I need relays, lots of em! Options? Relay Board Help

[dscustoms]

I'm trying to fully utilize my new FB v6, taking complete control of the HVAC, car functions, security, devices, etc. As such, I need a lot of relays. They don't have to be big relays, as most of them will simply simulate button presses and just connect a very low current circuit.

The problem I'm running into is that most of the relay board kits I'm finding already come with some sort of logic, usb, etc device which adds to the price of the unit. All I want is a board with 8 - 32 relays, mini terminal header outputs and .100 pin header inputs.

Similar to this unit, but I believe I wouldn't need the complexity, multiple diode protection, etc. The layout also sucks, and I'd rather use pin headers for the input.

http://cgi.ebay.com/16-Channel-Relay...item1e62dfa4f5

Anyone know of a good solution for this? If not, who wants to make them as a kit! I think a 16 or 32 relay single board, DIY kit, would be nice to have as an accessory for the FB. I've already got a ton of 2x8 pin header plugs and jumper wires. I know it isn't for everyone, but a single board containing all the output circuitry would really cut down on the wiring clutter.

What would it take? A good PCB design, based on inexpensive components?

[2k1Toaster]

We can make something. I think it would be wise to make each board 8 relays. 8 DO ports per header "block" so 8 relays per breakout board.

[dscustoms]

8 would be fine. I just need small simple and cheap (since there will be a lot of them eventually!). I'm rebuilding my console right now, and trying to make the critical decision to eliminate all the temporary buttons I built to replace the OE hvac control unit. It's very messy, and it could be very clean if I have faith in the FB... 14 buttons if I decide to control everything. 4 Amps. Processing. Remote start. Door locks. Windows. Trunk. Lighting. Motorized bits. Battery isolators. Cluster LEDs. Moonroof. The list can keep growing, I'm already looking at two Fusion Brains.

What can I do to help? Really, this should be an accessory product, and since you have a fab house in China already lined out I'm sure that you could produce an optimal piece fairly cheap. If you really want it to be cool, make one version with micro relays and 16-18 ga terminals for low amp work, and one version that is loaded with full 20A plus relays and properly sized connectors (12-14 ga) that could handle big tasks.

[malcom2073]

http://www.futurlec.com/Relay_8.shtml


Would easily hook up to a Fusion Brain.

(I love that website, order all sorts of stuff from there)

[2k1Toaster]

http://www.futurlec.com/Relay_8.shtml


Would easily hook up to a Fusion Brain.

(I love that website, order all sorts of stuff from there)

That is nice. Just looking at it briefly though, I don't think it will work without modifications. The FB is switched ground, so when you turn on an output, it is already pulling the output low. I see in the 3rd picture they are using a ULN2803 (the exact chip the FBv3 and FBv4 used) so they are expecting a +V signal and then the ULN drives it low.

So you either have to connect a pullup resistor between the outputs of the FB and the inputs to this board and invert your logic, or you will have to plug the outputs of the FB directly into the socket for the ULN and not the 0.1" headers on the side. At least it is a socket.

The isolation and LED indicators are very nice. Might have to rip that off if we go this route.

[dscustoms]

That's one of the ones I was talking about. Includes just a few too many things, and can't easily connect to the FB outputs since it already has logic chips. Why not shave $10 off the price and make one specifically for the FB?

[dscustoms]

My bondo work is almost complete. The button panel I made is not going to be available in the dashboard, only my hvac display... Should I just get some of those futurlec boards and pull the chip out? I guess I can wait until there is some software that will work

[dscustoms]

I have no buttons...

[2k1Toaster]

Send me an email at FusionControlCentre@gmail.com about exactly what you need. Specifically about size and the amount of switching power the relays you need have. How you want to mount it and so on. I can draw something up pretty fast and get a prototype made. If it works for you then we can market it for all. Since you are the first to formally ask for one, it makes sense for it to fit what you need.

I would suggest each relay board have 8 relays onboard. If you know the rough dimensions of the space you have to work with I will try to find an enclosure that fits it.

[dscustoms]

8 is fine for each, just use more of them. I'm not sure if this is a one size fits all deal, since I need relays that can simulate button presses, as I'm sure many people working on integration need (and any modern car will be using an extremely low current circuit for the buttons, with a module handling the actual task) but I also need relays that can handle ignition and starting tasks. As I posted before

If you really want it to be cool, make one version with micro relays and 16-18 ga terminals for low amp work, and one version that is loaded with full 20A plus relays and properly sized connectors (12-14 ga) that could handle big tasks.

Those could be 1A relays on the small side, even smd, which would make that version tiny. I can work with any size, obviously the device should be as small as possible.

From the limited response to this thread, I'm not sure how viable a commercial product it would be, but I have no idea how many fusion brains are out there either. Small power relays could be used for almost anything in a car that has a switch, and any device that you wanted to rewire for computer control. The single relays that you sell with the direct harness, I always laughed at... Who needs just one relay? Then you sell them in a pack of ten, but from someone who has done plenty of crazy wiring and integration before, it just ends up a huge mass of wire!

I can do this, but you can do it better I'm down to solder my own from kit form, if that saves money and time.