WiFi Relay

WiFi Relay Control

The NexGen WiFi is NCD's second generation WiFi communications module that modernizes connectivity by combining WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, and MQTT Communications into a single module.  The NexGen WiFi module includes firmware that focuses on the most needed features while retaining the flexibility to adapt to just about any application.  Using the integrated web page in Soft AP mode, users have the ability to configure the NexGen WiFi module by enabling and disabling features as needed.

Three Interface Options, ONE Module!

WiFi Communications

The NexGen WiFi module supports TCP communications, essentially converting TCP data to serial data for device control.  Configure network setting such as DHCP or a Static IP address.  Configure the network Port number and serial baud rates for connectivity to the NCD device using the integrated web page while in Soft AP mode.  The Soft AP mode is compatible with web browsers on mobile devices such as Android or IOs devices, as well as laptops and desktop computers with integrated WiFi communications.  Once configuration data is complete, exit the Soft AP mode and use the optional integrated web page to control basic relay control functions via the integrated web page (non-secure) or send data to the WiFi module using some of the optional protocols supported below.

Bluetooth Communications

The NexGen WiFi module also supports Bluetooth connectivity via the Bluetooth Classic protocol.  By implementing the Bluetooth Serial Port Profile, NCD products will appear to your computer as a standard COM port, making it easy to communicate wireless data via Bluetooth between the PC and the device.  Users have the ability to set the Bluetooth discovery name and PIN number via the integrated Web Page using Soft AP mode.

USB Communications

We also built the NexGen WiFi module to include a USB port, which may be used for direct USB communications to the device.  Simply configure the USB Virtual COM Port parameters using the Soft AP mode and the integrated web page.  The NexGen WiFi module will mount as a COM port on your computer, allowing access to the device through serial communications.

WiFi Communication Protocols

MQTT

The NexGen module supports very basic MQTT usage.  It can be configured to connect to an MQTT broker using no auth or basic auth (username/password).  Testing of this functionality was done using beebotte.com.  The NexGen WiFi module implements one subscribe topic and one publish topic.  It listens for control commands over the subscribe topic and sends command responses to the publish topic, which may be user defined using the integrated web page in Soft AP mode.

HTTP

Using WiFi communications, it's also possible to send commands to NCD devices using the HTTP API.  For example, to activate a relay on a NCD device, 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

Use a Web Socket to send commands to a NCD device.  Users can establish a web socket to the board via ws://{controller IP}/ws.  This web socket expects command bytes to be sent in the form of a JSON array, for example “[254,108,1]” (activate the first relay on a NCD relay board).  Note this array should be sent in TEXT/String format as shown with quotes.  Any data received from the host board will be sent to the web socket in the same format (JSON Array).

Discovery and Diagnostics

UDP Broadcast

The NexGen module broadcasts a UDP packet on ports 55555 and 13000 for network discovery purposes.  This allows discovery of the the NexGen WiFi module in Base Station and may be used for network discovery in your own software applications.

RGB Status LED

The integrated RGB LED displays communications and status information.  Diagnose connectivity status or communication problems with different flashing color patterns to indicate module bootup, wifi connectivity, and configuration modes.

Taralist NTP Time Sync

This option enables Network Time Protocol time syncing of the Taralist Real Time clock.  When enabled, once per day the NexGen module will sync it’s time with time.google.com, then it will update the on board Taralist Real Time clock.  Note that this feature is only valid on Taralist series relay controllers and will only work if WiFi is enabled and internet connectivity is present on the connected WiFi Network.

Compatibility

For use with 2.4GHz WiFi Networks ONLY. This module does NOT support 5GHz WiFi.

PLEASE CONSULT WITH NCD STAFF PRIOR TO RETROFITTING OLDER DEVICES WITH THIS MODULE!

ONLY NEWLY PURCHASED CONTROLLERS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THIS MODULE!

In general, this WiFi module works with Fusion series controllers regardless of version.  However, this module is NOT COMPATIBLE with older relay boards that you may want to retrofit with WiFi communications.  This module requires more power than older devices are capable of supplying.  This device is fully compatible with any “G2” board revision, such as boards marked with Rev G2A, G2B, G2C, etc.  G2 boards are typically black in color with the exception of Taralist controllers, which are also black in color but NOT equipped with G2 revision markings (and not compatible).  If G2 is not marked on the board revision and you are not using a Fusion series controller, this module is NOT compatible.  Newly purchased controllers will include a power supply upgrade, allowing compatibility.  A service charge to upgrade the power supply on older devices may apply when retrofitting this module.

