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Using a PACLED to control cathode tubes?

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Mysterioii:

For 12vdc you might consider just using mosfets.  I'm not sure triacs are appropriate here?  I believe they're mainly for AC voltages, and have some particular switching properties...  "Once triggered, the device continues to conduct until the current drops below a certain threshold, called the holding current."  Basically, depending upon the load, once they're triggered they can stay triggered.  Drventure, you were switching AC for the EL wire right?  Did you run into any issues with the holding current?  Perhaps the wire draws so little current that they were below the holding current and the triacs were allowed to close.

SSRs are fine, especially for AC voltages, but many of them are actually composed of mosfets anyway.  If you just want to control a 12vdc from 5vdc logic then I think a single mosfet would be the way to go, and run less than a buck a piece.

drventure:

Mysterioii's right. I used triacs because ELWire is powered by 90v AC.

But for switching 12dc, you've got a lot simpler options.

I haven't tried the mosfets. But sounds like that'd definitely be a simple way to go.

From what I understand, relays can switch AC or DC, mosfets can only switch DC. Not a problem in this case, but something to consider.

SSR's are supposed to be very easy to work with too, and are essentially very fast relays.

AndyWarne:

No, you cant use PWM switching (ie PacLED64) to control inverters for CCFL tubes. You would not get any dimming effect and It might damage the inverter.

The only way you can switch these is on or off, which means using a Pacdrive board rather than PacLED64 if you want to control from a PC.

Andy

TheShaner:

I thought as much, thanks andy. I think I am going to go for an led strip or two. I really want to have my whole cab pulse, so I am going to have to go all led.


Nephasth:


--- Quote from: TheShaner on May 24, 2012, 09:28:16 pm ---I thought as much, thanks andy. I think I am going to go for an led strip or two. I really want to have my whole cab pulse, so I am going to have to go all led.


--- End quote ---

Can you dim LED strips with a PACLED64 using the previously mentioned methods?

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