Rough cost was about $65-70 each for the kit, case and other parts and about two hours to drill case, solder, assemble...

I don't see any reason why the relay can't be changed to something higher current if needed. It might not fit on the board but could be mounted in the case somewhere.

http://www.velleman.eu/products/view/?country=fr&lang=en&id=367182