Contact Closure Over IP

The MirCR45_MCNET are sold in pairs, you will receive both boards shown here when you purchase this set.  These boards will allow you to control a relay over your Local Area Network.  Basically the way it works is the user configures a Static IP address into one of the board's module and then configures the other board to connect to the first board over a TCP socket.  Dry Contact (no voltage) inputs on the sender board controls the relay on the receiver board.  When the dry contact circuit on the sender board is closed the relay on the receiver board is energized or on, when the circuit opens the relay turns off.

LAN Connection Only

Please Note these boards do not work over an internet connection, both boards must be on the same Local Area Network.  Also both boards will require an assigned static IP address.  We recommend that you assign the boards with IP addresses outside the DHCP range of your network router.  Each board will utilize a static IP address.  One board will act as the server while the second board will act as the client.  The connection between the two boards is via a TCP socket and the port number used by this TCP socket is arbitrary and can be configured to any port you wish!  In our setup we used port 2101.  This may be important information if the boards are on separate subnets.  Relay Pros or NCD is not capable of providing technical support for complex networks, this should be handled by the Network Admin.

Windows Based Setup

Setup will require a Windows computer connected to the same network as the boards using configuration software, a free download.  Initially both boards will be in DHCP mode so a managed network is required, at least for initial configuration.  It is not possible to configure these devices on an unmanaged switch, however after configuration is complete it is absolutely possible to install the boards on an unmanaged network.

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 as long as both boards are on the same network.

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! 

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 these boards requires the use of induction suppression capacitors 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 electrically interfere with the microprocessor logic of the boards, causing relay banks to shut down unexpectedly.  If this happens the boards may need to be power cycled to restore communication.  Capacitors are available at checkout, for more information and drawings view our Induction Suppression Page.

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 equipped with LEDs that display the status of the relay on the receiver board.  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.

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

MirC 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.

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. 

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.

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 Double Throw Relays Installed
    - Wire to Normally Open or Normally Closed Position
    - 12 Guage Solid Core Wire Capacity
• Screw Terminal Contact Closure and Relay Connections
• Break-A-Way Tabs Lets you Decide the Board's Size
• Temperature Rating -40° C to 85° C
• RoHS Compliant

MirC Features

• Control Relay from a Dry Contact (No Voltage)
• Inputs on Sender Board Control Relays on Receiver Board
• Sender Board Displays Status of Remote Relays

Before You Start (Requirements)

It should be noted that these boards do not communicate over an internet connection.  Both boards must be on the same LAN.  Also both boards will require an assigned static IP address.  We recommend that you assign the boards with IP addresses outside the DHCP range of your network router.  If you are connecting these devices to an IT managed network it is recommended that you review this guide with the Network Administrator prior to proceeding.

Static IP Required

Each board will utilize a static IP address.  One board will act as the server while the second board will act as the client.  The connection between the two boards is via a TCP socket.  The port number used by this TCP socket is arbitrary and can be configured to any port you wish.  In our setup we used port 2101.  This may be important information if the boards are on separate subnets.  Relay Pros or NCD is not capable of providing technical support for complex networks, this should be handled by the Network Admin.

Windown Configuration

We will be using configuration software which requires Windows so a Windows computer connected to the same network as the boards will be required.

Managed Network Required for Setup

Initially both boards will be in DHCP mode so a managed network is required, at least for initial configuration.  It is not possible to configure these devices on an unmanaged switch, however after configuration is complete it is absolutely possible to install the boards on an unmanaged network.

Configuration

Initial setup

• Download and install the NCD5500 configuration software available here: NCD 5500 Configuration Software.
• Connect standard Ethernet cables to the boards and plug them into the network. Then power the boards up using a regulated 12VDC power supply source.
• Open the NCD5500 Configuration software.
• Click the Search Button in the Configuration software until you have discovered both boards.  You will see them listed by their MAC address.  This Mac address is also printed on top of the Ethernet module installed in the board.  This information can be used to differentiate between the two boards.

First board Configuration (Server)

• Click on one of the boards to open it’s settings.  All settings we will be covering will be under Basic Settings.  We do not need to do anything under Advanced Settings.
• Set the baud rate to 57600.
• Change the Network Settings Radio button to Use the Follow IP address.
• Enter a Static IP address for the board into the IP address field, and enter information into Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS Server as per the requirements of your network.
• If you would like this board to act as the Server(does not matter which board you choose to act as the server) then Under Connection set Work As to TCP Server. Set the Local Port field to any port you wish other than 80. This will be the port the module listens for incoming TCP Socket connections on. This information is applicable if there are any firewalls. For our setup we are using port 2101.
• Click Apply Settings.

Second Board Configuration (Client)

• Click on the other board in the list to open it’s settings.
• Set the baud rate to 57600.
• Change the Network Settings Radio button to Use the Follow IP address.
• Enter a Static IP address for the board into the IP address field, and enter information into Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS Server as per the requirements of your network.
• This board will act as the Client and will connect to the previous board we configured.   Click the Work As Drop down menu and change it to TCP Client.  Do not worry about the Local Port Setting as it does not apply.
• Enter the Static IP address entered for the first board acting as the server into the Remote Host field.
• Enter the Port number entered as the Local Port on the first board acting as the Server into the Port field to the right of the Remote Host Field.
• Click Apply Settings.

Final Testing

Both boards should now be configured and should work.  You can validate that the boards have a valid TCP socket connected by checking the Red LED on the Ethernet module adjacent to the metal Ethernet Jack.  If it is on solid then the connection is established between the boards.  You may also monitor the Busy/Ready LEDs on the boards which should flash on/off periodically indicating the boards are communicating.  You may now close the inputs on the boards and should see the relays on the remote unit turning on/off.

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.