Low to High power GPO mods... need help.

samw5 · Post by **samw5** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 10:51 pm

Ok, here is the deal. I still have my awesome LK202-25 serial LCD and I'm in the process of modding a new case (Chieftec Matrix Full tower).

I've been thinking for a while to do this but the time has now come; I want to let the LCD control the neon lights in the rig through the GPOs. I've been looking at the low to high GPO mod but I'm not sure I wanna go that extreme.
I was thinking about using a relay that takes in the power from the GPO on one side and the 12V from the PSU on the other hand. Now, I simply have no clue on how to calculate the relay value (I'm not the best at this) so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.
Next, I'd like to add a single press button connected to the keypad so that when pressed LCDC would send a signal to turn of both the LCD and GPO controlling the neon lights. Would this work? Do I just need a switch and connector for the LCD (I was thinking about using "F" as both pins are next to each other).

Finally, I was wondering if there were significant differences between the serial LCD models and the newer USB. Is there any conversion kit available?

Thanks for the help (Henry maybe...).

Cheers,
Sam

Post by **Aniso** » Sat Apr 19, 2003 1:49 am

I didn't read all that, but I am afraid you cannot hook 12 volts to a low power GPO (even on the other side of the relay). This is safe with a high power GPO, but will BLOW UP the processor using a low power GPO.

Miles? Henry?

samw5 · Post by **samw5** » Sat Apr 19, 2003 12:11 pm

Are you serious. There aren't any relays that are supposed to only take very small voltage as signal to turn on some accessories? I was under the impression that the point of a relay was just that.

Sam

samw5 · Post by **samw5** » Wed Apr 30, 2003 10:15 am

Hmmm, no response... No go on the relay or just no clue on how to do it?

Let me know I need to get those parts soon

Sam

Post by **Mat-Moo** » Wed Apr 30, 2003 10:26 am

Check it out... http://www.bit-tech.net/article/96/

samw5 · Post by **samw5** » Wed Apr 30, 2003 10:59 am

I have. I was just wondering if there was alternatives to this; I was thinking about using a relay to turn the neons on in my case instead of doing this mod but just can't figure out which relay I would need (read my first post).

Sam

Post by **Mat-Moo** » Wed Apr 30, 2003 11:16 am

I'm not an electronics man - so I can't answer, but the bit article is pretty easy to be honest.

Post by **Henry** » Sat May 03, 2003 7:20 am

Yes, you can find relays that will do 5V input and do 12V and high current out. just remember that the GPOs on the LK202-25 are 5V and supply a maximum of 20mA. With these numbers you should be able to find what ever you need from Digikey or Jameco.

MILES! post the one you got!!!

samw5 · Post by **samw5** » Sat May 03, 2003 1:10 pm

Excellent. Thanks Henry for your help.

Now just as your opinion, do you think this solution will work properly enough to turn on neons?

Also what are the differences with the newer USB model?

Finally, I really like the High Voltage mod, and was wondering how hard it would be to modify it so that the GPO outputs some 5V, 7V and 12V so that depending on the system temp you could apply a different voltage to fans. That'd be real nice. Anyways, wish Matrix Orbital would sell those boards as an option.

Thanks again,
Sam

Miles · Post by **Miles** » Mon May 05, 2003 9:30 am

A solid state relay that I can suggest is the Clare PD2401. It's a great little relay and should do the trick!!

samw5 · Post by **samw5** » Mon May 05, 2003 10:01 am

Thanks Miles. Will look into that. Do you happen to know where I could possibly find it?

Also, I might be selling my LK202-24 and get an LK204-25PC Limited edition instead which I believe wouldn't require me to use a relay, but I was wondering if this model will ever be available in blue color (blue background, white text) and with USB interface.

Thanks again for the suggestions,
Sam

Miles · Post by **Miles** » Mon May 05, 2003 10:09 am

check this link out for the relay: http://www.clare.com/home/pdfs.nsf/www/ ... Pd2401.pdf

Miles · Post by **Miles** » Mon May 05, 2003 10:16 am

our plan in the neart future is to develop a 4x20 USB that will have all the toys such as high powered GPO's, multiple color displays, temp sensors, etc.

samw5 · Post by **samw5** » Mon May 05, 2003 10:24 am

Ah, what's the "near future" like? Mid-summer, Fall 2003, or early 2004.

Cheers,
Sam

Miles · Post by **Miles** » Mon May 05, 2003 10:26 am

you can't hold me to this, but mid-summer/fall 2003 would be a fair time frame....!!