plain old SSR vs CNC4PC's offerings

[akula169]

I'm looking to put together a simple on/off for spindle control via Mach3 (via parallel breakout)

I'm eyeing the C15 from CNC4PC, but I also just dug up a couple box style solid state relays in the garage.

They look similar to one of these. Rated 3-23 DC on one side, 24-330AC @ 40A on the other.

I have a 110v 100w spindle motor (no need for speed control) and a shopvac I'd like to run off of whatever relays I end up going with.

Is there an advantage to the CNC4PC C15 over the SSR's I already have?

[jalessi]

Akula169,

The SSR you have will only switch a A.C. load, which is fine for your application.

The C15 can switch either a A.C. or D.C. load.

Jeff...

[akula169]

Thanks for the answer... now that I'm going to use the SSR, I'd like to put it inside the controller box that I already have.

I have one of Dan's Camtronics boxes with Gecko 201's in it. It'd be real handy if I could just splice off of the 110v that is coming into the box and attach it to the relay - and probably will also add a couple 110v outlets to the back for the spindle and vacuum.

Could there be a problem with drawing power from the same source that eventually powers the control drivers? Interference, noise, heat?

I have no problem building a separate box for the relay and wiring if I have to - but it'd be convenient to use the space (and moving air) that I already have inside the box.

Sorry if it seems like a silly question - I'm a total AC electrical noob.

[vger]

You'll probably be OK with the spindle motor off the same supply, but adding the shop vac will likely be too much for the single supply cord going to it. I used SSR's just as you have. It took a metalic electrical outlet box with rounded corners (called handy box) 4" X 4" deep box with a cover plate for mounting 1 duplex outlet. I put both SSR's and an outlet (broke off the tab on the side to seperate the hot side) in that box and used a short piece of heavy duty extension cord to bring power to it. I added a low voltage cord (telephone wire) to drive the SSR inputs connected straight to the printer port. Works great, M03 / M05 controls spindle, M08 / M09 controls shop vac.

Steve

[sbalder]

I've used a dozen of the C15 boards- simple, cheap, and reliable. I recently built a router using an SSR that I had from another machine. It "leaked" enough current to keep the router spindle partially running. I built a simple circuit with a 555 timer to provide a clean high or low signal to the SSR (schmidt trigger). For my money and time I'll continue to use the C15 boards as simpler, more reliable, and able to switch dc loads.

[fretsman]

akula169, this may be of interest you

Dave