Taralist WiFi Configuration

"Upload your schedule once. The Taralist handles the timing forever."

Create and Upload Schedules

A computer is required to build and upload schedules. Using the free Base Station Software, you'll create all your time-based events and transfer them directly to the controller over a WiFi network.

Once your schedule is uploaded, the Taralist runs autonomously from onboard memory. WiFi is optional for ongoing access, but not required for day-to-day operation.

---

Daily Automatic Time Sync

When connected to your WiFi network, Taralist controllers can automatically sync their internal clock every 24 hours using NTP.

This keeps your schedules accurate long-term without drift, adjustments, or maintenance - perfect for applications that depend on precise event timing.

---

Once Configured

After your schedule is uploaded, the Taralist checks every second for matches between the current time and your stored events. When it finds one, it executes instantly.

ll events run directly from the board's internal memory, ensuring dependable stand-alone performance.

---

Connect Over WiFi (Optional)

The built-in WiFi module lets your Taralist join your wireless network so you can:

• View relay status in real time
• Manually trigger relays from Base Station
• Upload updated schedules
• Enable daily NTP time syncing

---

Take Manual Control of Taralist

A connected computer may take temporary control of individual relays or the entire board via WiFi. When PC control is active, Taralist logic pauses switching for those relays until control is returned.

You can reconnect over WiFi any time to make changes, monitor activity, or update schedules without touching the hardware.

---

Controlling Relays

Taralist relays can operate in two ways:

• Standalone Mode: Relays follow the uploaded schedule with no computer or network required.
• WiFi PC-Controlled Mode: A computer on the same network can temporarily control any relay.

When the computer takes over, Taralist logic waits until control is returned.

---

Who's Qualified to Use the Taralist Series?

No programming is required - schedule creation is handled entirely through Base Station Software.

Simple schedules are easy even for beginners. Advanced event sequences may take a bit more time and comfort with the setup steps, especially when configuring WiFi, but most users find the process very approachable.

Base Station Taralist Setup

"Run relays automatically based on your schedule"

Taralist Setup Overview

Taralist controllers are powerful, flexible, and incredibly reliable once your schedule is loaded - but setting them up is not a plug-and-play process. If you're comfortable with basic PC software, COM ports, and following on-screen prompts, you'll be fine. If not, this may not be the right product for you.

This page gives you a big-picture look at what's involved so you know what to expect before you purchase.

1. Setup Requires a Windows PC + Base Station Software

All Taralist controllers must be configured using NCD's free Base Station Software.
You'll create your schedule on your computer, upload it to the board, and the board runs that schedule on its own after that.

No coding is required, but you will be interacting with a configuration tool.

---

2. You'll Need to Establish a Connection (USB, Ethernet, or WiFi)

To configure a Taralist controller, you must connect it to your PC through one of the supported communication methods:

USB
• Board appears as a virtual COM port
• Easiest, most reliable setup path
• Required for recovering misconfigured controllers

Ethernet
• The board connects to your router or network switch
• Base Station communicates over the network
• You'll need the board's IP address
• Static IP is ideal, but DHCP works fine for setup

WiFi
• Requires joining the board to your WiFi network first
• Can be trickier than USB or Ethernet
• Once connected, Base Station communicates wirelessly
• Taralist WiFi models can also use daily NTP time sync

Regardless of the interface you choose, you'll still:

• Open Base Station
• Select the correct COM port or network device
• Load the board's current configuration
• Begin building your schedule

---

3. Creating Your Schedule (Up to 1000 Events)

Inside Base Station, you'll build your event list.
Each event can specify:

• Exact time (year, month, date, day of week, hour, minute, second)
• Which relay(s) to turn on or off
• Priority (events at the bottom of the list override events above)

You can create very simple schedules or extremely complex ones - but you must be comfortable managing lists, sorting events, and understanding scheduling logic.

---

4. Setting the Clock

Before uploading your schedule, you'll set the Taralist's internal clock:

• Sync to your PC's system time (most common), or
• Manually enter the date and time

This clock runs on the board's internal battery so your schedule survives power loss.

