Gen3 Ethernet Relay

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.

Gen3 Web Page Control

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. 

The ProXR DPDT Relay Board

Easy Software Development

Most of our customers write their own program for controlling these devices. 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.

Plug-In for Visual Studio

The NCD Component Library is a plug-in for the Visual Studio 2005/2008 that greatly simplifies the communications to the NCD product line. The samples can be run in Visual Studio and full customization to your needs.  Over 40 samples included with this free download!  Component Library.

Base Station Software

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

Essential Power Requirements

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

Read Analog Sensors

This ProXR controller offers a 8-Channel 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converter in addition to relay control.  Read and control from 8 sensors per board from 0 to 5 volts!

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.

DPDT Relays Installed

This board has DPDT relays installed.  A single DPDT 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 signals 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.  The diagram below shows the how the arms of the common swing from the Normally Closed to the Normally Open positions when energized.  Wiring to either the NO or NC can produce your desired results.

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.

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.

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 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
• "Wall Wart" or direct power capability
• Relay status light bar
• XR Expansion Port - easily add more relays
• Easy screw terminal connections
• DPDT Relays with 2 connections per relay

ProXR Features
• Works with the full ProXR Enhanced Command Set
• 8-Channel 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converter
• Highly reliable relay with industry leading command set
• 16 programmable timers available

The ProXR Command Set

Introduction

The ProXR Series Controllers allow you to control up to 2048 relays depending on your controller model.  Relays are divided into groups of 8 called banks, and are addressed by their bank number.  For instance, a ProXR series controller with 32 on-board relays has four on-board banks, the on-board relays respond to bank values of 1-4.  If you use the XR Expansion port to add another bank of 24 relays, then you will need to specify bank values of 5-7 to control the extra relays.  The firmware doesn’t actually know how many relays are attached to the relay controller, it is up to the user to define how many relays are attached to the controller using Base Station Software.  The ProXR CPU will assume you have connected the maximum number of supported relays to your controller.  In the ProXR Quick Start Guide, you will see two commands that appear to do the same thing, for example:

  254 0-7 Turn Off Individual Relays
  254 100-107 Bank# Turn Off Individual Relays in Bank
  254 8-15 Turn On Individual Relays
  254 108-115 Turn On Individual Relays in Bank
  254 16-23 Get the Status of an Individual Relay
  254 116-123 Bank# Get the Status of an Individual Relay in Bank
While the outcome is the same, these commands function in slightly different ways.

For instance:
  254 8 Turn On Relay 1
To make this command work, you will send a 254, then a 8 to activate a relay. By default, relay bank 1 will be affected by this command. However, you can redirect this command to a different relay bank using the following command:
  254 49 2  Direct Commands to Relay Bank 2
Then you can send:
  254 8 Turn On Relay 1 in Bank 2

Here are a few more Bank Specified Examples:
  254 49 1 Direct Commands to Relay Bank 1
  254 8 Turn On Relay 1 in Bank 1
  254 49 2 Direct Commands to Relay Bank 2
  254 8 Turn On Relay 1 in Bank 2
  254 9 Turn On Relay 2 in Bank 2
  254 10 Turn On Relay 3 in Bank 2
  254 49 3 Direct Commands to Relay Bank 3
  254 8 Turn On Relay 1 in Bank 3
  254 11 Turn On Relay 4 in Bank 3
  254 12 Turn On Relay 5 in Bank 3
  254 13 Turn On Relay 6 in Bank 3
  254 14 Turn On Relay 7 in Bank 3
  254 49 0 Direct Commands to All Relay Banks
  254 8 Turn On Relay 1 in All Relay Banks

This command structure has the advantage of being very fast and efficient. However, if power to the controller is ever lost, commands will automatically be directed to bank 1 when power to the controller has been restored. This command methodology is generally advisable for ProXR controllers with 8 or fewer relays. When working with more than 8 relays, we generally advise users to use Bank Directed commands as shown in the following examples.

Turns Off Relays in the Currently Selected Relay Bank

This command will control the Off status of specified relays in the Currently Selected Relay Bank.  This command has optional parameters <1-7> for controlling the Off status of the remaining relays, 1 being the next relay in sequence, 2-7 being all possible subsequent relays in the selected relay bank.  A value of 0 refers to the first relay in the specified relay bank, 7 being the 8th and final relay of the selected Relay Bank. This command sends byte value 85 back to the user when the operation has been completed.

Send Bytes:	Byte 1:	Byte 2:	Byte 3:
Function:	Command	Command	Optional Parameters
Decimal Values:	254	0-7	1-7
Hex Values	0xFE	0x00 - 0x07	0x01 - 0x07
Receive Byte:	Decimal:	85
	Hex:	0x55

Turns On Relays in the Currently Selected Relay Bank

This command will control the On status of specified relays in the Currently Selected Relay Bank.  This command has optional parameters <1-7> for controlling the On status of the remaining relays, 1 being the next relay in sequence, 2-7 being all possible subsequent relays in the selected relay bank.  A value of 0 refers to the first relay in the specified relay bank, 7 being the 8th and final relay of the selected Relay Bank.  This command sends byte value 85 back to the user when the operation has been completed.

