---Original Message-----
From: Lawrence Lile <lilel@toastmaster.com>
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>
Date: Tuesday, 5 August 1997 23:45
Subject: Re: Real Time Clock



<snip>
> contacts will either make or break.
>>
>>         If I were building such a device, I would try the lazy man's
>> way, first.  I would look for one of the solid-state relays
>
>My major design constraint is cheap.  I can buy a 10 amp rated SPST
>relay for $0.50 in quantity.  Can't touch that with a 10 or 12 amp
>rated Triac, as far as I know.  I'm controlling heaters for cooking
>appliances at 120 or 240 volts, 800 to 1200 watts.
>
>I'm thinking about staging a life test of an AC line triggered relay,
>to test this theory.

Good idea - if it cuts in and out in a thermostatic way, you could reach its
end of life very quickly.  50 cents isn't cheap if you have to factor in
product recalls and field service... <g>  As an aside, do you have any
particular requirements for radiated noise?

MikeS
<mikesmith_oz@relaymail.net>