---

5. Midnight Backup Buffer (VERY Important)

Every night at midnight, the controller stores all relay states.
This prevents your logic from falling apart after a power outage.

You don't have to configure this feature, but you should understand that it exists - it's core to how Taralist keeps long-term schedules stable.

---

6. Uploading Your Schedule

Once your schedule is ready:

• Switch the jumper to PROGRAM mode
• Upload your schedule to the board
• Switch back to RUN mode
• The board now runs autonomously

You can come back later and re-upload new schedules anytime.

---

Optional: Manually Control Relays from Your PC

Base Station also lets you:

• Test relay states
• Override relays
• See which system (PC or Taralist logic) currently "owns" each relay
• Return control to Taralist logic afterward

This is extremely helpful during setup and troubleshooting.

---

Who Is This For?

We recommend Taralist controllers for users who are:

• ✔ Comfortable on Windows
• ✔ Okay with basic COM port configuration
• ✔ Willing to follow a guided setup process
• ✔ Need recurring automation without software running 24/7

If you want a super friendly plug-and-play experience with no setup complexity, Taralist is probably not the best fit.

---

Understanding Clock Drift

All real-time clocks drift a little over time - even high-quality ones. Taralist controllers are typically very stable, but the onboard clock can naturally drift up to about 1 second per day.

Temperature can also have a small influence:

• Cold environments: the clock may run slightly slower
• Warm environments: the clock may run slightly faster

The good news?
Taralist includes a Time Compensation feature that lets you counteract drift so your schedule stays accurate long-term.

---

Bottom Line

Taralist controllers are incredibly reliable, deeply configurable, and ideal for long-term autonomous scheduling - but setup is hands-on, technical, and requires a PC.

If you're comfortable with that, you'll love what Taralist can do.
If not, no hard feelings - but this isn't the product you want.

Taralist Board Features

"Engineered for Reliability. Built to Scale."

Time Activated Relay Controllers (Taralist Series)

Taralist Time Activated Relay Controllers make scheduling easy. Each board includes an integrated real-time clock, so your relays can follow a precise schedule - day, hour, minute, second - without needing a computer connected 24/7.
Once you create your schedule in Base Station Software and upload it to the board, you're done. The controller handles the rest automatically.

These boards are ideal for lighting control, security systems, HVAC, bells, timed access, automation sequences, and any project that needs relays triggered on a repeating schedule.

But! Keep this in mind:

• The onboard clock can drift over time. Most users won't notice, but if your application requires precise long-term accuracy (bells, synchronized events, access timing, etc.), this may not be ideal.
• You can correct drift manually, but it takes periodic maintenance.
• If you need perfect time accuracy, consider using Relay Timer Software with a ProXR board, which uses your PC-s system time.

---

Add Relays as Your System Grows

Every Taralist controller includes an onboard XR Expansion Port, allowing you to add relay expansion boards at any time.

Start with the number of relays you need today and expand incrementally - up to 256 total relays - without replacing your controller or rewriting your software.

Expansion boards share the same schedule structure and can mix relay types and amperages to match evolving system requirements.

---

SPST Relay Installed

This board is equipped with an SPST (Single Pole, Single Throw) relay. SPST relays do one thing and do it well - they simply connect or disconnect two wires.

When the relay is energized, the Common (COM) contact connects to the Normally Open (NO) contact, completing the circuit. When the relay is off, the circuit is open.

Wiring is done directly to the relay using standard 1/4" quick-disconnect terminals. (A matching connector is shown at right.)

---

2 Million+ Cycles

ProXR relays are rated for long service life - expect years of dependable operation and millions of mechanical cycles.
Every controller includes a 5-Year Warranty and 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.

---

Essential Power Requirements

Clean, regulated power is critical.
A stable 12VDC supply ensures both the relay coils and onboard firmware operate correctly. Unstable or noisy power can cause improper switching or communication issues.

We recommend the PWR12-US (120VAC → 12VDC @ 1.25A) or our international supply with interchangeable adapters.
Learn More

---

Break-A-Way Tabs for a Smaller Design

Need a smaller footprint? The Taralist PCB includes Break-A-Way Tabs, allowing the board to fit into optional undrilled enclosures or tight-space installations.

