Product Request

[SethP]

I've got a dozen or so of your relay boards, a hub, sensors, etc. I really like the products, and your support has been excellent as well.

So...as you design future products, I'd like to suggest a board with multiple inputs/outputs, and DPDT relays. Perhaps the DS2408, with 4 relays and 4 inputs. Or DS2406s if they are cheaper.

I'm controlling a bunch of window treatments that operate by switching polarity -- send +/- to open, -/+ to close. To do this, I need to switch two poles, so either I use one of your relays to control another relay, or I'm using other products. With quickly rising energy costs, automated shades can make a big difference, and I think we're going to see a lot more upcoming demand for them.

If DPDT doesn't work, then at least SPDT, since two of those can be used.

For the inputs, including the 10k resistors to +5 will make connecting them much easier. I would also ask for two wiring contacts per input -- the PIO & ground. That way we don't have to bunch wires going to ground.

Last, design in an easy way to mount them. Screw holes are fine. I'm currently using small screws with rubber washers to mount your relay boards.

I hope you like the idea.

Also, I think adding temperature and perhaps light sensing to the motion detector would be great! I may order some temp sensors and see if I can solder them in.

Thanks!

Seth

 

[ericvic]

Seth,

I think you will be pleasantly surprised soon. I don't want to say too much since thing may change before the new board comes out but it will have most (if not all) of what you are asking for.

Not sure when it will be available but hopefully in the 1st quarter of 08.

Eric

 

[SethP]

Awesome, thank you. If you want any beta-testers, I volunteer.

Are you able to divulge which DS chip(s) it will use so I can ensure my software will be ready?

Thanks!

Seth

Seth,

I think you will be pleasantly surprised soon. I don't want to say too much since thing may change before the new board comes out but it will have most (if not all) of what you are asking for.

Not sure when it will be available but hopefully in the 1st quarter of 08.

Eric

 

[ericvic]

It will more than likely be based on the DS2408.

Eric

Awesome, thank you. If you want any beta-testers, I volunteer.

Are you able to divulge which DS chip(s) it will use so I can ensure my software will be ready?

Thanks!

Seth

 

[SethP]

One thing to keep in mind with the 2408: According to the data sheet, the power-on state is "indeterminate". I have a relay board that uses the 2408, and it always powers up in the on state, meaning relays energized. This is a huge problem, of course, since whatever is connected to those relays will be on until the software can reset the 2408.

The data sheet has instructions on how to design in a power-on reset. I think it's crucial that the relays start out de-energized.

Seth

It will more than likely be based on the DS2408.

Eric

 

[ericvic]

Already handled.

Eric

 

[darryl]

Hey Eric this sounds really cool!

By the way got my lastest order a couple days back thanks!

 

[DavidB]

That is great news to hear, but too late for me at least with current project. Already bought a 4PDT to add to my relayboard control circuit.

 

[misha680]

That is great news to hear, but too late for me at least with current project. Already bought a 4PDT to add to my relayboard control circuit.

Hi just wondering what 4PDT relay did you use exactly? Could you provide a link? Also one for the DPDT relay? Thanks

The Midon Design board starting in the on state does not sound good to me... I'd much prefer having startup in the "off" state.

Thanks
Misha

p.s. alternately if the Hobby Boards new board is "just around the corner" please let me know and I can hold off and wait for that one (let's say a 4-6 weeks or less).

 

[midon]

That is great news to hear, but too late for me at least with current project. Already bought a 4PDT to add to my relayboard control circuit.

The Midon Design board starting in the on state does not sound good to me... I'd much prefer having startup in the "off" state.

Since our 1WIO relays are SPDT (actually DPDT but we double up on the wiring), powering up in the On state is not so bad - if you prefer your outputs to be in the off state, use the Normally Closed contacts instead of the Normally Open ones, "normally" meaning in the power off state.

Mitch

 

[misha680]

That is great news to hear, but too late for me at least with current project. Already bought a 4PDT to add to my relayboard control circuit.

The Midon Design board starting in the on state does not sound good to me... I'd much prefer having startup in the "off" state.

Since our 1WIO relays are SPDT (actually DPDT but we double up on the wiring), powering up in the On state is not so bad - if you prefer your outputs to be in the off state, use the Normally Closed contacts instead of the Normally Open ones, "normally" meaning in the power off state.

Mitch

Thanks a lot for the reply. I've actually since decided to go with a parallel port solution and a USB->parallel cable for cost reasons (for the 1WIO unfortunately I'd also need to purchase a power injector with my current USB->1Wire solution), using a specific chipset brand found in the SYBA USB->parallel adaptors that has a direct port register mode.

Thank you for your response.

Misha

 

[misha680]

Btw I've actually gone with the 1WIO after all and it is working great for me! Also Midon Design support is awesome (thanks Mitch!). I am pretty new to all this
and I think without Mitch's numerous replies to my constant barrage of email questions both before and after I ordered this step would have been much more frustrating.

Misha

 

[Jimboat]

what software do i need to control the Hobby Boards 8 Channel I/O (8 Relay Version) [8CIO8-R1-A] relay board? Can i control from HS scripts? I want to use it to control on/off of 12V power supply to CCD cameras from HS. Has anyone done this with this relay?