Send Bytes:	Byte 1:	Byte 2:	Byte 3:
Function:	Command	Command	Optional Parameters
Decimal Values:	254	8-15	1-7
Hex Values	0xFE	0x08 - 0x0F	0x01 - 0x07
Receive Byte:	Decimal:	85
	Hex:	0x55

Read the Status of Relays in the Currently Selected Relay Bank

This command will report the On/Off status of Relays 0-7 in the Currently Selected Relay Bank.  This command sends byte value of 0 of 1 back to the user when the operation has been completed, 0 reporting an Off status and 1 reporting an On status.

Send Bytes:	Byte 1:	Byte 2:
Function:	Command	Command
Decimal Values:	254	16-23
Hex Values	0xFE	0x10 - 0x17
Receive Byte:	Decimal:	0 or 1
	Hex:	0x00 or 0x01

Full Command Set

These are only a few examples from the ProXR Command set so you can get an idea of the command structure.  Download the ProXR Quick Start Guide to view the full command set ProXR Quick Start Guide.

Base Station Software

Base Station Software was designed to help you learn the ProXR command set!  No other relay board manufacturer even comes close to offering this type of software!  Explore ProXR features using it's Graphical User Interface.  Watch data bytes flow to and from the board, so you easily understand the command execution process.  There is no faster or easier way to learn how to automate than Base Station, as it was designed to work with all the communication modules we offer!  You only need a Windows 8 or 10 Computer to Run Base Station. 

Base Station Features

There are some useful features to look for when using Base Station Software to control, test, or configure your device:

• At the bottom left corner of each window there is a link to relevant documentation for your device
• In the Control Command Set Window, and many others, there is a MORE or LESS option at the top right corner.  Selecting MORE allows you to view specific communication details.
• All the functions of the command set are available as a point-and-click interface plus you can see the command that is being sent to the board!

The AD8 Command Set

Reading Switches/Variable Resistance Signals

This board is equipped with 8-Channels of 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converters, capable of reading analog voltages from 0 to 5 Volts DC.  The ADCs on this controller allow monitoring of external sensors or contact closure input detection.  Connect external temperature sensors, light sensors, current sensors, buttons, switches, or anything else that generates a 0-5VDC analog or contact closure output.  With 8-bit resolution, analog inputs will convert 0-5 Volt signals into a value from 0 to 255.  With 10-bit resolution, values of 0 to 1023 may be measured.  Input resolution is software selected.  Simply ask the controller for the analog value of each input, and the controller instantly responds.

Analog Inputs Controlling Relays

ProXR AD8 controllers allow you to map analog inputs for direct control of on-board relays.  Inputs can be configured to flash relays, turn relays on or off, toggle the relay state, send push notification data, and much more.

Analog to Digital Connections

AD8 Series controllers allow users to monitor sensors and switches.  A/D inputs should never be left “floating,” which simply means all inputs MUST connect to something (such as a voltage or ground).  To prevent inputs from floating, a 10K Resistor connects each input to +5 or Ground using the pull up/down jumper.  While this 10K resistor does slightly interfere with the signal, its benefits far outweigh the consequences of leaving inputs floating.

AD8 Command Set

The AD8 Command Set is used to read analog voltages on controllers equipped with an 8-Channel 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converter.  The AD8 Command Set converts a 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.  Since 10-Bit Values must be communicated using two bytes, the following formula must be used to reconstruct the 10-Bit Value:
10BitValue = (MSB*256)+LSB 'Converts 2 Bytes into a Value from 0 to 1023

Reads the 8-Bit Analog Input of Channels

This command will read the Analog Input of Channels 1-8 and return an 8-bit value for each.

Send Bytes:	Byte 1:	Byte 2:
Function:	Command	Parameter (Channel 1-8)
Decimal Values:	254	150-157
Hex Values	0xFE	0x96 - 0x9D
Receive Byte:	Decimal:	0-255
	Hex:	0x00-0xFF

Full Command Set

These are only a few examples from the AD8 Command Set so you can get an idea of the command structure.  Download the AD Quick Start Guide to view the full command set AD Quick Start Guide.

Base Station Software for AD8

Base Station

Base Station will allow you to read the inputs and will even show you the commands being sent from Base Station so you can use them in your own programming. 

Relay Activator and Analog Inputs

The Relay Activator control panel allows analog inputs to directly control relays!  Simply connect the analog inputs to buttons or switches and trigger basic relay on or off functions to take manual control of the on-board relays.  The Relay Activator control panel allows you to define 8 functions for each of the 8 inputs.  Functions include turning relays on or off, toggling the state of relays, momentarily flash a relay, momentarily toggle the flashing function of a relay, turn all relays on, turn all relays off, and push notification events.  When push notification events are configured, the controller generates a packet of data every time the inputs change state.

Relay Activator for Manual Control

Relay Activator is great for applications where computer control is used but manual control is necessary at times.  Buttons or switches can be used to take manual control of any of the relays.  You will have the ability to turn a relay on with a computer and turn the relay off with the manual switch!  Download the Relay Activator Quick Start Guide here: in the AD8 Relay Activator Quick Start Guide.

Create Desktop Meters

Using N-Button software desktop Meters can be created for real time level readings of a sensor connected to the AD8 inputs!  "It's like having a meter right on your desk for constant monitoring".  Meters can be created for temperature sensors, moisture sensors, light meters and others as long as their output is between 0 and 5 volts.  Create a live at-a-glance determination of the sensor.  There are 8 inputs on the board so you can create a meter for each of the input and label them, our meter here is labeled Soil Moisture.  Best of all the increments on the meter can be fully customized to fit your needs.  N-Button Lite and N-Button Pro can be purchased at checkout.
Visit our N-Button Page

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.