Time Activated Relay Controller 8-Channel Solid State
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Highlights
- Time Activated Solid-State Relays using Integrated Real Time Clock
- Stores up to 999 Events and Control Relays Without a PC Connected
- 8 On-Board Solid-State Relays with LED Relay Status Lights
- Designed for High Reliability AC or DC Switching Applications
- Battery Backed Clock Keeps Time when Powered Down
- Control Relays based on Time Schedule or Override with your PC
- Modular Communications Interface Supports Many Popular Communication Modules:
- WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Industrial Wireless, USB, RS-232 and More
- Programmable Time Compensation Reduces Time Drift
- Supports Daylight Savings Time with Programmable Schedule
- Calculates Relay Status from Midnight to the Current Time on Boot Up
- Controls 256 Relay Based on Time Schedule
- Easy GUI Configuration using Base Station Software
Time Schedule Controlled Solid-State Relay 8-Channel
This NCD Taralist series 8-Channel Solid-State relay controller allows users to control up to 8 on-board relays based on a time schedule. Taralist controllers evaluate up to 999 events each second to determine which relays should be activated or deactivated. Control signs at specific times of the day, activate security lighting, or control bells or alarms to indicate work shift or classroom changes. Taralist controllers have an on-board real time clock with battery backup to help keep the time in sync. This controller consists of 8 Solid-State relays with many relay options for AC or DC switching (configured during purchase). Solid-State relays are suitable for use in a wide variety of high-reliability control applications, including lights, motors, and other types of electrical devices. On-board LED status lights indicate relay on/off status. Take control from a computer using your favorite communication technology, including USB, RS-232, Bluetooth, WiFi, Ethernet, and industrial wireless. NCD Taralist controllers also include an on-board XR expansion port, allowing control of up to 256 relays. Mix and match relay types for different kinds of switching applications. Send commands to Taralist controllers from your computer to override the the relay control schedule or return control of the relays back to the Taralist clock. Use a computer to configure and override the relays or disconnect from your computer and let it control relays on its own. Use your computer to store multiple time schedules, simply upload a new time schedule to the controller when needed. Includes support for Daylight Savings Time and time-drift compensation. Base Station software makes it easy to configure Taralist controllers with a complete point-and-click GUI interface.
Taralist Time Activated Relay Controllers
Our Taralist Relay Controllers make it easier than ever to add time activated switching to your most demanding automation application. Taralist controllers include an integrated Real Time Clock (RTC) with battery backup that allows relays to be controlled according to a time schedule. Use your computer to sync the current time with your computer, setup the time schedule, and store your schedule into the Taralist controller. Once stored, Taralist does not require a computer for daily operation. Taralist will activate relays according to your event schedule, with a robust array of relay control events.
Time Schedule Events
Taralist stores up to 999 events into its memory. Every second, Taralist examines all 999 events and looks for a time match. When a time match is detected, a relay is turned on or off. Relays may be activated based on many time-based criteria, including: Year, Month, Day of the Month, Day of the Week, Hour, Minute, and Second. Activate relays only on Wednesdays, or only on a particular year, or both! You have tremendous flexibility in determining which matches you require for each event, making it possible to only activate relays on weekends, or on specific holidays. Some of our customers use Taralist controllers to activate a bell between classes or to control flashing signs for school zones.
Daylight Savings Time is also supported, and is fully customizable. As we all know, DST laws change periodically, but the Taralist series allow you to change the year and date of all DST events when needed (we have programmed the US DST dates until 2030 for you).Base Station Software
Taralist controllers are configured using our Base Station Software. Base Station provides you with GUI interface for configuring events. Multiple event schedules may be saved on your computer and uploaded to Taralist when needed. Taralist controllers support most of our communications technologies. We advise having a ZUSB USB Interface module on-hand for troubleshooting, but Taralist also works through Bluetooth, WiFi, Ethernet, RS-232, and industrial wireless communication technologies.
