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Need help making a switcher

C

Catalyst

Jan 1, 1970
0
I'm making a switcher...basic idea is having about 10 coaxial inputs
that you select which individual one will connect straight to the
output. The tricky part comes in that I would like it to be possible to
control it using an external GPI control. Easiest way I can think of
would be to have a bidirectional relay...it would easily select back
and forth between the inputs and it could be remotely controlled. Only
problem is that I haven't seen a relay that would have the amount of
inputs I'd like. Is there a way to build my own relay or a more
intellegent design that would make it work without this type of relay?
If it could only work locally, that wouldn't be too much of a problem,
but I'd prefer to be able to control it locally and remotely.
 
D

DJ Delorie

Jan 1, 1970
0
Why one relay? For N inputs, use N reed relays. Just make sure only
one is on at a time.

If it's for video, there exist N-to-1 switcher ICs.
 
Catalyst said:
I'm making a switcher...basic idea is having about 10 coaxial inputs
that you select which individual one will connect straight to the
output. The tricky part comes in that I would like it to be possible to
control it using an external GPI control. Easiest way I can think of
would be to have a bidirectional relay...it would easily select back
and forth between the inputs and it could be remotely controlled. Only
problem is that I haven't seen a relay that would have the amount of
inputs I'd like. Is there a way to build my own relay or a more
intellegent design that would make it work without this type of relay?
If it could only work locally, that wouldn't be too much of a problem,
but I'd prefer to be able to control it locally and remotely.

What, exactly, would be the characteristics and topology of your
control signal(s)?

- Tom Gootee
 
C

Catalyst

Jan 1, 1970
0
Why one relay? For N inputs, use N reed relays. Just make sure only
one is on at a time.

If it's for video, there exist N-to-1 switcher ICs.

Using that many relays seems like it's not going to remote control
using 2 commands very well...I'm trying to use this whole thing as an
excuse to finally learn something about circuits and making something
able to use GPI triggers.
What, exactly, would be the characteristics and topology of your
control signal(s)?

- Tom Gootee

I don't exactly know really....I've never designed anything for use
with GPI, only wired GPI cables into setups that were already based on
that system. It's an incredibly simple signal, and next time I go to
work I'm planning on bringing my VO meter to measure how it's signal
goes...I believe it's basically just got 5 VDC at some really low
voltage constantly applied, then drops signal to trigger a command,
though I believe it can also be set up to do the opposite of that.
Other than that, it's just a pin for voltage and a bunch of other
pins...each pin is a command.
 
J

joseph2k

Jan 1, 1970
0
Catalyst said:
I'm making a switcher...basic idea is having about 10 coaxial inputs
that you select which individual one will connect straight to the
output. The tricky part comes in that I would like it to be possible to
control it using an external GPI control. Easiest way I can think of
would be to have a bidirectional relay...it would easily select back
and forth between the inputs and it could be remotely controlled. Only
problem is that I haven't seen a relay that would have the amount of
inputs I'd like. Is there a way to build my own relay or a more
intellegent design that would make it work without this type of relay?
If it could only work locally, that wouldn't be too much of a problem,
but I'd prefer to be able to control it locally and remotely.

Oohhh. You have left sooo much out of your post. Switchers like this have
been built for many cases, including HF / VHF / UHF, transmit / receive
antennas; ethernet; video; audio; data stream, etc., Tell us more about
your requirements and we can give you better advice.
 
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