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    #1

    Controlling 4 monitor's power using a relay.

    I have a two monitors setup, going to be three. Then a friend came and said to me that he got a 4 LCDs setup to play a flight simulator (?). He powers down/shut down his rig, and then have to turn off all 4 units one by one.He does not want to use a power strip, he wants to power on the rig and then the 4 units come to life, power it off and off they go. Why does he want this?
    Well. In preparation for my third monitor, I wired a cable from a dead 12v brick (2.5mm barrel) to a female molex, and then connected that female molex to the PSU of my rig. When I turn it on/start it, the 3rd monitor (still unused, just used a "y" to mirror the 2nd display in the mean time ...) turns on. If I shut down my PC, the monitor shuts off. He liked it and then we got this crazy idea of using that 12v to control a relay to turn the 4 units at his place on and off. Anyone has done this before? I have done that with fans on cars (long time ago. Don't remember a s?it right now) but now we are talking about relaying AC with a DC pulse/load. Anyone can help me/us here?
    If it works as expected, I might end doing that myself.

    The setup would be like the relay in a little project box from the shack and then running to a dual two contact box made specially for this project.
    Last edited by EGuevarae; 06-21-2009, 07:21 PM.
    There are 10 kind of people in this world: those that understand binary, and those who don't.
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    #2
    Re: Controlling 4 monitor's power using a relay.

    I've done a bit of this stuff before.. So basically you're looking to make a 12V controlled remote power strip.. What did you want the remote control signal to be?? 12V when on, 0V when off, or a short +12V pulse, or 5V control or pulse? 5V would be easier if you wanted to use standard TTL logic to make a latching circuit, which you would need if your control voltage was a pulse. One pulse to turn on, then it would stay on, until it received another pulse, which would turn it off again.

    I'd recommend using SSR's instead of relays, just for reliablity and ease of control. They also live a lot longer if cycled often. Also no "kickback" from the relay coil, though that's easily eliminated with a snubber diode.

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      #3
      Re: Controlling 4 monitor's power using a relay.

      Originally posted by gg1978
      I've done a bit of this stuff before.. So basically you're looking to make a 12V controlled remote power strip.. What did you want the remote control signal to be?? 12V when on, 0V when off, or a short +12V pulse, or 5V control or pulse? 5V would be easier if you wanted to use standard TTL logic to make a latching circuit, which you would need if your control voltage was a pulse. One pulse to turn on, then it would stay on, until it received another pulse, which would turn it off again.

      I'd recommend using SSR's instead of relays, just for reliablity and ease of control. They also live a lot longer if cycled often. Also no "kickback" from the relay coil, though that's easily eliminated with a snubber diode.
      I already have a 12v constant supply on the exterior (from my PC's PSU) that would be an always-on 12v supply. I would like to remain on the 12v because it allows me to power on LCDs, but I can go the 5v always-on if it would be easier.

      It is similar to this , except that the "on command" and off command" are not necessary.

      on this image, what I see is the "protection diode"? It is a must?
      There are 10 kind of people in this world: those that understand binary, and those who don't.
      • ASUS ROG Maximus IX Code
      • Intel Core i5-7600K 3.8GHz
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        #4
        Re: Controlling 4 monitor's power using a relay.

        All relay coils require the protection diode (I can't remember why as it's been so long since I was out of school).

        Comment

          #5
          Re: Controlling 4 monitor's power using a relay.

          Reason for the protection diode is that whenever the relay is turned off, the interruption in current flow through the coil (a inductor) causes a large voltage spike, much higher in amplitude than the input voltage, which is very capable of destroying components if not dissipated by a snubber diode..


          Commonly known as "inductor kickback"..



          Sounds like what would work best would be a +12V input relay or SSR then.. If you're just using a switch to turn on the relay, the snubber may not be required, but if you're using a transistor or chip to turn on the relay, snubber is required.. Though having a snubber can't hurt even if you're turning it on with a switch, and contact life of the control switch may be higher.

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            #6
            Re: Controlling 4 monitor's power using a relay.

            This is what I need. I guess I'll go for it.
            http://cgi.ebay.com/2-Relay-Board-fo...lenotsupported
            There are 10 kind of people in this world: those that understand binary, and those who don't.
            • ASUS ROG Maximus IX Code
            • Intel Core i5-7600K 3.8GHz
            • 16gb GSKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4-3200
            • 1 M2 SSD + 2 WD Blue 1TB (Mirrored)
            • Windows 10 Pro x64
            • GeForce GT1050
              2 x Acer KA240H + 1 Vewsonic VP2130 21 (a cap replacement job )

            Comment

              #7
              Re: Controlling 4 monitor's power using a relay.

              besides all the DIY fun, you might as well use a master/slave power strip... that's exactly what they're for.
              hard to tell which way is cheaper. i've seen M/S strips locally for a few bucks.
              "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

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                #8
                Re: Controlling 4 monitor's power using a relay.

                When I built my game cabinet I used a 12v relay that triggers 120v.

                I connected the 12v from one the computers power supply wires and connected a power bar to the 120 side.

                When the power on the computer is applied it trips the relay and in turn allows the 120v through to the power bar.

                I got the relay for $15.00. I can get you the model # if needed.

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                  #9
                  Re: Controlling 4 monitor's power using a relay.

                  Also forgot to mention you could use a smart strip http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Power_Options

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