Application examples

Technical specifications

Product		Switch actuator
Version		1.4 (October 2011)
Actuator type		reed relay
Switching power		10 W maximum
Switching voltage		200 V DC maximum
Switching current		0.5 A maximum
Switched output connector		screw-terminal block
Control power		5 V DC, 2.5 mA
Power supply		5 V DC, 9 mA
Dimensions		34 x 13 x 13 mm (1.3 x 0.51 x 0.51 inch)
Mounting		two 3.5 mm (0.14 inch) mounting holes spaced apart 46 mm (1.8 inch)
Cable		1.0 m (39 inch), shielded, red wire = power, black wire = ground, white wire = actuator input, extendable at least 100 m (328 ft) with ExtendCableD-10
Connector		male 1x4 plug with 3 pins in a row spaced 2.54 mm (0.100 inch)
Weight		20 g (0.7 oz), incl. cable
Software support		Our EditorX software allows you to configure the digitizer to control multiple actuators simultaneously with on/off as well as PWM signals. Our Link software allows you to multiple actuators simultaneously with on/off signals.
Application notes		Can be used directly with the WiDig or USB-microDig actuator outputs (top row of the connector for sensors and actuators), as well as with the Digitizer outputs (ie. the power supply pins of inputs 25 - 32), as well as with a Wi-microDig with firmware v6.3. To use the actuator with a Digitizer, use header cables such as in the AdaptCableKit so that the white wire is connected to one of the switched power supply pins of inputs 25 - 32 and the red wire is connected to the power supply pins of any of the other inputs. To use the Switch with a Wi-microDig with firmware v6.3 move the pin of the Switch plug that is connected to the white wire to the free position between the ground and power pins (ie. the pins connected to the black and red wires). Use a pointy object, eg. a tiny screw driver or sharp knife to take the pin out of the slot by slightly depressing the metal lever through the cutout for the pin attached to the white wire. Then, after having taken out the pin, push the lever out again a bit so that after placing the pin in the slot between the red and black wires, the lever blocks the pin from coming out of the slot. You can see these steps on page 4 and 5 of the HackPlugs v1.0 manual. The two blue screw terminals are connected in-between one of the two wires that are used to supply power to the device you want to control or in between the wire that carries a signal you want to interrupt (or not). Cut one of these wires and strip the two ends so that the bare conductors can be inserted into the terminals. Then use a screw driver to secure the conductors in the terminals. If using the Switch with inductive loads such as solenoids, a general purpose diode (eg. part number 1N4148) should be placed across the load in reverse polarity. If the Switch contacts remain closed even though the (control) power is off, disconnect the load from the Switch and try setting the (control) power on and off rapidly after each other. Eventually it should allow normal opening and closing of the contacts.