Opto-22 SSR's

[Bill P]

Jon:
I was reading the N & V column 130.In the column you mention Opto-22 SSR?s and the Parallax CI Board.  A while back, I was at the surplus store and found the following Opto-22 devices:  PB4 board, PB8H board, B1 board, IDC5B module, ODC5, OAC5, and IDC5.  I have never figured out how to connect them to the stamp.  Reading the specs from Opto-22 leave a lot to be desired.  If you could enlighten me in some way with code and hookups it surely would be appreciated. 

Bill Plano

[JonnyMac]

You're right, the Opto-22 site doesn't make it easy, but I'll list the links I found and a couple comments.  Of course, I can make no warranties -- if you connect something and let out the blue smoke... I'm sorry, but not responsible.  Deal?

PB4:
-- http://www.opto22.com/documents/0510_Std_Dig_4_Ch_data_sheet.pdf
-- Just an I/O rack; you could probably use this to hold some of the modules you have -- would ease connections to the controller (also has indicator LEDs).

PB8H:
-- http://www.opto22.com/documents/0478_Std_Dig_8_Ch_data_sheet.pdf
-- Another I/O rack, but this uses an IDC header instead of terminal screws so it will be harder to use (unless you comfortable building IDC cables)

B1:
-- http://www.opto22.com/documents/0463_Optomux_Dig_data_sheet.pdf
-- This is a "smart" board (like our serial accessories), but needs an RS-485 input.  With work you could make an adapter and control it with a Prop-1 or Prop-2
-- Protocol doc: http://www.opto22.com/documents/1572_Optomux_Protocol_Guide.pdf

ODC5:
-- http://www.opto22.com/documents/0450_Std_Dig_DC_Outputs_data_sheet.pdf
-- DC output module; use to switch 5 to 60 VDC
-- This uses active-high control; to use P0 do this: P0.B --> ODC5.4; P0.W --> ODC5.3.  When P0 is high the module will turn on.

OAC5:
-- http://www.opto22.com/documents/0449_Std_Dig_AC_Outputs_data_sheet.pdf
-- AC output module; use to switch 12 to 140 VAC
-- control is just like the ODC5 (see above)

IDC5 / IDC5B:
-- http://www.opto22.com/documents/0448_Std_Dig_AC_Inputs_data_sheet.pdf
-- http://www.opto22.com/documents/0451_Std_Dig_DC_Inputs_data_sheet.pdf
-- AC/DC input module
-- You could use this to detect the presence of an AC or DC voltage.  The output is open collector, which means it will have an active-low output.  If you wanted to use P6, for example, the connects are: IDC5B.Vcc (3) --> P6.R, IDC5B.GND (5) --> P6.B, IDC5B.OUT (4) --> P6.W.  You need to put the P6 SETUP jumper in the UP position and then watch for a 0 (low) on PIN6.

[Bill P]

Thanks Jon,

It's a deal.  If I see blue smoke I'll know I did something wrong and you're not to blame. All I want to do is eliminate those mechanical relays I've been using.  I guess the PB4 is the answer.

Bill

[Bill P]

Well, I finally got around to hooking up these modules.  There was no smoke and they worked fine.  Now I would like to know if I can use the Crydom SSR's in the Opto22 PB4 board.  If I use the PB4 and take the Prop-1 output from the ULN2803 is it not the same as using a "switch" to turn the relay on or off?

Thanks,

Bill

[JonnyMac]

We can't answer questions regarding the compatibility between Crydom and Opto-22 products; you'll need to consult their docs or tech support.

You can activate a Cyrdom relay from the OUTx terminals of the Prop-1, Prop-2, or Prop-SX; this is done by connecting the + (positive) input of the relay to V+ and the - (negative) input of relay to the associated OUTx terminal.  The ULN2803 does indeed act like a switch, but the circuit is polarized and if connected incorrectly the relay will not activate.