Description
Relay Controller 1-Channel General Purpose SPDT + 8 Channel ADC ProXR Lite
This overview shows the hardware features of the ProXR Lite 1-Channel 5A and 10A USB relay boards, ideal for computer controlled switching applications. This controller has many hardware features, including an extensive relay control command set, including flashers and timers, built-in A/D converters, and the ability to manually control the on-board relay with the ADC inputs. This is the USB version, but users may change the USB interface to other communication technologies, such as RS-232, Bluetooth, WiFi, Ethernet, and industrial wireless. We have a IoT communication module on the way, keeping ProXR controllers at the top of the list for best relay boards in the world.
1-Channel SPDT Relay Controller with 8-Channel ADC
This ProXR Lite relay controller is capable of switching the on-board SPDT relays, available with 5 or 10 Amps of current switching, customized at the time of ordering. The on-board SPDT relay includes 3 screw terminals for normally open, common, and normally closed contact closure relay output connectivity. This controller features a modular communications interface, capable of accepting USB, RS-232, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, Industrial Wireless communication modules, and more. On-Board Analog to Digital Converters allow monitoring of 8 inputs at 8 or 10-Bit resolution. Analog inputs are ideal for connecting external sensors, or connect buttons and switches to the inputs and configure the controller to manually control relays when buttons are pressed. Turn relays on or off, toggle the state of a relay, or trigger relay flashers all from external switches.
ProXR Analog to Digital Inputs are used to Read External Sensors or Manually Control On-Board Relays
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.
Use the Relay Activator to Configure Analog Inputs for Direct Control of Relays
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.
Base Station Software Controlling NCD Relay Controllers
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!
LabVIEW Relay Control Support Coming in 2018
We are pleased to announce that official LabVIEW relay control drivers will be supported beginning January of 2018. This is our first official release of LabVIEW drivers for ProXR series Relay controllers! We are finalizing the drivers and resources now. We will post in the News section as well as the Learn section of our site as soon as we are ready.
LabVIEW ProXR Relay Drivers
ProXR Lite vs. ProXR Series
ProXR Lite controllers are smaller, surface-mounted variants of the ProXR Series relay controllers. The firmware is nearly identical between the series with ProXR Lite being limited to 8 relays. Only the ProXR series includes a XR expansion port for relay expansion. ProXR Lite controllers are a lower-cost alternative to ProXR because they are machine manufactured in larger quantities. ProXR series controllers are currently manufactured with through-hole technology and socketed chips, making them field serviceable. ProXR Lite controllers are available with little as 1 or 2 relays while ProXR Series focuses on applications that require 4 or more relays.
ProXR Lite Communication Options
We take communications seriously, as we believe in a 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, Ethernet Web-i WebRelay, 802.15.4 Wireless, ZigBee Mesh, Key Fob, 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.
802.15.4 Long-Range Wireless
Use 802.15.4 Communications if you require industrial strength long-range wireless communications. 802.15.4 is a point-to-point wireless standard, allowing fast communications. The wireless protocol acts as a long-distance wireless serial port, allowing wireless operation with no modification to software.
900HP-S3B Industrial Wireless 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.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a easy way to add wireless communications to the NCD Industrial product line. The Bluetooth communications option acts as a transparent serial port between your computer and NCD devices. Simply pair the device with your computer and access the device through the COM port that is associated with the Bluetooth communications module.
Ethernet TCP/IP to Serial Converter
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.
RS-485 Serial Communications Node
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.
RS-232 Serial
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.
USB
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.
WiFi TCP/IP
Control NCD devices using standard WiFi TCP/IP communications. Simply open a socket and send and receive TCP/IP data to control our devices. NCD WiFi communication modules are manufactured by Microchip, the world leader in microcontrollers.
ZigBee® Wireless
ZigBee® wireless communications is a popular standard among our customers. The wireless protocol acts as a long-distance wireless serial port, allowing wireless operation with no modification to software.
10-Amp SPDT Relay Option
This controller is available with a 10-Amp relay option, allowing control of higher-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 10 Amps. Ideal for general purpose switching applications, this relays is focused on power-switching, and should never be used for low-power signals due to a higher On resistance of up to 150 Ohms when relay contacts are new (contact resistance drops to less than 1 Ohm after break-in period). The 10-Amp relay is of the SPDT variety, which provides Common (C), Normally Open (NO), and Normally Closed (NC) connections. Common is connected to NC when the relay is off. Common disconnects from NC and connects to NO when the relay is activated. All connections are made via screw terminals, capable of accepting up to 12 AWG wire.
5-Amp SPDT Relay Option
This controller is available with a 5-Amp relay option, allowing control of higher-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 5 Amps. Ideal for general purpose switching applications, this relays is focused on power-switching, and should never be used for low-power signals due to a higher On resistance of up to 150 Ohms when relay contacts are new (contact resistance drops to less than 1 Ohm after break-in period). The 5-Amp relay is of the SPDT variety, which provides Common (C), Normally Open (NO), and Normally Closed (NC) connections. Common is connected to NC when the relay is off. Common disconnects from NC and connects to NO when the relay is activated. All connections are made via screw terminals, capable of accepting up to 12 AWG wire.
