Description
Wireless 4-20mA Inputs
Introducing the world’s most powerful Wireless 4-20mA input transmitter. The ASM1-1 makes it easy to read industrial 4-20mA sensors with an incredible 2-Mile wireless communication range using 128-Bit AES Encryption. Read industrial 4-20mA pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow meters, ultrasonic sensors, level sensors, force sensors, weight sensors, distance sensors, strain sensors, and much more. Use several ASM1-1 endNodes and talk to each endNode using secure wireless communications. Read wireless 4-20mA inputs on the factory floor, as we have tested this wireless technology in factories in excess of 1 mile indoor line-of-sight with heavy industrial machines operating. This communications technology is rock solid in electrically noisy environments. Read wireless 4-20mA inputs in industrial buildings, as this wireless technology has the best wireless penetration through walls currently available.
Wireless Targeting and Mesh Communications
Each endNode controller includes a unique serial number. This serial number is used to target the remote endNode controller with a 4-Channel 4-20mA input read request. Query each endNode up to six times per second using wireless communications. Use a single computer to target several endNode devices in the area or use multiple computers to talk to multiple wireless endNodes. endNodes form a wireless mesh to extend communication range beyond the typical 2-Mile line-of-sight range by hopping data between devices to reach the intended target device. All endNode devices are secured using 128-Bit AES Encryption. NCD endNode devices may also be used to repeat data from NCD Enterprise wireless sensors, as they act as a mesh network of repeaters to help sensors extend the wireless range. All endNode devices are available in 900MHz, 868MHz and 2.4GHz versions, but may have a reduced wireless range when using 868MHz and 2.4GHz options.
Definition of 4-20 Inputs
4-20mA Inputs are best defined as inputs that accept changes in current in the range of 0-20mA; however, the range may be wider in some applications. Current readings of less than 4mA are typically considered open loop (disconnected). The biggest difference between 4-20mA inputs and 4-20mA current loop inputs is that 4-20mA current loop inputs INCLUDE isolated power to supply the remote sensors with power. In contrast, 4-20mA inputs require an external power supply to power the sensors. In the case of endNode devices, 4-20mA Inputs are best suited in applications where existing sensors are already installed that need to be retrofitted to modern IoT communications technology.
USB 4-20mA Inputs
All endNode devices are equipped with a USB port. Use the USB interface to read 4-20mA input channels. USB is also used for advanced configuration using our Windows 10 Alpha Station Software. endNode devices mount as a Virtual COM Port on your PC to simplify communications. endNode devices are hardware compatible with Mac and Linux computers, we can assist you in using endNode devices on these platforms, but specific software has not yet been developed. Cross-platform Node-Red support for endNode devices is planned.
Expand endNodes™ using nodeLynk™
endNode devices are expandable to add additional hardware for sensing and control capabilities using nodeLynk expansions.
What is nodeLynk?
Chain expansion devices using nodeLynk. Connect a wide variety of accessories to expand the capabilities of a nodeLynk compatible controller. Use nodeLynk to add Relay Controllers, Sensors, PWM Drivers, Displays, and a wide variety of 4-20mA, 0-10V ADCs and DACs, as well as a wide array of TTL & Isolated GPIO devices. All nodeLynk devices use I2C communications to chain devices together. nodeLynk is an easy way to expand functionality without soldering. nodeLynk allows expansion in seconds so you can focus on your software and firmware development.
Wireless I2C Communications
endNode devices include a I2C expansion port, providing many wireless I2C expansion options. NCD endNode devices convert data from Wireless and USB Communications into I2C Communications using our custom conversion processor. Since I2C communications is the foundation technology for all sensors manufactured today, NCD endNode controllers are capable of communicating to all I2C devices ever manufactured today and well into the future, giving endNode controllers limitless expansion possibilities. I2C plays a major role in IoT applications, as it’s not possible to talk to most sensors without some form of I2C conversion along the way. Because endNode controllers are a data conversion technology, firmware upgrades will not be necessary to add support for future I2C expansions and devices. Here’s a current list of all the I2C devices that will plug into endNode controllers.
ProXR Enterprise Command Set
Use the I2C Expansion port to plug in relays and try out our ProXR Enterprise command set. Turn relays on or off, Trigger relay timers, pulse relays, control relays in sequences, toggle relays, and much more. The ProXR Enterprise command set provides users with simple commands that are converted to low-level I2C commands for relay control applications. Integrated FRAM memory retains relay state when power is removed, and recovers relay state on power-up. Check our our line of I2C Relay controllers compatible with endNode.
endNode Power Requirements
endNode devices were designed to operate continuously from a 9-32V external power supply. A +12VDC international power supply is included. A two-position pluggable terminal block is also included for direct wired applications. A red power LED indicates power status while a RGB LED is used to indicate processor status.
