Reactor Relay

USB Configuration

The LRR210_USB Reactor Controller must be configured using a computer and the included Base Station Software.  Once configured, a Reactor will operate without a computer.  By choosing a USB version you will connect your computer to your controller via a USB cable.  This is the easiest and most popular way to connect to the Reactor Board.  At any time, a computer may monitor the Reactor, Trigger Events, Activate Relays, or Change Configuration settings. A computer can take over a Reactor or a Reactor can operate autonomously (without a computer). 

Inputs Monitored

Once a Reactor is configured, the Reactor monitors inputs. When inputs reach user-defined limits, relays can turn on or off.  Reactors allow much more than simple relay control.  Reactor inputs can trigger timers and rotations.  A timer allows a relay to activate over a duration of time.  A rotation is a simple counter, in which relays can be assigned to each "count".  This allows powerful functions such as relay activation sequencing, flashing, and stepping.  Event Piping allows timers and rotations to trigger other timers and rotations.  This is very powerful for setting up complex relay activation sequences.

Mounts as a COM Port

This ProXR series controller connects to the USB port of your computer and will mount as a COM port on your PC.  USB Drivers will most likely be needed and can be found in the resources section to the right and will also be available in the Base Station Software.  Windows 7 & 8 users will automatically download and install the necessary drivers.

ZUSB Modules

This board is equipped with a ZUSB Module.  The ZUSB communications module adds USB communications to the board.  The ZUSB module is powered from the USB port of your computer and includes a 6' USB Cable.  The board itself will require 12 volts of power and can be hard wired or you can purchase a "wall wart" type Power Supply at checkout.

8 Inputs Available

Reactor Inputs play a vital role in the use of a Reactor controller.  Analog inputs are simply inputs that are sensitive to voltages.  Analog Inputs are capable of reading switches and sensors operating in the 0 to 5VDC range.  Once configured, the Reactor CPU is constantly monitoring external sensors using 8 analog inputs that can read switches, resistance changes, or voltages from 0 to 5VDC.  Inputs can be configured to trigger relays, relay timers and relay activation sequences.

Input Voltage Changes

Analog Inputs are very special in that they are sensitive to voltage changes.  In the case of a Reactor controller, analog inputs have an 8-bit resolution, meaning the voltage input (from 0 to 5VDC) is interpreted as a value from 0 to 255.

For Example
• A voltage input of 0 Volts is interpreted as a value of 0
• A voltage input of 2.5 Volts is interpreted as a value of 128
• A voltage input of 5 Volts is interpreted as a value of 255

So if you divide 5 Volts by 256 possible steps (0-255 for 8-Bit resolution), the Reactor controller is sensitive to voltage changes as small as 0.0195 Volts.  A Reactor controller has 8 inputs.  Each input is capable of reading a separate voltage from 0 to 5 VDC, provided all voltages can share a common ground.  You configure exactly what value you want the board to trigger the relay or start a sequence or delay!

Who’s Qualified to Use the Reactor Series?

Some computer skills required.  The Reactor Relays do not require programming, simply configure the device with the included Base Station Software.  While programming is not required and simple functions can be done rather easily with basic computer skills, complex events can be configured which will require some understanding and patience.

Induction Capacitors

Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of relay control is proper handling of inductive loads. Inductive loads can best be defined as anything with a magnetic coil, such as a motor, solenoid, or a transformer.  Controlling a inductive load using this relay controller requires the use of induction suppression capacitors.  The purpose of this capacitor is to absorb the high voltages generated by inductive loads, blocking them from the contacts of the relay.  Without this capacitor, the lifespan of the relay will be greatly reduced.  Induction can be so severe that it electrically interferes with the microprocessor logic of our controllers, causing relay banks to shut themselves down unexpectedly.  In the case of USB devices, customers may experience loss of communications until the device is reconnected to the USB port.  Capacitors that we offer are available at checkout, for more information view our Induction Suppression Video.