Clock Accuracy – Adjustable Time Compensation
Clock Accuracy is of paramount importance to us. Like most clocks, time drift is a reality that must be considered. The Taralist clock has some special features to help keep the time accurate. We have included time compensation functions that allow you to automatically adjust the clock forward or back (by up to 15 seconds) each day of the week. For instance, you may find the Taralist keeps better time if it automatically advances the clock 1 second each day of the week. Or you may find that you need to subtract 5 seconds from the clock 1 day per week. Adjustable time compensation will help keep your clock accurate (though it is always a good idea to check on the clock periodically and sync it with your computer).
Computer Control
NCD time activated Relay controllers have some amazing abilities when it comes to making decisions on their own based on the events you configure, but you can take control of the relays at any time from a computer as long as your computer is connected to a Taralist controller. Send commands to override the time schedule and turn relays on or off manually with your computer. When your computer has control of the relay, Taralist will not be able to control it from your event schedule. Simple click a button to give a relay back to Taralist for time-schedule control.
Power Loss Backup Buffer
The Midnight Backup Buffer is a special feature we developed to help keep track of which relays should be activated in the event power is lost. Every night at midnight, the current status of all relays is stored in non-volatile memory. If power is lost, the Taralist will load the status of the relays from memory. Next, the Taralist will calculate all events from midnight to the current time to determine if any relays need to be activated or deactivated. Finally, the Taralist will refresh all relays and will be ready for normal operation.
Relay Outputs
NCD time activated relay controllers are capable of controlling up to 256 Relays. Taralist is available with 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, 48, 56, or 64 on-board relays. XR Expansion Relays may be added to the XR Expansion Port to control more relays of different types if needed.
Communications
Communications is one of the most powerful features of Taralist controllers. The ability to communicate with a wide variety of technologies make it among the most powerful time sequence controllers available. Each communication technology offers numerous benefits, but we suggest the WiFi Bluetooth USB communications module for this device, as it has the ability to sync to a time server, keeping the clock in sync while still providing USB and Bluetooth connectivity for device configuration. The Key Fob communications module can also be helpful for this controller if you need to manually take control of relays.
Communication Module Options
RS-232 Serial Communications Module
NCD RS-232 Serial Communication modules make it easy to integrate the worlds most prolific communication standard. Easily interface to desktop PCs and laptops for easy control via standard serial commands. Most NCD devices typically default to 115.2K Baud; however, older low-cost devices implement 9600 baud data rate as the predominate standard. Learn more about our RS-232 communications module here.
RS-485 Serial Communications Module
Our RS-485 Serial Communications Module makes it easy to network up to 256 NCD devices together at distances up to 4,000 feet. Each RS-485 node includes 3 screw-terminals for a 3-wire connection to the RS-485 master. Learn More about our RS-485 Communications module here.
USB Communications Module
Our USB interface module makes it easy to control our devices using the USB port. Simply plug into any available USB port and start controlling our devices using standard serial commands. NCD USB Interface modules feature genuine FTDI USB to Serial Converter Chips, the very best in the industry. Learn more about our USB Communications module here.
Ethernet TCP/IP Communications Module
Control NCD devices using standard Ethernet TCP/IP communications. Simply open a socket and send and receive TCP/IP data to control our devices. Our Ethernet TCP/IP Communication modules feature our 3rd Generation Ethernet to Serial communications module. Use the integrated web page to configure settings. Upload your own customized web page to add special features to this device. We have included a few sample HTML files to help you get started. Learn more about the NCD5500 Ethernet communications module here.
Key Fob KFX Remote Control Module
Our KFX Key Fob Remote control Module generates serial data when a remote control button is pressed or released. Remote control buttons can be used to send relay activation and deactivation commands when paired with a ProXR compliant relay controller. The KFX module may also be used to send serial commands to just about any NCD device with a compatible interface module connector. A USB Configuration adapter is required to configure serial communications. Learn more about the KFX Module here.
Large Key Fob Remotes Provide Remote Operation up to 700 feet away Line of Sight. Small Key Fobs are available that offer 1 to 5 Buttons with up to 200 Foot Range Line of Sight. Up to 40 Key Fobs may be securely paired to a single KFX Module with each remote triggering identical functions. Click on the Key Fobs to learn more about each remote or click here to see all KFX Related Accessories.
