Question about the 16-channel 12V module

how many pins does it take to control the relays from the arduino?

From what little I see on the schematic, You apply your own DC (12v) and the regulator will supply 5vdc to the on board control circuitry.  I can not see the header I/O, but it looks as if you will use a D I/O for each relay, but that is a guess with out more information on the circuit.  It also looks like there are some opto isolators to protect the controller device (Arduino, etc).  If there is a better schematic I can offer more information.  But that is a 12vdc to 5vdc regulator (Buck Switching).

Regards,

Dave M.

While sainsmart is a nice site and they have some cool stuff, V Lee is a spamer, posting his advertizements as a question.

There is another too, Steve L I think it is.

That Blows.  I assumed this was a legitimate question.

if these guys are spammer than isn't there any regulations about this kinds of posts in Element14?

I've been reporting them, but after a day or so they come back and post the same/similar question elseware.

I don't really have a problem with them using E14 to advertise, just wish they wouldn't do it in the form of a question like they are "fooling" people into going to their site.

If your going to advertize, then do it properly and be around to answer others questions.

Believe it or not, I was not advertising. I do have question about it. And Sainsmart doesn't have the forum to discuss, (seems now they have built one), but not so popular, so I chose to post my question here. Sorry to make you feel that I am bothering others.

Well my apologies, but why do you keep posting links to that site as questions, and then never reply to anyone trying to answer your questions? Usually only spamers do that.

But to answer your questions, It will most likely take one digi pin per relay. Pin HIGH to close the relay (on) and LOW to open the realy (off). There is no mention that the relays are "addressable" indicating that they are RS-232RS-232 serial control, which would only be 2 wires for all 16. Also the schematic don't quit look right to me.

I am new to forum and I don't realize the rules. I am just seeking some answers. I didn't realize the reply, the reminding emails went to spam box. Thank you all for your reply. It does help a lot.

It looks like the same sort of board is offered by quite a few vendors, and this listing has more information about the way things are hooked up:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/16-Channel-12V-Relay-Module-Arduino-PIC-ARM-DSP-AVR-/230642906093?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b36373ed#ht_3327wt_1170

By the look of their schematics, you will need one Arduino pin per relay. From what I can tell, you have to also provide it with 5 volts and ground from the Arduino as well, and you have to do that twice because there are two chips that take the 5 volt signals to the 12 volt level. (JP2)

And it looks like you have to separately provide it 12 volts and ground as well.

Anyhow, that's my best guess based on those diagrams. I suppose you could start by hooking up the 12v and its corresponding gnd, and then check if the JP2 pins are giving you 5volts, just to make sure.

Out of curiosity, what are building that needs 16 relays?