---

RoHS Compliant & Lead-Free

All ProXR Lite controllers are built with RoHS-compliant components and lead-free solder.

---

Shipping

All boards ship directly from our Missouri facility. Each unit is built and tested at the time of order - please allow 3 - 5 days for production. We ship primarily through UPS, but we're happy to use FedEx or DHL for international orders when you provide your account number. Questions? Call us at 800-960-4287 or email sales@relaypros.com.

---

Induction Suppression

One of the most important parts of relay control - yet the most commonly overlooked - is inductive load protection.

Anything with a magnetic coil (motors, solenoids, transformers, etc.) generates high-voltage "kickback" when switched. Without a suppression capacitor, that spike can:

• Shorten relay lifespan
• Cause electrical noise that disrupts the microcontroller
• Trigger unexpected shutdowns
• Require power cycling to restore communication

Adding an induction suppression capacitor protects your relay contacts and keeps everything running smoothly. Capacitors are available at checkout, and our Induction Suppression Page has wiring diagrams and more details.

---

Time Activated Relay Is Here!

Control relays with a time schedule 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
• Screw terminal or direct relay connections make connecting to the relays easy

The XR Expansion Port

"Running out of relays? Just plug in more!"

Add Relays as Your Needs Grow

ProXR Controllers were built with relay expansion in mind. The XR Expansion Port lets you add banks of external relays to any ProXR or Taralist board equipped with an XR Expansion port. Expansion boards can be added at any time as your system grows, up to a maximum of 256 total relays.

As expansion boards are added, additional relay banks become available automatically. Simply add another expansion board whenever you need more relays.

---

Relay Banks - How Large Systems Stay Simple

ProXR and ProXR Lite controllers organize relays into groups of eight called banks.

Each bank contains:

• Relay 1 through Relay 8

Expandable ProXR boards can add additional banks using XR expansion boards as your system grows.

For example:

• An 8-relay controller uses one bank
• A 32-relay controller uses four banks
• A 64-relay setup uses eight banks

Instead of creating a different command for every relay in a large system, the ProXR firmware lets you:

• Select a bank
• Send simple relay commands within that bank

This keeps the command structure fast, compact, and easy to manage - from a single-bank ProXR Lite installation to large, multi-bank ProXR expansion systems. From a single 8-relay board to a fully expanded 256-relay system, the command structure does not change.

---

Linking XR Expansion Boards Together

XR Expansion Boards include both an XR Input and XR Output connector. Connect the XR Output on your ProXR controller to the XR Input on the first expansion board. To add more relays, connect the XR Output of one expansion board to the XR Input of the next board in the chain.

You can mix and match different relay types on expansion boards to match your application. A 6" expansion cable is included with each expansion board.

For best reliability, keep all expansion cabling as short as possible. Maximum expansion length and total relay count depend on your installation, electrical noise, and overall cable length. For best compatibility, the combined length of the controller, expansion boards, and cables should not exceed 1-2 meters.

---

Mix & Match

Expansion boards do not need to match the relay type or amperage of the main controller or other expansion boards. Mix and match expansion boards to get the exact relay types and current ratings your application requires.

---

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

All XR expansion boards require their own 12 VDC power source. A regulated 12 VDC supply must be connected directly to each expansion board for proper operation.

We offer a compatible wall-plug power supply at checkout, or you may use your own regulated 12 VDC supply. 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.

---

RoHS Compliant

Expansion boards are led free and RoHS Compliant.  If your requirements are for RoHS compliant parts every expansion board is manufactured with RoHS compliant led free parts and solder.

---

2-Million Cycles

XR Expansion Boards are designed for long life just as the ProXR boards, you should expect to get years of service from expansion board and literally 2-million cycles from the relays on board.  With a 5-year warranty and a money back guarantee add more relays anytime the need arises!

---

---

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.

---

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.

---

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 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.

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

---

---

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

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.

Get a printout of this page

---

---

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 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.

---

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)

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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