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WiFi Bluetooth USB 3 in 1 Module with MQTT Support
Control NCD devices using standard WiFi TCP/IP communications or use the integrated Bluetooth for simple wireless computer to device interface using a wireless virtual COM port. Use the USB port for control over a virtual COM port for easy connectivity. This is a low-cost solution that lets you try different solutions with easy setup using a integrated Web Page User Interface for all Configuration settings. Connect to a MQTT Server over WiFi for remote operation over the internet. Learn More about our WiFi TCP/IP Communications module here.
Bluetooth
Using the Bluetooth SPP Profile, this device will connect to your PC using Bluetooth, Appearing as a Virtual COM Port. Communicate with this Device up to 200 Feet away!
WiFi
Use the Integrated Web Page to Configure Vital Settings and Use TCP Communications to Communicate to the Device using Simple Byte Packets. A integrated Relay Control Web Page is Available for Select NCD Relay Controllers.
USB
Using the USB interface, this Device will Plug into your PC, MAC, or Linux system and install a Virtual COM Port Driver
MQTT and Amazon AWS Connectivity
Connect Directly to MQTT Servers including Amazon AWS and communicate with this device from anywhere in the world. Subscribe to a Topic that contains control bytes to control the connected device. Response bytes from the connected device will be Published to the Cloud.
TCP Communications and UDP
This Communications Module sends UDP Broadcasts to help locate the IP address of the WiFi module on your Network. Once discovered, simply open port 2101 and send and receive bytes of data to control the connected device and read responses over a WiFi network.
Long Range Wireless Industrial Mesh
Long-Range Wireless Mesh networking is our favorite of all wireless communication technologies. This is the ONLY communications technology NCD recommends on the factory floor, operating at a safe 900MHz. Mesh technology will hop data from one location to another to reach its intended destination, users do not need to do anything other than make sure wireless modules stay within hopping range of each other. We use the Digi 900HP-S3B module in many of our products, as this is the best industry has to offer. With a 2 mile range between modules and up to 8 hops, it is possible to cover 16 miles of wireless territory using this technology. Using high-gain antennas, this module is capable of communicating to a remote module up to 28 miles away. Please note that data hopping only works between live devices. Data will not hop between sleeping sensors. Data will hop from sensors to gateways and modems. Data will also hop between gateways and modems. Learn more about our long range wireless module here.
Associated Part Numbers
This product may have been previously manufactured using a part number shown below:
Relay Options
Solid State Relays Option
Solid state relays are ideal for agricultural switching applications, or remotely located switching. SSRs are frequently chosen to control pumps, valves, solenoids, lights, and other high-reliability applications. NCD solid-state relay controllers do not include solid-state relays, but you will have the option to choose the type of solid state relays you require when customizing your product. This controller is designed specifically to fit select Crydom solid-state relays, but may be compatible other solid-state relays made by other companies. Review Solid-State Relay Options
Mechanical Drawing
Wiring Diagrams
Essential
Documentation
Communications
Tutorials
- Using Comm Operator to Control USB Relays
- Choosing the Right USB Relay Controller
- Introduction to Computer Controlled Relays and Switching
- Relay Logic
Download NCD Base Station
USB Intro
We explain the advantages and disadvantages to USB communications and how it effects our Relay Controllers and your application. Some of the information is outdated as we’ve moved away from controlanything.com. Most modern operating systems come with the FTDI driver installed so you should just need Base Station
USB FTDI Communication Module Compatible with the Digi XBee ® Controlling Relay
FT232RL USB Interface Adapter Similar to the Digi XBee ® footprint shown controlling a 16-Channel Relay Controller Board Available from https://store.ncd.io/product/usb-communications-module-ft232rl-zusb/ Drivers Available from FTDI: http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm Base Station Software: ncd.io/start Digi.com offers a wide variety of XBee Interface modules for industrial wireless applications. Digi XBee® devices are compatible with NCD products.
USB Setup
Learn how to set up you own ZUSB Module to work with your NCD Relay Controller. For complete instructions and details on how to use an NCD ZUSB Module see our article at https://ncd.io/zusb-usb-communications-module-quick-start-guide/ Portions of this video may be outdated as we have moved from controlanything.com since this video was created.
Finding the Com Port
Learn how to find the COM Port on your windows based computer. You can also use Base Station to find the COM Port of your Relay Controller. Base Station can be downloaded at ncd.io/start.
