Alternative relays

[greiswig]

The recent thread on the LNFB loop on V1 reminded me that one of my goals was putting that on a relay so that it was only on when OD was engaged. I'm already using 4 relays in the amp, and adding a 5th would be problematic in a number of ways.

I'm wondering if there's a good, small solid state relay or similar that could be easier to use in multiples, and have less current draw? Or maybe there are good reasons not to use them?

[ampdork]

I have used some smaller spst relays for that and it worked well.
I built the circuit up on a terminal strip right where the actual NFB circuit is.
Works great. Footprint is about the same. I forget offhand the draw but it was a non issue for me...
I'd just slap a beefier trafo and use whatever relay you had around and go for it..
You can also make it so it stays switched for the cleans in case you want to occasionally remind yourself what the actual difference is in tone...

[turbo5speed]

The recent thread on the LNFB loop on V1 reminded me that one of my goals was putting that on a relay so that it was only on when OD was engaged. I'm already using 4 relays in the amp, and adding a 5th would be problematic in a number of ways.

I'm wondering if there's a good, small solid state relay or similar that could be easier to use in multiples, and have less current draw? Or maybe there are good reasons not to use them?

DELETED!!

Stupid answer by myself! Oops.

[renshen1957]

The recent thread on the LNFB loop on V1 reminded me that one of my goals was putting that on a relay so that it was only on when OD was engaged. I'm already using 4 relays in the amp, and adding a 5th would be problematic in a number of ways.

I'm wondering if there's a good, small solid state relay or similar that could be easier to use in multiples, and have less current draw? Or maybe there are good reasons not to use them?

Hi,

Have you looked into "electronic" relays, using either discrete transistors or if you require more flexibility some ICs for switching?

If you used jfet shunts for the switching elements, the power drain would be less than 2 mA per transistor.

I have used jfet switching in a build and found them to be silent and faster than a conventional relay. The number of duty cycles with jfet shunts should be 10 times greater than a regular relay, (100,000 compared to 10,000) however, I doubt that either would wear out under professional use. I was able to implement the jfets on circuit cards.

Using ICs to control switching is more flexible, however, implementation (making the PCB) would be more complicated.

Best Regards,

Steve

[greiswig]

Hi,

Have you looked into "electronic" relays, using either discrete transistors or if you require more flexibility some ICs for switching?

If you used jfet shunts for the switching elements, the power drain would be less than 2 mA per transistor.

Steve,

I'd definitely be interested in hearing more about this setup. What JFETs did you use, and how were they implemented? I've never used transistors before.