Ethernet Relay Control

Introducing the NCD5500 Ethernet to Serial Converter.  NCD's 3rd Generation Converter setting new standards for reliability, low-cost, and ease of use!  Connect the complete line of NCD Industrial Devices to your Ethernet Network using this modular communications module from NCD.  Based on the their next generation Ethernet to Serial Converter, the NCD5500 was customized specifically for use with NCD devices to ensure optimal compatibility with our complete line of products.  This Ethernet communications module essentially converts TCP/IP data into serial data bytes, and sends these bytes to the complete line of NCD devices via Serial Communications.  This Ethernet communications module is suitable for use with endNode, ProXR*, ProXR Lite*, Fusion, Reactor*, and Taralist* series controllers as well as a broad range of IoT connected devices.  This Ethernet to Serial Communication Module is also Compatible with Alpha Station and Base Station, Making it Easy to Discover the IP Address.  Please note the Default Web Page Login Password is “admin” and may be changed by the user.

Ethernet to Serial Communications Module

This Ethernet to Serial Communications Module converts TCP packets to Serial data and vise versa.  This device can be configured to automatically close the socket after a programmable timeout or to leave the socket open.  A blue LED light indicates an open socket connection.  Program the Baud Rate of this Device from 9600 to 115.2K Baud and communicate to this device over the default TCP port 2101.  This device also supports Static IP Addresses, DHCP, and has the ability to recover back to factory default settings with a simple press of a button!

DHCP and Static IP Addresses

This module supports both DHCP and static IP Addressing. For communications reliability, especially via Remote Access, we recommend using a Static IP Address when you feel comfortable doing so.  This will ensure that the device will always be where you expect it to be when you try to connect to it.

TCP/IP Communications

The main method of communication to the Ethernet modules is a standard TCP Socket.  This communication protocol makes use of Network Sockets to create point to point tunnels that data can flow through bi-directionally.  In this way the computer that is controlling the relay can send commands and shortly thereafter receive the response through the same Socket.

3rd Generation Hardware Now Shipping

This is NCD's 3rd generation hardware for Ethernet to Serial communications, representing giant steps forward in reliability, easy of use, recover-ability, and LOW COST.  Yes, we are actually LOWERING the price of this device as costs have shrunk considerably from previous generation Ethernet to Serial conversion technologies.  Other significant improvements include new recovery options.  Not only is a web UI supported (as in previous generations), but also a new Windows application may be used to change settings and recover modules with an unknown IP address!  New firmware upgrade options are now available, allowing users to upgrade firmware as new features are released.

Password Protection

The Gen3 Module has security built-in.  Under the management tab users have the ability to assign a password to the module for security.

Port Forwarding

When using this board over the internet and outside the Local Area Network, Port Forwarding will be required.  Port Forwarding is a protocol used by your router to allow incoming requests for connections to get through to a specific device on a specific port.  Below is an example of how it works.  In this example a router has been setup to forward incoming requests for port 2101 to the device at the IP Address 192.168.2.19 on port 2101.  Now when any device that tries to access this Port on the External IP Address the router will see the request and automatically forward the request to the device at the IP Address of 192.168.2.19 on port 2101.  If this Port Forwarding rule was not in place and a request came in on port 2101 the router would not know which port or device to forward it to and the request for connection would be denied.  Note: Port Forwarding will not be necessary when using this within a Local Area Network.  For more on Port Forwarding with detailed instructions for every router visit: https://portforward.com/ .

Sending Commands

Base Station Software is available at no charge to get you up and running fast (more on Base Station below).  Once powered up, the controller waits for a ProXR command.  A command consists of a few bytes of data in numerical format (ProXR Enhanced Command Set) usually between 2 and 6 bytes.  Once the command has been received, the controller processes the command, and sends you back ASCII character code 85 to signal the completion of your command.  If a command was sent to read the status of the relay the status is sent back.

