Category: Electrical

This article documents an implementation of PAROT (Power Amplifier Run On Timer) using Transformerless power supply for PAROT.

This PAROT uses a 230V AC relay for 230V mains switching and includes PTT switching using an FOD852 opto coupler.

The intended application is to control power to a valve PA, providing programmable heater delay, and cool down delay of power off.

Above is the electronics built on a small piece of Veroboard. This one uses a 0.47µF cap as the power supply current requirements are a little lower than for the SSR. Continue reading PAROT with transformerless power supply and 230V AC relay

This article documents an implementation of PAROT (Power Amplifier Run On Timer) using Transformerless power supply for PAROT.

This PAROT uses a 10A SSR for 230V mains switching and does not include PTT switching, but space exists for a FOD852 opto coupler for PTT switching.

The immediate application is to control my main station power supply so that if it has been in use, is hot and fans are running, the PAROT provides in this instance a 5min cool down before powering down.

Above is the electronics built on a small piece of Veroboard.

Above is the copper side of the Veroboard. The layout is designed to accomodate another implementation using a small Triac to switch a 230V AC relay. The board has been given a heavy coat of acrylic PCB lacquer to improve voltage withstand.

The PAROT is assembled inside a small die cast aluminium box with stick-on rubber feet.

Above is a view of the interior of the box. A 430V MOV is connected across the SSR output terminals, it is not clear whether the device has internal protection (Chinese product, very brief data). The LED / momentary switch on the right is the only control and indicator for PAROT operation. Note that because of the transformerless power supply, everything inside the box is potentially at mains voltage… a fact that must be kept in mind when working on it. An isolation transformer is a worthwhile tool for working on these type of things. Continue reading PAROT with transformerless power supply and 10A SSR

Power Amplifier Run On Timer (PAROT) (Duffy 2013) reported some measurements of the voltage withstand of Veroboard. Voltage withstand between tracks was observed to be just over 1400Vpk.

This article reports some further measurements of genuine Vero strip board.

Above is the test piece. Continue reading Voltage withstand of Vero strip board

This article documents design of a capacitive transformerless power supply for operating low voltage, low power logic from power mains. The intended application is PAROT (Duffy 2013), though it has potentially wider application.

(Microchip 2004) gives a method for design of a capacitive transformerless power supply for operating low voltage, low power logic from power mains. The equations seem simplistic for a circuit whose apparent simplicity belies the complexity of an optimal design that properly tolerates supply voltage and load variations. For that reason, a SPICE simulation was used to refine a design.

The immediate application is for the PAROT chip driving a 40A SSR.

Above is measured characteristic of a Fotek 40A SSR, it seems typical of several similar types on hand. It appears that much smaller SSRs in the 2A range require fairly similar current. Continue reading Transformerless power supply for PAROT