Base Station Reactor Configuration

Base Station Software

Base Station will assist you in learning how this device functions and is the ultimate reference tool for configuring, testing and controlling this device.  Base Station software supports every feature of this device - no other controller manufacturer even comes close to offering this type of software.  Base Station works by communicating with your controller to identify the model and provides the appropriate graphical user interface for setting up and testing the identified device.  All Reactor configurations will be made through Base Station and an overview will be discussed below.  To help you get started and learn this controller Quick Start Guides are available for just about every feature.  As you discover a feature in Base Station a link is provided where you can easily download the Quick Start Guide.    Download Base Statione

Configure Each Input

The Reactor Relay allows users to define the activation of a relay or an event based on the voltage readings of the analog inputs.  An input can trigger a relay directly or an input can trigger an event, such as a timer. If an input triggers a relay, the relay may turn on. If an input triggers a timer event, a timer may be started, but a relay may or may not be turned on based on how you have configured the controller (the time delay may be before the relay triggers).  Triggering an event does not mean you are triggering a relay, it just means you are triggering an internal function. Relays may be associated with this internal function to achieve a large number of possible operations.

Using Input Values

Reading from Left to right, the settings above indicate Input 1 will trigger a relay when Analog Input 1 is above 200.  We have defined that a relay will turn on when the input level is defined by a value of 200.


In the above example, a relay is triggered when an analog input is inside a set range between 100 and 202.  By defining two limits, you can further narrow the parameters for the activation of a relay.  The limits can also be assigned to set the relay to be activated outside two set limits.

Output Configuration

Reactor controllers have up to 8 relays available depending on the actual model selected. Each relay can be assigned to a different input or event.  In the example shown below, Relay 1 is Controlled by Input 1 directly.  Input 1 will turn Relay 1 ON. In order for Relay 1 to activate, it must meet the conditions of the Input 1 configuration using the settings on the Input Configuration tab (see above).

There are many ways to directly control a relay from an input. Relays 1-5 in the below example shows how inputs can turn relays on, off, toggle relay state, set the relay to match the state of the input, or set the relay to NOT equal the state of a input.

In the example below, Relay 6 is controlled by Timer 1. In other words, if Timer 1 is active, the relay will stay ON. Otherwise, the relay will turn off. This is a great way to activate a light for a given period of time. If you are interested in Time Delay Relay, timers will be discussed on our Time Delay Relay Page.

Complex Automation through Experimentation

Don’t be afraid to experiment with Reactor!  Some complex automation can be achieved by experimenting with Reactor settings.  Of course Reactor is capable of triggering relays and it can also trigger events.  Relays can be associated with events, allowing you to play with all kinds of complex timing and counting settings.  Events greatly expand the pallet of functionality available to Reactor.

Computer Controlled Relays

Software developers who need remote access to a Reactor controller will find themselves at home.  The Reactor supports a very powerful computer-based command set, so it is possible for a computer to operate the relays and read sensor inputs.  The computer can over-ride the Reactor decision logic, trigger events, and return control of the relays back to the Reactor Logic.  Configuration settings are stored in files that can be loaded into other Reactor controllers.

Many More Options

We have just touched on the many ways the Reactor board can be configured.  The applications that this board can be use in are extensive.  For a more detailed look at the configuration and setup you can look at the Reactor Series Quick Start Guide.

Reactor Board Features

Reactor Relay

In this tab we'll take a look at the Reactor board design itself.  The Reactor series controllers are machine manufactured for a highly accurate and reliable design.  Fully tested before they leave the production facility each Reactor controller is ready to stand up to rigorous demands from heat, cold or vibration.  The best test of all is the numerous boards in the field from customers all over the world in all sorts of conditions.  Take it from us, these controllers will hold up!

Essential Power Requirements

Applying Good clean power to the board is essential for the operation of the board.  Not only for the switching of the relays but the firmware that processes the commands.  Without good steady clean power from a regulated power supply the board simply will not function correctly.  All boards on the site require 12 VDC power.  The PWR12 US power supply is a 120VAC to 12VDC 1.25A 60Hz regulated power supply and it plugs into the barrel connector on the board.  The output connector is a 2.1mm I.D. x 5.5mm O.D. x 9.5mm Female R/A barrel connector.  We also carry an international power supply with interchangeable adapters for international customers. Learn More

10-Amp SPDT Relay Installed

This device has SPDT relays installed.  SPDT Single Pole Double Throw Relays have three connections - Common, Normally Open, and Normally Closed.  When the relay is off, the common is connected to the normally closed connection of the relay.  When the relay coil is energized, the Common swings to the Normally Open Connection of the Relay.  You can wire the device you are switching to either the Normally Open or the Normally Closed position using screw terminal connections.  The maximum guage wire the terminal can handle is 14 ga but we have used up to 12 ga solid core for several applications with no issues.

