[TowerTalk] Ameritron RCS-4 question

[Jim Lux]

On 9/28/11 5:20 AM, Charlie Gallo wrote:
>
> The BIGGEST issue, parts wise. is the RCS-4 isn't using logic levels
> inside, the control signals are 1/2 wave AC+, 1/2 wave AC-, full wave
> AC, and None (think of each 1/2 wave of the AC as a bit) - and it's
> NOT really that well regulated, and you DO need to pass the power to
> pull the remote relays - this pretty much means NOT using a solid
> state device to do this, but small signal relays (use double pole,
> and you can use the 2nd pole for the front panel LEDs)  The problem
> is, looking at Mouser, you're gonna end up paying about $3/relay, and
> you need at LEAST 3 (if not 4, and make it easier for the unwashed
> masses to understand)
>

You only need 2 relays at most. (at least to actuate the remote relays)

A pair of SCRs? (and some diodes) I haven't had my coffee yet, so I 
can't think of how you'd arrange to get them biased corectly.

A triac, with the gate pulse timed right after the zero crossing.

>