Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2010 18:33:36 -0400
From: 4CX250B <4cx250b@muohio.edu>
Subject: [Amps] Comparison of PCB-mount RF relays
As mentioned in an earlier post, the RTB14012F is also available in a 16 Amp
version, and I also investigated that relay. Internally it is exactly the same
construction as the 12Amp relay, but it has two pins connected to each contact
strap, rather than just one pin. Despite this seeming advantage, I can't really
recommend the 16 Amp version. Its PCB pin configuration is much more crowded
than for the 12 Amp relay, which means one can't use wide PCB traces with it.
Also, because of the more closely spaced pins, the 16 Amp version would likely
have lower voltage insulation than the 12 Amp relay, which could potentially
cause arcing problems when using it with mismatched loads.
73,
Jim W8ZR
## This 16 Amp version is interesting. The contacts are the same. The only
difference is the connections to the contacts.
Another method to increase power handling capability is to use a DPDT relay,
and simply parallel all the contacts. This
won't do anything for the peak V rating, but it will double the RF current
rating...which will quadruple the power rating.
## I have seen DPDT pc board mount relays..and also 3PDT pc board mount
relay's.... but they were not enclosed as
this RTB14012F is. Since the RTB140012F is a sealed unit, you can't get at
the contacts easily, if they required cleaning, but
you are probably better off with a sealed unit, then less chance of dirt/dust
etc, getting in there.
## a 3PDT pc mount relay, with all contacts in parallel, will handle globs of
power, but again, the paralleled contacts will buy you
nothing for peak V... only current. The coils could be sped up with an over
voltage, if someone wanted to use the relay for
a T/R application. They may be plenty fast enough as is. My experience with
sped up mech relays is, you can usually
cut the operate time in 1/2. It might still not be fast enough for qsk cw...
but makes for faster/cleaner vox cw/ssb.
## that control box that W8ZR has cooked up is very impressive.
later... Jim VE7RF
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