8-Channel Programmable Potentiometer with WIFI Interface

Digital Potentiomer

You've been asking for NCD to bring back their Digital Potentiometer and they heard you!  Back in production as a Legacy controller, this device will not become obsolete as long as Parts Remain Available!  Based on the MCP42xx0 Series Digital Potentiometers, use a computer to change the resistor values on 8 different programmable resistors with up to 256 taps per potentiometer.  Available in Potentiometer values of 10 kΩ, 50 kΩ and 100 kΩ with a wiper current of up to 1mA per channel.  Set the Power-Up Default State of the first 32 Potentiometers or read the Power-Up Default State of Each Potentiometer.  All other Potentiometers default to a center position for all wipers.

Resistance Output

Potentiometers have 3 Connections: A, Wiper, and B. When a low value is sent to the controller, the wiper moves closer to A, decreasing the resistance between A and the wiper (increasing the resistance between the wiper and B).  When a high value is sent to the controller, the wiper moves closer to B, decreasing the resistance between the wiper and B (increasing the resistance between the wiper and A).  The first 32 channels of wiper values can be set to a power-up default state.  It is possible to set the wipers on all outputs individually or simultaneously.

Send Commands to Program the Output Resistance

You can send commands to program the output resistance of each individual output, or you program all outputs at the same time.  Other commands allow you to set the startup resistance of each output.  The ProXR command set allows you to send commands to activate relays, deactivate relays, control all the relays at one time, plus you can send commands that tell a relay to turn on for a few seconds, minutes, or hours.  You can assign 16 timers to any of the 256 relays, and set the timers to go off after the duration has expired.

Expandable as Your Needs Grow

Built on the ProXR Framework, the ProXR Series has a long history of reliability while maintaining an easy learning curve using our Base Station Software as a guide for controlling and using this product.  Equipped with a UXP expansion port, add up to 256 Potentiometer Channels by chaining expansions to this main controller board.  Equipped with a XR Expansion port, this device is capable of controlling up to 256 relays of various types using XR Series relay controllers.  Simply plug in any XR Expansion Relay Controller and you are ready to switch solid state relays, DPDT signal relays, general purpose SPDT relays, and high-power relays.  Supports simple relay control commands such as off, on, or toggle functions as well as more complex commands for activating relays using integrated timers.

New Version Shipping

Beginning Late 2020, NCD made some updates to this product to make it better with increased component count while maintaining the same functionality and footprint.  The New Rev G2 Series adds a better power supply circuit to improve noise immunity while providing increased power availability.  We als changed the color of the circuit board to Black and updated branding to ncd.io with updated logos.

Legacy Product

This is now a Legacy Product, which means it will never go obsolete as long as critical parts are still available to us.  Built with their new high-speed pick and place assembly line, they can complete the surface mount assembly process at a rate of several thousand units per day with the potential to scale to any volume you could imagine, so you never need to worry about supply quantities or supply chain problems.

More Interfaces Available

This controller features a modular communications interface, capable of accepting USB, RS-232, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, communication modules.  Control potentiometers directly from cloud platforms such as Amazon AWS or MQTT when working with our WiFi Bluetooth USB Communications module.  Control Potentiometers using a USB Interface and a Virtual COM Port communications when using our USB interface.  Control Potentiometers over WiFi or Ethernet by opening a TCP socket to port 2101 and start sending commands (as shown in Base Station).

Base Station Compatible

Use Base Station software to quickly learn the command structure for potentiometer control using a simple Point and Click interface that supports all communication technologies.

Resistance Output

Please keep in mind; our POT series controllers offer a resistance output, and cannot provide a voltage output of any kind without additional electronics.  The potentiometers are limited to applications that operate in the 0 to 5V range.  Each potentiometer has a maximum current capacity of 1ma.  Exceeding these rating will immediately damage the controller.

Connections

Potentiometers have 3 Connections: A, Wiper, and B. When a low value is sent to the controller, the wiper moves closer to A, decreasing the resistance between A and the wiper (increasing the resistance between the wiper and B).  When a high value is sent to the controller, the wiper moves closer to B, decreasing the resistance between the wiper and B (increasing the resistance between the wiper and A). The first 48 channels of wiper values can be set to a power-up default state.  It is possible to set the wipers on all outputs individually or simultaneously. 

Output Resistance

Send commands to program the output resistance of each individual output, or you program all outputs at the same time.  Other commands allow you to set the startup resistance of each output.  The ProXR command set allows you to send commands to activate relays, deactivate relays, control all the relays at one time, plus you can send commands that tell a relay to turn on for a few seconds, minutes, or hours.  You can assign 16 timers to any of the 256 relays, and set the timers to go off after the duration has expired.  The complete command set can be found in the ProXR Quick Start Guide located in the Data Sheets tab above.

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.

