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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The ProXR Lite SPST Relay Board

ProXR Lite Relay

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

Not Expandable

Unlike it's big brother, the ProXR Series, the ProXR Lite series controllers are NOT expandable. The firmware still thinks 256 relays are available but the relay portion of the controller only responds to the first 1, 2, 4 or 8 relays in Bank 1.

Full ProXR Enhanced Firmware Installed

This board has ProXR Firmware installed that responds to the full ProXR Command Set - it's just not expandable.  The ProXR Firmware is the industry leading firmware for controlling relays with more commands and functionality than any other board on the market.  The list of commands and parameters this board is capable of is extensive.  ProXR Enhanced is the newly released enhance version of the ProXR Firmware with more commands, more functionality and better control than ever before!  For a detailed list of all the commands with descriptions see our ProXR Enhanced Command Set.

Base Station Software

Base Station Software was designed to help you learn the ProXR command set.  Explore ProXR features using it's Graphical User Interface.  Watch data bytes flow to and from the board, so you easily understand the command execution process.  There is no faster or easier way to learn how to automate than Base Station, as it was designed to work with the complete array of communication modules.  Base Station software supports every feature of this device - no other controller manufacturer even comes close to offering this type of software. 

Easy Software Development

Most of our customers write their own program for controlling these relays.  Since you can use almost any programming language, you can use one that is most familiar to you so you don't have to learn a new language.  These boards support the Serial Port Profile, meaning they will mount to the computer as a virtual com port. This makes it very easy to send commands to the board.  Not a programmer, check out N-Button!  Software that allows you to configure buttons to control relays and read the status of those relays without programming using point-and-click action.  Click Here for More

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

Read Analog Sensors

All ProXR Lite controllers offer a 8-Channel 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converter in addition to relay control.  Read and control from 8 sensors per board from 0 to 5 volts (0 being a dry contact)!  A/D inputs are ideal for reading the on/off status of switches, connect a switch between input and ground and software may then be used to monitor the contact closure status of the switch.  AD inputs can also be used for reading variable resistance signals, the board will then will return a value between 0-255.  Click the grey Data Sheets tab above and look for the AD8 Quick Start Guide to see the full AD command set.

SPST Relay Installed

This board 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 right is a picture of the connector that will connect to the relay.

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.

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

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.

ProXR Lite 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
• Wire Directly to the Relay Using 1/4" Quick Disconnect Terminal
• RoHS Compliant

ProXR Lite Features
• Industry Leading ProXR Command Set
• 8-Channel 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converter
• Highly Reliable Board
• Assign up to 16 Programmable Timers

ProXR Lite Limitations
• This Board Cannot be Expanded

Power & More

20/30 Amp Relay Board Specifications

This table covers all NCD boards with 20 or 30 amp relays installed.  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			15ms	Needs Further Validation
Relay Deactivation Time			10mS	Needs Further Validation
Operational Life Mechanical	10,000,000			Component Operation Rating
Operational Life Electrical	100,000			Component Rating at Maximum Load

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 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

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Relay Types

SPDT Relay

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. The SPDT relays offered on this site are 5-Amp, 10-Amp and 20-Amp models.

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SPST Relay

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.

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DPDT Relay

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. We offer the DPDT relays in 1-Amp, 3-Amp and 5-Amp models on ProXR boards starting at 8 relays.

Relay Grouping in the ProXR Command Set lets you combine individual relays to function like a DPDT relay using separate channels. This is ideal when you need to control multiple relays simultaneously or exceed the 5-Amp switching limit of our standard DPDT relays.

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Relay Logic Examples

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Example 5 - AND/OR Logic with Override

This example demonstrates a combined AND/OR logic setup. The light will turn on when:

• Relay 1 AND Relay 2 are both energized
  OR
Relay 3 is energized (override)

This wiring is useful when you need a normal logic condition plus a manual or automatic override option.

For example:
• Relay 1 = night/day sensor
• Relay 2 = motion sensor
• Relay 3 = manual override (local switch)

If it's dark and the motion sensor activates, Relays 1 and 2 energize to turn on the light. But if you want to control the light manually - regardless of sensor conditions - Relay 3 can override the logic and activate the light on its own.

A/D Board Users: The Relay Activator function on any A/D board or ProXR Lite board lets you connect a button or switch to any A/D input. This input can then control the override relay, giving you a convenient local button to manually override the first two relays.

MirC/MirX Users: Add a manual button or switch to trigger the third relay when you need direct control instead of sensor-driven control.

Reactor Users: A local button or switch can be wired to the third relay input to provide a manual override for sensor-based logic.

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Example 6 - OR Logic (Either Relay Activates)

This example demonstrates OR Logic - the light will turn on when either relay is energized. Only one power wire is switched, but it can pass through Relay 1 or Relay 2 to reach the light.

• If Relay 1 activates, the light turns on
• If Relay 2 activates, the light turns on
• If both activate, the light remains on

This setup is ideal when two independent sources should be able to control the same device. Common uses include:

• A timer controlling one relay, with a manual or secondary control for the other.
• Two sensors where either condition (motion detected or low light, for example) should activate the light.

A/D Board Users: The Relay Activator function on any A/D board or ProXR Lite board lets you connect a button or switch to any A/D input. This input can then be used as a manual control of the relay.

MirC/MirX Users: Wire two contact closure inputs into the sender board - either input can trigger the receiver relay to control the light.

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Example 7 - 3-Way Switch (Relay-Based 3-Way Control)

This example shows how to create a 3-way light switch setup using relays. A traditional 3-way circuit allows two switches to control the same light from different locations. In this wiring sample, each physical switch is replaced by a relay - but the operation is the same.

Only one power wire is switched, and the relays toggle the light depending on their current state.

• Activating either relay will toggle the light
• Activating both relays at the same time has the same effect as flipping both switches at once

This wiring method is especially useful because you can replace one of the relays with a physical light switch, giving you both computer control and manual control of the same light. When used correctly, this becomes one of the most flexible and powerful diagrams on the page.

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Example 8 - DC Motor Direction Control

This example demonstrates how to control the direction of a DC motor using two relays. By changing how the motor's leads connect to power, you can run the motor forward, reverse, or place it in a brake state. Braking is achieved by tying both motor terminals to the same power connection, which stops rotation through Faraday's Law.

Relay Operation Summary

• Relay 1 Off / Relay 2 Off → Motor Brake to +
• Relay 1 On / Relay 2 Off → Motor Forward
• Relay 1 Off / Relay 2 On → Motor Reverse
• Relay 1 On / Relay 2 On → Motor Brake to -

The capacitors shown are optional for small motors, but may be required in some situations:

• The induction suppression capacitor prevents the relay from shutting off due to motor back-EMF
• The 0.1µF filter capacitor reduces electrical noise, especially useful when powering sensitive electronics such as radios or amplifiers.

Capacitor Placement
• Place the induction suppression capacitor near the relays
• Place the filter capacitor near the motor
• Additional capacitors may be needed for certain motors

Important Note on Inductive Loads
Motors draw significantly more current at startup than during continuous operation - often 2-3 times their rated running current. For example, a motor rated at 5A (125VAC) may require 10-15A to begin turning. Always select a relay that exceeds the motor's initial inrush current, not just its running current. In this case, a 20-30A relay provides optimal performance and longevity.

Data Sheets & Quick Start Guides