ebay 8 channel 5v relay question

[d0ughb0y]

Anyone actually used those 8 (or 4) channel relays that use 5v relays?
like this http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/pict/110857064809_1.jpg

Based on the specs, you need 5v at 72ma to energize the coils. if all 8 relays are on, per spec, it needs 576ma. Is that about right or do you see the relay board actually use less current?


thanks.

[Daka]

Hi
Just got my brd last week. Will let you know as soon as I set it up.

[d0ughb0y]

thanks for the reply, but I actually went and got the 5v board. I ended up getting the 12v board as it will work better than the 5v one for me.

according to specs, 5v relay requires 72ma. multiply by 8 and that's a total of 0.576 amps. I measured close to that (slightly lower, but still over half amp).

a 5v board would work fine if your (switching) power supply output is already 5 volts. But since my main power supply is 12v, running that much current through a voltage regulator is generating a lot of heat. I should have figured that before I bought the 5v relay board.

anyone looking to buy a 5v relay board can contact me.