Base Station Software

Base Station Software

Key Fob Configuration

The KFX Receiver Module is configured using Base Station Software (a free download), and must be plugged into the ZIGMO Configuration Board only during configuration.  Only one ZIGMO is needed regardless of the number of KFX Receivers you intend to use.  The ZIGMO acts as an interface between your computer and the KFX Receiver, allowing you to define the Baud Rate, and Data Bytes that are transmitted for each Key Fob button Press.  The ZIGMO is included with the KFX Integration Kit and available at checkout.  Key Fob Configuration

Configuring the Buttons

When configuring the button pushes you are really configuring the KFX module with the commands that will be sent to the board.  When the module sees a button push it sends the command it has stored.  You will configure what command is sent using Base Station Software a free download.  It can be a simple toggle command or complex commands including delays.  The KFX Receiver can be configured for button press and button release events. 

KFX Module

This board is equipped with a KFX Module.  The KFX communications module adds key fob capabilities to the board.  The KFX module is powered from the board.  The board itself will require 12 volts of power and can be hard wired or you can purchase a "wall wart" type Power Supply at checkout.

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Data Sheets & Quick Start Guides

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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

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. 

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Relay Activator

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.

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N-Button Software

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

Base Station Software

Base Station Software is used to configure and upload the time schedules to the Time Activared Board.

Integrated Real Time Clock

The Taralist series have an integrated battery backed Real Time Clock with memory that allows users to control relays based on a time schedule.  Use your computer to setup the time schedule and store your schedule into the board.  Once stored, the Taralist does not require a computer, and will control the relay according to a schedule that can be as simple or as complex as your application requires.

Time Schedule Events

Events are scheduled times when a relay or group of relays are turned on or off.  They are defined by the user first by time: Year, Month, Day of Month, Day of week, Hour, Minute, and Second. You have the ability of switching relays on or off at very specific times!  Activate relays only when the day is Monday, activate relays when the day is Monday and the Year is 2020, activate relays when the day is Monday, the year is 2020 at 9:44:21 AM.  They are also defined by how they control the relays, whether they turn a relay or group of relays on or off. You can add up to 1000 Events to the list.

Program Multiple Schedules

Override functions are also supported.  So if the normal schedule activates a light during weekdays, but you don't want the light to come on during holidays, simply program your holiday schedule to prevent the light from activating according to your normal schedule.

Daylight Savings Time is also supported, and is FULLY CUSTOMIZEABLE.  As we all know, DST laws change periodically, but the Taralist series allow you to change the year and date of all DST events (we have programmed the US dates until 2030).

Save You Schedules

Taralist controllers allow you to build and save your time schedule as a file on your computer.  Different schedules can be configured for different times of the year, for instance one for Summer School and one for the full school year.  Upload the schedule you need for that part of the year.  For users with multiple boards saved schedules can also be used to store the time schedule into each controller easily without re configuring.

Defining Time

Using Base Station you can set the time manually or you can sync the time with your PC.  The user can do this by simply clicking the Sync Time with PC Time button or by filling in the Year, Month, Day, Week Day, Hour, Minute, Second parameters and then clicking the Set Time Manually button.

Clock Accuracy - Adjustable Time Compensation

Like most clocks, time drift is a reality and the Taralist controller will drift over time.  The Taralist clock has some special features to help keep the time accurate.  Time compensation functions are included that allow you to automatically adjust the clock forward or back (by up to 15 seconds) each day of the week.  For instance, you may find the Taralist keeps better time if it automatically advances the clock 1 second each day of the week.  Or you may find that you need to subtract 5 seconds from the clock 1 day per week.  Adjustable time compensation will help keep your clock accurate (though it is always a good idea to check on the clock periodically).

If your application requires your relay control to match a computer's time exactly we recommend using a computer controlled Relay and Relay Timer Software.  The software can be installed on a computer or server and match the time exactly.  We recommend this for school bells and shift change applications where matching a time clock is vital.  Select a Wired or Wireless Relay under Relay Control from the top menu to select a board then add the Relay Timer Software at checkout.

Computer Control

The Time Relay series controllers have some amazing abilities when it comes to making decisions on their own based on the events you configure into them, but you can take control of the relays at any time from a computer as long as communications are established between your computer and the Time Relay device.

