16 Channel Relay module 5V relay voltage fixed

This project guide details how to fix a common voltage regulation problem in a 16-channel 5V relay module designed for Arduino. Many users experience incorrect voltage supplied to the relays, even when the input voltage is within the module's specified range. This can lead to malfunction and even damage to the relays if higher than rated voltage is applied. This guide provides a solution to ensure the relays receive the correct 5V regardless of the input voltage, making the module safer and more reliable. This fix is crucial for any project involving high-power devices controlled by the relay module.

Practical Applications:

Home automation systems
Industrial control systems
Robotics projects
Remote switching and control

Hardware/Components

The project uses a 16-channel 5V relay module. The fix involves adding a Schottky diode and rewiring to ensure that the relays receive a regulated 5V supply (in video at 00:06).

Wiring Guide

The original design of the relay module has a flaw in its voltage regulation (in video at 00:40). The input voltage is directly fed to the relays, bypassing the 5V regulator. The solution involves modifying the wiring to isolate the relays from the unregulated input voltage and connect them directly to the 5V regulator output. This involves cutting a trace on the PCB and adding a wire to connect the 5V regulator output to the relay common pins. A Schottky diode is added to ensure a clean 5V supply even with higher input voltages (in video at 04:41).

Specific details on the trace to cut and the wiring connections are shown in the video. It's crucial to follow the video carefully (in video at 05:07) to avoid damaging the module.

Code Explanation

No code modifications are needed for this project. The fix is entirely hardware-based.

Live Project/Demonstration

The video demonstrates the problem and the solution. Initially, the relays receive the unregulated input voltage, which is higher than the rated 5V (in video at 00:14). After the modification, the relays consistently receive 5V, regardless of the input voltage (in video at 08:10). The video also shows how to test the voltage at various points on the module to verify the fix.