Solid State Relays

2012-09-07T16:52:09Z

ErnieHorning:

== Overview ==
A Solid State Relay, or SSR, is an electronic device that uses low voltage input to switch high voltage on or off. It is used in Christmas displays to allow the controller to switch the lights on and off. This article will show one who is not familiar with the device a basic overview of how it works.

There are two types of SSRs, AC SSRs (the most common) and DC SSRs. As most Xmas lights are AC powered (110VAC or 24 VAC), DIYC members will use a AC Power SSR to switch or dimm the lights.

For specific requirements (Low Voltage LED MR16 spots and halloween devices) a [[DCSSR|DC SSR]] is recommended.

[[Image:SSROZ 2.5a (small).jpg]]

== Circuit Diagram ==

A generic [http://computerchristmas.com/christmas/link-how_to/HowToId-7/How_to_build_a_triac_switching_unit_SSR SSR circuit diagram] is available for download. The SSR depicted in the above schematic is good for controlling resistive loads (lights, resistors). The SSR design for controlling inductive loads (motors, solenoids, etc) is more complicated, and can be found at other sites on the Internet.

== Components ==
There are a few basic components that make up a Solid State Relay.
=== Triac ===
A Triac is a semiconductor device which perfoms the actual switching of the High Voltage current. It is usually in a TO-220 package with three pins.
=== Optocoupler ===
The Optocoupler is a device that helps to keep high voltages out of the control board and computer. It consists of a small LED that is optically coupled to an sensor circuit. The controller powers the LED, which causes the sensor circuit to send power to the Triac. Because there is no electrical path from the controller to the High Voltage, the risk of damage is significantly reduced.
=== Fuse ===
The fuse is another safety device used in many designs to limit the flow of current through the board. It will blow out if an unsafe amount of current passes through it, preventing damage to the board or a fire.
=== Resistors ===
Solid State Relays also have resistors to limit the flow of current through certain components. The value of the resistor can be determined based on the instructions at [http://simpleio.com/design/triacout/AppTriacOutGateResistor.asp SimpleIO]
==Wiki Links==
[[4 Channel SSR Parts List]] Sean Bowf Coop Board 
[[4 Channel SSROZ Assembly Instructions]]

== Designs with detailed information ==
*[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=4_Channel_DCSSR_Assembly_Instructions John Wilson's DC SSR 4 Channel]
*[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=DCSSR_Version_2.4 Andrew Williams DCSSR Version 2.4 4-Channel]
*[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=DirkCheapSSR Dirknerkle's Low cost ACSSR]
*[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=SSRez Chris and John's SSRez 4 Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=68 Sean Bowf Standard 4-Channel]
*[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=SSRneon-G2-LED Dave & Greg's SSRneon-G2-LED 4-Channel]
*[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=SSRneon Dave's SSRneon-G2 4-Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=7 Robert Stark 4-Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=13 Robert Stark 6-Channel Power Strip]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=9 Robert Stark 12-Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=48 Frank Kostyun 4-Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=65 David Fansler 8-Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=86 Orien Love 4-Channel Enclosure]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=115 Rodney Harris Pod Enclosure]

[[Category:SSR]]
[[Category:DIYC Index]]

How to test a Parallel Port

2010-10-19T15:32:51Z

ErnieHorning: Fixed Parallel Port Monitor link

Hardware needed: 
:Multimeter (that can read 5v) 
:Cat5 cable (I recommend a 5' length to test)

Software needed: 
:[http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7779&stc=1&d=1287369784 THIS Parallel Port Monitor] 
:[http://www.vixenlights.com/plugins/output/BasicParallel.dll BasicParallel.dll plugin for Vixen2.1.1.0]. 
:[http://www.vixenlights.com/releases/Vixen%202.1.1.0.zip Vixen v2.1.1.0] 
:[http://www.lammertbies.nl/picture/db25_pin_name.png Parallel port pinout diagram]

Step one: 
Download the parallel port monitor program (PPM). Unzip and extract the .exe file.
Open the port monitor program and familiarize yourself with it. The most important feature of this program at this point is the ability to manually turn on the first 7 pins (pinout 2 - 8) by clicking on the first port and manually changing the 0's and 1's. 1 means its on, 0 means its off.

Now, take your Cat5 cable, and strip the wires at both ends. at this point, it does not matter what pattern you use, only that you know what wire is in what port. You can use the following chart if you like

{|
|-
| Orange
| Pin 24
|-
| Orange/White
| Pin 2
|-
| Blue
| Pin 3
|-
| Blue/White
| Pin 4
|-
| Green
| Pin 5
|-
| Green/White
| Pin 6
|-
| Brown
| Pin 7
|-
| Brown/White
| Pin 8
|}

Now, using the PPM, change the value of the parallel port to 11111111.

With this done, it is time to get out the multimeter. Check each of the wires on pins 2-8 for voltage. Ground to the orange wire, hot to the numbered wires. you should get approx 4.5v on each wire. If this works, then your PP is working properly. If not, make certain of your pinouts. You may have them upside down, in which case you need to redo them all and test again.
(sorry I dont have the experience and knowledge to determine problems with non-functioning parallel ports, if you cannot get your port to read with the wires and the PPM, I cant help you.) you could use the LED method I have read about, but this way is a lot cheaper and easier.

Now we have figured out that our PP is working, its time for Vixen.

Download the Vixen 2.1.1.0 program. Open the folder, and find the folder named Output. Open the Output folder and look for a file named BasicParallel.dll. If that file is not in your folder, then download it (link above) and place it in the Output folder.

Now open up vixen and set up a profile (there are already posts about this part, so I am going to assume you can follow along).

Create a name (test?) and say ok. Now on the bottom of the setup page is a button named Output plugins. Find the Basic Parallel plugin and add it. now click on the BP on the right side. Set the channels and click on the plugin setup and verify you have the proper port selected. Then click ok, then done, then add your channels and finish creating the profile.

now create a new Vixen standard sequence. no need to add a song, but you can if you like. I created a 30 second blank sequence.

Now, you can create a pattern that will turn on each pin in turn for about 5 seconds each. (I only have 6 channels) Once you have finished that, resize your window so that you can have the PPM visible outside of Vixen. Then run your sequence. You should see each light in the PPM turn on in time with the sequence in Vixen.

If your PP is working, and you set up vixen properly, then you should be set and ready to go at this point. All you need to do now is verify your pinout and run the wires to your setup.

Good luck and Happy DIYC

(I created this because I could not find anything like it in the forums. The information gathered here came from multiple threads and hours of research and trial and error. If I had this post before I started, I would have saved at least 10 hours of heartache)

Thanks to [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/member.php?u=6338 Gebbinn] for this How To.

[[Category:How To]]

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Solid State Relays

How to test a Parallel Port