Direct Wired Contact Closure Transmitter Receiver 8-Channel Solid State 2-Way
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Highlights
- 8-Channel Solid State Relays and Inputs on Each Controller
- Sold in Pairs with up to 1000′ Range 3-Wire Connection
- Each Device Controls the Other Device
- Local Inputs Control Remote Relays
- Remote Inputs Control Local Relays
- 2-Way Communication with Verification
- No Configuration, Computers, or Programming
- Beacon Mode for Range Testing
- Smart Mode for Fast, Low Power Operation
- Relay and Communication LED Status Lights
- Auto Shut-Off when Communications is Lost
Wired Contact Closure 2-Way Transmitter Receiver Pair
Our MirX 8-Channel Solid-State Relay Controllers are manufactured in pairs, designed to work together when powered up using 3-wire communications. The contact closure inputs on controller A control the relays on controller B. Similarly, the contact closure inputs on controller B control the relays on controller A. MirX controllers communicate to each other using just 3 wires over distances up to 1,000 feet. Use just about any type of network wire, including Cat3, Cat5, Cat6, or whatever else you may have for best communication distance. MirX controllers use screw terminals to connect 3 communication wires between controllers.
Customize this MirX controller for the type of solid-state relays your application requires during the order process. Solid-state relays are of the SPST variety, and are typically used for high-reliability and long-life AC or DC switching applications. Remotely control motors, pumps, valves, solenoids, lights, and other heavy duty electrical equipment by simply wiring a switch in one location to control your electrical equipment in a remote location. On-board Relay status LEDs and busy/ready LEDs let you know when these controllers are talking to each other. When communications is lost, on-board relays will automatically deactivate within 30 seconds (user selectable option).
Wireless MirX Remote Contact Closure Transmitter and Receiver Controllers
MirX Controllers Mirror Consist of two Identical controllers. These controllers are equipped with contact closure inputs and relays. The contact closure inputs on controller one are replicated on controller two. Similarly, the contact closure inputs on controller two are replicated on controller one. Mirror controllers are paired and ready to go to work immediately. No Computers, No Configuration – Works Right Out of the Box. MirX controllers stay connected to each other using 3 communication wires, preferably high-quality network cable such as CAT3 or better. Other types of cable will work, but may affect range.
Permanently Married
MirX is Always Trying to Talk to it’s Mate!
MirX controllers are always talking to each other. They stay in relentless communications for optimal reliability. Should they lose communication with each other, they will keep calling out for each other until they find their mate.
Syncing Up
Every MirX controller is equipped with contact closure inputs and relay outputs. The inputs on one controller activate the relays on the remote device using wireless communications. The “X” in MirX refers to the crossover. Since both devices are equipped with contact closure inputs and relays, each device targets and controls the remote device. Every MirX controller is equipped with a Busy/Ready LED. If the Busy LED flashes, this indicates the remote device has successfully received and accepted your contact closure status. If the Busy LED does not flash, the remote device is out of range.
Beacon Mode
Beacon Mode communicates with a Remote MirX controller many times per second, refreshing Relay Status information every time a valid data stream is received by the remote device. Relays are only refreshed when a valid data packet is received. If data is lost, the Ready LED will stay on and Relays will stay in their current state. If the remote MirX controller is properly connected, the Busy LED will flash periodically, indicating valid communications between devices. Beacon Mode is slower than Smart Mode and is used primarily for initial testing of two devices.
Smart Mode
Once you have determined an installation location for both MirX controllers, move the Beacon/Smart jumper to the Smart position. Smart Mode communicates to the remote device any time a change is detected on the local device. Otherwise, the controller periodically checks to make sure the remote device is connected. Smart Mode is significantly faster than Beacon Mode. Smart Mode is the preferred mode for daily use in most applications. Note that each MirX controller can be set to a different mode and jumper changes take effect immediately. Again, the Busy LED will indicate the remote device is properly communicating. Smart Mode will also verify the relays on the remote device are properly set. If they are not, Smart Mode will attempt communications until the remote device responds. If communications is lost between the MirX controllers, all relays will automatically shut off within 30 seconds. If this is not desirable, Beacon Mode should be used.
