Time Activated Relay 1-Channel 30-Amp with USB Interface
TLR130_USB$165.00
Time Control Without a Computer
The TLR130_USB Time Activated Relay includes an onboard real-time clock, so it always knows the current day and time. Just connect it to your computer by USB, build your schedule using the free Base Station Software, and upload it to the board. Once your schedule is stored, the computer is no longer needed - your schedules will run automatically.Use it to ring bells throughout the school day, control gates at set times, manage security lighting, or run shift-change alerts. You can also save multiple schedules on your computer and upload them anytime you need to switch between them.
Schedule All the Events You Need
The TLR130_USB can store up to 1,000 timed events, giving you far more capacity than most built-in bell or shift-timer systems. If your current controller only supports a handful of events per day, this board is a huge upgrade.Create as many schedules as you want - daily, weekly, seasonal, summer/winter, or special-event schedules - and upload them to the board whenever your routine changes.
- OVERVIEW
- USB Interface
- Board Features
- Base Station
- ProXR Expansion
- Power & More
- Relay Logic
- ACCESSORIES
- Data Sheets
USB Time Relay at a Glance
- 1 30-Amp Relay Installed
- Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) Relay
- Wire to Normally Open Position Only
- Wire Using 1/4" Quick Disconnect Terminal
- Temperature Rating -40° C to 85° C
- Expandable up to 256 Relay - Onboard USB Interface Module
- Connects directly to a USB port
- Mounts as a virtual COM port for seamless integration - Integrated Real-Time Clock
- Board always knows the current day and time
- Run relays automatically based on your schedule - Custom Time Schedules
- Create and upload your own timing schedule
- Runs independently - no computer required after setup
- Relays activate exactly when you define
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How Taralist Boards Operate
Taralist controllers are designed for time-based automation. You'll create your schedule using the free Base Station Software, upload it to the board, and once the schedule is stored, the computer is no longer required.
These boards still mount as a virtual COM port on your PC when connected by USB, making setup simple and familiar. But instead of sending ongoing commands like our ProXR series, Taralist boards follow the programmed schedule independently.
Taralist USB Configuration
USB Configuration
The time schedule must be configured using a computer and Base Station Software (a free download). Once configured, the board will operate without a computer. By choosing a USB version you will connect your computer to the board via a USB cable. This is the easiest and most popular way to connect to the Taralist Board. At any time, a computer may monitor the Taralist board, Trigger Events, Activate Relays, or Change schedules. A computer can take over a Taralist or a Taralist can operate autonomously (without a computer).Mounts as a COM Port
This Time Activated Relay connects to the USB port of your computer and will mount as a COM port on your PC. USB Drivers may be needed and links can be found in the USB Quick Start Guide. Windows 7, 8 & 10 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 transformer at checkout.
Take Manual Control of Taralist
At any time, a computer may monitor the Taralist Controller to read the status of the relays, activate relays, or change configuration settings using Base Station Software. This USB version will allow access to the board as long as it is still connected to the USB port of your computer. A computer can take over the Taralist or the Taralist can operate autonomously (without a computer). The Taralist Configuration Utility is part of Base Station software and this is a free download.Once Configured
Once the Taralist is configured, it will run through the list of events stored in its on board memory every second to look for a match with the current time. If a match with the current time and a configured event is discovered, it will execute the event.
Controlling Relays
There are 2 possible ways to control the relays on a Taralist Series controller.- A Relay can be Directly Controlled by a time schedule.
- This Relay can be controlled from a computer through a USB connection. A computer can take control of any or all relays on a Taralist controller at any time. Once taken over, the Taralist logic will not be able to switch a relay. The computer MUST return control of the relay back to the Taralist Logic for standalone operation.
Who's Qualified to Use the Taralist Series?
Some computer skills required. The Taralist 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.
Taralist Setup
You'll create your schedule using the free Base Station Software, upload it to the board, and once the schedule is stored, the computer is no longer required. When connected by USB, Taralist boards mount as a virtual COM port on your PC, making setup familiar and straightforward.
