BCS-460 only 1 volt?

[lotwookie]

BC-460 help! Just wired up my system for the first time and running a test. The BCS is only putting out 1 volt DC to my relays. I'm using 12 volt relays but the bcs voltage out is not putting out enough voltage to close the relay. It's my understanding that the bcs is supposed to put out 5 volts per output. I assumed this would be enough to close a 12 volt dc contacter relay. Any help?

[JonW]

BC-460 help! Just wired up my system for the first time and running a test. The BCS is only putting out 1 volt DC to my relays. I'm using 12 volt relays but the bcs voltage out is not putting out enough voltage to close the relay. It's my understanding that the bcs is supposed to put out 5 volts per output. I assumed this would be enough to close a 12 volt dc contacter relay. Any help?

There's a reason they are called 5V outputs and not 12V outputs! You've likely over drawn the current from the output by trying to use the 12V relays and blew the output. You will need to send it to ECC to be repaired.

[lotwookie]

BC-460 help! Just wired up my system for the first time and running a test. The BCS is only putting out 1 volt DC to my relays. I'm using 12 volt relays but the bcs voltage out is not putting out enough voltage to close the relay. It's my understanding that the bcs is supposed to put out 5 volts per output. I assumed this would be enough to close a 12 volt dc contacter relay. Any help?

There's a reason they are called 5V outputs and not 12V outputs! You've likely over drawn the current from the output by trying to use the 12V relays and blew the output. You will need to send it to ECC to be repaired.

Thanks for responding Jon. I see people using 40A SSR Solid State Relay's. Is that what i should be using? I have 2 march pumps and 2 honeywell VR8's. Do i need to order 4 SSR's? Thank you

Would these be sufficient? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HZ ... 00_details

[clearwaterbrewer]

You can and should use relays for things like pumps. You want 5V relays unless you are using a separately powered relay board (I highly suggest this, as you will exceed the current capability after only a couple relays that are not separately powered)...

A 12V relay has a much higher resistance coil than a 5V relay, so it is unlikely that you fried anything, but you should not be connecting things without research unless you like gambling with your money in this fashion.

Search the forum for 5V Relay and you will see what to use.

Read the electrical wiki and follow it...

-mike

[JonW]

BC-460 help! Just wired up my system for the first time and running a test. The BCS is only putting out 1 volt DC to my relays. I'm using 12 volt relays but the bcs voltage out is not putting out enough voltage to close the relay. It's my understanding that the bcs is supposed to put out 5 volts per output. I assumed this would be enough to close a 12 volt dc contacter relay. Any help?

There's a reason they are called 5V outputs and not 12V outputs! You've likely over drawn the current from the output by trying to use the 12V relays and blew the output. You will need to send it to ECC to be repaired.

Thanks for responding Jon. I see people using 40A SSR Solid State Relay's. Is that what i should be using? I have 2 march pumps and 2 honeywell VR8's. Do i need to order 4 SSR's? Thank you

Would these be sufficient? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HZ ... 00_details

You only need the 40A versions for heating elements. Pumps, solenoid valves, etc. can use the 25A versions. I would just pick them up from the ECC store. The 25A ones are only $9.

These SSR's use a very small current to trigger them. The 12V relays need 12 volts and probably several hundred milliamps to energize, so you did likely overdraw the circuit. You can use 12V relays (I do) if they are on a relay board that uses darlington transistors to trigger them and they have their own 12V power supply.

[lotwookie]

I cannot possibly be the only person frustrated with the lack of diagrams and a decent instruction manual. When you spend $200 + on a technical piece of equipment i would expect there to be more than just a sub par wiki site for wiring instructions. I apologize if i offend anyone.

[lotwookie]

I am going to replace the relays with SSR's and try again. From the picture you can see how i have it wired up. Sorry I am not a electrician and my buddy helping me isnt either but work with low voltage all the time. If ya'll notice anything additional i need to change please let me know. Sorry i am just very frustrated. Pumped to start brewing with this bad boy.

[ECC]

Nice looking setup!

The BCS outputs are limited to 20ma at 5V

Discrete Outputs (Outs)
Discrete Outputs are rated at 5VDC up to 20mA each.
...
Mechanical Relays
Mechanical relays are used extensively in automation. They are not typically recommended for applications that can switch excessively, such as PID controlled outputs.
Pros - Inexpensive, small.
Cons - Limited lifetime, contacts wear out. Coils usually draw more current than a BCS output can supply, unless it includes an input transistor booster. Contact switching can create an electrical arc, which can introduce noise into the system. Inductive loads derate contacts and kickback can cause issues.

Most mechanical relays draw more than 20ma. To get around this limitation, we have suggested relay models to use.
http://www.embeddedcc.com/wiki/index.ph ... mmendation

Sorry if the wiki isn't clear.

[JonW]

I cannot possibly be the only person frustrated with the lack of diagrams and a decent instruction manual. When you spend $200 + on a technical piece of equipment i would expect there to be more than just a sub par wiki site for wiring instructions. I apologize if i offend anyone.

The problem here is that buying a controller like this isn't like buying a new DVD player and just plugging it in. The BCS unit is one piece in what is usually a fairly complex system of temp probes, valves, relays, pumps, igniters, etc. Each system is different and it is up to the person setting it up to have an understanding of how the components work and what components to use. There's a learning curve here and if you are unsure of something, ask first instead of wiring it up and trying it out.

[lotwookie]

I cannot possibly be the only person frustrated with the lack of diagrams and a decent instruction manual. When you spend $200 + on a technical piece of equipment i would expect there to be more than just a sub par wiki site for wiring instructions. I apologize if i offend anyone.

The problem here is that buying a controller like this isn't like buying a new DVD player and just plugging it in. The BCS unit is one piece in what is usually a fairly complex system of temp probes, valves, relays, pumps, igniters, etc. Each system is different and it is up to the person setting it up to have an understanding of how the components work and what components to use. There's a learning curve here and if you are unsure of something, ask first instead of wiring it up and trying it out.

PWNED