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 Posted - February 24 2013 : 11:18:35 PM
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I learned that relays can really help with electronics. I'm building a custom powered crane. I have one motor to spin the crane, one motor to winch the cable and finally, a electric-magnet. What should have a relay and what kind? Is it really necessary to use in this situation?
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - February 25 2013 : 09:59:39 AM
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I am by no means an electronics expert. But, since you asked..... I would need to know more about what you are trying to do. From what you said so far, I don't think you will need a relay. If you want the electromagnet to grab something and stay that way without you holding a button, then a latching relay would be a handy idea.
Otherwise just, just some simple switches will probably do fine.
Unspoken expectations are premeditated failures.
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Posted - February 25 2013 : 3:43:27 PM
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Relays are good if you have to switch high amperage and the switches that you have will not handle the switched current. NC Shortlines is correct. We need to know how much current (amperage) you are switching. For instance, if your crane motors run at 500 mA (0.5 Amps) under load, you need a switch rated for at least that much. A little higher is always better.
I don't think you'll need a relay for any of this, but if you know how much current the motors take, you can post here and me or someone else will be glad to help out.
For the magnet, I'd use AC accessory power from your power pack and a good on and off switch.
~ Dave
They're ALL toys
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Posted - February 25 2013 : 11:16:12 PM
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I'm using a Bachmann train set power supply. Using DC power for everything. I think AC will do best for the magnet. Using 24 AWG, and using 2 Atlas selectors for my DPDT switches once I remember how the go. I hear they help by delaying power.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - February 26 2013 : 12:31:11 AM
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Justin, I agree, no need for relays here. I think you'll find it a lot easier to use momentary DPDT switches like these to operate the crane, tho.
http://www.servocity.com/html/dpdt_20-amp_momentary_flip_swi.html
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062530
These will spring back to the center 'off' position. If you're talking about Atlas block selectors, you could accidentally leave the motors powered up.
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