2-Million Cycles

Reactor series boardss are designed for long life, you should expect to get years of service from your controller and literally 2-million cycles from the relays on board.  With a 5-year warranty and a money back guarantee you have nothing to loose! 

Not Expandable

The Reactor Series controllers are not expandable.

This Board is RoHS Compliant

This board is led free and RoHS Compliant.  If your requirements are for RoHS compliant parts this board is manufactured with RoHS compliant led free parts and solder.

Break-A-Way Tabs for a Smaller Design

The Reactor relays have a great feature where space is a premium - Break-A-Way Tabs. The Break-A-Way Tabs allow most boards to fit in an optional undrilled plastic enclosure.  Snap off the Break-A-Way Tabs and you have a controller with a smaller profile when you need to fit in a tight space.

30-Day Warranty/Money Back Guarantee

Reactor series controllers are guaranteed against manufacturing and functionality defects for a full 30 days!  Not to mention a 30-day money back guarantee!  If for any reason you are not happy with a relay purchased from Relay Pros, simply return it within 30 days and we will give you your money back!  Controllers that are damaged by our customers will not of course be warranted under any circumstances. 

Shipping

The boards sold are brand new units shipped from our office conveniently located in Missouri.  These boards are completely tested before they are released for shipping  With so many boards on our site it is impossible to stock boards, please allow two to three days production time for your order to ship.  If you have any questions please feel free to call our office at 800-960-4287 or e-mail us at sales@relaypros.com.

Sensor Control Is Here!

Trigger relays with a sensor with and configure with included Base Station software.  Here's a lists of great features:

User Friendly Software
• Point & Click Interface - No Programming Knowledge Required
• Override Sensor When Computer is Connected to Board
• Read Sensor Levels in Base Station
• Read Status of Relays in Base Station

User Friendly Board Design
• 8 Analog Sensor Inputs Available (0 to 5 Volt Only)
• Break-A-Way Tabs lets you decide the board's size
• Screw terminal connections make connecting to the relays easy

Power & More

SPDT Relay Controller Specifications

This table covers all NCD SPDT Relay Controllers.  All ratings assume 12VDC operation at 70°F (21°C).  Please note that most ratings are estimated and may be subject to periodic revision.  Some ratings represent stock controller settings without performance enhancement optimizations.  The estimated processing time can be impacted by background services and choice of commands.  Standby power consumption assume no communications module is installed and no relays are active on the controller.  Please add the power consumption of the activated relays and communications module to obtain a better estimation of power consumption.

SPDT Relay Specs

Specs of NCD SPDT Relay Boards	Minimum	Nominal	Maximum	Notes
Operational Voltages	10VDC	12VDC	15VDC
Standby Power Consumption	35mA	100mA	200mA	No Active Relays, No Com Module
Relay Power Consumption	28mA	35mA	60mA	Consumption of Each Activated Relay
Operational Temperature Range	-40°F (-40°C)	70°F (21°C)	185°F (85°C)	Theoretical Component Limits Shown
Storage Temperature Range	-67°F (-55°C)	70°F (21°C)	185°F (85°C)	Theoretical Component Limits Shown
Operational Ambient Air Humidity	0%	50%	70%	Non-Condensing Humidity Values Shown
Relay Activation Time	4ms	5ms	10ms	Needs Further Validation
Relay Deactivation Time	5mS	10mS	15mS	Needs Further Validation

SPDT Relay Installed

This device has SPDT relays installed.  SPDT Single Pole Double Throw Relays have three connections - Common, Normally Open, and Normally Closed.  When the relay is off, the common is connected to the normally closed connection of the relay.  When the relay coil is energized, the Common swings to the Normally Open Connection of the Relay.  You can wire the device you are switching to either the Normally Open or the Normally Closed position using screw terminal connections.  The maximum guage wire the terminal can handle is 14 ga but we have used up to 12 ga solid core for several applications with no issues.

2-Million Cycles

ProXR series controllers are designed for long life, you should expect to get years of service from your controller and literally 2-million cycles from the relays on board.  With a 5-year warranty and a money back guarantee you have nothing to loose!  Place your order now, while everything is in front of you.