Download Base Station
Base Station Taralist Setup
Base Station Software
Base Station software works by communicating with your controller to identify the model and provides the appropriate graphical user interface for setting the time schedule and uploading it to the board. Base Station Software is used to configure and upload the time schedules to the Board and take manual control of the board to override the time schedule.Download Base Station
Integrated Real Time Clock
The Taralist series have an integrated battery backed Real Time Clock with memory that allows users to control relays based on a time schedule. Use your computer to setup the time schedule and store your schedule into the board. Once stored, the Taralist does not require a computer, and will control the relay according to a schedule that can be as simple or as complex as your application requires.
Time Schedule Events
Events are scheduled times when a relay or group of relays are turned on or off. They are defined by the user first by time: Year, Month, Day of Month, Day of week, Hour, Minute, and Second. You have the ability of switching relays on or off at very specific times! Activate relays only when the day is Monday, activate relays when the day is Monday and the Year is 2020, activate relays when the day is Monday, the year is 2020 at 9:44:21 AM. They are also defined by how they control the relays, whether they turn a relay or group of relays on or off. You can add up to 1000 Events to the list.Program Multiple Schedules
Override functions are also supported. So if the normal schedule activates a light during weekdays, but you don't want the light to come on during holidays, simply program your holiday schedule to prevent the light from activating according to your normal schedule.
Daylight Savings Time is also supported, and is FULLY CUSTOMIZEABLE. As we all know, DST laws change periodically, but the Taralist series allow you to change the year and date of all DST events (we have programmed the US dates until 2030).
Save You Schedules
Taralist controllers allow you to build and save your time schedule as a file on your computer. Different schedules can be configured for different times of the year, for instance one for Summer School and one for the full school year. Upload the schedule you need for that part of the year. For users with multiple boards saved schedules can also be used to store the time schedule into each controller easily without re configuring.Clock Accuracy - Adjustable Time Compensation
Like most clocks, time drift is a reality and the Taralist controller will drift over time. The Taralist clock has some special features to help keep the time accurate. Time compensation functions are included that allow you to automatically adjust the clock forward or back (by up to 15 seconds) each day of the week. For instance, you may find the Taralist keeps better time if it automatically advances the clock 1 second each day of the week. Or you may find that you need to subtract 5 seconds from the clock 1 day per week. Adjustable time compensation will help keep your clock accurate (though it is always a good idea to check on the clock periodically).
If your application requires your relay control to match a computer's time exactly we recommend using a computer controlled Relay and Relay Timer Software. The software can be installed on a computer or server and match the time exactly. We recommend this for school bells and shift change applications where matching a time clock is vital. Select a Wired or Wireless Relay under Relay Control from the top menu to select a board then add the Relay Timer Software at checkout.
Manual Control
TaraList boards have some amazing abilities when it comes to making decisions on their own based on the events you configure, but you can take control of the relays at any time from a computer as long as communications are established between your computer and the Time Relay device.
The interface elements shown at right allow a computer to take over control of any relay and force the relays to a On or Off state. You may also turn all relays on or off using the all relays on and all relays off buttons. You can also read the status of relays by clicking the Read Relay 1-8 Status. The Status of the relay will be shown to the right of the button. The slider at the top of the screen allows you to select with bank of relays these commands are directed to.
Power Loss Backup Buffer
The Midnight Backup Buffer is a special feature developed to help keep track of which relays should be activated in the event power is lost. Every night at midnight, the current status of all relays is stored in non-volatile memory. If power is lost, the Taralist will load the status of the relays from memory. Next, the Taralist will calculate all events from midnight to the current time to determine if any relays need to be activated or deactivated. Finally, the Taralist will refresh all relays and will be ready for normal operation.Program Up To 1000 Events
Up to 1000 timing events can be programed and uploaded to the board using Base Station Software, a free download. Once uploaded the board knows what day and time it is and can operate on it's own without a computer.
Download Base Station
Taralist Board Features
Time Activated Relay
We've looked at the interface and the configuration now let's take a look at the board design itself. The Taralist series controllers are machine manufactured for a highly accurate and reliable design. Fully tested before they leave the production facility each Taralist 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!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 right is a picture of the connector that can be purchased to connect to the relay.
