Long Range Wireless Solid State Relay Board
Highlights
- Long Range Wireless Solid State Relay Board
- Available with 1, 2, 4, or 8 On-Board Relays
- Available with Your Choice of Solid State Relays
- ProXR Command Set Used by Industry for Many Years
- Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android
- Supports LabVIEW and Visual Studio
- Virtual COM Port Communications
- Use NCD Base Station Software to Learn Commands
NCD Long Range Wireless Relay Controller Boards
NCD Long Range Wireless Relay Controller boards make it easy for computers of all types to control relays and monitor analog inputs wirelessly. NCD Relay boards allow you turn relays on or off, flash relays continuously, control relays for a duration of time, and control relays in groups using a cross-platform compatible long range wireless interface. This wireless relay is a ProXR Lite series controller which is a widely adopted standard used by industry for many years. Equipped with your choice of 1, 2, 4, or 8 on-board relays, the ProXR Lite series wireless Relay controllers suit the needs of most of our customers. Integrated Analog to Digital Converters may be used to manually control the relays, or they may be used to read external sensors. Equipped with 8 or 10-Bit resolution, the ADC built into NCD long range wireless relay controller boards add tremendous flexibility for various application requirements.
Long Range Wireless Communications
NCD Long Range Wireless Relay Controllers use the Digi.com 900HP-S3B communications module. A USB modem is plugged into a computer and the relay controller is installed in a remote location, up to 2 miles away. Your computer can be used to talk to the remote relay controller using our Free Base Station Software. Base Station is designed to help you learn how to use our remote relay controllers. Using optional high-gain antennas (not included) distances of 28 miles may be achieved in line of sight applications. Indoor, urban, and non-line of site installations may not be able to achieve the rated range, as all ratings are determined in line of site applications only. Customer testing is encouraged. Since mesh networking is supported by the 900HP-S3B communications module, it is possible to “repeat” the wireless signal up to 8 times to extend the useful range.
Getting Started with NCD Wireless Relay Controllers
Start by downloading Base Station at https://ncd.io/start. Plug in one of our 900HP-S3B lone range wireless relay controller and connect a long range wireless Modem to your computer. Run Base Station to access the remote device. Base Station is a tool designed to teach you all the features built into your controller and provide you with example commands. A single Relay or multiple Relay controllers may be accessed through a single 900HP-S3B Modem which will mount as a virtual COM port on your PC via a USB connection. Base Station was written for Windows using Visual Studio (source code available from the download link) and shows you all the commands you need for controlling relays and monitoring external sensors.
New Version Now Shipping
Beginning Late 2020, we’ve made some updates to this product to make it better with increased component count while maintaining the same functionality and footprint. The New Rev G2 Series adds a better power supply circuit to improve noise immunity while providing increased power to the communications socket. We also improved the relay drive circuit to better handle inductive loads. We also changed the color of the circuit board to Black and updated the branding to ncd.io with updated logos.
This is the same product you have been buying for years, but now with improved electronics and while maintaining the same footprint as the original design. Most importantly, this is now a Legacy product, which means it will never go obsolete as long as critical parts are still available to us. Built with our new high-speed pick and place assembly line, we can complete the surface mount assembly process at a rate of several thousand units per day with the potential to scale to any volume you could imagine, so you never need to worry about supply quantities or supply chain problems.
Please note that it was necessary for us to remove the integrated temperature sensor in select versions of this product. This sensor was providing incorrect readings if the relays were active for extended periods of time. We can help you with an off-board sensor if needed.
Updated Features
- Updated Logos and Branding, Changed PCB Color to Black
- Improved Relay Drive Circuit for Greater Noise Immunity
- Improved Power Supply Circuit
- Switcher Regulator for Lower Heat and Higher Power
- Adds Compatibility with NCDD5500 Ethernet Module
- Adds Compatibility with WiFi/Bluetooth Module
- Use MQTT to Talk to this Device via WiFi Module
- Use Integrated Web Page when using our New Ethernet or WiFi Module
- Added Zip Tie Holes to Secure Communications Module
- New Option for Pluggable Connectors on the Analog Inputs
- Ferrite Beads for Improved Noise Separation of Logic and Drive Circuits
- Updated LEDs to Address Supply Chain Limitations
- 100% Identical Firmware with No Changes for Drop In Compatibility
- 99% Identical Shape – Only Slight Changes to Connector Positioning
- Built by our High-Speed Pick and Place Machine for High-Volume Runs
- Legacy Status Product – Will Not Become Obsolete
- Removed Temp. Sensor from Select Versions due to Errant Readings
Base Station Software
Base Station Software was designed to help you learn the ProXR command set. Explore ProXR features using our Graphical User Interface. Watch data bytes flow to and from the board, so you easily understand the command execution process. There is no faster or easier way to learn how to automate than Base Station, as it was designed to work with our complete array of communication modules, including Wireless, Ethernet, USB, RS-232, and many more. You only need a Windows 8 or 10 Computer to Run Base Station. Base Station was written in Visual Studio, and we even provide the source code to help you on your way! Learn More about Base Station Software Here.
