Description
Wireless Contact Closure 2-Way Transmitter Receiver Pair
Our MirX 2-Channel Relay Controllers are manufactured in pairs, designed to work together when powered up using wireless 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 employ long-range wireless communications, we have tested line of sight range up to 2 miles. With rooftop antenna, ranges of 28 miles may be achieved. Urban and indoor installations typically achieve a 1,000 to 2,000 foot range, depending on type of building structure and wireless environment.
This pair of MirX controllers is equipped with your choice of 5-Amp or 10-Amp SPDT relays, ideal for use in most general purpose switching applications. Ideal for lights, small motors, gate openers, and much more. 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
No Computers, No Configuration – Works Right Out of the Box. MirX controllers stay connected to each other using wireless communications. Inputs on each controller activate the relays at the opposite controller.
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. Since MirX controllers are married to each other, it’s possible to have several MirX pairs in the same area without any significant interference.
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 in range, 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 in range. Smart Mode reduces power consumption and 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.
Wireless Range
The distance between MirX controllers will affect reliable operation. MirX controllers will offer better range if two MirX controllers are within line of sight of each other. If it is not possible for two MirX controllers to see each other, it may be necessary to use larger antennas. We can provide signal repeaters for extreme circumstances, but this solution is generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary. Typical communication range in indoor or urban environments is 1,000 to 2,000 feet using the included antennas. Outdoor Line-Of-Sight Range is 4-9 miles using 2.1dB dipole antennas. Using high-gain antennas, 28 miles of wireless range may be possible in some Line-Of-Site locations.
Optional Encryption
Normally, MirX is shipped without encryption. However, NCD engineers will encrypt MirX communication data upon request. Please put a note in the special instructions field if you would like data secured between 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.
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, available with optional wireless encryption
- MirX Wired for hard-wired communication applications
- MirX Network for local area Ethernet communications or use over the internet (internet communications uses our server)
Our Mirror Family Controllers:
- MirX consists of relays and contact closure inputs on each controller. 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.
- MirM consists of a single contact closure input board and several remote relay controllers.
- MirW consists of a single several contact closure input boards and a single relay controller.
MirX 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:
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.
