Controlling actuators with Varian 24 v external events.

[Steve P]

I'd like to control a number of Valco electric and microelectric two position actuators from a Varian GC-450 using Galaxie software. The Valco actuators can be switched with a contact closure but the Varian external event boards in the GC have 24 volt power on/off relays. I'm guessing that I'll have to use intermediate relays powered from the 24 volt signal to provide the contact closure. I wonder if there is a standard solution to this? Would mechanical or solid state relays be most suitable?

Thanks in advance
Steve

[chromatographer1]

Call Valco.

Really.

or Call Varian.

Really.

Who else knows their hardware better than they?

Free advice is often worth what you pay for it.

Really.

best wishes,

Rod

[srattier]

If your Valco valve requires a contact closure, then the 450-GC relays are what you need. The 450-GC relay are 24VDC meaning they can open/close a voltage up to 24V... I would be really surprised if the Valco is using higher voltage on the contact input. I think you can directly connect your Valco actuator on your GC relays. If you have any doubt, you'd better ask to Bruker now (450-GC is now Bruker) and Valco for specification about the GC relays and the actuator.