AD8 8-Channel 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converters
This controller is equipped with 8-Channels of 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converters, capable of reading analog voltages from 0 to 5 Volts DC. The ADCs on this controller allow monitoring of external sensors or contact closure input detection. Connect external temperature sensors, light sensors, current sensors, buttons, switches, or anything else that generates a 0-5VDC analog or contact closure output. With 8-bit resolution, analog inputs will convert 0-5 Volt signals into a value from 0 to 255. With 10-bit resolution, values of 0 to 1023 may be measured. Input resolution is software selected. Simply ask the controller for the analog value of each input, and the controller instantly responds.
Relay Activator and Analog Inputs
The Relay Activator control panel allows analog inputs to directly control relays. Simply connect the analog inputs to buttons or switches and trigger basic relay on or off functions to take manual control of the on-board relays. The Relay Activator control panel allows you to define 8 functions for each of the 8 inputs. Functions include turning relays on or off, toggling the state of relays, momentarily flash a relay, momentarily toggle the flashing function of a relay, turn all relays on, turn all relays off, and push notification events. When push notification events are configured, the controller generates a packet of data every time the inputs change state.
Learn More about ProXR Series Controllers
Base Station helps you learn how to use ProXR Series relay controllers. In this video, we will cover some of the most commonly used features.
Download Base Station
Download the Latest Version of Base Station and Source Code for Visual Studio.
ProXR Quick Start Guide
Online Manual for ProXR and ProXR Lite Series Controllers
Good to Know!
NCD ProXR Series Controllers have been in production for many years and have amassed a large user base since their initial release in the early 2000s. Due to the large client base, we have no plans to discontinue this line of products. In many cases, we are upgrading these devices to make them compatible with automated assembly processes along with improved driver and power electronics capable of supporting many communication technology changes well into the future. Rest assured, ProXR will continue to be a stable part of our product line for many years to come. ProXR series controllers manufactured with a Black circuit board have been migrated to automated assembly and are considered to be the final iteration of this product. These devices can be manufactured in high volumes in a much shorter period of time.
LabVIEW Relay Control
NCD supports integration of NCD relay controllers using LabVIEW. We have included samples and drivers for basic and advanced operation which cover most functions including Relay Timers. We have posted several tutorials on this topic here.
ProXR Lite Communication Options
We take communications seriously, as we believe in modular communications and firmware that properly supports scalability into future interface technologies. ProXR controllers support API communications, which effectively wrap every command with a header, payload, and checksum to ensure reliability. NCD API commands increase processing speed because no serial timeout is required prior to command processing. NCD API commands increase reliability, as only a proper checksum will authenticate a command and allow it to process. When we first implemented API, internet communications via a TCP/IP socket could be realized because the timing problems of internet communications were eliminated. While API is optional, it is strongly advised. Our Base Station software uses API communications, so it’s possible to control a ProXR controller over the internet after configuring port forwarding on your router.
ProXR series controllers are the world’s most adaptable controllers, capable of communicating with a wide variety of communication options. Pick any of your favorite communication technologies: Bluetooth, USB, WiFi, Ethernet, Key Fob, RS-485 or RS-232. ProXR easily adapts to the communication technologies you need most. We are committed to modular communications, so your ProXR series controllers can easily be retrofitted for other applications as your needs change. ProXR controllers are never obsolete, as we are actively releasing new communication technologies that greatly enhance the connectivity of our ProXR series controllers.
Communications Module Included
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
- ProXR Quick Start Guide
- Mechanical Relay Types
- API Codec Quick Start Guide
- Base Station Quick Start Guide
Documentation
Tutorials
LabView Tutorials
- Installing LabVIEW USB RS232 RS485 Relay Controller Instrument Driver
- Labview Relay switching and Status acquisition 1
- LabVIEW Relay Controller Advanced Configuration
- LabVIEW Relay controller Basic Configuration
- LabVIEW Relay switching and Status acquisition 2
- LabVIEW Relay Timer Operation
Official Repository
Wireless Range Testing Setup
This video tells you the set up that we used to get real world ranges on our wireless communication modules.
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.
Analog to Digital Converter Introduction
Learn the Basics of Analog to Digital Conversion. Many of our boards have analog to digital inputs directly on the board. These ADC inputs are great for monitoring sensors and controlling relays from software based on these sensor readings. This video will show you how, why, and when to use them.
AD8 Analog Input Usage Notice
Analog Inputs should not have a voltage present when powered down. Use a 220 Ohm current limiting resistor on each input to prevent damage to the controller if voltage will be present on the analog input when this controller is powered down. Do not exceed 0 to 5VDC on any analog input or the on-board CPU will be damaged. Most analog inputs include a 10K Pull Up/Down resistor to help keep the inputs quiet when not in use. This 10K resistor may slightly bias the readings of some sensors.
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.
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.
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