Author Topic: Relay-Like Circuit  (Read 1388 times)

jitspoe

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Relay-Like Circuit
« on: May 25, 2010, 11:42:45 PM »
This should be dead simple, but I'm obviously not searching for the right things.  I basically have a circuit that lights up an LED.  I want to replace the LED (or add on to it) with a switch.  When power goes through the LED, I want another thing to turn on.  I tried using a relay, but the voltage was too low (< 2V).  It actually worked the other day, but I guess the battery is getting lower or something and it won't work anymore.  I imagine this can be done with transistors or something instead of a relay, since everything is low voltage.

vLaD

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Re: Relay-Like Circuit
« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2010, 12:34:15 AM »
transistor will do it.   for transistors only .6 volts is required to turn it on.  something to keep in mind though is how much current will be going through it. 

jitspoe

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Re: Relay-Like Circuit
« Reply #2 on: May 26, 2010, 12:24:16 PM »
transistor will do it.   for transistors only .6 volts is required to turn it on.  something to keep in mind though is how much current will be going through it. 
I'm not sure how much current runs through it, but it shouldn't be more than 9v.

How would I wire this up, though?  Transistor has 3 connectors, and I have 4 connections...

vLaD

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Re: Relay-Like Circuit
« Reply #3 on: May 26, 2010, 09:03:14 PM »
the voltage from led to transistor base through a 1k ohm resistor. emitter 2 ground. base to power source.
collector through resistor to load to power source.
« Last Edit: May 26, 2010, 09:29:51 PM by vLaD »

vLaD

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Re: Relay-Like Circuit
« Reply #4 on: May 26, 2010, 09:33:20 PM »
a little rusty so if i am a bit off forgive me.

vLaD

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Re: Relay-Like Circuit
« Reply #5 on: May 26, 2010, 09:40:03 PM »
also if you want to use the relay. just put it in where it says load here.