@tinman13kup yes I am
@adwsystems the system runs perfectly fine without the relay plugged in. I'm going to try powering the relay JD-VCC from a separate 5V supply as soon as I get hold of one in an hour. although I want to try and do it from the 12V supply I have right now. The syste is supposed to be self contained and I want to avoid having more power sources if possible.
@MarkDerbyshire I have a MC7805CT at hand, would that work as a 2nd regulator from 12V to power the JD-VCC for the relays? why do i need a n-type transistor/MOSFET to be able to control the relay then?
thanks everyone, this is being very helpful! 