Question 1

Does anyone know if this is compatible with raspberry pi model b?

Accepted Answer

I bought this board specifically to work with the Raspberry PI. I've futzed with it for hours and the complete lack of documentation makes it very hard to get it up and running. Through trial and error though I've found the following setup works:1) Hook up the pair of screw terminals (in blue plastic) to an external 12v power supply2) Hook up the 3.3v out on the RPi (pin 1) to the 5v pin on the relay board (I know, this doesn't make sense)3) Hook up any GPIO pin to any of the 16 input pins on the board4) Toggle the GPIO pin using your favorite method5) The relay will toggle nowWhat threw me was using the 3.3v on the RPi instead of the marked 5v. That is very confusing labeling. It's also unfortunate that this board requires a 12v supply which can't come from the RPi but must be applied externally. My project, happened to have one so I was lucky. I hope this information helps. It would be so easy for SainSmart to offer this on their website and help out alot of folks having trouble.

Question 2

What there are two power inputs? (Low level inputs (5V) and blue port (12V)). Do I need to connect both?

Accepted Answer

The board takes 12V input to operate.   I use a at least 1-2 amp power supply and that connects to the 12V inputs.   There is a 5V OUTPUT on the board which is convenient and can be used to power something like an Arduino.  Which is what I do.

Question 3

I have an application where the output voltage to switch the contacts is 12 volts, will the inputs tolerate this or will I need to add resistors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it will.  I have this hooked up to some led work lights in a store display.  40 of them.  Power the board with 12v at the 2 screw terminals, and use your switched outputs directly to the low level inputs and it will switch on the relays.  Pretty simple.,

Question 4

Are there diodes across the relay coils?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they light up when the relay is on

ASIN	B0057OC66U
Best Sellers Rank	#922 in Single Board Computers (Computers & Accessories)
Brand Name	SainSmart
Coil Voltage	12 volts
Connector Type	Through Hole
Contact Current Rating	12 A
Contact Material	Silver
Contact Type	Normally Open
Current Rating	10 A
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (622)
Global Trade Identification Number	00796793392285, 06952131721337
Included Components	16-Channel Relay Module
Item Type Name	16-Channel Relay Module
Manufacturer	SainStore Inc.
Maximum Switching Current	12 A
Maximum Switching Voltage	250 volts
Minimum Switching Voltage	12 volts
Model	101-70-103
Mounting Type	PCB Mount
Number of Items	1
Operation Mode	Automatic
Part Number	101-70-103
UPC	796793392285
Unit Count	1 Count
Warranty Description	/
Wattage	144 watts

SainSmart 16-Channel 12V Relay Module Board for Arduino DSP AVR PIC ARM

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