The interface elements shown at right allow a computer to take over control of any relay and force the relays to a On or Off state.  You may also turn all relays on or off using the all relays on and all relays off buttons.  You can also read the status of relays by clicking the Read Relay 1-8 Status.  The Status of the relay will be shown to the right of the button.  The slider at the top of the screen allows you to select with bank of relays these commands are directed to.  You may attach up to 32 banks or 256 Relays.

Power Loss Backup Buffer

The Midnight Backup Buffer is a special feature developed to help keep track of which relays should be activated in the event power is lost.  Every night at midnight, the current status of all relays is stored in non-volatile memory.  If power is lost, the Taralist will load the status of the relays from memory.  Next, the Taralist will calculate all events from midnight to the current time to determine if any relays need to be activated or deactivated.  Finally, the Taralist will refresh all relays and will be ready for normal operation.

Base Station Reactor Configuration

Base Station Software

Base Station will assist you in learning how this device functions and is the ultimate reference tool for configuring, 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.  All Reactor configurations will be made through Base Station and an overview will be discussed below.  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.

Configure Each Input

The Reactor Relay allows users to define the activation of a relay or an event based on the voltage readings of the analog inputs.  An input can trigger a relay directly or an input can trigger an event, such as a timer. If an input triggers a relay, the relay may turn on. If an input triggers a timer event, a timer may be started, but a relay may or may not be turned on based on how you have configured the controller (the time delay may be before the relay triggers).  Triggering an event does not mean you are triggering a relay, it just means you are triggering an internal function. Relays may be associated with this internal function to achieve a large number of possible operations.

Using Input Values

Reading from Left to right, the settings above indicate Input 1 will trigger a relay when Analog Input 1 is above 200.  We have defined that a relay will turn on when the input level is defined by a value of 200.


In the above example, a relay is triggered when an analog input is inside a set range between 100 and 202.  By defining two limits, you can further narrow the parameters for the activation of a relay.  The limits can also be assigned to set the relay to be activated outside two set limits.

Output Configuration

Reactor controllers have up to 8 relays available depending on the actual model selected. Each relay can be assigned to a different input or event.  In the example shown below, Relay 1 is Controlled by Input 1 directly.  Input 1 will turn Relay 1 ON. In order for Relay 1 to activate, it must meet the conditions of the Input 1 configuration using the settings on the Input Configuration tab (see above).

There are many ways to directly control a relay from an input. Relays 1-5 in the below example shows how inputs can turn relays on, off, toggle relay state, set the relay to match the state of the input, or set the relay to NOT equal the state of a input.

In the example below, Relay 6 is controlled by Timer 1. In other words, if Timer 1 is active, the relay will stay ON. Otherwise, the relay will turn off. This is a great way to activate a light for a given period of time. If you are interested in Time Delay Relay, timers will be discussed on our Time Delay Relay Page.

Complex Automation through Experimentation

Don’t be afraid to experiment with Reactor!  Some complex automation can be achieved by experimenting with Reactor settings.  Of course Reactor is capable of triggering relays and it can also trigger events.  Relays can be associated with events, allowing you to play with all kinds of complex timing and counting settings.  Events greatly expand the pallet of functionality available to Reactor.

Computer Controlled Relays

Software developers who need remote access to a Reactor controller will find themselves at home.  The Reactor supports a very powerful computer-based command set, so it is possible for a computer to operate the relays and read sensor inputs.  The computer can over-ride the Reactor decision logic, trigger events, and return control of the relays back to the Reactor Logic.  Configuration settings are stored in files that can be loaded into other Reactor controllers.

Many More Options

We have just touched on the many ways the Reactor board can be configured.  The applications that this board can be use in are extensive.  For a more detailed look at the configuration and setup you can look at the Reactor Series Quick Start Guide.

Base Station Software

Compatible with All Boards on this Site

Base Station software works by communicating with your controller to identify the model and provides the appropriate graphical user interface for controlling and testing the identified device.  Base Station will assist you in learning how any NCD device functions and will provide valuable diagnostic tools to help determine if your controller is functioning as designed. Base Station software exercises every supported feature of every supported device.  It is the ultimate reference tool for learning, diagnosing, and testing NCD devices.

User Interface

You may click one time on any item in the list to see a graphical user interface that was created as the controller was developed.  Each command set represents a module that is installed in the firmware of your device.

Device Identification

A window will open labeled "Device Identification Data".  This window contains important "Read-Only" information about your device.  Note the "Documentation Related to this Controller" field.  This is a compilation of all articles relevant to your device.  Click on an item in the list to view.  You will need an Internet connection to access this information. All devices released in 2012 and later support Device Identification.

