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.

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.

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!

SPDT Relay Installed

This board has SPDT relays installed.  SPDT Single Pole Double Throw Relays have three connections - Common, Normally Open, and Normally Closed.  When the relay is off, the common is connected to the normally closed connection of the relay.  When the relay is energized, the Common swings over to the Normally Open connection.  You can wire to either the Normally Open or the Normally Closed position. 

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!

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 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

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.

SPDT Relay Installed

This device has SPDT relays installed.  SPDT Single Pole Double Throw Relays have three connections - Common, Normally Open, and Normally Closed.  When the relay is off, the common is connected to the normally closed connection of the relay.  When the relay coil is energized, the Common swings to the Normally Open Connection of the Relay.  You can wire the device you are switching to either the Normally Open or the Normally Closed position using screw terminal connections.  The maximum guage wire the terminal can handle is 14 ga but we have used up to 12 ga solid core for several applications with no issues.

Mix & Match

Expansion boards do not need to be the same relay amperage as the main board or other expansion boards.  Mix &anp; match expansion board to get the exact amperage for your switching needs. 

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.

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.

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 relay anytime the need arises!

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. 

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

SPDT Wiring

SPDT Single Pole Double Throw Relays have three connections - Common, Normally Open, and Normally Closed. When the relay is off, the common is connected to the normally closed connection of the relay. When the relay coil is energized, the Common swings to the Normally Open Connection of the Relay. You can wire the device you are switching to either the Normally Open or the Normally Closed position and we have examples below.

SPST Wiring

SPST Single Pole Single Throw Relays have two connections - Common and Normally Open. The Common (COM) is the moving part of the relay that comes in contact with the Normally Open (NO) when the coil to the relay is energized. The only SPST relay we sell on this site is the 30-Amp relays, The wiring examples below can be used with the 30-Amp relays as long as the example doesn't use the Normally Closed position.

DPDT Wiring

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

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Relay Logic Examples

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Example 1 - Simple Off/On

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

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Example 2 - Simple On/Off

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

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Example 3 - 2 Relays to Activate

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

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

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Example 4 - 3 Relays to Activate

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

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Example 5 - Override Function

This example demonstrates the and/or function. The light bulb will be activated if Relay 1 and Relay 2 are energized OR if Relay 3 is energized. This example is great for applications that may require a logical condition of 2 relays plus an override feature. For instance, if Relay 1 is a night/day sensor, Relay 2 is a moisture sensor. If its dark and the soil is dry, Relays 1 and 2 can activate a pump. If you want to override these conditions with local physical switch using Relay Activator function (see the AD8 Command Set Tab) Relay 3 would override Relays 1 & 2.

MirC/MirX Users: Add a manual button or switch to control the third relay to manually control the light if you have sensors that control the other relays.

Reactor Users: Add a manual button or switch to control the third relay to manually control the light if you have sensors that control the other relays.

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Example 6 - Either Relay Activates

This example demonstrates how either relay can be used to activate a light. Only one power wire is switched in this example using either of two relays to turn on the light. In this sample, only one activated relay is required to activate the light. If both relays are activated, the light will be on. Great for if you have a timer for one of the relays but want to turn the light on when the timer is scheduled off or have two sensors connected and want either of them to control a device.

MirC/MirX Users: Two contact closure inputs in the sender board and either of the inputs can control one light or device.

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Example 7 - 3-Way Switch

This example demonstrates how to create a 3-way light switch to activate a light. A 3-way light switch is where two light switches can be used to activate a single light. This sample is exactly the same as a 3-way light switch, the only difference being each physical switch is replaced by a relay. Operationally, it works the same way. Only one power wire is switched in this example using both relays to turn on the light. Each relay activation will cause the light to toggle. Switching two relays at one time is like flipping 2 switches at once....with the same result. This sample is particularly useful since you can replace one relay (as shown in the diagram) with a physical light switch. This will allow a computer to control a light as well as manual operation of a light. Properly used, this can be one of the most valuable diagrams we offer on this page.

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Example 8 - Motor Control

This example demonstrates how to control the direction of a DC motor using 2 relays. Braking is accomplished by connecting both motor terminals to a common power connection (Faraday's Law). The capacitors shown may not be required for small motors, but if you experience problems with relays shutting themselves off, the induction suppression capacitor will be required. The .1uF capacitor helps suppress electronic noise if the battery were to be used by sensitive devices (such as radios/amplifiers).

• Relay 1 Off Relay 2 Off = Motor Brake to +
• Relay 1 On Relay 2 Off = Motor Forward
• Relay 1 Off Relay 2 On = Motor Backward
• Relay 1 On Relay 2 On = Motor Brake to -
• Induction Capacitor Should Be located by relay
• Filter Capacitor Should be Located Near Motor
• Additional Capacitors May be Desirable for Some Motors

Inductive loads typically require 2-3 times the runtime voltage or amperage when power is first applied to the device. For instance, a motor rate at 5 Amps, 125 VAC will often require 10-15 amps just to get the shaft of the motor in motion. Once in motion, the the motor may consume no more than 5 amps. When driving these types of loads, choose a relay that exceeds the initial requirement of the motor. In this case, a 20-30 Amp relay should be used for best relay life.

Data Sheets & Quick Start Guides