Sockets for relays?

[shoggoth]

I'm going to be rebuilding my radio tube amp (https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=), too many changeshave resulted in all the caps having battle scars from the desoldering iron, and I expect that's why 60 hz hum is now creeping back in. I needed a better layout anyhow.

So I'm revisiting the location of my relays - moving them inside the chassis on a PCB. I can mount them on wide chip sockets for ease of maintenance - is that a good idea, or would they tend to fall out? Are there any best practices around this?

[ampgeek]

I have successfully installed many dozens of relays using the socket type shown here:

http://www.hoffmanamps.com/MyStore/perl ... =141403167

They relay is held very, very tightly in the socket.

I think that sockets are manufacutred by MilMax(?). Sorry that I don't have a Mouser/other P/N at hand to share...but...I am sure someone has that right on the tip of their tounge!

Our brother here, Colossal, sells a very sweet set of relay PCBs that you might want to check out.

Good luck,
Dave O.

[ampgeek]

This might be a handy link:

http://www.colossalamps.com/DIY.html


Cheers,
Dave O.

[TUBEDUDE]

If it seems a little sketchy, you can put a drop of the dreaded silicone RTV on each end to hold it.

[Colossal]

Thanks for the nice plug Ampgeek!

The relay on my board is indeed socket-mounted so in the case it should fail in service, it can be quickly replaced. Haven't had any reports of failures yet though. The socket is a Mil-Max 16 pin and the Mouser part ID is: 575-199316

[Structo]

Yep, that is the socket I use and it grips the relay pins very securely, no fear of falling out.

But if you want added insurance, just put a dab of silicone on each side of the relay and socket.

[Milkmansound]

What about octal socket relays? You can use a tube socket!

[ampgeek]

My pleasure mate. Love those boards...all the right options make them really flexible!

I couldn't imagine having to put an adhesive on the relay. Quite the contrary, I get nervous whenever I have to pull one out because they are so tight! I use a stout dental tool to pry it up evenly (in small increments) at each end. It requires more leverage than you would initially think.

Cheers,
Dave O.

[DonMoose]

Those are great sockets - there's just enough room under them for a small zip-tie. Much cleaner than any adhesive.

[Structo]

Great idea Don!