Communication Module Specifications

This table covers all NCD Communication Modules.  While NCD communication modules operate at 3.3VDC, the ratings below highlight the effect they will have on the master controller operating at 12VDC at 70°F (21°C).  Maximum ratings should be used for power budget planning purposes and may reflect short term absolute maximum peak current consumption.  Some ratings are estimated and subject to periodic revision.

Communication Module Power Consumption

Specs of NCD Communication Modules	Minimum	Nominal	Maximum	Notes
Operational Temperature Range	-40°F (-40°C)	70°F (21°C)	185°F (85°C)	Theoretical Component Limits Shown
Storage Temperature Range	-67°F (-55°C)	70°F (21°C)	185°F (85°C)	Theoretical Component Limits Shown
Operational Ambient Air Humidity	0%	50%	70%	Non-Condensing Humidity Values Shown
USB Module Power Consumption	N/A	N/A	N/A	USB Modules are Powered by the USB Port Do Not Consume Device Current
RS-232 Module Power Consumption		10mA	20mA
Ethernet Module Power Consumption	58mA	82mA	100mA
WiFi Bluetooth USB Module Power Consumption	37mA	50mA	100mA	Up to 300 Foot Indoor Wireless Range, Unobstructed. Up to 50 Foot Range Through Walls
900MHz Wireless Module Power Consumption	13mA	30mA	50mA	Up to 1,000 Foot Indoor Wireless Range, up to 2 Mile Outdoor Wireless Range using Included Antennas. Up to 28 Miles Outdoor Wireless Range using High-Gain Antennas.
KFX Wireless Key Fob	11mA	15mA	25mA	Up to 200 Feet Outdoor Wireless Range using 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Button Key Fobs. Up to 700 Feet Outdoor Wireless Range using 8-Button Remotes

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.

LRR210_USB Accessories

Relay Logic

Relay Wiring Samples

This page provides simple examples showing how to wire a single relay - or multiple relays - for common switching applications. We use a light as the example load, but you can substitute a gate controller, security panel input, dry contact device, motor trigger, or most other switched loads. These wiring samples demonstrate different ways to connect relays to achieve the switching behavior you need.

Get a printout of this page

---

SPDT Wiring

SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) relays include three terminals: Common (COM), Normally Open (NO), and Normally Closed (NC).

• When the relay is off, COM is connected to NC.
• When the relay is energized, COM switches to NO.

Your load can be wired to either the NO or NC terminal depending on whether you want the device to turn on when the relay activates or when it releases. Examples below demonstrate both wiring methods.

---

SPST Wiring

SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) relays provide two terminals: Common (COM) and Normally Open (NO).

When the relay coil is energized, COM connects to NO to power the load. The only SPST relays offered on this site are our 30-Amp models. All SPST examples shown on this page apply to these relays as long as the example does not require a Normally Closed terminal.

---

DPDT Wiring

A DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) relay contains two SPDT switches that operate together.

• Each side includes its own COM, NO, and NC terminals.
• Both internal switches change state at the same time.

This allows you to control two independent circuits with one relay. Wiring for each side of a DPDT relay follows the same rules as an SPDT relay, so the examples on this page apply directly.

---

Relay Logic Examples

---

Example 1 - Simple Off/On Control

This example shows the most basic way to use a relay to switch a device such as a light. When the relay energizes, its NO (Normally Open) contact closes to COM (Common), completing the circuit and turning the light on.

Only a single power wire is switched in this setup, making it the simplest method for controlling a light - or any device - using a relay.

Use this example for switching a light or any device you want to power only when the relay is on.

---

Example 2 - Simple On/Off (Using NC Contact)

This wiring method keeps the device on by default. The relay switches a single power wire through the COM (Common) and NC (Normally Closed) terminals.
When the relay is not energized, the NC contact is closed to COM and the light remains on.
When the relay energizes, the NC contact opens, interrupting power and turning the light off.

This approach is ideal for devices that stay on most of the time, reducing relay wear since it doesn't need to remain energized to keep the device powered. It's also a useful method for power-cycling equipment - energizing the relay momentarily will turn the device off.

---

Example 3 - AND Logic Using Two Relays

This example shows how two relays can work together so a light turns on only when both relays are energized. This creates an AND Logic condition:
Relay 1 AND Relay 2 must be on for the light to receive power.

