Cheap controllable relays?

[beelzerob]

I'm clearly seeing the need to have relays at my command. Currently my only means of controlling would be from a PC, most likely via CQC.

The Elk 924 has been recommended, but I don't have an Elk (yet!).

The only other option I'm aware of is the DataNab Ai8-R13, which comes with a very nice 13 relays, and 8 other analog inputs for various sensors. That's definitely the leading contender, as it already has a CQC driver and I've been able to play around with one and it works just great.

But if I didn't want to wait until I could afford one of those (if anything costs more than $10, it has to wait!), and wanted just a cheapo, maybe 1 or 2 relay thing....are there any options anyone is aware of?

 

[Michael McSharry]

I'm clearly seeing the need to have relays at my command. Currently my only means of controlling would be from a PC, most likely via CQC.

The Elk 924 has been recommended, but I don't have an Elk (yet!).

The only other option I'm aware of is the DataNab Ai8-R13, which comes with a very nice 13 relays, and 8 other analog inputs for various sensors. That's definitely the leading contender, as it already has a CQC driver and I've been able to play around with one and it works just great.

But if I didn't want to wait until I could afford one of those (if anything costs more than $10, it has to wait!), and wanted just a cheapo, maybe 1 or 2 relay thing....are there any options anyone is aware of?

I've found http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/depa...s.asp?dept=1114 to be the best source for various relays

 

[beelzerob]

Unfortunately, I'm a complete relay newb and tinkering handicapped....so I'd need something controllable from the outset. I'm presuming that about the only way would be via RS232 and a PC. So it would have to be somewhat self-contained.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Unfortunately, I'm a complete relay newb and tinkering handicapped....so I'd need something controllable from the outset. I'm presuming that about the only way would be via RS232 and a PC. So it would have to be somewhat self-contained.

Lots of options HERE.

 

[beelzerob]

Unfortunately, I'm a complete relay newb and tinkering handicapped....so I'd need something controllable from the outset. I'm presuming that about the only way would be via RS232 and a PC. So it would have to be somewhat self-contained.

Lots of options HERE.

Neat, thanks! What a great site!

I'm guessing that those are probably at the bottom of what I can expect to pay for a simple controllable relay....they don't get much more basic than that!

Now here's the bonus question....how do I know what kind/amperage to get? I had only ever just thought of a relay as a closed contact...so it just shorts two contacts. I hadn't ever thought about amperage or anything else.

 

[thewireguy]

http://www.globalcache.com/index.html

 

[TonyNo]

You need to know what you will be controlling, then you can select the proper amperage relays.

Here are some more...

http://www.electronickits.com/kit/complete/elec/ck1610.htm

http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?product_id=1014

 

[jeffw_00]

what about an A/C relay (w/socket from Rat shack $11), plus an appliance module. Takes a little soldering (and you also have to buy a quik-plug, $0.69) but they work great for me
/j

relay: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.js...rentPage=search
socket: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.js...rentPage=search

you can solder to the socket with the relay unplugged, and if it ever wears out, just plug in a new one.

Note - these DON'T work with INSTEON ICON On/off modules. Work great with INSTEON or X-10 Appliance modules.

 

[BrettS]

What about a one wire device like this...

http://www.hobby-boards.com/catalog/produc...roducts_id=1504

If you've already got a one wire controller then you would only need to buy the above. If not, then get a USB controller here...

http://www.hobby-boards.com/catalog/produc...roducts_id=1503

You can add a lot of other stuff cheaply to the one wire network too... temperature and humidity sensors among other things.

Brett

 

[beelzerob]

Wow, great suggestions by all! I'm happy to have a plethora of options now.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Wow, great suggestions by all! I'm happy to have a plethora of options now.

No way, you can never have an excess or overabundance of a number of options...

 

[znelbok]

For use with CQC you have the Barix Barionet - it is more than a relay, more like PLC

Then there is the offering from ToyMaster on his online store (Kanak Solutions I think it is). They are more just remote I/O with a CQC driver. Do a search over there and you should find a post about it.

Mick

 

[beelzerob]

Then there is the offering from ToyMaster on his online store (Kanak Solutions I think it is). They are more just remote I/O with a CQC driver. Do a search over there and you should find a post about it.

Mick

Ya, that was the DataNab I mentioned in the top post. Still a good deal, I think, for 13 relays and 8 inputs/counters. And the driver is top notch! I have to see if I'm going to saturate my Ai32 32 analog inputs first, and if I do, then maybe getting the Ai8R13 would be a good idea.

 

[Skibum]

Time to add another option....

http://controlanything.com/Merchant2/merch...;Store_Code=NCD

 

[Electricalguy]

Here is a fairly cheap alternative if you already have a Z-wave network in your house.

Intermatic Intouch CA3750

Google it I belive it has three contactors, could be a little excessive as far as ratings...