Can I run an RC-4 off an SSC-32 with VSA?

[fearshire farms]

Computer Info
•   Dell Inspiron lap top
•   Windows XP,  Pentium processor
•   Serial port (that's why the old laptop)

Project Info
•   Grave yard skulls classic three axis skulls.
•   I want to find instructions to run leds, and relays.

•   I bought an RC-4 and 4 solid state relays at hauntcon 3 years ago, this is the first time I have had a chance to try to use them.  they were out of prop 1 controllers so I don't have one.  I am trying to run a Lab scene using VSA http://www.brookshiresoftware.com/vsa_overview.htm, and Helmsman http://www.monkeybasic.com/Products/Helmsman/. I need to run some relays and was wanting to make a project box with servos on cat5 and relays on outlet plugs can I use the RC-4 off of the SSC-32
http://www.lynxmotion.com/p-395-ssc-32-servo-controller.aspx servo controller?  If so how do I hook it up? do I have to write an load some code or can helmsman handle it?.

[JonnyMac]

If you are able to use an SSC-32 output as a digital on-or-off then yes, you should have no problems; in fact, you should be able to connect a servo header output from the SSC-32 to X1-X4 headers on the RC-4.

Again, the key here is having the ability to command the SSC-32 to use some of its servo pins as standard digital outputs that are either on or off (now PWM'd for servos).  I don't have an SSC-32 so you'll have to consult your documentation.

I don't have any idea what you mean by "Helmsman" -- perhaps someone else can chime in.

[fearshire farms]

thanks for the prompt response, thats great news 8)

[fearshire farms]

Now where can I find instructions on how to run the relays to electric outlets for a project box?  I guess the power for the RC-4 comes from the servo board leads?  is there a wiring instruction for the RC-4 card?

[JonnyMac]

When using the X1-X4 inputs with a TTL signal no power is required (the signal goes directly to the relay).

Documentation for each product can be found on its product page on our main web site, and in the documentation section here in the forums.  The link for RC-4 docs is:

-- http://www.efx-tek.com/downloads/rc-4_docs.pdf

[Jeff Haas]

I just got and set up my first RC-4.  There's some info in this thread that will help you:

http://www.efx-tek.com/php/smf/index.php?topic=1737.0

[MonkeyBasic]

VSA itself has the ability to control the SSC32 in Relay mode, if you go to the "type" dropdown in VSA Settings you will see "SSC32 Relay" listed there. You don't need Helmsman to do that. Helmsman helps out by controlling VSA (creating playlists, input triggers, timers, iphone remote app, and more)

So, in short, VSA should be able to control the RC-4 via an SSC32 board and Helmsman allows you to add some automation to your VSA routines.

Helmsman features:  http://www.monkeybasic.com/Products/Helmsman/features-requirements.html

:)

[JonnyMac]

Excellent; thanks for that information.

[fearshire farms]

I hooked up the rc4 to my ssc32 by jumpers from servo outputs 4-7 with servo double female socketed wired and there was a small puff of smoke from the first SSR :o,   I shut it down quick and my ssc32 still works.  I never even ran the VSA, it happened after power up.   so questions, Do the SSRs need to be soldered in? Is there a limit on the voltage the SSR's receive, a think I have a 6 volt power supply (will check at home).  That doesn't happen to be normal on first use :-[

[bsnut]

What it sounds like to me that you exceeded the +5.25 vdc that the relay normally operates at. The relays used on the RC-4 need to operate at 5 vdc (info in RC-4 docs) and can't exceed that voltage or you will have the problem that you having now. Also the relays that plug into the RC-4 are designed be  removed and don't need to be soldered in.

One thing you can do before inserting the relays or relay into the RC-4 and is a good practice. You should check the voltage with a meter to make sure that you have 5 vdc present. Also, most "wall-wart" power supplies aren't regulated at the voltage stated on the power supply. Such a 5 vdc "wall-wart" will put out around 9 vdc.

[JonnyMac]

The Crydom SSRs that we carry will work from 3 to 32 volts.  What version of the RC-4 board are you using? If using a Rev D do not connect power to it when using this configuration as you're getting power from the SSC-32 servo channel.

What are you powering the SSC-32 with? The max input on the R pin of the X1..X4 headers is 5v -- if you put more than 5 on it you may have killed the processor on the (pre Rev D) RC-4, but that won't stop you from running an output.  Since you only need ground and signal for manual mode (using X1..X4) I suggest that you clip the red wire in the cables from the SSC-32 to the X1 - X4 headers.  Again, you do not need power to the Rev D RC-4 when running the relays from the X1..X4 headers.

Finally... make sure you follow the BRW (black, red, white) indicators above the header; a backward cable could cause a problem.

[fearshire farms]

the board is Rev-C, and the power supply is gulp, 9 volts, im not sure if the vl down regulates it on ssc32 http://graveyardskulls.com/tutorials/electronic-computer-software/hooking-up-the-ssc-32.html.

[JonnyMac]

If you're using 9v for the servo power (you need to investigate) then you probably killed the processor on the RC-4.  The up-side is you're not using it, anyway.  Do snip the red wires from the servo headers on the SSC-32 to the X1 - X4 inputs on the RC-4 (this will prevent further smoke).

I ran a test yesterday using a Prop-1 to create an output and the unpowered Rev D and (no power required) Rev C boards both work.