Wireless Communications with endNodes
Make the most of your endNode devices by communicating using wireless communications. endNodes support the use of multiple modems simultaneously, so many computers, servers, and embedded devices can access endNodes. endNodes support targeting via the serial number. Simply package up the serial number and the command together into a data frame using the NCD API Calculator and your command will be executed by the endNode controller. Then endNode will report back ONLY to the modem that initiated communications. In this way, endNodes are capable of services many computers as long as the wireless traffic does not become excessively saturated. Below you will find many popular modem options designed to speak to NCD endNode devices using the communication technologies you are most comfortable working with.
Mega Modem Communications with endNode Devices
The Mega Modem allows communications with endNode controllers using up to 4 technologies. Mega Modems include a USB port for direct access to remote endNodes via a USB port. This is essentially the same as having a USB Modem (shown below). In addition to USB, a wireless Bluetooth link to the Mega Modem allows access to remote endNode devices. Bluetooth communications supports Virtual COM Port over Bluetooth for easy integration. In addition to Bluetooth, WiFi TCP is also supported, allowing communications to endNodes by simply opening the IP Address and Port and sending/receiving TCP data to the endNode controller.
We saved the best for last, as the Mega Modem also supports MQTT over WiFi. Using MQTT communications, the Mega Modem can subscribe to “Transmit” topic and publish to a “Receive” topic using most MQTT brokers. Raw data to and from the MQTT broker is communicated directly to the endNode. This allows tremendous control of endNode devices and expansions over MQTT. We advise the usage of the MQTT features by experienced users, as this will require some deep understanding of how to move data. For those eager to learn, we may be able to help if you have some foundation knowledge of MQTT.
USB Communications with endNode Devices
USB Communications still remains one of the most popular ways to talk to remote endNode devices. Simply open a Virtual COM Port over USB and start communicating with endNode devices. USB modems are capable of talking to many endNode devices, as each communication packet is designed to target a specific endNode controller. The responses from endNodes will be reflected back to the USB Modem that initiated communications. The USB Modem operates at 115.2K Baud.
Ethernet Communications with endNode Devices
Ethernet communications with endNode devices is very popular with our customers. Simply open the IP Address and TCP port of the Ethernet Modem and start sending and receiving TCP data. Multiple Ethernet modems may be used to communicate with endNode devices, as data from the modem will target a specific endNode. Similarly, endNodes will reply only to the requester of data ONLY.
RS-485 Communication with endNode Devices
RS-485 communications remains a favorite for our industrial clients. Using RS-485 is relatively easy to work with, simply communicate with the modem at 9600 baud and the modem will target the user selected endNode (as part of the communications packet). Data will be reflected from the endNode back to the RS-485 modem and delivered to the RS-485 port. Like all modems, the communications distance is up to 2 Miles line of sight using the included antennas.
endNodes and Visual Studio
We Developed Alpha Station using Visual Studio to demonstrate the use of endNodes. Alpha Station allows you to view and set basic configuration settings of remote sensors up to 2 miles away. Alpha Station supports our Wireless USB Modem, our Mega Modem, and our Wireless Ethernet Modem. The source code and run-time application is available for download on our web site at https://ncd.io/alpha.
IoT Security and Transparency Statement
All IoT Device Manufacturers should commit to IoT Security and Transparency. As a consumer, you have the right to a IoT Security and Transparency Statement BEFORE purchase, and we encourage all customers to demand this information from all IoT Manufacturers and Vendors. In an effort to be fully transparent with our customers, we will always disclose the most important security related information at the bottom of each product page for all IoT Devices. Under no circumstances does NCD use IoT devices to collect customer data, sensor readings, or other information without full disclosure. As a matter of NCD IoT Security Policy, any IoT device that collects any form of data must be disclosed in the IoT Security and Transparency Statement. Relevant Security Information pertaining to this particular device is Indicated Below:
- This Device does not directly communicate to the internet
- This Device requires a Gateway for communication to the internet
- This Device Uses 128-Bit AES Encrypted Wireless Communications (Minimum)
- This Device is Equipped with a Default AES Encryption Key Common to All NCD Wireless Sensors at the Time of Shipping
- Users Have the Ability to Change the Default AES Encryption Key
- This Device Requires Physical Access to Change the AES Encryption Key
- This Device Does Not Have the Ability to Communicate to NCD Servers
- Firmware Upgrades Require Physical Access to this Device by NCD Engineers ONLY
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.
