WiFi Communications Module with Bluetooth USB MQTT
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Highlights
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Communications IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
- Socket Module Footprint for Easy Upgrade
- Secure Wi-Fi authentication: WPA/WPA2/WPA2-Enterprise and WPS
- Supports DHCP or Static IP Address Assignment
- Soft AP Web Interface for Settings Configuration
- Communicate with Devices via TCP, UDP, MQTT, HTTP, Bluetooth, or USB
- Supports all popular Baud Rates up to 256000
- Syncs Taralist Devices to NTP server via Internet
- Integrated Web Page for Basic Relay Control Operations
- FCC Certified with 320′ Range and RGB Status LED
WiFi communications has been a central part of our company for many years. We’ve listened to the feedback from our customers to build a WiFi communications module that addresses the needs for a low cost, highly flexible solution with unprecedented connectivity options. Our NexGen WiFi is our our second generation WiFi communications module that modernizes connectivity by combining WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, and MQTT Communications into a single module. Our NexGen WiFi module includes firmware that focuses on the most needed features while retaining the flexibility to adapt to just about any application. Using the integrated web page in Soft AP mode, users have the ability to configure the NexGen WiFi module by enabling and disabling features as needed.
Three Interface Options, ONE Module!
WiFi Communications
Of course the NexGen WiFi module supports TCP communications, essentially converting TCP data to serial data for device control. Configure network setting such as DHCP or a Static IP address. Configure the network Port number and serial baud rates for connectivity to the NCD device using the integrated web page while in Soft AP mode. The Soft AP mode is compatible with web browsers on mobile devices such as Android or IOs devices, as well as laptops and desktop computers with integrated WiFi communications. Once configuration data is complete, exit the Soft AP mode and use the optional integrated web page to control basic relay control functions via the integrated web page (non-secure) or send data to the WiFi module using some of the optional protocols supported below.
Bluetooth Communications
The NexGen WiFi module also supports Bluetooth connectivity via the Bluetooth Classic protocol. By implementing the Bluetooth Serial Port Profile, NCD products will appear to your computer as a standard COM port, making it easy to communicate wireless data via Bluetooth between the PC and the device. Users have the ability to set the Bluetooth discovery name and PIN number via the integrated Web Page using Soft AP mode.
USB Communications
We also built the NexGen WiFi module to include a USB port, which may be used for direct USB communications to the device. Simply configure the USB Virtual COM Port parameters using the Soft AP mode and the integrated web page. The NexGen WiFi module will mount as a COM port on your computer, allowing access to the device through serial communications.
WiFi Communication Protocols
MQTT
The NexGen module supports very basic MQTT usage. It can be configured to connect to an MQTT broker using no auth or basic auth (username/password). Testing of this functionality was done using beebotte.com. The NexGen WiFi module implements one subscribe topic and one publish topic. It listens for control commands over the subscribe topic and sends command responses to the publish topic, which may be user defined using the integrated web page in Soft AP mode.
HTTP
Using WiFi communications, it’s also possible to send commands to NCD devices using the HTTP API. For example, to activate a relay on a NCD device, Simply send the HTTP command to the IP address 192.168.1.10 in any web browser using the following command structure: 192.168.1.10/sendCommand?data:[254,108,1]
Web Socket
Use a Web Socket to send commands to a NCD device. Users can establish a web socket to the board via ws://{controller IP}/ws
This web socket expects command bytes to be sent in the form of a JSON array, for example “[254,108,1]” (activate the first relay on a NCD relay board). Note this array should be sent in TEXT/String format as shown with quotes. Any data received from the host board will be sent to the web socket in the same format (JSON Array).
Discovery and Diagnostics
UDP Broadcast
The NexGen module broadcasts a UDP packet on ports 55555 and 13000 for network discovery purposes. This allows discovery of the the NexGen WiFi module in Base Station and may be used for network discovery in your own software applications.
RGB Status LED
The integrated RGB LED displays communications and status information. Diagnose connectivity status or communication problems with different flashing color patterns to indicate module bootup, wifi connectivity, and configuration modes.
Taralist NTP Time Sync
This option enables Network Time Protocol time syncing of the Taralist Real Time clock. When enabled, once per day the NexGen module will sync it’s time with time.google.com, then it will update the on board Taralist Real Time clock. Note that this feature is only valid on Taralist series relay controllers and will only work if WiFi is enabled and internet connectivity is present on the connected WiFi Network.
Compatibility
For use with 2.4GHz WiFi Networks ONLY. This module does NOT support 5GHz WiFi.
PLEASE CONSULT WITH NCD STAFF PRIOR TO RETROFITTING OLDER DEVICES WITH THIS MODULE!
ONLY NEWLY PURCHASED CONTROLLERS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THIS MODULE!
In general, this WiFi module works with Fusion series controllers regardless of version. However, this module is NOT COMPATIBLE with older relay boards that you may want to retrofit with WiFi communications. This module requires more power than older devices are capable of supplying. This device is fully compatible with any “G2” board revision, such as boards marked with Rev G2A, G2B, G2C, etc. G2 boards are typically black in color with the exception of Taralist controllers, which are also black in color but NOT equipped with G2 revision markings (and not compatible). If G2 is not marked on the board revision and you are not using a Fusion series controller, this module is NOT compatible. Newly purchased controllers will include a power supply upgrade, allowing compatibility. A service charge to upgrade the power supply on older devices may apply when retrofitting this module.
Documentation Downloads
NCD Communication Modules and Digi XBee® Devices
This video demonstrates many communication modules similar to the Digi XBee industrial wireless modules. This video shows Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, Key Fob, RS-232, and Drop Net (Similar to RS485), all of which fit into NCD Controllers equipped to use the Digi XBee interface. Mobicle WiFi Interface provides an encrypted IoT interface Solution. Mobicle Provides a Universal Graphical User Interface (GUI) for all IoT devices.
For use with 2.4GHz WiFi Networks ONLY. This module does NOT support 5GHz WiFi.
PLEASE CONSULT WITH NCD STAFF PRIOR TO RETROFITTING OLDER DEVICES WITH THIS MODULE!
ONLY NEWLY PURCHASED CONTROLLERS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THIS MODULE!
In general, this WiFi module works with Fusion series controllers regardless of version. However, this module is NOT COMPATIBLE with older relay boards that you may want to retrofit with WiFi communications. This module requires more power than older devices are capable of supplying. This device is fully compatible with any “G2” board revision, such as boards marked with Rev G2A, G2B, G2C, etc. G2 boards are typically black in color with the exception of Taralist controllers, which are also black in color but NOT equipped with G2 revision markings (and not compatible). If G2 is not marked on the board revision and you are not using a Fusion series controller, this module is NOT compatible. Newly purchased controllers will include a power supply upgrade, allowing compatibility. A service charge to upgrade the power supply on older devices may apply when retrofitting this module.