3rd Generation Ethernet

Once seperate modules the Gen3 Module have the added capability to configure the module for use with a browser.  The New Gen3 Ethernet module has the ability to store web pages that can be used to control the relays!  The web pages are already created and can be uploaded to the modules through the free configuration software.  You can upload the already existing working pages ready to use or you can modify them in your favorite HTML editor and upload the custom pages.  There are pages created for the specific number of relays installed on the board you are using.

Connectivity Options

Once configured the web pages can be accessed remotely through an Internet connection using any device with an embedded web browser such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer.  Since it is browser based you can use any operating system from Andriod, iOS, Windows and any browser!

Working Web Pages

The Gen3 Module has working web pages for the specific amount of relays tha tyou have on the board.  there is also a page for reading the analog inputs on the ProXR Lite boards.  You can also set passwords and create macros all through the IP address of the controller. 

Read Analog Sensors

All ProXR Lite controllers offer a 8-Channel 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converter!  The ADC page was creatred to read the variable resistance AD inputs and will then will return a value between 0-255.  Meters on the page and will display the value of the inputs for a live look at the inputs right on your phone, tablet or computer!

Smart Phone Control

Once the Web-i web page appears on your smart phone, bookmark the page so you can access your relays just like an App on your home screen of your smart phone.  Using this method, you can be anywhere in the world and still monitor and control relays as long as your mobile device has an internet connection.  It even works using 3G and 4G internet services, so you can be in your car and stay in control of your relays.

LAN or Internet Control

Control relays from your local internet only when you are connected to your local area network or control from the internet from anywhere outside your network.  Once your router is properly configured for port forwarding, users may access the web pages built into the Web-i interface from anywhere in the world just like it were a normal web site. Simply use the Web-i web pages to monitor and control your electronics or customize the pages for your own needs.

Web-i Setup

There is a bit of configuration that will need to be done in the module in order to upload and use the web pages.  In the configuration software you will select the Web-i option.  Once selected you will have the ability to upload the web pages to the module through the same software.  You will upload HTML pages with controls that match the number of relays on your board.  We reccommend setting a static IP address which will be used in your browser to access the web pages. 

ProXR Relay

We've looked at the interface now let's take a look at the board design and programming.  The ProXR series controllers are manufactured by hand for a highly accurate and reliable design.  Equipped with the XR Expansion Port additional relays can be easily added.  Fully tested before they leave the production facility each ProXR 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!

Easy Software Development

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

Base Station Software

Base Station will assist you in learning how this device functions and is the ultimate reference tool for setting up, testing and controlling this device.  Base Station software supports every feature of this device - no other controller manufacturer even comes close to offering this type of software.  Base Station works by communicating with your controller to identify the model and provides the appropriate graphical user interface for setting up and testing the identified device.  To help you get started and learn this controller Quick Start Guides are available for just about every feature.  As you discover a feature in Base Station a link is provided where you can easily download the Quick Start Guide.

ProXR Enhanced Firmware Installed

This board has ProXR Firmware installed that responds to the full ProXR Command Set.  The ProXR Firmware is the industry leading firmware for controlling relays with more commands and functionality than any other board on the market.  The list of commands and parameters this board is capable of is extensive.  ProXR Enhanced is the newly released enhance version of the ProXR Firmware with more commands, more functionality and better control than ever before!  For a detailed list of all the commands with descriptions see our ProXR Enhanced Command Set.

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 over 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.  The Common (COM) is the  moving part of the relay that comes in contact with the Normally Open (NO) when the coil to the relay is energized.  Wiring is done directly to the Relay terminals using a common 1/4" quick disconnect terminal.  To the right is a picture of the connector that will connect to the relay.

Amperage Rating

The 20-Amp relay is reated for 20-amps on the Normally Open connection and rated for 10-amps on the Normally Closed connection.  Please keep this in mind when wiring to the Normally Closed side it is only rated for 10-amps.

2-Million Cycles

ProXR series controllers are designed for long life, you should expect to get years of service from your controller and literally 2-million cycles from the relays on board.  With a 5-year warranty and a money back guarantee you have nothing to loose!  Place your order now, while everything is in front of you.