Device Command Sets

Base Station software asks the controller which command sets are supported.  The supported command sets are listed when you run the Base Station software application.  Some controllers may show more command sets while other controllers may show fewer command sets.  The Base Station program will decide which command sets apply to your particular controller.  ProXR users can turn relays on or off and perform any function from the entire ProXR Command Set!

Control All ProXR Functions

Control relays, read status of relays, read inputs all from the ProXR boards and perform all functions of the baord. Base Station is a point-and-click software that will also show you the command that is being sent to the board, making Base Station a great tool for programmers!

Useful Features

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

• Links to Quick Start Guides and Documentation
• Discovers Newtork devices and displays IP Address for easy connection
• Control Command Set Window (circled in red), ProXR users can view commands sent to the board

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Relay Activator

Relay Activator and Analog Inputs

The Base Station 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! Relay Activator is only available in all ProXR Lite versions and ProXR boards with part numbers begining with ZAD. Download the Relay Activator Quick Start Guide here: in the AD8 Relay Activator Quick Start Guide.

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Reactor Users

Reactor Events Settings

All All Reactor configurations are made through Base Station. Base Station allows users to define the activation of a relay or an event based on the voltage readings of the analog inputs. An input can trigger a relay directly or an input can trigger an event, such as a timer. If an input triggers a relay, the relay may turn on. If an input triggers a timer event, a timer may be started, but a relay may or may not be turned on based on how you have configured the controller (the time delay may be before the relay triggers). The Reactor graphical user interface is only provided when Base Station is communicating with a Reactor board, other functions may not be available with this type of board.

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TaraList Users

TaraList Setup

Base Station Software is used to configure and upload the time schedules to the Time Activared Board. TaraList users will be shown the configuration page for setting up the time schedule and uploading the schedule to the board. ProXR usere will not be offered this page and not see it.

Device Configuration

All devices are configured prior to shipping.  The Configuration page is for experienced users who wish to customize their device.  Most users have no need to customize their device differently from what is configured prior to shipping.

Supported Devices

Not all devices support Device Configuration.  All Devices released in 2012 and later support Device Configuration.  Some configuration settings will affect device communication timing, which can render a device too fast for the chosen interface.  If you ever lose communications with your controller, power down the controller, set the Program/Run jumper to the Program Position and power up the device.  Attempt Communication at 57.6K or 115.2K Baud.  If problems persist, install a ZUSB communications module to recover device settings.

Configuration and Run Modes

All NCD controllers have two modes of operation: Configuration mode and Run mode.  Normally, the controller should always be in RUN mode.  Use Configuration mode if you want to make changes to the settings of the controller.  Configuration mode is a temporary mode.  Configuration mode allows you to write parameters to the controllers for changing device settings.  Run mode does not allow accidental changes to configuration parameters.  On-board memory is protected from write operations in Run mode.

Traditionally, you needed to move a jumper to change device modes.  You can still do this, but 2012 and later controllers allow you to put the device in Configuration mode for a short period of time without moving the jumper.  This is very convenient when you need to setup the device in a remote location.

So far, the concept of Configuration and Run mode is pretty simple.  But there are special rules about the use of these modes that must be followed to prevent loss of communications. Most notably, changing the baud rate or any of the UART settings can cause a loss of communications.  This is where the hardware Configuration/Run jumper comes into play.  When the jumper is set to Configuration mode and the controller is powered up, the controller will always load safe communication settings so you can recover communications with the device.

Software Configuration Mode

Software Configuration Mode allows you to send a command to put the controller in Configuration mode for up to 255 seconds.  This is extremely useful if you need to make changes to the controller from a remote location.  If you change the baud rate settings, our Base software will attempt to Re-Sync to the device.  This is effective most of the time, but occasionally, you may need to exit and re-run Base software.

If you make changes to any parameters while in software configuration mode, the controller will not respond to these changes until the Reboot command is issued.  Our software automatically issues the Reboot command at the appropriate times, allowing you to make changes without ever touching the device.   However, configuration settings can lead to a loss of communications, so if you intend to make changes to communication parameters, make sure the Configuration/Run jumper is accessible in case you need to boot up the controller in “Safe” mode of 57.6K or 115.2K Baud.

Quick Start Guide

Below is the Quick Start Guides for this software.  Download this for more information about this software.