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 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.

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

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.