Essential Power Requirements

Applying Good clean power to the board is essential for the operation of the board.  Not only for the switching of the relays but the firmware that processes the commands.  Without good steady clean power from a regulated power supply the board simply will not function correctly.  All boards on the site require 12 VDC power.  The PWR12 US power supply is a 120VAC to 12VDC 1.25A 60Hz regulated power supply and it plugs into the barrel connector on the board.  The output connector is a 2.1mm I.D. x 5.5mm O.D. x 9.5mm Female R/A barrel connector.  We also carry an international power supply with interchangeable adapters for international customers. Learn More

This Board is RoHS Compliant

This board is led free and RoHS Compliant.  If your requirements are for RoHS compliant parts this board is manufactured with RoHS compliant led free parts and solder.

Add Relays as Your Needs Grow

The ProXR series controllers 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.  Expansion boards can be added until you reach 256 total relays.  The Expansion Boards get their logic from the main board and will require 12 VDC power. Expansion boards do not need to be the same relay amperage as the main board or other expansion boards.

Read Analog Sensors

This ProXR controller offers a 8-Channel 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converter in addition to relay control.  This board is equipped with 8 inputs that can accept an input from 0 to 5 volts.  The boards AD8 Command Set is used to read the analog voltages and converts the Voltage from 0 to 5 Volts DC into numeric value.  The AD8 Command Set supports 8-Bit Analog to Digital Conversion, which converts 0-5VDC to a numeric value from 0 to 255.  The AD8 Command Set also supports 10-Bit Analog to Digital Conversion, which converts 0-5VDC to a numeric value from 0 to 1023.

16 User-Programmable Timers

The ProXR Series controllers have 16 user-programmable timers. Each independent timer can be assigned to any relay, and can be programmed to hold the relay in the On state, or to pulse the relay at the end of the timer.  The ProXR timing features are ideally suited for Watchdog, Keep Alive, and Server Reboot applications, as well as sprinkler systems, gate openers, and lighting applications.  Relay Timing Features support two modes of operation: Duration and Pulse. Duration timing is ideally suited where a device should be activated for a period of time. Pulse timing mode is designed specifically for server reboot applications, whereby, if the timer is not reset periodically by your software, the timer will run out and reboot your computer.

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. 

Induction Suppression

Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of relay control is proper handling of inductive loads. Inductive loads can best be defined as anything with a magnetic coil, such as a motor, solenoid, or a transformer.  Controlling a inductive load using this relay board requires an induction suppression capacitor for each relay being used.  The purpose of this capacitor is to absorb the high voltages generated by inductive loads, blocking them from the contacts of the relay.  Without this capacitor, the lifespan of the relay will be greatly reduced.  Induction can be so severe that it interferes with the logic of the board, causing relay banks to shut down unexpectedly.  For more information view our Induction Suppression Video.

Shipping

The boards sold are brand new units shipped from our office conveniently located in Missouri.  These boards are completely tested before they are released for shipping  With so many boards on our site it is impossible to stock boards, please allow two to three days production time for your order to ship.  If you have any questions please feel free to call our office at 800-960-4287 or e-mail us at sales@relaypros.com.

ProXR Control Is Here!

A more streamlined manufacturing process brings a more durable, reliable and better relay board to the market.  Here's a lists of great features:

User Friendly Board Design
• Single Pole Double Throw Relays Installed
    - Wire to Normally Open or Normally Closed Position
    - Normally Open Rated 20-Amps
    - Normally Closed Rated 10-Amps
• Break-A-Way Tabs Lets you Decide the Board's Size
• Wire Directly to the Relay Using 1/4" Quick Disconnect Terminal
• RoHS Compliant
• XR Expansion Port - Easily Add More Relays

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

Software Options

Not a programmer and think these boards look great, not to worry we have software to help get you connected and even control the relays with a button on your desktop or by a time schedule!

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Data Sheets & Quick Start Guides

Below are the Data Sheets Quick Start Guides for this board.  These are the guides that will help you communicate and configure this board.