WiFi Bluetooth USB 3 in 1 Module with MQTT Support

Control NCD devices using standard WiFi TCP/IP communications or use the integrated Bluetooth for simple wireless computer to device interface using a wireless virtual COM port.  Use the USB port for control over a virtual COM port for easy connectivity.  Integrated web server allows control of select NCD relay controllers using a built-in non-secure web page.  This is a low-cost solution that lets you try different solutions with easy setup using a integrated Web Page User Interface for all Configuration settings.  Connect to a MQTT Server over WiFi for remote operation over the internet.

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 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. 

UXP Expansion

UXP is a new standardized data port, specifically for the purpose of speaking to various expansion modules.  If the controller you are considering is equipped with a UXP port, you can take advantage of extended commands to speak to our growing line of I/O expansion modules. You will find the UXP port on models with UXP in the part number.

Summary of UXP Modules
• Compatible with UXP Series Controllers ONLY
• Not a stand-alone controller - MUST be used with a UXP Series Controller
• Add Contact Closure Inputs
   - up to 256 Inputs
• Add Analog to Digital Inputs
   - up to 48 Inputs
• AddDigital Potentiometer Outputs
   - up to 256 Outputs

UXP Expansion Modules

UXP Expansion Boards have no on-board brains.  They are entirely reliant on the brains of a "master" device.  A master device is an NCD controller with a UXP expansion port and a microprocessor of some kind.  Most master UXP devices have on-board relays.  If you need to add A/D, Contact Closure Inputs or Digital Potentiometers just plug in the appropriate expansion module.  You cannot daisy chain different types of modules to the same controller however.  In other words if you plug in a potentiometer you will not be able to plug a contact closure or A/D module also.  For controllers that are equipped with a UXP Expansion port (and are suitable master devices for UXP Series Expansion) simply look for UXP in the part number.  All UXP Expansion Modules have an input and an output so you can simply daisy chain the boards together until you reach the number of contacts you are looking for.

XR Expansion Port

Most UXP controllers (Master Devices) have an XR expansion port and therefore can accommodate XR Expansion Boards.  Typically the XR Expansion port is used to add relays to the main controller (Master Device).  Like the UXP Expansion boards the XR Expansion Boards have no on-board brains.  They are entirely reliant on the brains of a "master" device.  When you run out of relays, just plug in an XR expansion board that is equipped with the kind of relays you need.  You can add up to 256 relays including the relays that are on the main controller (Master Device). All XR Expansion modules are compatible with each other so if you want to add different types of relays you can.  For controllers that are equipped with an XR Expansion port (and are suitable master devices for XR Series Expansion Controllers) simply look for PROXR in the part number.

Using XR and UXP Together

If you select a board that is equipped with both XR and UXP port you can use both ports simultaneously.  This allows you to add and control more relays through the XR port plus add A/D, Contact Closures or Potentiometers to the same board through the UXP port.  This can all be controlled through the same virtual COM port on your computer.  These Expansion Boards can be purchase with the controller or purchased at a later time when you have a need to expand.  To use both ports together you will need to select a controller that has UXP and PROXR in the part number to have bothports available on the controller (Master Device).

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.

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

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 picture above shows the 4-channel connectors.  The diagram to the right shows the how the arms of the common connector 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 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 with UXP 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
    - Each Connection has Common, Normally Open & Normally Closed

ProXR Features
• Works with the full ProXR Enhanced Command Set
• UXP Expansion Port
• Highly reliable relay with industry leading command set
• 16 programmable timers available

NexGen Module Setup

The NexGen module implements all the same functionality from our previously supplied WiFi, Bluetooth and USB modules but adds additional functionality including a simple web interface for configuration, Bluetooth interface, USB interface, we built in web interface for rudimentary control of select relay products, and MQTT compatibility.  We will now cover the configuration of the module.

Configuring the NexGen module

To configure a new NexGen module make sure it is installed in a Host board(Relay controller or other product) and it’s LED is flashing Blue.  A Blue flashing LED indicates it is in configuration mode.  In this mode the module will appear as a WiFi Access point and should show up as an available WiFi network on your computer called NCD_WiFi.  Connect to the NCD_WiFi network and enter NCDBeast as the password.

Your computer may now automatically pop up a browser window where you can configure the module. If not simply open your web browser and enter 172.217.28.1

You should now see the Configuration Web Interface. We will now cover those options.

WiFi

Here we will cover the WiFi options section of configuration.  These are configuration options for associating the WiFi module with your WiFi network.  Note that the NexGen module will scan for networks on initial power up and these will be displayed.  If you have a hidden network(does not broadcast an SSID) please contact support.

