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TX1-3 Optoisolator interface

WA2SQQ
WA2SQQ Member ✭✭
edited April 2020 in New Ideas

For those of you who interface external devices via the TX1-3 outputs, I came across a very inexpensive isolation interface to prevent accidentally damaging these ports. I bought mine from the local MicroCenter store, but there are dozens of dealers on EBAY selling them. They come in either 5V or 12V, and anywhere from 1-16 relays per board. The input is an optoisolator. You apply a ground (from TX1-3), and the relay can safely key any external device.

https://www.microcenter.com/product/486581/keyes-2-channel-5v-relay-module






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Comments

  • Andy W3LI
    Andy W3LI Member ✭✭
    edited April 2020
    Super great idea. Tnx
    Andy...W3LI
  • George KF2T
    George KF2T Member ✭✭✭
    edited August 2019
    You can even power it off one if the USB ports on your Flex. Good find!
  • WA2SQQ
    WA2SQQ Member ✭✭
    edited August 2019
    Never thought of that. These relay boards are cheap and really easy to work with.
  • WA2SQQ
    WA2SQQ Member ✭✭
    edited August 2019
    Never thought of that. These relay boards are cheap and really easy to work with.
  • Ted VE3TRQ
    Ted VE3TRQ Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2019
    And the most common, cheapest, and most available are all 5V, so the idea of USB power from the Flex is super - no 12-to-5v converter needed! Even cheaper.
  • WA2SQQ
    WA2SQQ Member ✭✭
    edited August 2019
    I just used a small 5 volt regulator. This thing draws just a few milliamps.

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