K3 Aux power relay source

[Richard Dowling]

Hi All,

One source of easy-to-use automotive type relays is Elk
Products.  They make home security/automation products and I've used
them extensively for that purpose but also the relays are generally
useful.  See
http://www.elkproducts.com/relays_timers_and_programmable_modules.html 
for their line of relays on a board in various configurations.

I've always purchased them through Worthington Distribution
http://www.worthingtondistribution.com/ as they have great service
and reasonable prices.  I'm sure there are other sources though.

73,

Richard
KL0DR


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[Don Wilhelm-4]

I don't understand what all the fuss about specific relays is all about.
Any relay that can handle the current desired and has a 12 volt coil
will do the job.
Relay speed is not a consideration, it will pull in when the K3 is
turned on, and will stay in that state until the K3 is turned off, so
operating time is not a factor, only the contact current rating (must be
sufficient for whatever accessories you wish to power), and the relay
coil must respond to 12 volts and draw less than 500 ma.

73,
Don W3FPR

Richard Dowling wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> One source of easy-to-use automotive type relays is Elk
> Products.  They make home security/automation products and I've used
> them extensively for that purpose but also the relays are generally
> useful.  See
> http://www.elkproducts.com/relays_timers_and_programmable_modules.html 
> for their line of relays on a board in various configurations.
>
> I've always purchased them through Worthington Distribution
> http://www.worthingtondistribution.com/ as they have great service
> and reasonable prices.  I'm sure there are other sources though.
>
>  

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[W8JI]

I'm 100% with Don on this.

>I don't understand what all the fuss about specific relays is all about.
> Any relay that can handle the current desired and has a 12 volt coil
> will do the job.

Actually the only common relays that MIGHT be a problem are certain
automotive relays intended for intermittent duty use. Some horn and starter
relays are not designed for continuous duty. :-)

> Relay speed is not a consideration, it will pull in when the K3 is
> turned on, and will stay in that state until the K3 is turned off, so
> operating time is not a factor, only the contact current rating (must be
> sufficient for whatever accessories you wish to power), and the relay
> coil must respond to 12 volts and draw less than 500 ma.

Which is almost any relay except certain automotive relays. A 6 watt coil is
very rare, except in really big relays. Most traditional power relays in the
15 amp contact range will be 150 mA coils or less and cost a couple bucks
from mail order houses.

73 Tom

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