The Key Fob Interface

Easy Key Fob Control

If your application requires you to control a relay from a wireless remote control, then our Key Fob Relay boards will offer the most powerful solution available on the market today.  Not to be confused with single function low-cost solutions, our Key Fob Relay boards are years ahead!  Configure your Key Fob Buttons to control relays in just about any way you can think of! 

Key Fob Functions

A button push on the key fob can be set for a simple on/off function and so much more!  Most users use the key fob as a toggle or momentary setting.  The toggle command is a push-on push-off command push a button and the relay will remain energized until the button is pushed again to turn it off.  A push and release command can be set for a momentary command, when the button is pushed the relay energizes and when you release the button the relay turns off.  Either of these commands will be set before your board ships.  More complicated commands can be configured as well!  Relay groupings if you want one button to control more than one relay.  Time delays can be set where one button push can control the relay for a prediturmined time and the relay will turn off automatically!

Easy Configuration

This board is equipped with a KFX Module.  The KFX communications module adds key fob capabilities to the board.  Configuring the board is done using Base Station Sofware, a free download.  Point and click configuration using a numerical command set get's the action your looking for for each button push.  We'll even do the setup for you, choose toggle or momentary at checkout above!

Common Commands

Here's a brief list of some of the more common commands used when a button is pushed on the key fob.

• Toggle and Momentary Commands
• Turn Off All Relays Then Turn On a Specific Relay
• Relay Timers: Relay Energized for a Specific Time
• Relay Pulse Commands
• Relay Grouping: Controlling Multiple Relays Together
• Relay Flashing Commands

Key Fob Range

The rated range of the MS series Key Fobs is 750 feet (228 meters). The MS 8-Button Key Fob with an external antenna is rated at 1,000 feet (304 meters).  Key Fob range can depend on many factors.  The maximum ratings are achieved in an outdoor environment with clear line-of-sight and minimal radio interference (in the country). 

Up to 40 Key Fobs

With a single KFX receiver module, users may associate up to 40 key fobs, including 1, 2, 4 and 8-Buttons (available at checkout).  Every Key Fob paired with a KFX Receiver will perform the exact same function as another Key Fob paired with the same KFX Receiver.  It is not possible for each remote to be separately identified and generate different data for.  Put simply, every remote does exactly the same thing when paired with the same KFX Receiver.

ZigMo Configuration Kit

The KFX Receiver Module is configured using Base Station Software (a free download), and must be plugged into the ZIGMO Configuration Board only during configuration.  Only one ZIGMO is needed regardless of the number of KFX Receivers you intend to use.  The ZIGMO acts as an interface between your computer and the KFX Receiver, allowing you to define the Baud Rate, and Data Bytes that are transmitted for each Key Fob button Press.  The ZIGMO is included with the KFX Integration Kit and available at checkout.  Key Fob Configuration

Who’s Qualified to Use the Key Fob Series?

Some computer skills required.  The Key Fob Relays do not require programming, simply configure the module 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.

Base Station Key Fob Configuration

Key Fob Configuration

The KFX Receiver Module is configured using Base Station Software (a free download), and must be plugged into the ZIGMO Configuration Board only during configuration.  Only one ZIGMO is needed regardless of the number of KFX Receivers you intend to use.  The ZIGMO acts as an interface between your computer and the KFX Receiver, allowing you to define the Baud Rate, and Data Bytes that are transmitted for each Key Fob button Press.  The ZIGMO is included with the KFX Integration Kit and available at checkout.

Free Setup Software

The board will ship with your choice of either a momentary or toggle command at no charge.  If you wish to send different commands to the board they will need to be programmed into the KFX Module.  This is done by connecting the Key Fob Configuration Kit to your computer and using Base Station Software (a free download).  Once you have set the commands, the module will be removed from the configuration Kit and installed into the board.  The KFX Module will now send your commands to the board when the key fob button is pressed.

Module Setup

The Configuration Kit acts as an interface between your computer and the KFX Receiver, allowing you to define the commands that are transmitted for each key fob button press and release.  The KFX Receiver Module is configured using Base Station Software, and will be plugged into the Key Fob Configuration Kit only during configuration.  Only one Configuration Kit is needed regardless of the number of KFX Receivers you intend to use.

Configuring the Buttons

When configuring the button pushes you are really configuring the KFX module with the commands that will be sent to the board.  When the module sees a button push it sends the command it has stored.  You will configure what command is sent using Base Station Software a free download.  It can be a simple toggle command or complex commands including delays.  The KFX Receiver can be configured for button press and button release events. 

Common Commands

Here's a brief list of some of the more common commands used when a button is pushed on the key fob.

