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cyapps:
I am looking for some relays that I want to use to control a standard power outlet and be controlled by a LED Wiz or the like. I will be using this for controlling some rope lights and other things in my room, to give the proper “mood” lighting when I game. I know for this purpose I could just use a simple on/off switch but I want them to be independently controlled by the computer. I will also need some to control my Christmas lights on my house. From what I gather they will need to accept 3-5v dc for control and allow 120v ac for the load. I am not sure how many amps I need, but I would like to have as much as possible on each relay without overloading the house circuit (15amps?).

I know about most of the places online to get electronic components but I was wondering if anyone could provide links to the exact relays I will need to accomplish my goal or at least point me to a place with good prices and I am open to ebay if the price is right.

I am also not sure if solid state relays are best or if other “mechanical” (not entirely sure about the other types of relays) style ones will do just as good for my purposes. The ones in my room will be more or less on or off, but the Christmas lights will be switched on or off more often to music or to loop through certain sequences. I figure the Led Wiz will do fine as the controller as this is basically the same as using it for controlling LEDs but instead sending the power to a relay.

Thanks for whatever information you can provide! And feel free to pm me with any related ebay links.
paulscade:
Look into X-10.  They make all sorts of control modules (low voltage DC, AC, high current relays, etc.).. and computer interfaces.  I've got my whole house on X-10.  Switches/relay modules can be bought for around $15 each and a computer control module is about $50.
cyapps:

--- Quote from: paulscade on September 25, 2008, 04:37:46 pm ---Look into X-10.  They make all sorts of control modules (low voltage DC, AC, high current relays, etc.).. and computer interfaces.  I've got my whole house on X-10.  Switches/relay modules can be bought for around $15 each and a computer control module is about $50.

--- End quote ---

Yea I was looking into X-10 for a while but I was wanting to go the DIY route and hopefully save a bit of money while I am at it.
Ed_McCarron:
A decent solid state relay would probably be more expensive than the X10 modules.

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/SRLY-20/3-AMP-SOLID-STATE-RELAY/-/1.html

Theres a 3A one for $6.50.  At 120v, it'd handle 360 watts.  No dimming.  5v control voltage - I assume a led-wiz can throw 5 volts an an output.  Not sure if these things are designed to be switched at PWM speeds - the led-wiz is probably overkill.  Don't forget to fuse the line side, and be sure to install in an insulated box.

See?  Cheaper to do the X10 thing.
protokatie:
Did they ever imporve the speed of X10? From what I have seen, it still uses the powerlines in the home to do the control. At something like 100 baud or less... There are other systems that can do multiple protocalls (x10 and various wireless controls)

Just curious from those of you who actually have X10 systems installed.
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