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Need help making a switcher

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.

Reply to
Catalyst
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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.

Reply to
DJ Delorie

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

- Tom Gootee

Reply to
tomg

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.

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.

Reply to
Catalyst

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.

--
JosephKK
Gegen dummheit kampfen die Gotter Selbst, vergebens.  
--Schiller
Reply to
joseph2k

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