Powering the Board
Reliable power means reliable switching! Applying Good clean power to the board is essential for the operation of the board and the firmware that processes the commands. For sizing a power supplly 12V regulated is required, 13.8V (automotive) is tolerated well by the board but a 12V regulated supply is what the board is designed for. We do not recommend running below 9V or above 14V. Average wall wart supplies are not suitable since they can fluctuate excessively, use batteries or consider purchasing a regulated supply to achieve the 12V spec as closely as possible. For more on powering the board Click Here
Aproximate Power Usage
- 100ma for logic of of the board to process commands
- 250ma for WiFi & wireless communications
- 80ma for each relay that is activated
Break-A-Way Tabs for a Smaller Design
The Taralist 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. Add Relays as Your Needs Grow
Time Activated Relays are expandable up to 256 total relays. The controller is fitted with an XR Expansion Port where you can add expansion boards to this relay. The Expansion Boards get their logic from the main board and will require 12 VDC regulated power. Expansion boards do not need to be the same relay amperage as the main board or other expansion boards.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.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.
30-Day Warranty/Money Back Guarantee
Taralist 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 or have the Break-A-Way tabs removed will not of course be warranted under any circumstances.Shipping & Lead Time
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 3 to 5 days lead 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.Time Activated Relay Is Here!
Control relays with a time schedule with and configure with Base Station software a free download. Here's a lists of great features:
- User Friendly Software
- Point & Click Interface - No Programming Knowledge Required
- Override Time Schedule When Computer is Connected to Board
- Read Status of Relays in Base Station
- User Friendly Board Design
- Break-A-Way Tabs lets you decide the board's size
- Direct relay connections make connecting easy
ProXR Expansion Board
This Expansion Board plugs into the XR Expansion Port on any ProXR Board to add more relays. Expansion boards can be daisy chained together to add the relays needed.
The XR Expansion Port
Add Relays as Your Needs Grow
ProXR Controllers were built with relay expansion in mind. The XR Expansion Port is used to add banks of external relays to a ProXR or Taralist board equipped with a XR Expansion port. The ProXR and Taralist boards are fitted with an XR Expansion Port where you can add expansion boards. Expansion boards can be added until you reach 256 total relays. As you continue to chain expansion boards onto an XR expansion port, the total number of available relay banks will increase. Add expansion boards as needed in the future, whenever you require more relays simply order another expansion board.Linking XR Expansion Boards Together
XR Expansion Boards consist of a XR Input and XR Output Connector. Simply connect the XR Output of your ProXR Board to the XR Input located on the relay expansion board. Chaining more relays is easy. Simply connect the XR Output of your ProXR expansion board to the XR Input of your next expansion board. Mix and Match different relay types as your application requires. A 6″ expansion cable is included with the expansion board. It's important to keep the cabling as short as possible. Not all users will be able to expand to 256 total relays, as it all depends on the installation, the amount of electrical interference, and the overall cable length. For best compatibility, the total length of the ProXR controller and all of the expansions and cabling should not exceed 1 or 2 meters.Will Not Operate Independently
This Expansion Board gets it's commands from the main ProXR or Taralist board and will not operate independently. This board MUST be plugged into a ProXR or Taralist board to operate and will not function on it's own.Essential Power Requirements
This and all expansion boards require 12 VDC to operate. We offer a wall-wart type power supply at checkout if you need to plug this into a 110 wall outlet. Applying Good clean power to the board is essential for the operation of the board. Without good steady clean power from a regulated power supply the board simply will not function correctly. 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
Maximum Relay Rating Notes
ProXR is capable of expanding to an absolute maximum of 256 Relays. In some cases, it may not be possible to control all 256 relays, particularly in applications where high noise levels may be involved. Experimentation may be required, as it is not possible for us to guarantee all users will be able to utilize all 256 relays in every application. Noise tends to accumulate when several expansions are connected together. For best results, the XR expansion cables must be as short as possible.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.
Mix & Match
Expansion boards do not need to be the same relay amperage as the main board or other expansion boards. Mix & match expansion board to get the exact amperage for your switching needs.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.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.
5-Year Warranty/Money Back Guarantee
ProXR Lite series 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.Relay Expansion Videos
Building a Power Budget
Get reliable performance every time! Use these real-world specs to build accurate power budgets, protect your board, and ensure every relay and module runs smoothly under any conditions.