Enabled

This setting configures whether or not the module should attempt to associate with a WiFi Network.

Network

This Setting indicates the SSID of the network the module should associate with on power up.

Password

This Setting indicates the password which should be used to associate with the network configured through the Network setting.

DHCP Enabled

This setting indicates whether the NexGen module should obtain an IP address from a DHCP managed router or if it should use following static IP address settings.  Checked indicates to utilize DHCP(Recommended for most applications).

Default Gateway

This setting indicates the default gateway the module should communicate through(IP of router).  This setting is only applicable if DHCP is not checked.

Subnet Mask:

This setting indicates the subnet mask which should be utilized on the network.  This setting is only applicable if DHCP is not checked.

DNS Primary

This setting indicates the default DNS server to utilize for internet connection to host URLs.  This setting is only applicable if DHCP is not checked.  If DHCP is checked the default DNS server of the network router will be used.

DNS Secondary

This setting indicates the backup DNS server to utilize for internet connection to host URLs.  This setting is only applicable if DHCP is not checked.  If DHCP is checked the backup DNS server of the network router will be used.

Static IP

This setting indicates the Static IP address the NexGen module should utilize once connected to the host network.  This setting is only applicable if DHCP is not checked.

Soft AP

In configuration mode the NexGen module is broadcasts and SSID which devices can connect to.  This Soft AP is configurable.  It is possible to change the broadcast SSID network name, the password for authenticating, and the default web interface which should be displayed to the user upon initial connection.  We will cover those settings here.

Soft AP SSID

The SSID the NexGen Module should broadcast while in configuration mode.

Soft AP Password

The authentication password required for associating with the NexGen Module’s network.

Default HTML Page

Some devices support captive gateways.  This setting determines the web interface to display to the user through the captive portal upon initial connection.

UDP Broadcast

The NexGen module broadcasts a UDP packet on ports 55555 and 13000 for network discovery purposes.  These settings enable this broadcast, forward the broadcast to link.signalswitch.com and alter the name in the discovery packet.

UDP Broadcast

This setting indicates whether or not the WiFi module should send out a network discovery UDP packet on interval.

Link.SignalSwitch Broadcast

This setting indicates whether or not the WiFi module should send a discovery packet to link.signalswitch.com on interval or not.

UDP Discovery Name

This setting configures the Name field to be send in UDP broadcast packets. This can be used to differentiate multiple devices on the same network.

Serial

The WiFi module technically has two serial interfaces.  One which communicates through the USB port on the module and a second that communicates to the host board.  These settings apply to those ports.  Keep in mind most Host boards manufactured by NCD have a default baud rate of 115200.

Board Baud Rate

Baud rate of the NexGen module’s serial interface connected to the Host board.  Most NCD boards have a default baud rate of 115200.  This setting must match the baud rate of the host board.

USB Baud Rate

The baud rate for WiFi module’s USB connection. Software connected to the board via USB must match this baud rate.

Bluetooth

The NexGen module supports Bluetooth connectivity via the Bluetooth Classic protocol.  It implements the functionality of a Bluetooth Serial Port Profile device(SPP).  It does not implement Bluetooth 4.0 or LE functionality and thus is not compatible with all devices such as iOS.

Bluetooth Enabled

This setting indicates whether or not the NexGen Module should implement bluetooth connectivity.

Bluetooth Discovery Name

This is the name which will appear in Bluetooth device scans.

Bluetooth Pairing Code

Pairing code required for Bluetooth pairing with the device.

TCP

The NexGen module implements the functionality of a TCP server.  In this implementation the module opens a socket which clients(software) can connect too.  These settings configure this TCP Server functionality.

TCP Server Enabled

Whether or not to allow TCP clients to connect.

TCP Listen Port

The port on which to listen and allow for TCP Client connections.

HTTP Control

The NexGen module supports a rudimentary web interface for manually turning relays on and off.  This interface only supports ProXR, ProXR Lite, Fusion, and Taralist relay controllers with 8 or fewer relays.  This interface is available at {device IP address}/Control.

HTTP Control Enabled

Whether or not to display the HTTP control interface.  Select this option if you want to activated the built-in web page to control the relay.  Below select how many relays you have on the board, compatible on boards with up to 8 relays installed.

Number of Relays

This setting determines the number of relay control sets to display on the control interface.  Match this to the number of relays on the board.  This ferature is only compatible with boards with 8 relays or less.