Wired Communications
Get the rundown on the pros and cons of all the Wired Communication Interfaces we offer. If you want to know which wired technology will best suit your needs this video will get you the information you need in just a few minutes. Whether you need the power of ethernet or the simplicity of RS-232 we have something to fit your application.
Introduction to Relay Control
This video will guide you in determining which relay controller you need for your application as well as a general overview of the differences between Relay Options. If you’re new to our products or just need a refresher for a new application this is a great place to start.
Taralist Setup
Learn how to setup your Taralist to get the most out of your board. This video is no longer accurate in regards to the software used to configure a Taralist Board. Please see our article at https://ncd.io/taralist-time-activated-relay-quick-start-guide/ for updated instructions.
Taralist
Learn the strengths and uses of Time Controlled Relays. Our Time and Schedule activated Taralist Relay Controllers give you the power and flexibility you need for any time sensitive application.
Induction Suppression
Learn about Induction and how it comes into play with Relay Controllers. Induction suppression can make your Relay Control applications intermittent and unreliable. This video will show you what causes it, how to avoid it, and how to account for it in your application.
WiFi Bluetooth USB Interface Advised
Please Note: All customers STRONGLY ADVISE the purchase of the WiFi Bluetooth Communications module. This communication module may be used to recover a controller or to reconfigure a controller should there be an accidental loss of communications. NCD Tech support may be unable to assist customers who do not have a USB Communications Module available for troubleshooting purposes.
Relays Provide No Voltage Output
Please Note: Relays do NOT provide a voltage output. They provide a contact closure output, exactly like the terminals found on a light switch at your local hardware store. Wiring to a relay will be slightly different depending on the model controller you choose.
Usage Notes
Boot up time of a Taralist controller is less than 1 second. The CPU on the Taralist controller operates at 64 MHz and is capable of processing 999 events in 17ms. Taralist controllers may be configured wirelessly or through the USB port using Base Station Software. A computer may take control of a Taralist controller and control relays by sending only a few bytes of data (using Wireless or USB communications). The Taralist controller requires power at Midnight of each night for proper operation of the backup buffer. A very small rechargeable Lithium battery is permanently soldered to the controller; the charge rate of this battery is programmable using Base Station software. When connected to the USB port of your computer, the Taralist controller must have power to prevent excessive time drift. The Midnight Backup Buffer may be edited using Base Station Software. Time schedule events cannot be processed without power, battery backup is used to keep time only.
900HP-S3B Wireless Compatibility Notes
Notice: Compatibility Notes Does NOT Apply to the Following Products:
- NCD Enterprise Solutions
- NCD Wireless Sensors
- NCD Enterprise Modems and Gateways
Notice: Compatibility Notes Applies to NCD Industrial Products, Including Fusion, ProXR, ProXR Lite, Taralist, and Reactor Series Products.
Compatibility Notes
When using an 900HP-S3B communication module, it is essential that you use the ZIGMO_PCB to configure the module settings. Long-Range wireless sensors may be programmed over the air without removing the communications module.
A 900HP-S3B Modem or a gateway of some kind that support the 900HP-S3B communications module will also be required.
Ethernet TCP/IP Compatibility Notes
This device periodically sends UDP Packets on port 13,000, which help identify the IP address of this device on your network.
RS-232 Serial Compatibility Notes
The NCD RS-232 Serial communications module is compatible with standard RS-232 signals (+/-10VDC), which are not directly compatible with UART signals from a microprocessor. If you are working with Arduino, Microchip PIC, or other common microcontroller, a communications module is not required. Microcontrollers will directly talk to the on-board processor of all NCD controllers.
Choosing a Solid State Relay
Please examine the datasheet of each solid state relay carefully, as SSRs do not function exactly like mechanical switches. SSRs frequently have minimum load requirements, and some require external snubber circuitry for certain applications. SSRs do not typically work with volt meters in the same way as mechanical switches. SSRs must also be chosen for AC or DC applications, as they are not universally interchangeable. Some SSRs require forced air cooling, and may be damaged if not properly ventilated. Please consult the experts at Crydom.com if you are uncertain about your choice of SSR.