I was wanting the 3 wire valves but I got the CR-05 five wire by error on the Shipper's part. I was trying to get these to work and they do have the feedback
where I can add some LEDs so I know where the valve really is. I have lights for all my Pumps and have found that it would be really nice to have that feedback. I have two 2 wire NC Valves on my water supply so I can fill vessels that stop with a Float Switch (DIN). Occasionally, one of them does not open for some reason. They both occasionally "go on strike" and refuse to work. I have checked the wiring and even rerun new wire but I am convinced it is the Chinese Valves that are the problem. It only happens occasionally and some Brew days I have no issues at all. At least with the feedback loop, I could see it was "not open" or "open". I have never used Relay Boards and it has been a learning curve for me.
I think that the Relay Board for DC is the way to go vs Individual SSRs .
Positive Reasons:
Costs: Less than half the cost of 8 Individual Relays.
Size: More compact and easier to mount than 8 Individual Relays
AC/DC: Can be either
Note: Because of the Amperage Rating, I am using these for DC Valves.
Negative Reasons:
Single Relay Fail: If you do not have a spare open relay on the board, you would have to replace the entire Board.
Amps: Not as robust as Individual Relays and not enough for many Brew Widgets
I was confused at first about the Voltage Requirements of a Relay Board and what it means.
for this board:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130806508025?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
8 Channel 10Amp SPDT Power Relay Module Board, DC12V Version
This item has been assembled, and electrical test passed.
OMRON G5LA-14 Power Relays.
LED indicator for each relay channel.
BC517 Darlington transistor driving relay, Improve the reliability of action.
FR-4 Fiber glass PCB ( Double Layer ).
Size: L150mm x W72mm x H20mm.
Power Supply: 12V DC / 400mA (relay all ON).
Input control signal voltage:
0V - 0.5V Low state (relay not-action),
0.5V – 2.5V (unknown state).
2.5V - 20V High state (relay action).
Input control signal high state current:
2.5V: 0.1mA.
5V: 0.35mA.
12V: 1.1mA.
24V: 2.4mA.
Relay Spec:
Manufacturer: OMRON, Part Number: G5LA-14 12V DC.
Contact Rating: 277 VAC / 10 Amp or 30 VDC/10 Amp.
it seems there are three different Voltages and Amperage Requirements on the Relay Board.
1. Relay Board Working Voltage(Power Supply): Power Supply: 12V DC / 400mA (relay all ON).
2. Trigger or Control Voltage. Since we are using the BCS:
Input control signal high state current:
5V: 0.35mA
3. Load Voltage: Contact Rating: 277 VAC / 10 Amp or 30 VDC/10 Amp
The Boards come in Different Relay Board Working Voltages on ebay.
5v :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Channel-10Amp ... SwKrhVcVFF
12v :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130806508025?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
24 v:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Channel-10Amp ... SwBahVcXDQ
Basically, these are all the same boards as far as the Trigger and Load are. The difference is in the Relay Board Working Voltage(Power Supply).
So if using for AC, any would do but if you have a Power Supply that is 24 vdc for Valves, then get the 24v model so you do not need another Power Supply.
If using for 24vdc valves, get a 24v model so that your Valve Power Supply can Supply the Relay Working Voltage as well.
If using for 12vdc valves, get a 12v model so that your Valve Power Supply can Supply the Relay Working Voltage as well.
If using the 5v Model, the 5+ of the BCS is
NOT a Power Supply for the Board. You will need a 5 vdc Power Supply external to the BCS to power the Relay Board. The BCS can supply the Trigger.
Hopefully I have this correct.