• Toggle and Momentary Commands
• Turn Off All Relays Then Turn On a Specific Relay
• Relay Timers: Relay Energized for a Specific Time
• Relay Pulse Commands
• Relay Grouping: Controlling Multiple Relays Together
• Relay Flashing Commands

KFX Module

This board is equipped with a KFX Module.  The KFX communications module adds key fob capabilities to the board.  The KFX module is powered from the board.  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.

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Data Sheets & Quick Start Guides

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Key Fob Board Features

Key Fob Relay

In this tab we'll take a look at the board design itself.  The Key Fob ProXR Lite series controllers are machine manufactured for a highly accurate and reliable design.  Fully tested before they leave the production facility each Key Fob Relay 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!

Not Expandable

This board is a ProXR Lite board and cannot be expanded.  There is also Analog to Digital inputs on the board that will not be used with the Key Fob configuration.

Full ProXR Enhanced Firmware Installed

This board has ProXR Firmware installed that responds to the full ProXR Command Set - it's just not expandable.  These commands can be used to configure each button the the key fob to correspond to a relay on the board.  Press and release commands can be configured allowing for a toggle (push a button to turn on the relay, push again to turn off) or momentary (push a button to turn on a relay, release a button to turn off) actions.  More complex actions such as delays can be configured as well.

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

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

Key Fob Relay boards 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.

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 ProXR Lite 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

ProXR Lite 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. 

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 board requires an induction suppression capacitor for each relay being used.  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 interferes with the logic of the board, causing relay banks to shut down unexpectedly.  For more information view our Induction Suppression Video.

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.

Key Fob 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
• Surface mount allows for a smaller more reliable board
• Break-A-Way Tabs lets you decide the board's size
• Screw terminal or direct relay connections makes connecting to the board easy
• Board Powered by Barrel Connector or Screw Terminal

Key Fob Features
• 40 Key Fobs can be paired to a single board
• Each Key Fob can be paired to multiple boards
• 750' (228 Meter) or 1000' (300 Meter) Range

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.

Accessories

Relay Logic

Relay Wiring Samples

This page demonstrates several simple ways to wire a relay or multiple relays for various applications. We use the example of switching a light but the light can be swapped for a gate control, security system, dry contact output and other devices. These examples show different ways to wire to a relay or multiple relays to produce a desired effect.
Get a printout of this page

SPDT Wiring

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 and we have examples below.

SPST Wiring

SPST Single Pole Single Throw Relays have two connections - Common and Normally Open. 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. The only SPST relay we sell on this site is the 30-Amp relays, The wiring examples below can be used with the 30-Amp relays as long as the example doesn't use the Normally Closed position.

DPDT Wiring

A single DPDT Double Pole Double Throw relay is made up of 2 SPDT switches. Each relay acts as two switches that are activated at the same time. This allows two independent devices to be switched at one time. In effect, there are two independent switches on a single DPDT relay - they will always switch together. There are two connectors with Normally Open, Normally Closed and Common for each relay allowing two separate connections. Wiring using these examples can be the same as any SPDT relay.

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Relay Logic Examples

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Example 1 - Simple Off/On

This example demonstrates how a relay can be used to activate a light bulb. When the relay turns on, the light comes on. Only one power wire is switched with this example using the COM (common) and NO (normally open) connections of a relay. This is the simplest of the examples, switching a light in this example or any device on when the relay is energized.

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Example 2 - Simple On/Off

This example demonstrates how a relay can be used to turn a light bulb OFF.  When the relay is energized the light turns off, when the relay is off the light will be ON.  Only one power wire is switched in this sample using the COM (common) and NC (normally closed) connections of a relay. Not commonly used but great for applications where the device is on most of the time so the relay doesn't have to be energized to to keep the device on. Power cycling a device can be a typical use for this wiring, when the relay turns on the device is powered off.

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Example 3 - 2 Relays to Activate

This example demonstrates how two energized relays are required to activate a light bulb. This is the same as a Logic and function because Relay 1 AND Relay 2 must be on to activate the light. Only one power wire is switched in this example using two relays to turn on the light. This example would be used if you want two parameters to be active before the light will switch on. If you have sensors or need two parameters to be in the correct state before the light turns on. A quick example would be a light sensor will need to show it's dark and a motion sensor showing someone in the room before the light will turn on.

MirC/MirX Users: Two contact closure inputs in the sender board required to control a device. Use this wiring when you require two outputs to close before you switch the relay.

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Example 4 - 3 Relays to Activate

This example demonstrates how three energized relays are required to activate a light bulb. Just like example 3, Logic and function play a roll because Relay 1 AND Relay 2 AND Relay 3 MUST be energized to activate the light. Only one power wire is switched in this example using three relays to turn on the light. Simple wiring from the NO of Relay 1 to the COM of Relay 2 to the NO of Relay 2 to the COM of Relay 3 will require that all three relays would need to be energized to turn on the light. This can be expanded to include as many relays as needed as long as you wire NO of the first relay to COM of the next relay.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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