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.

---

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

---

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.

---

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]

---

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.

---

---

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.

---

RGB Status LED

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

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

---

Relay Banks - How Large Systems Stay Simple

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

Each bank contains:

• Relay 1 through Relay 8

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

For example:

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

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

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

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

---

Linking XR Expansion Boards Together

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

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

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

---

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.

---

Mix & Match

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

---

Essential Power Requirements

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

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

---

Maximum Relay Rating Notes

ProXR is capable of expanding to an absolute maximum of 256 Relays.  In some cases, it may not be possible to control all 256 relays, particularly in applications where high noise levels may be involved.  Experimentation may be required, as it is not possible for us to guarantee all users will be able to utilize all 256 relays in every application.  Noise tends to accumulate when several expansions are connected together.  For best results, the XR expansion cables must be as short as possible.

---

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!

---

---

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.