Thread: Using VSA for relays - need suggestions

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i am wondering if anyone is using the VSA software to control relays. I have found the software great for controlling servos and want to use it to control my relays also.
We use Vixen software at christmas to control three Olsen 595 boards but Vixen doesn't control servos.

I would love to get the Olsen 595 board to work on the VSA software but i can't seem to figure out how to make them talk

- I am using VSA software for programming
- I have two Pico Pic servp boards. They are supposed to control relays but i can't get them to work for relays. They control the servos great however.
- I have Olsen 595 boards for relays but can't get them to work with the VSA software

If anyone out there is using VSA to control relays....what board are you using?

I have a EFX-Tek + 16 board and an old K108 that will work with VSA but the K108 doesn't have enough outputs and i have better projects for the EFX-Tek + 16

Any tips would be appreciated.

I use a kit 74 board that has 8 relays.... it works great with VSA...
Only thing with the kit 74 board is that you need a computer with a parallel out port. Unless there is something I am missing or something new, you cant use USB with it.

Someone else on here will probably be able to fill you in more but I really have had good luck with this board. Only thing I wish I could do with it is DIM the lights. I think for that you could need to go with DMX.

How about this usb;KEYSPAN USA-19HS High Speed USB SERIAL Adapter
it's seems to be the only USB adapter used with the 3 axis skulls that interface USB to serial without problems for a lot of folks that are running they're skull off a laptop.
Maybe worth giving it a try. I got mine off EBay for $10+$4shipping, usually they go for about $30.

Originally Posted by Lynn

Only thing I wish I could do with it is DIM the lights. I think for that you could need to go with DMX.

How about using a VSA controlled servo & linkage it to a lite dimmer switch..........

I'm using these in my 3-axis skulls to turn the LED eyes on and off.

Turnigy Receiver Controlled Switch

They are basic relays that are controlled by the RC pulse. They work great for my purpose. They do require a common ground connection with your servo controller. I'm using a SSC32 board to control the servos.

There is a simple dmx circuit you can make, small parts count. http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com...ead.php?t=4723

It runs on dmx, and can do 8 relays a pack. since its dmx, you can also add dimmer packs and anything else that is dmx.
im making over a dozen of these for halloween this year. they can also control solinoid valves with out relay using only the uln2803 chip.