Power & More
"Reliable Power = Reliable Switching"
20/30 Amp Board Performance Ratings
This tab brings together the essential performance ratings you'll want to know for NCD 20/30 Amp Relay Controllers and their supported communication modules. You'll find practical electrical requirements, power consumption estimates, operating limits, relay timing details, and more-all based on typical 12VDC operation at 70°F (21°C). Think of it as a reliable snapshot of how our hardware behaves under real-world conditions. Because every installation is unique, some values are estimates and may evolve as designs and testing continue. Use this information as a planning tool to help you choose the right controller, build an accurate power budget, and understand the capabilities built into every NCD 20/30 Amp relay board.20-Amp Relay Amperage Rating
Please Note: The 20-amp Relay is rated for 20 amps on the Normally Open (NO) contact and 10 amps on the Normally Closed (NC) contact.⚠️ Best Practice:
For high-current loads, always use the Normally Open (NO) contact.
The Normally Closed (NC) contact is limited to 10 amps and should only be used for lower-current applications.
Powering from a Battery or Solar Panel?
NCD relay controllers are well-suited for battery-powered and solar-charged applications when operated within the recommended 10 - 15VDC range. This makes them ideal for remote, mobile, and off-grid installations using common 12V battery systems with solar charging. The power consumption data on this page helps you estimate runtime, size your battery, and avoid over-discharge. Staying within the voltage limits ensures stable, reliable operation in long-term battery and solar-powered setups.💡 Relay Pros Pro Tip:
When powering a controller from a battery or solar power, keep voltage between 10-15VDC for reliable operation. Falling outside this range can cause unstable behavior or unexpected resets.
| 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 Modules
Communication Module Specifications
This table provides a quick, clear overview of all NCD Communication Modules. While each module operates at 3.3VDC, the values shown here reflect the impact on a 12VDC master controller at 70°F (21°C). Use the maximum ratings for power-budget planning - they represent short-term peak consumption and may include estimated values that are updated as modules evolve.| 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 |
|
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| 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 |
A/D Inputs
AD8 Analog Input Usage Notice
Analog inputs should never have voltage applied when the controller is powered down. If your application requires voltage to remain on an input, add a 220-ohm current-limiting resistor to each channel to protect the controller from damage. Keep all analog inputs within the 0 - 5VDC range - exceeding this limit can permanently damage the on-board CPU. Most inputs include a 10K pull-up or pull-down resistor to keep the line stable when unused, but note that this resistor may introduce a slight bias in readings for certain sensors.Accessories
Power Supply Available
The PWR12 is regulated power supply providing clean power necessary for
the performance of these boards. 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 R/A barrel connector.
Click Here for More
Enclosure Available
The GFL Enclosure is an undrilled, non-waterproof enclosure and is available at checkout for this controller.GFL Spec Sheet
CAD Drawing: GFL CAD Drawing
3D Model: GFL_3D
Quick Disconnect Terminal
Wiring is done directly to the Relay terminals using a common 1/4" quick disconnect terminal. These quick-disconnect
insulated spade wire terminals offer the fastest way to connect and disconnect wires to the relay. Easy to Apply:
Crimp with pliers after inserting the wire, no soldering required, making electrical maintenance and wiring work easier
and more efficient.
Induction Suppression
Controlling
an inductive load using our relay controllers 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.
Click Here for More
Base Station
Taralist
boards are configured using the Free Base Station Software. The GUI interface makes it easy to
configure time schedules with a point and click interface! Base Station can also be used to take
manual control of the relays to override the time schedules.Click for more on Base Station.
Relay Wiring Made Simple
From simple on/off switching to advanced AND/OR logic, these examples show exactly how to connect your relays for real-world applications. Learn the tricks to control lights, motors, sensors, and more with confidence.
Get a printout of this page
Relay Logic
"Using a light as an example load, let's wire to the board"
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.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.
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 SPDT examples shown on this page apply to these relays as long as the example does not require a Normally Closed terminal.
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
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.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 light 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.
💡 Relay Pros Pro Tip:
For devices that stay on most of the time, use the NC contact. This reduces relay wear and extends the life of both the relay and your power supply.
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 energize 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 - 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)
- For example:
- Relay 1 = night/day sensor
- Relay 2 = motion sensor
- Relay 3 = manual override (local switch)
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.
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
- 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.
MirC/MirX Users: Wire two contact closure inputs into the sender board - either input can trigger the receiver relay to control the light.
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
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 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
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.
💡 Relay Pros Pro Tip:
Motors and inductive loads often draw 2-3x their rated current at startup. Always choose a relay that exceeds the motor's inrush current, not just its running current.