Precautions

This is an expansion module and must be connected to a compatible board to work.  This board will NOT work on it's own.  Please keep in mind; our POT series controllers offer a resistance output, and cannot provide a voltage output of any kind without additional electronics.  Integrated potentiometers are limited to applications that operate in the 0 to 5V range.  Each potentiometer has a maximum current capacity of 1ma.  Exceeding these rating will immediately damage the board.

NextGen WiFi

Wi-Fi Relay Control (NexGen WiFi)

The NexGen WiFi module is NCD's second-generation Wi-Fi solution, built to make connecting and controlling relay boards easier than ever. It combines Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and MQTT into a single, modern communications module - so you can choose the connection method that works best for your application.

Setup is simple using the built-in Soft AP web interface, where you can enable or disable features, configure networking, and tailor the module to your needs - no extra software required.

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One Module. Multiple Ways to Connect.

WiFi Communications

Connect your controller directly to your network using standard TCP/IP communication. Configure DHCP or static IP settings, port numbers, and serial baud rates using the integrated web interface while in Soft AP mode.

Soft AP configuration works on phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops, making setup fast whether you're in the field or at your desk. Once configured, you can exit Soft AP mode and control relays through supported protocols or a basic built-in web control page.

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Bluetooth Communications

Prefer wireless without the network? NexGen WiFi also supports Bluetooth Classic using the Serial Port Profile (SPP). Your controller appears as a standard virtual COM port, allowing easy wireless communication with a PC.

Bluetooth name and PIN settings can be customized through the web interface.

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USB Communications

For direct, plug-and-play control, the NexGen WiFi module includes a USB port. It mounts as a virtual COM port, giving you reliable wired access using standard serial communication - perfect for setup, testing, or local control.

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Supported Communication Protocols

MQTT

The NexGen module supports lightweight MQTT messaging for remote control and monitoring. Configure basic authentication and define one publish and one subscribe topic using the web interface. Commands are received via the subscribe topic, with responses published back automatically.

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HTTP API

Send commands using simple HTTP requests - even from a web browser. This makes it easy to trigger relay actions or integrate with existing web-based tools and systems. Simply send the HTTP command to the IP address 192.168.1.10 in any web browser using the following command structure: 192.168.1.10/sendCommand?data:[254,108,1]

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Web Socket

For real-time communication, establish a WebSocket connection to the controller. Send commands as JSON arrays and receive responses in the same format, making it ideal for dashboards, web apps, and live interfaces.

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Discovery, Status & Diagnostics

Automatic Network Discovery

The NexGen module broadcasts UDP discovery packets, allowing tools like Base Station - and your own software - to quickly find devices on the network.

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RGB Status LED

An onboard RGB LED provides instant visual feedback for power, connectivity, and configuration states - making troubleshooting fast and intuitive.

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Time Sync (Taralist Controllers Only)

When used with compatible Taralist controllers, NexGen WiFi can automatically sync the onboard real-time clock using NTP. Time is updated daily over the internet to keep schedules accurate without manual adjustment.

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Compatibility & Requirements

• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only (5GHz networks not supported)
• Compatible with Fusion series controllers
• Fully compatible with G2 revision boards (G2A, G2B, G2C, etc.)
• Not compatible with older, non-G2 relay boards due to power requirements

⚠️ Important: This WiFi module draws more power than older controllers can supply. Newly purchased controllers include the required power upgrades. Retrofitting older devices may require a power supply upgrade and service charge.

Please consult Relay Pros staff before attempting to retrofit older hardware.

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Why NexGen WiFi?

The NexGen WiFi module gives you Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity in one low-cost solution, with flexible protocol support and an easy-to-use web interface. Whether you're experimenting, prototyping, or deploying a full automation system, NexGen WiFi lets you connect your way - without complexity.

NextGen Module Setup

Quick, Guided Configuration

The NextGen module combines WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, web control, and MQTT into one powerful communication solution. It includes a built-in web interface that makes configuration straightforward, even for first-time users.

Some setup is required to connect the module to your network and enable the features you want - but you don't have to figure it out alone.

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Simple Setup with a Step-by-Step Guide

When powered on in configuration mode, the NextGen module creates its own WiFi network. You connect using a phone or computer, open a web page, and follow the guided setup options to:

• Join your WiFi network
• Enable web relay control
• Set up Bluetooth or USB access
• Configure TCP or MQTT (optional)

Most users are up and running in just a few minutes.

After purchase, you'll have access to a Quick Start Guide that walks you through the process step-by-step with clear instructions and screenshots.

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Built for Flexibility

Whether you're using:

• WiFi for remote control
• Bluetooth for local access
• USB for direct connection
• Web pages for simple on/off control
• Or MQTT for automation

The NextGen module adapts to your application without requiring advanced networking knowledge.

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Need Help? We've Got You.

If you ever get stuck, NCD has a forum ready to help you through setup or answer any configuration questions.

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. 

Accessories

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.