A single power wire is switched, but it must pass through both relay contacts before reaching the light. This setup is ideal when two conditions must be met at the same time - such as requiring input from multiple sensors or system parameters.

MirC/MirX Users: This wiring requires two contact closure inputs on the sender board before the receiver's relay activates. Use this approach when two independent outputs must close before turning on the light.

For example, a light could turn on only when:
• A light sensor detects it's dark AND
• A motion sensor detects activity in the room

---

Example 4 - AND Logic Using Three Relays

This example expands on the previous AND Logic concept. Here, the light will turn on only when all three relays are energized:

Relay 1 AND Relay 2 AND Relay 3 must be on for power to reach the light.

A single power wire is routed through all three relay contacts. Wiring from the NO (Normally Open) of Relay 1 to the COM (Common) of Relay 2, then from the NO of Relay 2 to the COM of Relay 3, creates a series path that requires every relay to close before the light can activate.

This method can be scaled easily - just continue wiring NO of each relay to the COM of the next relay. Add as many relays as needed to meet your logic or safety requirements.

---

Example 5 - Override Function

This example demonstrates the and/or function. The light bulb will be activated if Relay 1 and Relay 2 are energized OR if Relay 3 is energized. This example is great for applications that may require a logical condition of 2 relays plus an override feature. For instance, if Relay 1 is a night/day sensor, Relay 2 is a moisture sensor. If its dark and the soil is dry, Relays 1 and 2 can activate a pump. If you want to override these conditions with local physical switch using Relay Activator function (see the AD8 Command Set Tab) Relay 3 would override Relays 1 & 2.

MirC/MirX Users: Add a manual button or switch to control the third relay to manually control the light if you have sensors that control the other relays.

Reactor Users: Add a manual button or switch to control the third relay to manually control the light if you have sensors that control the other relays.

---

Example 6 - Either Relay Activates

This example demonstrates how either relay can be used to activate a light. Only one power wire is switched in this example using either of two relays to turn on the light. In this sample, only one activated relay is required to activate the light. If both relays are activated, the light will be on. Great for if you have a timer for one of the relays but want to turn the light on when the timer is scheduled off or have two sensors connected and want either of them to control a device.

MirC/MirX Users: Two contact closure inputs in the sender board and either of the inputs can control one light or device.

---

Example 7 - 3-Way Switch

This example demonstrates how to create a 3-way light switch to activate a light. A 3-way light switch is where two light switches can be used to activate a single light. This sample is exactly the same as a 3-way light switch, the only difference being each physical switch is replaced by a relay. Operationally, it works the same way. Only one power wire is switched in this example using both relays to turn on the light. Each relay activation will cause the light to toggle. Switching two relays at one time is like flipping 2 switches at once....with the same result. This sample is particularly useful since you can replace one relay (as shown in the diagram) with a physical light switch. This will allow a computer to control a light as well as manual operation of a light. Properly used, this can be one of the most valuable diagrams we offer on this page.

---

Example 8 - Motor Control

This example demonstrates how to control the direction of a DC motor using 2 relays. Braking is accomplished by connecting both motor terminals to a common power connection (Faraday's Law). The capacitors shown may not be required for small motors, but if you experience problems with relays shutting themselves off, the induction suppression capacitor will be required. The .1uF capacitor helps suppress electronic noise if the battery were to be used by sensitive devices (such as radios/amplifiers).

• Relay 1 Off Relay 2 Off = Motor Brake to +
• Relay 1 On Relay 2 Off = Motor Forward
• Relay 1 Off Relay 2 On = Motor Backward
• Relay 1 On Relay 2 On = Motor Brake to -
• Induction Capacitor Should Be located by relay
• Filter Capacitor Should be Located Near Motor
• Additional Capacitors May be Desirable for Some Motors

Inductive loads typically require 2-3 times the runtime voltage or amperage when power is first applied to the device. For instance, a motor rate at 5 Amps, 125 VAC will often require 10-15 amps just to get the shaft of the motor in motion. Once in motion, the the motor may consume no more than 5 amps. When driving these types of loads, choose a relay that exceeds the initial requirement of the motor. In this case, a 20-30 Amp relay should be used for best relay life.

Data Sheets & Quick Start Guides

Below are the Data Sheets Quick Start Guides for this board.  These are the guides that will help you communicate and configure this board.