REL2001 User Guide

Part 1: Setup

Welcome to the REL2001 user guide! In order to get started, make sure you have the following hardware on hand:

• REL2001 - Relay Phidget
• VINT Hub
• Phidget cable
• USB cable and computer
• something to use with the REL2001 (e.g. a series circuit)

Next, you will need to connect the pieces:

1. Connect the REL2001 to the VINT Hub using the Phidget cable.
2. Connect the VINT Hub to your computer with a USB cable.
3. Connect the circuit to the the "C" and "NO" terminals

Now that you have everything together, let's start using the REL2001!

Phidget Control Panel

In order to demonstrate the functionality of the REL2001, the Phidget Control Panel running on a Windows machine will be used.

The Phidget Control Panel is available for use on both macOS and Windows machines.

Windows

To open the Phidget Control Panel on Windows, find the icon in the taskbar. If it is not there, open up the start menu and search for Phidget Control Panel

macOS

To open the Phidget Control Panel on macOS, open Finder and navigate to the Phidget Control Panel in the Applications list. Double click on the icon to bring up the Phidget Control Panel.

For more information, take a look at the getting started guide for your operating system:

• Getting started with Windows
• Getting started with macOS

Linux users can follow the getting started with Linux guide and continue reading here for more information about the REL2001.

First Look

After plugging the REL2001 into your computer and opening the Phidget Control Panel, you will see something like this:

The Phidget Control Panel will list all connected Phidgets and associated objects, as well as the following information:

• Serial number: allows you to differentiate between similar Phidgets.
• Channel: allows you to differentiate between similar objects on a Phidget.
• Version number: corresponds to the firmware version your Phidget is running. If your Phidget is listed in red, your firmware is out of date. Update the firmware by double-clicking the entry.

The Phidget Control Panel can also be used to test your device. Double-clicking on an object will open an example.

Part 2: Using Your Phidget

About

The REL2002 is a mechanical relay suitable for both AC and DC applications. You interact with the REL2002 through the Digital Output Channel Class to turn on and off power to your circuit or device.

Explore your Phidget Channels Using the Control Panel

Double click on the Digital Output channel class under the port your REL2001 is connected to.

Part 3: Create your Program

1. Setting up your Programming Environment

2. Phidget Programming Basics

Part 4: Advanced Topics and Troubleshooting

Expand All

How do I know what channel, serial number, or hub port to use in my program?

Before you open a Phidget channel in your program, you can set these properties to specify which channel to open. You can find this information through the Control Panel.

1. Open the Control Panel and double-click on the red map pin icon:

2. The Addressing Information window will open. Here you will find all the information you need to address your Phidget in your program.

See the Phidget22 API for your language to determine exact syntax for each property.

Mechanical Relays

This relay is an electrically-controlled switch. For more information about how mechanical relays work and how to use them, visit the Mechanical Relay Primer.