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AP16s NC/Com and NO/Com

Started by vista, March 27, 2011, 11:58:53 AM

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vista

Just a quick question. what do people use the always on and on only during the music voltages for? I'm thinking if I read this correctly that you could run a light source off one and then when the music or sound track kicks in you could have another light turn on illuminating the character... Basically I'm trying to see what the intention of these outputs are and what others maybe using theirs for?

Also the power next to the NO/NC is that meant for running a prop board? The Docs are good but the reader is not as good when it comes to interpreting anything electrical.. which is why I crossed whiles and fried my rather expensive 16 last night and why I'm up here ordering two more and asking for suggested uses. Seeing a photograph of how this are hooked together works much better.. (I am a photographer and not an electrician)
I'm just surprised I haven't blown up more prop 1 boards...

JackMan

QuoteJust a quick question. what do people use the always on and on only during the music voltages for?

First of all you need to understand that these connections are "Dry Contacts". What that means is; there is no voltage present at the NO (normally open) & NC (normally closed) terminals until you provide it to the C (common) terminal. The voltage source for C would be what ever you need to operate your specific load, this can be AC or DC depending on your application. From your apparent lack of electrical knowledge I would highly suggest that you stick with DC current for this as AC can be quite dangerous if you are inexperienced. You can use the relay to turn on/off just about any device you desire.

QuoteAlso the power next to the NO/NC is that meant for running a prop board?

These connections will be the same voltage that you are using to power the AP-16+. You can use them to provide power to any device that requires that voltage providing it doesn't exceed the capacity of your power supply (AP-16 & your added device).

JonnyMac

We put the relay on at the response of a large professional haunt; they wanted to be able to activate a light exactly when the sound was playing.  Of course, one could turn off a light when the sound is playing (using the NC contacts).

The GND and V+ terminals are common with the barrel connector.  In some professional installations where they have their own supplies they connect to these terminals.

We do our best to make documentation clear.  We also monitor these forums every day and never turn off our phones.  If ever in doubt about a connection that could lead to tragic consequences, please use the forums or call to prevent a possible mishap.
Jon McPhalen
EFX-TEK Hollywood Office

vista

well the docs are good and as you said my electrical knowledge would fill a thimble... and as good as the board is I was just wondering what more it was capable of... if we the (very) basic hobby types shouldn't play with these connectors (unless we know more) then that is fine.
I was just wondering what more the board is designed for... I don't want to use it for what it wasn't designed for but if there is another function that I can tap into then I can get an electrician in to wire it up... Having an idea of other uses lets me know what we can think about and whether it's worth paying for a more skilled person to do the work...

The board is awesome in what it does and I've only tapped +/-10% of it's simpler functions... I just like to hear what other ideas people came up with. Home haunters are pretty ingenious when it comes to this stuff and they'll have 75 new uses for something and if we share those methods then most of us can try those uses out ourselves...
That is what is so great about this forum... The teaching/sharing by Jon and the more experienced forum types, leads to a lot of fun provided by the haunters who have an idea of what they want but not sure how to get there...
Thanks..