Beacon Mode vs. Smart Mode
Perhaps the most notable difference between Beacon and Smart Mode is how relays respond if communication is lost. In Beacon Mode, the relays will stay in their current state and will not change unless a new data packet is received. In Smart Mode, relays will turn off automatically in 10 to 30 seconds if communications is lost between MirX controllers.
Wired Range
The distance between MirX controllers will affect reliable operation. With the direct wired version of MirX, you should expect to get a range of 1,000 feet using a 3-wire cable. The cable can be any common network cable such as Cat3, 4, 5, or 6, or standard telephone or similar cable. The wires attach to a 3-wire terminal block directly to the MirX controllers.
Applications
MirX controllers are typically used by our large industrial clients for a wide range of remote control switching applications. Typical installations include remote gate operation, remote light control, remote pump control, as well as various temperature override applications. Since MirX includes relays on each side, local relays are typically used for verification purposes, such as limit switches or remote door switches, indicating the remote device has completed its control function. MirX controllers are typically used instead of expensive trenching and drilling applications where running wire can be destructive and sometimes cost prohibitive. MirX is commonly used in signage applications that may require a warning light as a supplement to a standard traffic light. MirX is also used by our customers to provide remote operation of lights, doors, gates, motors, pumps, and valves.
Other Mirror Family Controllers
- MirX consists of relays and contact closure inputs on each controller (local and remote). Inputs in the home location control the relays in the remote location. Inputs in the remote location control the relays in the home location.
- MirC is the same as MirX except MirC consists of contact closures on one controller and relays on the remote controller.
- MirW consists of several contact closure input boards and a single relay controller. All remote contact closure inputs are used to control local relays.
MirX Variations
NCD manufactures several variations of MirX as well as other Mirror series devices. Here are some variations you may wish to consider:
- MirX Wireless for remote control applications with Wireless Encryption
- MirX Wired for hard-wired communication applications
- MirX Network for local area Ethernet communications in a Local Area
Relay Options
MirX offers several relay options, depending on your application. We stock solid-state, high-power, and general purpose relays in our MirX line of products. However, we can customize our MirX controllers to your exact needs. Please contact us if you need any custom designed MirX controllers, including different relay types or firmware modifications. This particular controller has the following relay options available:
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
Tutorials
Documentation Downloads
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.
MirX
Learn how MirX Relay Controllers work and how to get the most out of them. MirX is a powerful two way relay control technology using simple contact closures to control remote relays. A contact closure in one location trigger the corresponding relay in another location on a married pair. No wires, no software, it just works. This contact closure can be a simple switch, or any sensor that outputs a contact closure such as some current sensors and most proximity sensors.
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.
Notes
MirX devices are only sold as a permanently married pair, pricing shown on our web site indicates pricing for the pair of controllers. Contact Closure Inputs may only be connected to switches, buttons, or sensors with Contact Closure capability. Not suitable for use in voltage detection applications. MirX devices use RS-232 two-say serial communications at 1200 Baud. Data is transacted using two-way communications to ensure the remote device is properly functioning. The Busy LED is always used to indicate a properly functioning remote device. If you do not see the Busy LED flash, then the MirX controller is unable to communicate to the remote device. A flashing busy LED is your verification that all communications are functioning properly between MirX controllers.
Customers who require inductive switching (such as motors, lights, pumps, solenoids, and Transformers) should visit the Induction Suppression portion of our web site.
No Voltage Input
Please Note: Users must NEVER apply any voltage to an input on the MirX controller, these inputs are for Contact Closure connections only.
No Voltage Output
Please Note: Relays provide a contact closure output. They do not provide a voltage output. On-Board relays will switch a voltage that is provided externally by the user.
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.