Ethernet Contact Closure 4-Channel 30-Amp

Base Station Ethernet Configuration

The devices have been paired by NCD prior to shipment and require no configuration; however, if you wish to make changes in this pairing, you may use the NCD Base Station software to change the configuration settings.  This can also be a valuable troubleshooting tool because of its ability to show devices that are communicating on your network.

Re-Pairing Instructions

From the Base Station ’Select Connection’ opening window, click on ’MXNET/MCNET Device Pairing Utility’

Select both devices in list and click the ’Pair with Factory Setting’ button to use the NCD mirror server.  The connection symbol should show in front of the items once they are paired.

Select both devices in list and click the ’Pair’ button to pair two devices.  The connection symbol should show in front of the items once they are paired.  Note: The server setting will not change.

Advanced Setup

• Connect the two Mirror modules that need to be paired to the LAN
• Run NCD Base Station software on computer connected to the same LAN
• Select one module and click the ’Edit’ button
• Input the server address and port number. The default port is 8005. Both modules need to be edited. Input 0.0.0.0 if there is no server. For example, if only one server is used, input 0.0.0.0 for the rest of the servers. The remote mac address can be setup in the next steps.
• Select the two modules in the list and click ’Pair’
• Once the two modules are paired, there will be a connected symbol showed in front of the items

The pair setup with servers can work through the Internet. It is not necessary to be in same local network.

Tip

Set the Remote Mac Address same as Local Mac Address. This can be used to test the device connection with the server. When the remote address is the same as the local address, it will loop back when an input is triggered, triggering a relay on the same board.

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Setting Static IP - MirX Only

1) Put jumper to beacon mode
  - In beacon mode, the module will always use DHCP no matter if static IP is set or not.  So it can be listed on network.

2) Run NCD Base Station, Click "More" in the upper right hand corner and then click "MXNET/MCNEt Device Pairing Utility".

3) Wait for device show up in list then select the device and Click "Static IP".

4) Select "Static IP" and input Static IP, network mask and Gateway.  Please consultant with network administator for correct value.  Make sure all values are correct.  IT WON'T WORK with incorrect settings.

5) Power off the device and put jumper to "Smart", Power on the device.  If the device setting are correct and in same network as computer running NCD Base Station, it will show in the list with the new static IP Address.

To switch it back to DHCP, follow the step above and select DHCP in step 4. and put jumper in Beacon mode.

Ethernet Contact Closure

The MirCR430_MCNET are sold in pairs, you will receive both boards shown here when you purchase this set.  These boards will give you the opportunity to control a relay over your network or through the internet.  Each board will plug into a router where it's assigned an IP address through DHCP or a static IP addresses can be assigned.  Once on the network the boards will find each other and begin communicating.  If the boards are located outside the network they will also be able to communicate over the internet.

Location Is Not an Issue

MirC boards with an Ethernet connection should be used in applications where wireless or a wired installation is not an option.  Location is not an issue, these boards will "find" each other on the network and even if the boards are located on different networks!

Who’s Qualified to Use the MirC Series?

Anyone. The MirC Series Controllers are the most consumer-friendly devices on our site.  Whether an electronics engineer or a home hobbyist, anyone is qualified to use the MirC Series controller.

Lantronix Pro Modules

Each board is equipped with a Lantronix Pro module.  The Lantronix module will connect to your router with a standard CAT-5 cable.  The router will assign the module an IP address, the module will then check with the mirror server for the IP address of it's paired board.  Once the modules know the IP address of each other they will connect directly with each other.  LAN applications will not require an internet connection and the modules will find their mate on their own.  The module is powered from the board and each board will require 12 volts of power and can be hard wired or you can purchase a "wall wart" type transformer at checkout.

Local Area Network Communication

The MirCR430_MCNET will work on a local area network.  When two modules are in the same local area network, they can communicate to each other directly without an Internet connection.  They have the ability to find each other on the network without any configuration.  A static IP address may be assigned but is not necessary.  If the router assigns a new static IP address the boards will simply look for each other on the network (using their MAC addresses) and begin communicating again.

Internet Communication

Using the MirCR430_MCNET over the internet, a 3rd party server is required.  Two Lenux servers are used as a central hub and backup for MCNET communications and keeps each controller in communications with the other.  You do not have to use these servers; you can install software on your own server and use it instead or in combination with the Lenux server.  In fact, you can install our software on up to 4 servers.  If one server is down, another server will be used as a backup path for communications.  Your MirC-MCNET controller works right out of the box with our server, but you can add more servers if you want to increase the reliability.  The external server is not required when using the boards over a local area network (LAN).  LAN connected MCNET boards will find each other directly (each location must be connected to an Ethernet router or switch).

