PedroDaGr8
New Member
OK, I am trying to figure this one out. Partly, it is giving myself a project to learn new things (I dunno why but I suck at learning with out a focus), partly to figure out an alternative to mechanical automotive relays (yeah I know Hella and others make solid state relays but they tend to be reallly reallly pricey at this amperage and others seem to be more for DC switched AC). I know a good amount about relays and designing odd schematics using them (i.e. a circuit that flashes the halogens but not the bix when the headlgihts are off, or one that flashes halogens when xen are off but bix when they are on) etc. I know none of that is impressive to you all, but I was happy with myself when I came up with it. ![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
So anyways, the idea is to design a circuit for driving halogen and/or HID lamps, that gets rid of the electromechanical relay (meh relaibility and off-roaders have a problem with them getting knocked loose in rough terrain). The current requirements are technically 20-30A but I figure it's easier to design large and scale down if needed, versus design small and scale up. If it matters, HID ballasts start at a larger current (usually for a few µSec) then settle down after around 40sec or so to the constant 3A.
For those that want a clearer description, I want something to act as a solid state switch, that provides power when the signal is on, turns off when the signal is off. The signal as of now will be 12-15V as well, though this can of course be reduced as needed.
If anyone can point me in the right direction to start my reading I would greatly appreciate it. Right now I am getting a bit overwhelmed and am unsure what all of these different things mean and how they would apply to me. I am just trying to gain my footing in this and most importantly learn more. I don't want anyone to babystep me through this (then again babysteps to me and babysteps to you maybe two different things). I just want assistance and I do the rest.
I hope that I have been clear enough and don't get flammed for being too much of a noob.
So anyways, the idea is to design a circuit for driving halogen and/or HID lamps, that gets rid of the electromechanical relay (meh relaibility and off-roaders have a problem with them getting knocked loose in rough terrain). The current requirements are technically 20-30A but I figure it's easier to design large and scale down if needed, versus design small and scale up. If it matters, HID ballasts start at a larger current (usually for a few µSec) then settle down after around 40sec or so to the constant 3A.
For those that want a clearer description, I want something to act as a solid state switch, that provides power when the signal is on, turns off when the signal is off. The signal as of now will be 12-15V as well, though this can of course be reduced as needed.
If anyone can point me in the right direction to start my reading I would greatly appreciate it. Right now I am getting a bit overwhelmed and am unsure what all of these different things mean and how they would apply to me. I am just trying to gain my footing in this and most importantly learn more. I don't want anyone to babystep me through this (then again babysteps to me and babysteps to you maybe two different things). I just want assistance and I do the rest.
I hope that I have been clear enough and don't get flammed for being too much of a noob.