MQTT

The NexGen module supports very basic MQTT usage.  It can be configured to connect to an MQTT broker using no auth or basic auth(username/password).  Testing of this functionality was done using beebotte.com

The module only implements one subscribe topic and one publish topic.  It listens for control commands over the subscribe topic and sends command responses to the publish topic.  Commands should be published to the subscribe topic in a JSON packet.  The JSON packet must contain one key value pair with a key of sendCommand and the value for that pair must be a JSON array of command bytes.  Example: {“sendCommand”:[254,108,1]}.  The WiFi module will publish data received from the host board to the Publish topic.  This Publish payload will contain a JSON packet.  The format of the packet is a single key value pair with the key of data and the value will be an array of bytes.  Example: {“data”:[170,1,85,1]}

MQTT Enabled

Whether or not to implement MQTT functionality and establish connection to an MQTT broker on boot.

HOST

The Host URL for The MQTT broker.

Host Port

The port on which to connect to The MQTT broker.

Client ID

The Client ID to use for The MQTT connection.

Username

The user name to use for basic authentication with The MQTT broker.

Password

The password to use for basic authentication with The MQTT broker.

Subscribe Topic

The Topic to subscribe to for host board control commands

Publish Topic

The Topic which to publish data to when data is received from the Host board.

HTTP API

The NexGen module supports HTTP GET requests for sending commands to the host board.  There are a few different end points for the HTTP Get requests:

/relayCount

- A Get request to this end point will return the number of relays on the board(this is configured under Number of relays setting under HTTP Control. - Example: 192.168.1.10/relayCount

/relayON

- A GET request to this end point will turn the specified relay on. This GET request requires one arg with the key relay and the value of the relay which to control(valid range for relay number is 1-256) - The board should respond to this GET request with an 85. - Example: 192.168.1.10/relayON?relay=1

/relayOFF

- A GET request to this end point will turn the specified relay off. This GET request requires one arg with the key relay and the value of the relay which to control(valid range for relay number is 1-256) - The board should respond to this GET request with an 85. - Example: 192.168.1.10/relayOFF?relay=1

/sendCommand

- A GET request to this end point allows the user to send any command to the board they wish. This GET request requires one arg with the key of data and a value of an array of bytes which to send to the host board. - Once the host board has processed the command this GET request will respond with the data returned from the host board. - Example: 192.168.1.10/sendCommand?data:[254,108,1]

Web Socket

The NexGen module supports web sockets. Users can establish a web socket to the board via ws://{controller IP}/ws

This web socket expects command bytes to be sent in the form of a JSON array, for example “[254,108,1]”. Note this array should be sent in TEXT/String format as shown with quotes.

Any data received from the host board will be sent to the web socket in the same format (JSON Array).

RGB status LED

The NexGen module has an RGB status LED which is used to indicate the current state of the module to the user visually.  Possible statuses are:

Flashing Green

The module is running normally but no connections to it have been established.

Solid Green

The module is running normally and a connection has been established with the board via software.  This will happen when a TCP socket is connected to the board.

Flashing Blue

Module is in configuration mode and should appear as a network in WiFi Scans.

Flashing Yellow<

Module is booting.

Orange Flash

The LED will flash Orange any time data is received over any connection (USB, TCP, Bluetooth, MQTT, etc).

Flashing Red

Indicates the module is unable to connect to the WiFi network.

Taralist

Taralist NTP Sync Enabled

This option enables Network Time Protocol time syncing of the Taralist Real Time clock.  When enabled, once per day the NexGen module will sync it’s time with time.google.com, then it will update the on board Taralist Real Time clock.  Note that this feature is only valid on Taralist series relay controllers and will only work if WiFi is enabled and internet connectivity is present on the connected WiFi Network.

UTC Timezone Offset

This setting determines the timezone for NTP clock syncing.  Set it to your particular timezone’s UTC offset not factoring in DST.  For instance Central Standard Time’s UTC offset is -6, Eastern Standard Time is -5, etc.

Enable Daylight Savings Time

When enabled the controller will offset it’s clock during Daylight savings time.

Viewing the NexGen Module’s NTP time and the on board Taralist Real Time Clock Time.

After Taralist settings have been entered and WiFi settings have been entered and saved to the NexGen module it should connect to your WiFi network and the RGB LED should be flashing green indicating everything is functional.  On a computer on the same network as the controller open a web browser and enter the controller’s IP address followed by /Taralist for example: 192.168.0.2/Taralist.  The returned HTML page will display both the NTP clock time and the on board Taralist real time clock time.  This time is updated nearly once per second.  If everything looks valid go ahead and close the page, Taralist is now fully functional.  Note do not leave this page open as it taxes the processor to update the web page once per second.

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.