Port Forwarding

When using these boards over the internet and outside the Local Area Network, Port Forwarding on each router will be required.  Port Forwarding is a protocol used by your router to allow incoming requests for connections to get through to a specific device on a specific port.  Below is an example of how it works.  In this example a router has been setup to forward incoming requests for port 2101 to the device at the IP Address 192.168.2.19 on port 2101.  Now when any device that tries to access this Port on the External IP Address the router will see the request and automatically forward the request to the device at the IP Address of 192.168.2.19 on port 2101.  If this Port Forwarding rule was not in place and a request came in on port 2101 the router would not know which port or device to forward it to and the request for connection would be denied.  Note: Port Forwarding will not be necessary when using this within a Local Area Network.  For more on Port Forwarding with detailed instructions for every router visit: https://portforward.com/ .

What Happens When Communication is Lost

A common question we receive is what happens to the relay that is energized when communications between the boards is lost.  The relay can remain energized or on until communication is re-established or the relay can de-energize or turn off.  This is done by a simple jumper on the board and setting it to Beacon or Smart mode.  Regardless of the Mode you choose, if the busy LED flashes, the two devices are communicating properly.  If the Busy LED does not flash at all, the devices are unable to communicate. 

Multiple MirC Pairs?

Multiple pairs of the MirC Controllers can be used on the same network.  The boards are paired together using the MAC Addresses of the Ethernet modules installed meaning multiple pairs will not interfere with each other!  With Base Station Software you can view and edit all paired boards on the network and change the pairing if needed.

Base Station Software

The devices have been paired prior to shipment and will require no configuration; however, if you wish to make changes in this pairing, you may use the Base Station software to change the configuration settings.  This can also be a valuable troubleshooting tool with of its ability to show devices that are communicating on your network.

MirC Relay

This pair of boards allows you to control a relay using a dry contact (no voltage).  The dry contact can come from a manual switch, a sensor or device that provides a contact closure, or another relay.  As long as the contact closure circuit is closed the relay will remain energized or on.  When the circuit opens the relay will de-energize or turn off.  Meaning the relay will respond to a toggle or momentary connection depending on what type of input you select.  Each MirC pair is ready to stand up to rigorous demands from heat, cold or vibration.  Take it from us, these controllers will hold up!

Status of Remote Relays

Both boards are also equipped with LEDs that display the status of the relay.  Status information is verified using 2-way wireless communications.  If communication is lost between the devices, the LED will turn off.  Additionally, every MirC controller is equipped with a Busy/Ready LED.  If the Busy LED flashes, this indicates the other device has successfully received and accepted your contact closure status.  If the Busy LED does not flash, the remote device is out of range.

What Happens When Communication is Lost

A common question we receive is what happens to the relay that is energized when communications between the boards is lost.  The relay can remain energized or on until communication is re-established or the relay can de-energize or turn off.  This is done by a simple jumper on the board and setting it to Beacon or Smart mode.  Regardless of the Mode you choose, if the busy LED flashes, the two devices are communicating properly.  If the Busy LED does not flash at all, the devices are unable to communicate.  See the table below for the differences between Beacon and Smart mode.

Contact Closure Inputs

The inputs on these boards accept a dry contact only - no voltage.  Users must never apply any voltage to an input on either of the MirX Controllers.

Relay Outputs

Relays do NOT provide a voltage output and can be used as a dry contact.  They provide a contact closure output and simply interrupt the power to the device you are switching.  The relays are rated for 240 VAC or 24 VDC.  See the Data Sheets tab above for the specs on relays installed.

SPST Relay Installed

This device has SPST relays installed.  SPST Single Pole Single Throw Relays simply connect two wires together.  The Common (COM) is the  moving part of the relay that comes in contact with the Normally Open (NO) when the coil to the relay is energized.  Wiring is done directly to the Relay terminals using a common 1/4" quick disconnect terminal.  To the left is a picture of the connector that will connect to the relay.

2-Million Cycles

MirX 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.

Break-A-Way Tabs for a Smaller Design

The MirC 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.

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.

5-Year Warranty/Money Back Guarantee

MirC controllers are guaranteed against manufacturing and functionality defects for a full 5 years!  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.

Contact Closure Relay Is Here!

A more streamlined manufacturing process brings a more durable, reliable and better relay board to the market. Here's a lists of great features:

User Friendly Board Design

• Single Pole Single Throw Relays Installed
    - Wire to the Normally Open Position
• Break-A-Way Tabs Lets you Decide the Board's Size
• Screw Terminal Contact Closure/Relay Connections
• RoHS Compliant

MirC Features

• Control Relay from a Dry Contact
• Inputs on Sender Board Control Relays on Receiver Board
• Sender Board Displays Status of Remote Relays
• No Computers, No Programming, No Configuration

Induction Suppression

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 Ethernet devices, customers may experience loss of communications until the device is reconnected.  Capacitors that we offer are available at checkout, for more information view our Induction Suppression Video.

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.