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Asked — Edited
Resolved Resolved by Dunning-Kruger!

Relay Driver Using An Arduino To An Ezbv4

Hello All,

I have an 8 relay 5volt relay board, (compatable with Arduino) which I want to drive from my EZBv4. I have made a script to run the ports D8 and D9 on and off for testing. The problem I have is the relay turns on but fails to turn off. I am using an ezb regulator to power the relay board. I thought I power draw might be too high so I changed to a two relay board of the same spec. I have the same problem with this board.

I see some other people have similar issues driving relays from their ezb's.
Any suggestions? I never felt a full answer to the problem was made. I hoped additional hardware wasn't needed. I am beginning to consider building a transistor switching circuit to go between the ezb and the relay, but felt I shouldn't need it. I also considered using an Arduino?

I always thought a relay should be able to be driven direct from the ezb as described in the digital port spec..

Can anyone help.

Ron R


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United Kingdom
#1  
The relay board should have a transistor switching circuit (or similar) as part of it. Most of the ones I've seen do.

Without info on the board/boards you are using it's guesswork. Provide the datasheets for the boards and someone may be able to give you the full answer. I would guess that it's due to lack of info that's lead you to not having a full answer.
#2  
This problem (with the relay you have) has been mentioned here before... The only one I got to work so far (plug and play with the ezb) is this one Brick Relay...

Here's a link to a similar thread on relay issues... Relay issues...
PRO
USA
#3  
Thanks for the reply guys.

I have two boards which meets my needs. I prefer not to go out and buy more boards and wait for them. I assume if I build a transistor switch circuit the problem will go away.

@ Richard R

Richard, would it be worth hooking up to an arduino? I have an old Uno lying around.

Ron R

I forgot to mention this is a static robot (My project Madame Ninndo) so power sources (3.3 or 5 vdc) won't be a problem.
PRO
Synthiam
#4  
Rich also created this: http://www.ez-robot.com/Community/Forum/posts.aspx?threadId=3050

If you need to use a relay, it should always have a transistor to toggle the position. If you see it say arduino ready or arm ready, 15-20mha is still a lot for a micro to source. You could reverse the connectivity and sink the relay from the ezb, but I wouldn't recommend that either - specifically since you're asking to connect 8 to the ezb!

Follow rich's tp tutorial and create a driving circuit for the relay - or maybe you don't need a relay at all and can do the job with the tp transistor from rich's tutorial.
United Kingdom
#5  
Again, it depends on the boards. If they already have a transistor circuit on them then where's the point in adding another one? It also comes down to what the relay requires to energise and de-energise. This is where datasheets come in handy and would answer the questions immediately rather than guessing and the trial and error approach or assuming which could possibly damage both the relay and the EZ-B.

I also can't see how any of the above has yet solved your question but that's just something else I touched on a while back...
PRO
Synthiam
#6  
If the relay breakout has a transistor to toggle the relay, it should be 100% compatible with ezb. This is because the voltage required to trip the relay is from the transistor and not the micro. Wouldn't matter if the micro was 3v
PRO
USA
#7  
Hi Rich and Dj,

Thanks for your responses. I am looking for the data sheet for the relays. The information you, Dj and Richard R gave me, made me think I must know more about the relays. I believe they are not switched using transistors.

The relay blocks Richard R suggested will fix my issue, and I will be getting them on order, but I would like to continue experimenting to try to get the relays I have working. My project at this time only requires three relays. I will need more in the future.

As Dj mentioned, I want to make a transistor switch anyway so I may try and see if it can trip the relay. I will post how I make out. My project deadline is coming quickly so I need to continue forward.

I thank you for your tutorials and I need to be sure to not forget to refer to them more.

Thanks again to All,

Ron R
PRO
Synthiam
#8  
Awesome, Ron. Once you are comfortable with the information from this experience, feel free to make a user tutorial in the learn section.:)
PRO
USA
#9  
Hello,

Here is the for the two relay board I used for the test. ,




Specification:

This is a 2 Channel 5V Relay interface board, Be able to control various appliances, and other equipments with large current. It can be controlled directly by Microcontroller(Arduino , 8051, AVR, PIC, DSP, ARM, ARM, MSP430, TTL logic) .

5V 2-Channel Relay interface board, and each one needs 15-20mA Driver Current

Equiped with high-current relay, AC250V 10A ; DC30V 10A

Standard interface that can be controlled directly by microcontroller (Arduino , 8051, AVR, PIC, DSP, ARM, ARM, MSP430, TTL logic)

Indication LED’s for Relay output status.

Description:

1. Module with pine le relay control, ac voltage maximum 250 V, ac current maximum 10 A, dc voltage maximum 30 V, dc current maximum 10 A;

2. The 8550 transistor drive, drive ability;

3.Tworking voltage 5 V

4. Has the fixed bolt hole and easy installation

5. Power indicator (green), Two ways of relay status indicator light (red)

Module interface specifications (6 wire)

1. VCC external 5 V

2. GND external GND

3. 1N1-1N2 interchange relay control interface by single chip IO

Using a large current relay, AC250V 10A DC30V 10A

Contact some independent wiring, safe and reliable

Standard interface that can be extended in a variety of development board

With fixed screw holes for easy installation

Suitable for a variety of platforms 51/AVR/AVR/ARM

Size( L x W x H ): 54mm x 47mm x 18mm

Weight: 31g


I plan on using Rich's transistor switching circuit to try to make this work. I saw Steve G and Richard R discuss this issue in a previous thread. I believe the easiest way to be sure this will work is the slave board. I don't mind redundant circuits if the problem is prevented. I am getting parts today and will test it in the next few days.

Ron R
PRO
USA
#10  
Dj,

Maybe down the road, offering a relay block which connects directly to an ezb may be a nice add-on?

Ron R
#11  
That's actually a good idea Ron.. I mean Jeremie can hack one of those together in about an hour, easy . ...;)
PRO
Synthiam
#12  
That's a good idea - it can be a quick and easy addon. We'll take a look and see what the demand would be. For us to manufacture anything means we do it in quantities of thousands, otherwise our facility won't even take the request. Some things like this are more challenging to produce if there isn't a demand. There are solid state relays available and many other options that aren't ezrobot branded in the meantime - they just aren't $0.50 eBay China products with engrish descriptions. :)
PRO
USA
#13  
I would think a two relay block would be real handy to allow the running of lights, auxiliary motors, valves etc.. Static robots like the one I am making allows me to run 110vac lighting, fans and larger audio devices.

I would buy, rather than build, a plug and play item.

Ron R
PRO
USA
#14  
@ Rich,

Thanks for the driver board construction info and schematic. I made a few changes to run a two relay board. It works Great.

User-inserted image


Ron R
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