Welcome to Synthiam!

The easiest way to program the most powerful robots. Use technologies by leading industry experts. ARC is a free-to-use robot programming software that makes servo automation, computer vision, autonomous navigation, and artificial intelligence easy.

Get Started
USA
Asked — Edited
Resolved Resolved by rb550f!

Triggering 12V Relays From Digital Ports

Hey guys, what's the best and safest way to trigger 12V Relays from the Digital pins? Thanks.:P

I tried a Tip120 Circuit with a 1K resistor, didnt work, then with a 2.2K resistor, didn't work. I have an LED hooked up to the digital pin so I know it works, the LED lights up.


ARC Pro

Upgrade to ARC Pro

Experience early access to the latest features and updates. You'll have everything that is needed to unleash your robot's potential.

AI Support Bot
Related Content
Synthiam
Based on your post activity, we found some content that may be interesting to you. Explore these other tutorials and community conversations.
#1  
For EZB 4 i use one of these.

4 Channel 12V Relay Module Board Optocoupler LM2576 Power Supply Arduino
User-inserted image

With one of these.
Logic Level Converter 3.3V to 5V TTL Level Converter Logic Bidirectional

User-inserted image

Both available on EBAY for cheap...Datasheets available online.
#2  
I use these and use 5 volt power from a dc to dc regulator.
User-inserted image
#3  
I am pretty sure you need to convert the 3.3 v EZB 4 digital output to 5v in order for it to work correctly.I could be wrong but i tried the 5v relay board you have and it would not toggle relay..
#4  
I was using three of the relays pictured above with an EZB(4) without issue. I have run into issues when using the UART to communicate with the later model Roombas though. Had better results using a logic level converter with TTL signals.
#5  
Thanks guys I was gonna use these relays to trigger my 12vdc window motors (they pull about 10 amps each) but I'm experimenting around with tip120's and I just made an Hbridge using four tip120s. I'm gonna test it tomorrow. I'm giving credit to rb550f since he responded first. Thanks!:D

Here's what I used:


User-inserted image



I changed the shorted out B1 and B2 to four separate digital pins. Here's what I did:

User-inserted image


What do you guys think? Am I gonna be able to apply PWM to this or no dice?

P.S. I'm using this setup for the shoulder motors, not for the drivetrain. I'm using a 300A electronic speed controller for that.
#7  
I have used one of these for up to 30 amps.
For Arduino VNH2SP30 Stepper Motor Driver Module 30A Moto Shield Replace L298N

User-inserted image

It cost less than $14.00 same one that Sparkfun sells for $70.00

And yes you should be able to use pwm for control of your circuit.
PRO
United Kingdom
#8  
Doombot, On your cct, never enable D0 D2 or D1 D3 at the same time else you will see smoke as these will be short circuits. A lot of homebrew H bridges use an (logic) invertor on these lines so this can never happen.

Likewise a 1 1 (on B1 and B2) of the first cct will also cause much smoke, its easy to accidentally do this with a simple coding error, the invertor method averts this.

Tony
#9  
@Toymaker

I'm pondering your advice and I don't understand how these would smoke, I have tried this on relays triggered with manual switches in place of the Tip120's.

I'm not very experienced at how Transistors work. Please elaborate.*confused*

Here:


User-inserted image


How is it shorting out? Switching D0 and D3 closes the forward circuit and switching D1 and D2 should close the reverse circuit. Of course I won't switch everything on and assume it's "brake".

This is not going to be for continuous rotation, I'm only using this for short spurts since I'm using these motors for the shoulders.
*tired*
#10  
@Toymaker
Oh, I think I understand your post now. Thanks.;)
PRO
United Kingdom
#11  
Doombot, it just that if say two of the vertical power transistors are allowed conduct at the same time then its a short cct. People put inverters in the control lines to stop this, they can be transistor or logic IC inverters.

Tony
PRO
United Kingdom
#12  
Doombot, I have quickly sketched a circuit for a typical transistor inverter for an H-bridge to show the idea, I hope it helps.

User-inserted image


Tony
Login to post a comment